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Polk Audio Monitor XT35 Review
Polk Audio Monitor XT35

Main Features

  • 1" High-res dome Tweeter
  • 4 x 3" bi-laminate paper cone Woofer
  • 57-40k Hz Frequency Response
  • 87 dB Sensitivity
  • Impedance: 8ohms
  • Power Range: 25-200watts
  • Weight:14.00 lbs / 6.36 kg
  • Dimensions(HxWxD): 4-3/16"x24-7/16"x5-9/16" / 107.0 x 621.0 x 142.0mm
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Polk XT35 Review

Polk Audio Monitor XT35 is a 2-way Passive Bass Reflex Center Channel speaker by Polk Audio. Center channel speaker is an important component of a home theater system set-up as it delivers the listener significant part of the on-screen dialogue from your television. It features a 1" High-res dome Tweeter and 4 x 3" bi-laminate paper cone Woofer. The speaker has a frequency range of 57-40k Hz and a sensitivity of 87 dB. Polk XT35 has an MSRP of 299$ but can often be found around 229$ per pair.

What size of room is the Polk XT35 speaker good for?

The size of the room in which you are planning to use the Polk XT35 is an important decision factor. Here we have evaluated its suitability to various sizes of environments considering its size and max power parameters:

Listening Environment* Suitability
Near-fieldPoor
Small RoomAverage
Mid-size RoomGood
Large RoomAverage
Very Large RoomPoor

(* Approximate Room sizes: Small < 100sq. ft / 9 m2, Mid-size: 100-220 sq. ft / 9-20 m2, Large 220-400 sq. ft / 20-36 m2, Very Large: > 400 sq. ft / 36 m2. Average Floor Height: 9" / 2.7m. Typical room sizes differ from country to country, and the actual listening experience changes depending on floor height, room shape, surface materials, listening position, speaker locations, etc.)


**This post contains affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking through my links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

What is the Frequency Response of the Polk XT35 speaker?

Polk XT35 has a Frequency response range of 57-40k Hz at ±3dB and Power Range of 25-200 watts. At a minimum frequency of 57 Hz, Monitor XT35 will provide an average bass depth so depending on your use case, you may consider supplementing your system with a subwoofer.

To focus on the subwoofers that are in a similar price range with Polk XT35, check out the Powered Subwoofers under $300. Alternatively, find the Full list of Powered Subwoofers regardless of the price.
Here we have a comparison of how Monitor XT35's Low and High frequency values compare with the average, max and min Low and High frequency values in its class.
Low Frequency
Center Channel Speakers
Polk XT35
Min
Average
Max
High Frequency
Center Channel Speakers
Polk XT35
Min
Average
Max


What are the Impedance and Sensitivity of the Polk XT35? Is it an easy-to-drive speaker?

Polk XT35's nominal impedance level is 8 ohms and has a sensitivity of 87 dB.

Sensitivity
Center Channel Speakers
Polk XT35
Min
Average
Max

8 Ohms is pretty much the standard nominal impedance amongst stereo speakers and amplifiers so Polk Audio Monitor XT35 is not considered a difficult to drive speaker from nominal Impedance perspective.

Sensitivity

With a sensitivity level of only 87 dB, Polk Audio Monitor XT35 is a difficult to drive speaker from Sensitivity perspective, make sure to choose an amplifier with a high output if you like listening to your music at high volume levels. You may especially have a hard time using Tube amplifiers which are traditionally very low power compared to Class A/B or Class D speakers.

Check the amplifiers that are in a similar price range to the Polk XT35:

  • All Integrated Amplifiers

Input Type

Monitor XT35 features 5-Way post type connectors. Bi-amping and Bi-wiring are not possible.
Polk XT35 Back View
Polk XT35 Back View

Polk XT35 External Dimensions and Weight

Polk XT35 has external dimensions of (Height x Width x Depth) 4-3/16 x 24-7/16 x 5-9/16inch (107.0 x 621.0 x 142.0mm ).

Base Surface Area
Base surface area of a loudspeaker may become a determining factor when the space in your room or desk is limited. The base area of Polk XT35 is approximately 881.8cm2 / 136.7inch2.

Weight

The Polk XT35 weighs 6.36kg / 14lbs per piece. Here is a comparison of how Monitor XT35's weight compares with the average, max and min weights in its class.

Weight
All Center Channel Speakers
Polk XT35
Min
Average
Max
Weight
Center Channel Speakers under $300
Polk XT35
Min
Average
Max

Cabinet type and Materials

Polk XT35 has a Bass Reflex type cabinet. Bass Reflex type loudspeakers (aka Ported, Vented or Reflex Port) have enclosures that uses a port, hole or vent cut into the cabinet. Ported designs are generally more efficient than the Sealed designs.

Speaker Feet

Polk XT35 comes with 4 Self-adhesive rubber feet which you can use to secure your loudspeaker on the surface that you are putting on.

It is always recommended to use some kind of feet under all types of speakers. Besides limiting the movement of the speakers, it also compensates for non-flat surfaces and limits the contact surface area of the speaker. Rubber based feet also help isolating the vibrations within certain frequency ranges.

Port Position

Polk XT35 is a rear-firing port speaker so you have to make sure you leave enough space between the back of the speaker and wall or bookshelf so that it has room to breathe.

Available colors

Polk XT35 is available in Black.

Does the Polk XT35 come with a Grille?

Monitor XT35 comes with magnetic grilles. The purpose of the grille is to protect the delicate driver elements from external impacts while still allowing the sound to pass as clearly as possible. Since the included grille of the Monitor XT35 is magnetic type, it is very easy to put it on and off.

Polk XT35  with Grille
Polk XT35 with Grille

What's in the Box of Polk XT35?

Here are the items that are included inside the box of Monitor XT35:
  • Center-channel loudspeaker
  • Grille (attached)
  • 4 Self-adhesive rubber feet
  • Owners Manual
  • Online Product Registration
  • Wall-Mount Template
  • Warranty

    5 Years of parts warranty and 5 Years of labor warranty is generally provided by the manufacturer.

    Polk Audio Monitor XT35 Alternatives in Passive Center Channel Speakers
    Model Type Sensitivity Impedance Frequency
    Polk ES35
    Compare
    2-way 89 dB 8 ohms 66-40k Hz
    Sony SS-CS8
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    2-way 86 dB 6 ohms 55-25k Hz
    Polk ES30
    Compare
    2-way 89 dB 8 ohms 55-40k Hz
    Emotiva Airmotiv C1+
    Compare
    3-way 89 dB 4 ohms 50 Hz – 28 kHz
    Wharfedale Diamond 12.C
    Compare
    2-way 90 dB 8 ohms 90-20k Hz
    Emotiva Airmotiv C2+
    Compare
    3-way 92 dB 4 ohms 45 Hz – 28 kHz
    Klipsch RP-500C II
    Compare
    2-way 96 dB 8 ohms 60-25k Hz
    Klipsch RP-600C
    Compare
    2-way 97 dB 8 ohms 58-25k Hz
    JBL Stage A135C
    Compare
    2-way 90 dB 6 ohms 75-40k Hz
    Polk XT30
    Compare
    2-way 89 dB 8 ohms 55-40k Hz
    Frequently Asked Questions about Polk Audio Monitor XT35
    What is the External Dimensions of Polk Audio Monitor XT35
    What is the Speaker Sensitivity of Polk Audio Monitor XT35
    is the Polk Audio Monitor XT35 an easy to drive speaker?



    Polk XT35 Detailed Specifications

    General
    BrandPolk Audio
    Full Model NamePolk Audio Monitor XT35
    Speaker Type2-way Center Channel
    Power Range25-200 watts
    Sensitivity87 dB
    Impedance8 ohms
    Frequency Response57-40k Hz
    DRIVERS
    Woofer Size3-inch
    Woofer Compositionbi-laminate paper cone
    Tweeter Size1-inch
    Tweeter TypeHigh-res dome
    Midrange SizeN/A-inch
    Port Positionrear

    CONNECTIONS
    Connector Type5-Way post
    Port Positionrear
    PHYSICAL SPECS
    Height107.0mm ( 4-3/16-inch)
    Width621.0mm ( 24-7/16-inch)
    Depth142.0mm ( 5-9/16-inch)
    Height107.0mm ( 4-3/16-inch)
    Weight6.36kg ( 14.00 lbs)
    EnclosureBass Reflex
    Available ColorsBlack
    Mounting BracketNo
    GrilleYes
    Moisture ResistanceNo
    OTHER
    Handheld RemoteNo
    Parts Warranty5 Years
    Labor Warranty5 Years
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