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  1. Home
  2. Polk Audio Speakers
  3. Passive Surround Speakers
  4. Polk Audio Monitor XT90
Polk Audio Monitor XT90 Review
Polk Audio Monitor XT90 - Front View

Compare To

Main Features

  • 4" Woofer
  • 94-22k Hz Frequency Response
  • 89 dB Sensitivity
  • Impedance: 8ohms
  • Weight: 6.00 lbs / 2.72 kg
  • Dimensions(HxWxD): 5-11/16"x7-9/16"x8-1/2" / 144.5 x 192.1 x 215.9mm
MSRP: $119 (list price)
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Polk Audio Monitor XT90 Review
Polk Audio Monitor XT90 Polk Audio Monitor X...
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Made by Polk Audio · United States · since 1972 · sold through dealers

Polk Audio Monitor XT90 is a 1-way Passive Surround speaker by Polk Audio. It was released in August 2021. It features a Tweeter and 1 x 4" Woofer. The speaker has a frequency range of 94-22k Hz and a sensitivity of 89 dB. Polk Audio Monitor XT90 has an MSRP of 119$ per pair but can often be found around 0$ per pair.

Polk Audio's Monitor XT Series of Loudspeakers

Monitor XT90 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
Compare
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
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 Audio Monitor XT90 Speaker

Polk Audio Monitor XT90 has a Frequency response range of 94-22k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 94 Hz, it is hard to expect a strong bass response from Monitor XT90 so depending on your use case, using a subwoofer will significantly help to widen the response range.

Here we have a comparison of how Monitor XT90's Low frequency value compares with the average, max and min Low frequency values in its class.
Low Frequency
Surround Speakers
Polk Audio Monitor XT90
Min
Average
Median
Thinking about a subwoofer for the Polk Audio Monitor XT90?
  • Work out the crossover setting - it follows from this speaker's 94 Hz low end
  • Powered subwoofers under $300 - a similar price range to these speakers
  • Every powered subwoofer we cover, whatever the budget

Impedance and Sensitivity

Polk Audio Monitor XT90's nominal impedance level is 8 ohms and has a sensitivity of 89 dB.

Sensitivity
Surround Speakers
Polk Audio Monitor XT90
Min
Average
Median

8 Ohms is pretty much the standard nominal impedance amongst stereo speakers and amplifiers so Polk Audio Monitor XT90 is not considered a difficult to drive speaker from nominal Impedance perspective.

Sensitivity

89dB of the Polk Audio Monitor XT90 is an average sensitivity for stereo speaker so it is neither easy nor difficult to drive Sensitivity wise. Work out how loud the Polk Audio Monitor XT90 plays in your room →

What amplifier does the Polk Audio Monitor XT90 need?

At normal listening levels in a medium room, about 9.5–150 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 $300, or every amplifier we cover.

Input Type

Monitor XT90 features 5-Way post type connectors.

Work out what gauge speaker cable this run needs →

Polk Audio Monitor XT90 External Dimensions and Weight

Polk Audio Monitor XT90 has external dimensions of (Height x Width x Depth) (144.5 x 192.1 x 215.9mm ).

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 Audio Monitor XT90 is approximately 414.7cm2 / 64.3inch2.

Find speakers that fit your shelf or alcove →

Weight

The Polk Audio Monitor XT90 weighs 2.72kg / 6lbs per piece. Here is a comparison of how Monitor XT90's weight compares with the average, max and min weights in its class.

Weight
All Surround Speakers
Polk Audio Monitor XT90
Min
Average
Median
Weight
Surround Speakers under $300
Polk Audio Monitor XT90
Min
Average
Max

Available colors

Polk Audio Monitor XT90 is available in Black.

Recommended Accessories

Here is a list of accessories that we think you may need for the Polk Audio Monitor XT90.

  • 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 XT90 Alternatives in Passive Surround Speakers
Model Type Sensitivity Impedance Frequency
Polk XT60
Compare
2-way 86 dB 8 ohms 38-40k Hz
Polk XT20
Compare
2-way 87 dB 8 ohms 38-40k Hz
Polk XT70
Compare
2-way 86 dB 8 ohms 35-40k Hz
Polk XT30
Compare
2-way 89 dB 8 ohms 55-40k Hz
Polk XT15
Compare
2-way 86 dB 8 ohms 48-40k Hz
Polk XT35
Compare
2-way 87 dB 8 ohms 57-40k Hz
OSD Black T55E MKII
Compare
2-way 87 dB 4 ohms 100-20k Hz
Frequently Asked Questions about Polk Audio Monitor XT90

What amplifier do you need for the Polk Audio Monitor XT90?

The Polk Audio Monitor XT90 is an 8-ohm speaker, the usual nominal load, so almost any amplifier or receiver can drive it.

Is the Polk Audio Monitor XT90 easy to drive?

The Polk Audio Monitor XT90 has a sensitivity of 89 dB. That is about average for a home speaker, so it is neither hard nor especially easy to drive.

Does the Polk Audio Monitor XT90 need a subwoofer?

The Polk Audio Monitor XT90 reaches down to 94Hz (full range 94-22k Hz). That leaves the lowest octaves out, so a subwoofer will make a clear difference for films and bass-heavy music.

What drivers does the Polk Audio Monitor XT90 use?

The Polk Audio Monitor XT90 is a 1-way design using a 4" woofer.

Is the Polk Audio Monitor XT90 sealed or ported?

The Polk Audio Monitor XT90 uses a Ported enclosure. A ported design uses a tuned vent to get more low-end output from the same driver, but it wants some breathing room behind it.

How big and heavy is the Polk Audio Monitor XT90?

The Polk Audio Monitor XT90 weighs 2.72kg / 6lbs each.

How much does the Polk Audio Monitor XT90 cost?

The Polk Audio Monitor XT90 has a manufacturer's list price (MSRP) of $119 per pair.


Polk Audio Monitor XT90 Detailed Specifications

General
BrandPolk Audio
Full Model NamePolk Audio Monitor XT90
Speaker Type1-way Surround
Sensitivity89 dB
Impedance8 ohms
Frequency Response94-22k Hz
Release DateAugust 2021
DRIVERS
Woofer Size4-inch
Woofer Composition

CONNECTIONS
Connector Type5-Way post
PHYSICAL SPECS
Height144.5mm ( 5-11/16-inch)
Width192.1mm ( 7-9/16-inch)
Depth215.9mm ( 8-1/2-inch)
Height144.5mm ( 5-11/16-inch)
Weight2.72 kg (6 lbs)
Enclosure
FinishMDF, Vinyl
Available ColorsBlack
Moisture ResistanceNo
OTHER
Handheld RemoteNo
Parts Warranty5 Years
Labor Warranty5 Years
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