polk Monitor XT Series Loudspeakers Owner’s Manual

Monitor XT Series Loudspeakers
OWNER’S MANUAL

Monitor XT Series Loudspeakers

XT15 Compact Bookshelf Speakers
XT20 Bookshelf Speakers
XT30 Center Channel Speaker
XT35 Slim Center Channel Speaker
XT60 Compact Floorstanding Loudspeaker
XT70 Floorstanding Loudspeaker
XT90 Height Accessory Speaker
© Copyright 2021 Polk Audio, LLC.
Polk, Polk Audio, Polk Monitor XT and Dynamic Balance are trademarks of Polk Audio, LLC. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

Expect Great Sound

Thank you for choosing the Polk Monitor XT™ Loudspeakers. This new line is bold, stylish and quality built for performance. These high-efficiency speakers feature Polk’s patented Dynamic Balance® tuned drivers and tweeters for clearer highs and a more realistic mid range. The Polk Monitor XT speakers were designed to sound great and also look great; with the subtle accents, this product can live in any decor. Pure and simple, the Polk Monitor XT speakers are the true definition of “Expect Great Sound”.
Having built our reputation as “The Speaker Specialists” for more than 45 years, we take pride in our superior sound and build quality, which features many patented and award-winning audio innovations. For the people of Polk, building audio products is not just a job—it’s a passion. And if you’re going to remember one thing, remember this: We live by the truest principle of what audio should deliver—great sound at an affordable price for everyone!

Technical Assistance or Service
If your product was damaged during shipping, please contact the authorized Polk Audio retailer where you purchased your product.
For technical support, FAQs, and repair information, visit http://polk.custhelp.com. For a complete list of contact information, visit https://www.polkaudio.com/contact-us. Support email addresses and phone numbers vary based on the region where you purchased your product.

WARNING: Listen Carefully
Polk Audio loudspeakers are capable of playing at extremely high volume levels, which could cause serious or permanent hearing damage. Polk Audio accepts no liability for hearing loss, bodily injury, or property damage resulting from the misuse of its products. Keep these guidelines in mind and always use good judgment when controlling volume:

• Limit prolonged exposure to volume levels that exceed 85 decibels (dB). For more information about safe volume levels, take a look at the Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) guidelines at http://www.osha.gov/.

Product Disposal
Certain international, national and/or local laws and/or regulations may apply regarding the disposal of this product.
For more information, please contact the retailer where you purchased this product or the Polk importer/distributor in your country. More information is also available at www.polkaudio.com or by contacting Polk Audio at 5541 Fermi Court, Carlsbad, California, 92008, USA. Phone: 1-800-377-7655.
**** This symbol on our electrical products or their packaging indicates that it is prohibited in Europe to discard this product(s) as domestic waste. In order to ensure that you dispose of the product(s) correctly, please dispose of the product(s) according to local laws and regulations on the disposal of electrical and electronic equipment. In doing so, you are contributing to the retention of natural resources and to the promotion of environmental protection by the treatment and disposal of electronic waste.

Care and Cleaning
The only thing you should ever need to do to your speakers is dust them occasionally. Never apply any abrasive or solventbased cleaner or any harsh detergent. You can clean the grilles with the brush attachment of a vacuum cleaner.

EU Declaration of Conformity

**** Hereby, Sound United, LLC declares that our product complies with the following EU/EC Directives:

• EMC:2014/30/EU
• LVD:2014/35/EU
• RoHS: 2011/65/EU and amendment Directive (EU) 2015/863
• ErP: EC regulation 1275/2008 and its framework directive  2009/125/EC including amendment 801/2013

EU Contact:
Sound United Europe
A division of D&M Europe B.V.
Beemdstraat 11, 5653 MA, Eindhoven
The Netherlands

UKCA Declaration of Conformity
Hereby, Sound United, LLC declares that our product complies with the following UK regulations:

• Electrical Equipment (Safety) Regulations 2016
• Electromagnetic Compatibility Regulations 2016
• The Restriction of the Use of Certain Hazardous Substances in Electrical and Electronic Equipment Regulations 2012
• Eco design for Energy-Related Products Regulations 2010

UK Importer:
D&M Audiovisual Ltd.
Cells 1 & 2 Kopshop, 6 Old London Road
Kingston Upon Thames KT2 6QF UK

Adding Adhesive-Backed Rubber Feet
To keep your Polk speakers firmly in place and prevent damage to floors or furniture, it’s a smart idea to attach the included adhesive-backed rubber feet to the bottom of your speaker. Note:

• XT15 / XT20 / XT30 / XT35: You must install the rubber feet before using the product.
• XT60 / XT70 / XT90: Rubber feet come pre-installed.

How to Connect Your System

To get the best sound quality, it’s important to wire your speakers correctly.
How to Use Binding Post Connectors
Loosen hex nut and insert bare speaker wire through hole.
Tighten hex nut down to make connection.
Note: Do not insert insulated section of wire into hole (you will not get a connection). Basic Speaker Hookup
Make sure that the red (+) and black (-) connectors on your amplifier or receiver connect to the red (+) and black (-) connectors on your speakers. If your speakers sound “thin,” with little bass and little or no center image, odds are that one of the speaker wires is connected backwards. Double check all connections. Processor Mode for Center Channel Speaker
Note: Set Center Channel Speaker to “small” in your receiver’s Bass Management Settings.
The “bass management” or “speaker configuration” menus of most surround receivers offer the choice of “normal” or “wide” modes for center channel operation. In discrete channel digital processors, these modes are referred to as “small” and “large.” Normal (small) mode filters bass frequencies from the center channel speaker and sends them instead to the front left and right main speakers or to the subwoofer output (LFE) jack. Wide (large) mode sends an unfiltered, full-range signal to the center channel speaker. Use the Small (normal) mode for optimum center (and surround) channel performance and reliability.

Speaker Positioning

To maximize the sound quality of your speaker system— whether you’ve purchased XT15 bookshelf speakers, an XT30 center channel speaker, or XT70 tower speakers—correct placement is everything. Take a look at the following examples and give them a try based on the Polk Monitor XT Series speakers you’ve purchased.
Note: Your Polk Monitor XT Series speakers are compatible with 2.0, 2.1, 3.1, 5.1, 7.1 and 9.1 setups (optional subwoofer shown in graphics).
Listening in 5.1 Surround
You can use the Polk Monitor XT Series speakers as rear surround speakers in a Polk Audio home theater system. Ideal rear channel surround speaker placement is on a side wall, slightly behind and above the listening position.

DOLBY ATMOS® 5.1 Configuration
Speaker Placement in Listening Area![polk Monitor XT Series Loudspeakers

• Listening in 5.1 Surround](https://manuals.plus/wp-content/uploads/2023/07 /polk-Monitor-XT-Series-Loudspeakers-Listening-in-5.1-Surround.jpg) Primary Speakers
  Front (L/R)
  Surround Back (L/R) Listening in 3.1 System
  Get the most realistic stereo image by placing speakers as far apart as the listeners are sitting from them. If room conditions require that you place the speakers farther apart, you may choose to angle the speakers toward the middle to support a more solid center image.
  Listening in 5.1 Surround—alternate option
  Alternate rear channel surround speaker placement for Polk Monitor XT Series speakers. If you cannot place rear surrounds on the side walls, position them on the rear wall above the listening position.

DOLBY ATMOS® 5.1.4 Configuration
Speaker Placement in Listening Area![polk Monitor XT Series Loudspeakers

• Configuration](https://manuals.plus/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/polk-Monitor- XT-Series-Loudspeakers-Configuration.jpg) Primary Speakers
  Front (L/R)
  Surround Back (L/R) Stackable Height Option
  Add XT90 on top of Front (L/R) and Surround Back (L/R)

Listening in 7.1 Surround
Enjoy added depth to your surround sound experience with four rear surround speakers instead of two. Primary Speakers
Front (L/R)
Surround (L/R)
Surround Back (L/R) Primary Speakers
Front (L/R)
Surround (L/R)
Surround Back (L/R) Stackable Height Option
Add XT90 on top of Front (L/R),
Surround (L/R) and Surround Back (L/R)

| Monitor XT Bookshelf Speakers| Monitor XT Center Channel Speakers
---|---|---
Specifications| XT15| XT20| XT30| XT35
Speaker type| Standmount (pair)| Standmount (pair)| Compact Center Channel| Center Channel (L/C/R)
Tweeter| 1″ Terylene Dome| 1″ Terylene Dome| 1″ Terylene Dome| 1″ Terylene Dome
Mid-range/mid-bass
Woofers| 5¼” custom paper| 6½” custom paper| Two 5¼” custom paper| Four 3” custom paper
Passive radiators| N/A| N/A| N/A| N/A
Overall frequency response| 48 Hz–40 kHz| 38 Hz–40 kHz| 55 Hz–40 kHz| 57 Hz–40 kHz
Frequency response
(-3 dB limits)| 73 Hz–26 kHz| 57 Hz–26 kHz| 77 Hz–26 kHz| 84 Hz–26 kHz
Recommended amplifier power| 30–150 W| 30–200 W| 30–200 W| 25–200 W
Amplifier output compatibility| 4Ω| 4Ω| 4Ω| 4Ω
Minimum Impedance (ohms)| 4.1Ω| 4.3Ω| 4.1Ω| 4.2Ω
Sensitivity (2.83V/1m)| 86 dB| 87 dB| 89 dB| 87 dB
Crossover Frequency
Tweeter/mid-range| 2200 Hz| 3200 Hz| 2500 Hz| 2500 Hz
Mid-range/mid-bass
Dimensions and Weight Attributes
Product dimensions (W x H x D)| 6.50 x 10.6 x 7.18in
165.1 x 269.2 x 182.4mm| 7.50 x 18.0 x 10.99in.
190.5 x 330.0 x 279.3mm| 19.9 x 6.50 x 8.13in
482.6 x 165.1 x 206.6mm| 24.4 x 4.15 x 5.55in
619.7 x 105.4 x 141.0mm
Greatest overall depth (including grille)
Product weight (each)
Cabinetry
Mid-range enclosure type
Mid-bass/woofer enclosure type
Available finishes| Matte Black| Matte Black| Matte Black| Matte Black
Feet| Yes, supplied in bo| Yes, supplied in box| Yes, supplied in box| Yes, supplied in box
Wall-mountable?| No| No| No| Yes
Binding posts| Nickel-plated 5-way
binding posts| Nickel-plated 5-way
binding posts| Nickel-plated 5-way
binding posts| Nickel-plated 5-way
binding posts
Accessories
Designed for XT90 speaker| N/A| Yes| N/A| N/A
Certifications (non-safety and regulatory)
Hi-res certified| Yes| Yes| Yes| Yes
| Monitor XT Floorstanding Speakers| Monitor XT Height Module Speaker
---|---|---
Specifications| XT60| XT70| XT90
Speaker type| Floorstanding Loudspeaker| Floorstanding Loudspeaker| Height Module (pair)
Tweeter| 1″ Terylene Dome| 1″ Terylene Dome| N/A
Mid-range/mid-bass| | |
Woofers| 6½” custom paper| Two 6½” custom paper| 4” custom paper
Passive radiators| Two 6½” PRs| Two 8” PRs| N/A
Overall frequency response| 38 Hz–40 kHz| 35 Hz–40 kHz| 94 Hz–22 kHz
Frequency response
(-3 dB limits)| 43 Hz–26 kHz| 41 Hz–26 kHz| 164 Hz–17 kHz
Recommended amplifier power| 25–200 W| 25–200 W| 30–100 W
Amplifier output compatibility| 4Ω| 4Ω| 4Ω
Minimum impedance| 4.4Ω| 4.0Ω| 4.3Ω
Sensitivity (2.83V/1m)| 86 dB| 89 dB| 89 dB
Crossover Frequency
Tweeter/mid-range| 2200 Hz| 2700 Hz| 2700 Hz
Mid-range/mid-bass
Dimensions and Weight Attributes
Product dimensions (W x H x D)| 7.50 x 36.4 x 9.09in
190.5 x 925.0 x 230.8mm| 9.25 x 40.4 x 12.5in.
235 x 1026.6 x 317.9mm| 7.50 x 5.64 x 8.38in
190.5 x 143.2 x 212.9mm
Greatest overall depth
(including grille)
Product weight (each)
Cabinetry
Mid-range enclosure type
Mid-bass/woofer enclosure type
Available finishes| Matte Black| Matte Black| Matte Black
Feet| Rubber pads| Rubber pads| Rubber pads
Wall-mountable?| No| No| Yes
Binding posts| Nickel-plated 5-way binding posts| Nickel-plated 5-way binding posts| Nickel-plated 5-way binding posts
Accessories
Designed for XT90 speaker| Yes| Yes| N/A
Certifications (non-safety and regulatory)
Hi-res certified| Yes| Yes| No

Limited 5-Year Warranty

Polk Audio, LLC (hereinafter “Polk” or “Polk Audio”) provides this limited warranty to the original retail purchaser only. This warranty will terminate automatically prior to its stated expiration if the original retail purchaser sells or transfers the Product to any other party.
Polk Audio warrants to the original retail purchaser only, that the loudspeaker(s), passive crossover component(s) and enclosure (“Product”) will be free from defects in material and workmanship for a period of five (5) years from the date of original retail purchase from a Polk Audio Authorized Dealer.
To allow Polk to offer the best possible warranty service, please register your new Product online at: www.polkaudio.com/registration or call Polk customer service at 800-377-7655 in the USA and Canada within ten (10) days of the date of original purchase. Be sure to keep your original purchase receipt.
Defective Products must be shipped, together with proof of purchase, prepaid insured to the Polk Authorized Dealer from whom you purchased the Product, or to the Factory at 5541 Fermi Court; Carlsbad, CA 92008. Products must be shipped in the original shipping container or its equivalent; in any case the risk of loss or damage in transit is to be borne by you. If upon examination at the factory or Polk Authorized Dealer it is determined that the unit was defective in materials or workmanship at any time during this warranty period, Polk or the Polk Authorized Dealer will, at its option, repair or replace this Product at no additional charge, except as set forth below. All replaced parts and Products become the property of Polk. Products replaced or repaired under this warranty will be returned to you, within a reasonable time, freight prepaid.
This warranty does not include service or parts to repair damage caused by accident, disaster, misuse, abuse, negligence, inadequate packing or shipping procedures, commercial use, voltage inputs in excess of the rated maximum of the unit, cosmetic appearance of cabinetry not directly attributable to defect in materials or workmanship, or service, repair, or modification of the Product which has not been authorized or approved by Polk. This warranty shall terminate if purchased from an unauthorized dealer or if any of the serial number on the Product has been removed, tampered with or defaced.
This warranty is in lieu of all other expressed warranties. If this Product is defective in materials or workmanship as warranted above, your sole remedy shall be repair or replacement as provided above. In no event will Polk Audio be liable to you for any incidental or consequential damages arising out of the use or inability to use the Product, even if Polk Audio or a Polk Authorized Dealer has been advised of the possibility of such damages, or for any claim by any other party. Some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of consequential damages, so the above limitation and exclusion may not apply to you.
All implied warranties on this Product are limited to the duration of this expressed warranty. Some states do not allow limitation on how long an implied warranty lasts, so the above limitations may not apply to you. This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you also may have other rights which vary from state to state.
This warranty applies only to Products purchased in Canada, the United States of America, its possessions, and U.S. and NATO armed forces exchanges. Please see the warranty guide specific to Polk Products purchased in countries or territories not referenced herein.

POLK. EXPECT GREAT SOUND:

Sound United, LLC
5541 Fermi Court
Carlsbad, CA 92008 USA
www.polkaudio.com| EU Contact:
Sound United Europe
a Division of D&M Europe B.V.
Beemdstraat 11, 5653 MA Eindhoven
The Netherlands| UK Importer:
D&M Audiovisual Ltd.
Cells 1 & 2 Kopshop, 6 Old London Road
Kingston Upon Thames
KT2 6QF UK
---|---|---

MONITOR XT
BOOKSHELF AND SURROUND LOUDSPEAKERS
Enjoy Music, Movies, and Gaming with High-Resolution Sound

MXT15 Compact
Bookshelf Loudspeakers

Monitor XT15 High-Resolution Compact Bookshelf Loudspeakers

Compact and affordable, Monitor XT15 maximizes the enjoyment of music, gaming, and movies with energetic, high-resolution sound with effortless bass.

SPECIFICATIONS

Consumer Benefits

The Evolution of a Hi-Fi Classic
With a history going back to 1974, the Monitor XT series is the next generation of Polk’s critically acclaimed Monitor line of speakers, now featuring Hi-Res Audio Certification and new tweeter, woofer, and cabinet designs to improve the sound of anything you’re listening to.
Hi-Res Audio Certified
Monitor XT15’s new Terylene dome tweeter makes them perfect for enjoying high-resolution audio from Apple Music, Tidal, Amazon Music HD, Qobuz, and Spotify HiFi.
Clean, Tight, Effortless Bass
MXT15’s dynamically balanced 5.25” woofer plays punchy, loud, and low, delivering Polk’s famously smooth mid-range and powerful, effortless bass.
Dolby Atmos Certified and DTS:X Compatible
Compatible with the latest Dolby Atmos and DTS:X surround sound enabled AV receivers and 4- and 8-ohm amplifiers, Monitor XT does not require specialized equipment to deliver great sound.
Flexible Placement
Use MXT15 as your front or surround speakers on shelves or stands.
You can also wall mount MXT15 for use as a height module in an immersive surround sound setup. Plus, their midnight black finish and modern design will make a bold statement in any room.

Features

• High-Resolution Compact Bookshelf or Surround Speaker
• Enjoy Movies, Games and Music with Exciting and Dynamic Sound
• Hi-Res Audio Certified, Dolby Atmos and DTS:X Compatible
• 1” Terylene Tweeter for Crystal Clear Highs Above 40kHz
• 5.25” Dynamically Balanced Woofer for Effortless Bass Below 48Hz
• Lifelike, Detailed Imaging and Immersive Soundstage
• High Sensitivity to Work with 4- and 8-Ohm Amps/Receivers
• Easy Set Up and Placement on Shelf, Stand, or Wall (via keyhole slots)
• Low-Resonance Cabinet and Precision-Fit Grille
• Polk-Patented Quality Backed by Limited Five-Year Warranty
• Sold in Pairs

MXT20
Bookshelf Loudspeakers Monitor XT20 High-Resolution Bookshelf Loudspeakers
Compact and affordable, Monitor XT20 maximizes the enjoyment of music, gaming, and movies with lifelike, highresolution sound and effortless bass.

SPECIFICATIONS

Consumer Benefits
The Evolution of a Hi-Fi Classic
With a history going back to 1974, the Monitor XT series is the next generation of Polk’s critically acclaimed Monitor line of speakers, now featuring Hi-Res Audio Certification and new tweeter, woofer, and cabinet designs to improve the sound of anything you’re listening to.

Hi-Res Audio Certified
Monitor XT20’s new Terylene Dome tweeter makes them perfect for enjoying high- resolution audio from Apple Music, Tidal, Amazon Music HD, Qobuz, and Spotify HiFi.
Clean, Tight, Effortless Bass
MXT20’s Dynamically Balanced 6.5” woofer plays loud and low, delivering Polk’s famously smooth mid-range and powerful, effortless bass.
Dolby Atmos Certified and DTS:X Compatible
Compatible with the latest Dolby Atmos and DTS:X surround sound enabled AV receivers and 4- & 8-ohm amplifiers, Monitor XT does not require specialized equipment to deliver great sound. Add the MXT90 Height Speaker (available separately) to add new dimensions to your surround sound environment.
Flexible Placement
Use MXT20 as your front, surround, or rear speakers on shelves or stands. Their midnight black finish and modern design will make a bold statement in any room.

Features

• High-Resolution Bookshelf or Surround Speaker
• Enjoy Movies, Games, and Music with Exciting and Dynamic Sound
• Hi-Res Audio Certified, Dolby Atmos and DTS:X Compatible
• 1” Terylene Tweeter for Crystal Clear Highs Above 40kHz
• 6.5” Dynamically Balanced Woofer for Effortless Bass Below 38Hz
• Lifelike, Detailed Imaging, and Immersive Soundstage
• High Sensitivity to Work with 4- and 8-Ohm Amps/Receivers
• Low-Resonance Cabinet and Precision-Fit Grille
• Add MXT90 Height Speaker for Dolby Atmos and DTS:X systems (available separately)
• Polk-Patented Quality Backed by Limited Five-Year Warranty
• Sold in Pairs

MXT90
height speaker Monitor XT90 Dolby Atmos Certified
Height Speaker
Raise your home theater to new heights. The Monitor XT90 fits atop the Monitor XT20, MXT60, MXT70, or wall mounts to enhance movies and games in Dolby Atmos and DTS:X with dramatic 3D sound. Hear planes flying overhead, special FX, ambience and more for a truly immersive experience.

SPECIFICATIONS

Consumer Benefits
Raise your Home Theater to New Heights
Whether watching a movie, playing a video game, or streaming immersive audio via Apple Music, the Polk Monitor XT90 Height Speaker will enhance your experience with dramatic 3D sound.

Hear Sound FX Like Never Before
Dolby Atmos certified and DTS:X compatible, the Monitor XT90 reflects sound off your ceiling so you can enjoy the sound effects and ambience found on the dimensional height channel offered by these formats. Go ahead and duck, we won’t tell anyone.
Premium Polk Sound
Engineered by the same team the developed Polk Legend and Reserve, MXT90 uses timbre-consistent components to deliver detailed imaging, a seamless sound stage, and effortless bass when paired with other Polk Monitor XT loudspeakers.
Pair with MXT20, MXT60, MXT70 or Wall Mount
Sold as pairs, the MXT90 height speakers can be easily placed on Monitor MXT20 bookshelf speakers, MXT60 and MXT70 floorstanding speakers, or wall mounted using their sturdy keyhole slot.
Works with Any Dolby Atmos or DTS:X AV Receiver
To use the MXT90 as a height channel, match it with any A/V receiver (4 or 8 ohms) that provides a minimum of seven channels and that supports the Dolby Atmos, DTS:X or DTS Virtual:X formats.

Features

• Dolby Atmos-Certified, DTS:X and DTS Virtual:X Compatible
• Add an Immersive Height Dimension to Movies, TV, and Video Games
• Place atop MXT20, MXT60, MXT70 or Easily Wall Mount via Keyhole Slot
• 4” Dynamically Balanced Woofers for Clean, Impactful Sound
• Overall Frequency Response: 94Hz to 22kHz
• Nickel-Plated Binding Posts, Anti-Resonant Cabinet and AntiDiffraction Grille for Pure Sound
• High Sensitivity to Work with 4- and 8-Ohm AV Receivers
• Requires Minimum Seven-Channel Dolby Atmos or DTS:X Compatible A/V Receiver
• Polk-Patented Quality Backed by Limited Five-Year Warranty
• Sold in Pairs

Polk Audio is a DEI Holdings, Inc. Company. Polk Audio, Polk, are registered trademarks of Polk Audio, LLC. / Dolby, Dolby Audio, and the double-D symbol are trademarks of Dolby Laboratories Licensing Corporation. / DTS, Digital Surround, and the DTS logo are registered trademarks or trademarks of DTS, Inc. in the United States and other countries. / © 2021 DTS, Inc. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. / Other trademarks and trade names are those of their respective owners.

www.polkaudio.com

References

• Find Answers
• Home | Occupational Safety and Health Administration
• Polk Audio® | Great Sound for All
• Polk Audio® | Great Sound for All

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