Do the Monitor XT20 speakers need a subwoofer?

Not for most music and TV use. The 6.5-inch woofer reaches low enough that many owners skip a sub in small and mid-size rooms. A sub still helps for deep movie effects.

What amplifier power do they need?

They are efficient and stable, so a modest receiver or small integrated amp drives them to loud levels. More power helps headroom in large rooms.

Can I use them as surround or Atmos speakers?

Yes. Polk designs the XT line for surround and height-channel duty, and the compact cabinet works on shelves, stands or wall brackets.

How do they compare with the ELAC Debut 2.0 B6.2?

The XT20 plays deeper bass and is easier to drive. The ELAC is often seen as smoother in the midrange. The choice comes down to bass and efficiency versus midrange refinement.

A pair of speakers with removable grilles. Speaker wire and stands are not included.

Where should I place them?

On stands or a shelf with the tweeter near ear height, angled toward the listening spot. Keep some space behind them for the rear port to breathe.

Polk Audio Monitor XT20 High-Resolution Bookshelf Speakers

Best price now

$279.00at WalmartChecked Nov 10

Prices are checked against each store and labelled with when.

Visit Walmart

Polk Audio Monitor XT20 High-Resolution Bookshelf Speakers

Best price now

$279.00at WalmartChecked Nov 10

Prices are checked against each store and labelled with when.

Visit Walmart

Polk Audio discount code →

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Price facts

Last seen at $279.00 at Walmart on Nov 10.

Our take on the Polk Audio Monitor XT20 High-Resolution Bookshelf Speakers

The Monitor XT20 is a compact two-way bookshelf speaker with a 6.5-inch woofer and a 1-inch terylene dome tweeter. Polk tunes it for a wide soundstage and clean highs up to 40 kHz, with bass that reaches lower than most speakers this size. High sensitivity and stable impedance make it easy to drive from budget receivers, and it doubles as a surround or Atmos height channel. Against rivals like the ELAC Debut 2.0 B6.2 and Klipsch R-51M, it gives up some midrange refinement but offers more bass and an easier load for small amps.

Best forSmall to mid-size roomsBudget stereo and home theater setupsSurround or height channels in an Atmos systemListeners who want bass without a subwoofer

Pros

Deep, controlled bass for its size
Wide, open soundstage
Easy to drive from modest receivers
Clean, extended highs
Solid MDF cabinet with quality binding posts
Removable grilles and flexible placement

Cons

Treble can sound bright on harsh recordings
Midrange less refined than pricier rivals
Needs stands or wall brackets for best results
Bass can overwhelm very small rooms

Polk Audio Monitor XT20 High-Resolution Bookshelf Speakers prices at every store

WalmartNew
In stockSold by World Wide Stereo (Authorized)Returns: Sold by a Walmart Marketplace seller; returns go to the seller under the seller's returns policy.
$279.00Free shippingChecked Nov 10
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What reviewers say

Owners and reviewers generally rate the XT20 highly for its bass depth and open sound at its level. Many call it a strong value for stereo and home theater use. Some find the treble forward and the mids a step behind class leaders.

What people mention

BassPraisedOwners say the 6.5-inch woofer delivers bass that reaches lower than expected for a speaker this size.
TrebleMixedReviewers call the highs clean and detailed, but some find them bright on harsh recordings.
SoundstagePraisedListeners describe a wide, open presentation that fills a room well.
MidrangeCriticisedSome reviewers say vocals and mids are less refined than on pricier competitors.
Amplifier pairingPraisedOwners report the high sensitivity and stable impedance make it easy to drive from modest receivers.
BuildPraisedBuyers note the rigid cabinet and solid binding posts feel well made for the class.

About the Polk Audio Monitor XT20 High-Resolution Bookshelf Speakers

The Polk Audio Monitor XT20 is a compact bookshelf speaker built for music, movies and games. It pairs a 6.5-inch woofer with a 1-inch terylene dome tweeter. Highs reach up to 40 kHz, and the speaker is rated as high-resolution.

The cabinet is rigid, low-resonance MDF. The speaker has binding posts and removable, precision-fit grilles. It can sit on a shelf or stand, or be mounted on a wall.

High sensitivity and stable impedance let it work with a broad range of receivers and with surround sound formats.

Type: Bookshelf speaker
Woofer: 6.5-inch
Tweeter: 1-inch terylene dome
High-frequency range: Up to 40 kHz
Cabinet: MDF
Connections: Binding posts
Grilles: Removable
Placement: Shelf, stand or wall
Color: Black

Specifications

color: BlackSource
size: 6.5"Source

Questions and answers

Do the Monitor XT20 speakers need a subwoofer?: Not for most music and TV use. The 6.5-inch woofer reaches low enough that many owners skip a sub in small and mid-size rooms. A sub still helps for deep movie effects.
What amplifier power do they need?: They are efficient and stable, so a modest receiver or small integrated amp drives them to loud levels. More power helps headroom in large rooms.
Can I use them as surround or Atmos speakers?: Yes. Polk designs the XT line for surround and height-channel duty, and the compact cabinet works on shelves, stands or wall brackets.
How do they compare with the ELAC Debut 2.0 B6.2?: The XT20 plays deeper bass and is easier to drive. The ELAC is often seen as smoother in the midrange. The choice comes down to bass and efficiency versus midrange refinement.
What is in the box?: A pair of speakers with removable grilles. Speaker wire and stands are not included.
Where should I place them?: On stands or a shelf with the tweeter near ear height, angled toward the listening spot. Keep some space behind them for the rear port to breathe.
Where is the Polk Audio Monitor XT20 High-Resolution Bookshelf Speakers cheapest?: At Walmart, for $279.00, as of our latest check.
What do buyers say about the Polk Audio Monitor XT20 High-Resolution Bookshelf Speakers?: Rated 5 out of 5 from 2 ratings.