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  1. Home
  2. Polk Audio Speakers
  3. Passive Floor-standing Speakers
  4. Polk Audio Monitor XT70
Polk Audio XT70 Review
Polk XT70 - Front View

Compare To

Main Features

  • 1" dome Tweeter
  • 2 x 6.5" Bi-laminate paper Woofer
  • Two 8-inch Passive Radiators
  • 35-40k Hz Frequency Response
  • 86 dB Sensitivity
  • Impedance: 8ohms
  • Power Range: 25-200 watts
  • Weight: 35.00 lbs / 15.91 kg
  • Dimensions(HxWxD): 40-9/16"x10-13/16"x13-3/8" / 1031.0 x 275.0 x 340.0mm
MSRP: $349 (list price)
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Polk XT70 Review
Polk XT70 Polk XT70
Check price atAmazon›

Made by Polk Audio · United States · since 1972 · sold through dealers

Polk Audio Monitor XT70 is a 2-way Passive Radiator Floor-standing speaker by Polk Audio. It was released in August 2021. It features a 1" dome Tweeter and 2 x 6.5" Bi-laminate paper Woofer. XT70 also employs two 8-inch passive radiators. The speaker has a frequency range of 35-40k Hz and a sensitivity of 86 dB. Polk XT70 has an MSRP of 698$ per pair. XT70 also gives the user optional Dolby Atmos capability by equipping the unit with upward-firing Dolby Atmos drivers.

Room Size Suitability

The size of the room where you plan to use the Polk XT70 is a crucial factor in your decision. We have assessed its suitability for various room sizes based on its dimensions and maximum power output:

Listening Environment* Suitability
Near-fieldBad
Small RoomPoor
Mid-size RoomGood
Large RoomGood
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.)

Polk Audio's Monitor XT Series of Loudspeakers

XT70 is a member of Polk Audio's Monitor XT series of Passive speakers. The Monitor XT range is Polk Audio's affordable modern line of bookshelf, tower and center speakers. Below you can see the main specs of these speakers.

See all 7 Polk Audio Monitor XT models compared »

Polk Audio Monitor XT Series Speakers
Model Frequency SensitivityImpedance Woofer
Polk XT15
Compare
48-40k Hz 86 dB8Ω 1 x 5.25"
Polk XT60
Compare
38-40k Hz 86 dB8Ω 1 x 6.5"
Polk XT20
Compare
38-40k Hz 87 dB8Ω 1 x 6.5"
Polk XT70
35-40k Hz 86 dB8Ω 2 x 6.5"
Polk XT35
Compare
57-40k Hz 87 dB8Ω 4 x 3"
Polk XT30
Compare
55-40k Hz 89 dB8Ω 2 x 5.25"
Polk Audio Monitor XT90
Compare
94-22k Hz 89 dB8Ω 1 x 4"
Polk Audio Monitor XT Series Speakers
Polk Audio Monitor XT Series Speakers

Frequency Response of the Polk XT70 Speaker

Polk XT70 has a Frequency response range of 35-40k Hz and Power Range of 25-200 watts. With a minimum frequency of 35 Hz, XT70 delivers deep bass that will likely satisfy most listeners, especially those who enjoy music. However, movie enthusiasts and music fans who prefer a full range of sound may still benefit from adding a subwoofer.

Here we have a comparison of how XT70's Low frequency value compares with the average, max and min Low frequency values in its class.
Low Frequency
Floor-standing Speakers
Polk XT70
Min
Average
Median
Thinking about a subwoofer for the Polk XT70?
  • Work out the crossover setting - it follows from this speaker's 35 Hz low end
  • Powered subwoofers under $750 - a similar price range to these speakers
  • Every powered subwoofer we cover, whatever the budget

Impedance and Sensitivity

Polk XT70's nominal impedance level is 8 ohms and has a sensitivity of 86 dB.

Sensitivity
Floor-standing Speakers
Polk XT70
Min
Average
Median

8 Ohms is pretty much the standard nominal impedance amongst stereo speakers and amplifiers so Polk Audio Monitor XT70 is not considered a difficult to drive speaker from nominal Impedance perspective.

Sensitivity

With a sensitivity level of only 86 dB, Polk Audio Monitor XT70 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 amps. Work out how loud the Polk XT70 plays in your room →

What amplifier does the Polk XT70 need?

At normal listening levels in a medium room, about 19–200 W per channel into 8 ohms. Set your own conditions and we will rank every amplifier we cover.

We check power, impedance safety and current delivery - not just watts.

Prefer to browse? Integrated amplifiers under $750, or every amplifier we cover.

Input Type

XT70 features 5-Way post type connectors. Bi-amping and Bi-wiring are not possible.

Work out what gauge speaker cable this run needs →

Polk XT70 External Dimensions and Weight

Polk XT70 has external dimensions of (Height x Width x Depth) 40-9/16 x 10-13/16 x 13-3/8inch (1031.0 x 275.0 x 340.0mm ).

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 XT70 is approximately 935.0cm2 / 144.9inch2.

To get a better perspective on the real life size of Polk XT70, let's compare it with a standard size Compact Disc which has a diameter of 4.7inch (120mm).

Polk XT70 Real Life Body Size Comparison
Polk XT70 Speaker Size Compared to a Compact Disc

Here we place the Polk XT70 virtually next to a standard width amplifier and turntable on a media center to get a better idea about the size.

Polk XT70 placed next to a Media Stand
Polk XT70 Floor-standing Speaker next to a Media Stand

Find speakers that fit your shelf or alcove →  ·  Work out where they should sit in the room →

Weight

The Polk XT70 weighs 15.91kg / 35lbs per piece. Here is a comparison of how XT70's weight compares with the average, max and min weights in its class.

Weight
All Floor-standing Speakers
Polk XT70
Min
Average
Median
Weight
Floor-standing Speakers under $750
Polk XT70
Min
Average
Max

Cabinet type and Materials

Polk XT70 has a Passive Radiator type cabinet and a MDF, Vinyl finish.

Available colors

Polk XT70 is available in Black.

Does the Polk XT70 come with a Grille?

XT70 comes with 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.

What's in the Box of Polk XT70?

Here are the items that are included inside the box of XT70:
  • Floorstanding loudspeaker
  • Grille (attached)
  • Owners Manual
  • Online Product Registration

Recommended Accessories

Here is a list of accessories that we think you may need for the Polk Audio Monitor XT70.

  • Speaker Cable and Connectors
    • Speaker Cables with Banana Plugs: If you know the lenght of the cable you need, this is the easier option to connect your speakers with your amp.
    • Speaker Cables without Connectors: If you are not sure about the lenght or need longer than standard cables with plugs, choose this option.
    • Banana Connectors and Plugs: If you chose the cables without connectors option or already have some cable around, pick the banana plugs separately.
  • Vibration Isolators: IsoAcoustics isolators are our favorite isolators but you may find more affordable options too.
  • Acoustic Panels and Treatments: Your room is as important as your stereo equipment so acoustic treatments goes a long way in improving the overall performance.

Warranty

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

Polk Audio Monitor XT70 Alternatives in Passive Floor-standing Speakers
Model Type Sensitivity Impedance Frequency
Polk XT60
Compare
2-way 86 dB 8 ohms 38-40k Hz
Polk ES50
Compare
2-way 88 dB 8 ohms 38-40k Hz
Klipsch R-820F
Compare
2-way 97 dB 8 ohms 35-21k Hz
Polk S60
Compare
2-way 90 dB 8 ohms 26-40k Hz
Polk ES60
Compare
2-way 90 dB 8 ohms 32-40k Hz
Polk S55
Compare
2-way 90 dB 8 ohms 32-40k Hz
Klipsch R-625FA
Compare
2-way 96 dB 8 ohms 38-21k Hz
Sony SS-CS3
Compare
3-way 88 dB 6 ohms 45-50k Hz
Frequently Asked Questions about Polk Audio Monitor XT70

What amplifier do you need for the Polk XT70?

Polk Audio rates the Polk XT70 for 25-200 watts of amplifier power. It is an 8-ohm speaker, the usual nominal load, so almost any amplifier or receiver can drive it.

Is the Polk XT70 easy to drive?

The Polk XT70 has a sensitivity of 86 dB. That is on the low side, so it needs more amplifier power than average to reach the same volume.

Does the Polk XT70 need a subwoofer?

The Polk XT70 reaches down to 35Hz (full range 35-40k Hz). That is genuinely deep bass - a subwoofer is optional unless you want home-theatre effects below that.

What drivers does the Polk XT70 use?

The Polk XT70 is a 2-way design using a 1" dome tweeter and 2 x 6.5" Bi-laminate paper woofers. It also uses two 8-inch passive radiators to reinforce the low end.

Is the Polk XT70 sealed or ported?

The Polk XT70 uses a Passive Radiator enclosure. A passive radiator does the job of a port without the vent noise, which suits compact cabinets.

Can the Polk XT70 be bi-wired or bi-amped?

No. The Polk XT70 has a single pair of terminals, so bi-wiring and bi-amping are not possible. It uses 5-Way post terminals.

Can the Polk XT70 be wall mounted?

The Polk XT70 does not include a wall-mount bracket or keyhole, so it is designed to sit on a stand, shelf or the floor.

Does the Polk XT70 come with grilles?

Yes. The Polk XT70 comes with removable grilles.

Does the Polk XT70 support Dolby Atmos?

The Polk XT70 can take an optional up-firing Dolby Atmos module for height effects.

How big and heavy is the Polk XT70?

The Polk XT70 weighs 15.91kg / 35lbs each and measures 40-9/16 x 10-13/16 x 13-3/8inch (HxWxD).

How much does the Polk XT70 cost?

The Polk XT70 has a manufacturer's list price (MSRP) of $698 per pair.


Polk XT70 Detailed Specifications

General
BrandPolk Audio
Full Model NamePolk Audio Monitor XT70
Speaker Type2-way Floor-standing
Power Range25-200 watts
Sensitivity86 dB
Impedance8 ohms
Frequency Response35-40k Hz
Release DateAugust 2021
DRIVERS
Woofer Size6.5-inch
Woofer CompositionBi-laminate paper
Woofer SurroundRubber
Tweeter Size1-inch
Tweeter Typedome

CONNECTIONS
Connector Type5-Way post
Biamp InputsNo
PHYSICAL SPECS
Height1031.0mm ( 40-9/16-inch)
Width275.0mm ( 10-13/16-inch)
Depth340.0mm ( 13-3/8-inch)
Height1031.0mm ( 40-9/16-inch)
Weight15.91 kg (35 lbs)
EnclosurePassive Radiator
FinishMDF, Vinyl
Available ColorsBlack
Mounting BracketNo
GrilleYes
Moisture ResistanceNo
OTHER
Handheld RemoteNo
Parts Warranty5 Years
Labor Warranty5 Years
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