Polk Audio XT15 Review - Polk's New Budget Bookshelf for 2021

[@shakhussain21]

Just got mine XT15 today, it's really nice budget Bookshelf Speakers, I have bought these for Surround Back Speakers. Using Polk Reserve series as my main speakers. Thanks for your XT15 Review it was very much helpful... 👍🏼🙏🏼

[@davidahart2476]

I'm looking to use the XT15 as surround speakers too, I have a pair of Polk 70 Monitor speakers as my front speaker, I eventually want to add a center speaker when funds allow.

[@MushmouthJoe]

Man! I got an XT30 center speaker on Monday from Crutchfield. I haven't had much time to use it yet but I love it so far. I plan to get a pair of XT15's or XT20's soon. Thanks for the review. Great work. 👍🏼

[@Upscaled_HT]

You’re welcome! Enjoy the new setup.

[@sbaresa]

Great speakers. I have 10 days and I am very pleased. Bravo Polk.

[@djijspeakerguy4628]

These speakers definitely compare with my old Paradigm Atom V2s. If anything, the Polk tweeters sound “hotter” while the paradigms sound “sweeter.” The Paradigms also have a bit more mid-bass “warmth,” while still extending low. I prefer the polks on some recordings, but I find I can listen to the old Paradigms louder and for a longer time before the treble starts to hurt my ears, while at the same time, I can hear minor details in a recording through the Paradigms that I can’t hear on the Polk speakers.

[@sankeerthanrocky6754]

Can you please explain the pros and cons of this speakers regardless of price

[@Analog784]

I'm stuck between Polk XT15 and NEUMI BS5 which one should i get?

[@abeaulieu69]

I would intend to use them as satellites (rear) 5.1 speakers. Can they be bracket mounted? Can I drill shallow holes in the MDF to bracket mount them?

[@Upscaled_HT]

No need to drill. Just brackets like these: amzn.to/3DflaUJ

[@mrgringo7289]

i'm struggeling between the polk XT15 vs Poik ES10 vs micca RB42 ( XT 15 only just fits the space) i do have a subwoofer though. any suggestions?

[@Upscaled_HT]

I would get these. www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/polks20blk/polk-audio-signature-s20-pair-6.5-bookshelf-speakers-black/1.html

[@mrgringo7289]

@@Upscaled_HT those are to big, its between the xt15 vs q acoustic 3020i vs es10 vs rb42, Thank you for the reply

[@renatoalencar3552]

Have you ever listened to the JBL Stage A130s? If so, which one would you prefer for home theater use (with subwoofer) and why? Thank you in advance!

[@Upscaled_HT]

I have not heard them, but I've heard good things. I like the look of the JBLs to be honest. I think they would perform similarly, and I would go with what you like the look of more. If you're using a sub anyway, it would make the fact that the Polk's bassier less important.

[@skarecro7916]

Can you use these as rear speakers?

[@Upscaled_HT]

Absolutely!

[@djijspeakerguy4628]

Yes, however, there is no wall mount like the T15 and S15 have.

[@MushmouthJoe]

I just got a notification from Crutchfield that these speakers & the others in the XT line are on sale again. A little sooner than expected but I still have 8 speakers to buy. I guess I'm going to splurge again. Jeeze. Slow down a little, Crutchfield. I'm old & broke.

[@Upscaled_HT]

I know the feeling. Trust me.

[@MushmouthJoe]

@@Upscaled_HT Welp. Since that last comment, I've got my first pair of XT15's & I'm listening to them now. They're great! I love them. I can't get over how small they are. Now I'm thinking about going for another pair to replace my surround speakers. Crutchfield is out of stock already.😆 Should be back in on the 3rd. Hope you're having a Merry Christmas 🎄⛄

[@TopperDude]

You mentioned it had a decent amount of bass but could you also tell us a little more about the mids and highs? How do those parts compare to the jamo? And which speaker did you prefer for extended listening?

[@Upscaled_HT]

Overall, I preferred the Polk. There were some records that sounded amazing on them. The Jamos felt a little more composed at times but the lack of bass was apparent. Between these and the Jamo S 803s that would be a tougher choice. I liked the look of Polk’s drivers more but you can’t deny the Jamo’s color choices and the cool magnetic grill. Funny how the Jamo 803s are now $150 as well. With the walnut finish, you can see the seems on the vinyl wrap. From 6 feet away tbe Jamo’s look really pricey and upscale, however, I felt the Polk’s had the edge on construction quality. The Polk’s mid bass driver was giving me the vibes of a B&W 607. Not the tweeter, but the bass driver. Also, with the Jamo, you really need a sub, which really takes away the value proposition.

[@danieldenton5721]

I bought a home theater system with a 10in sub. The sub sounds good but the speaker aren't the best. They don't have any treble to them. It only has a rca hookup. Do u have any recommendations on any speakers with a rca hookup??? Budget speakers if possible but any recommendations would be cool.

[@Upscaled_HT]

Self powered speakers aren’t really in my wheelhouse but I know Kanto makes some nice powered speakers. I would recommend getting passive speakers and connect them to an AV receiver.

[@danieldenton5721]

@@Upscaled_HT would I be able to hook up my sub to an AV receiver?? The sub has all the hookups on the back but it's only rca.

[@davidspalding1375]

Where were you able to find the posts? I cannot find them.

[@Upscaled_HT]

They may have some plastic plugs in each post.

[@michaelluera6926]

Did you take an impendence sweep. If so what was the lowest ohms? Did it fall below 6 ohms any where in frequency responds .

[@Upscaled_HT]

I did not perform an independence sweep so I can’t talk about ohm loads. I’ve been curious about doing that test. I’ll look into it.

[@djijspeakerguy4628]

They do fall below 6 ohms, but I have never had any issues driving 4 ohm speakers on any 8 ohm amplifier.

[@TopperDude]

Thanks for the review

[@mastercoss]

would you recommend those speakers over the jamo 803 s, i'm between those two

[@Upscaled_HT]

I never heard the 803 but they probably sound similar to the 801, which I have heard. I enjoyed those speakers and 803s provided more bass. However, the Polk’s were pretty bassy for their size. I personally like the look of the Polk’s more. I’m actually giving away speakers in my newest video. GIVEAWAY! 3 Awesome Prizes (IMHO)! Ends 8/20/22 (Details in description) | Why I started my channel kzbin.info/www/bejne/m3WQimiOgbiXisU

[@piberichizao]

Hello thanks for your vid, I recently purchased XT15 Polk Monitor, the instruction booklet indicates 4 Ohm Impedance, but the web site indicates 4 to 8 Ohm impedance, I am a little worried wondering which one is right, thanks I am worried it may overload my 8ohm receiver t

[@Upscaled_HT]

Impedance isn’t a constant. It varies under different loads. I guess you can look and see if your receiver can support 4ohm loads. I honestly think you’ll be ok if you have a half decent receiver.

[@robman38]

The picture for these speakers shows them on stands. Do they come with stands? Thank you for sharing.

[@Upscaled_HT]

The stands are sold separately. They're pretty inexpensive though. bit.ly/3DjAv3c

[@mOBmUSIC84]

@@Upscaled_HT Hi, I came here to ask what stands are those in the video? The link above is not working.

[@danieldenton5721]

Are these connect with Rca cord or speaker wire???

[@Upscaled_HT]

Speaker wire.

[@danieldenton5721]

@@Upscaled_HT thanx for the reply. I bought a home theater system with a 10in sub. The sub sounds good but the speaker aren't the best. They don't have any treble to them. It only has a rca hookup. Do u have any recommendations on any speakers with a rca hookup??? Budget speakers if possible but any recommendations would be cool.

[@muhendisabi1697]

Hi! Which you advice for music between polk xt15 vs dali spektor 1-2?

[@Upscaled_HT]

I would go with Dali’s if your budget allows.

[@Yorkscarnivore]

Can these be used as surround speakers behind sofa?

[@Upscaled_HT]

Sure

[@MatheusGoblet]

This speaker have connection via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth?

[@Upscaled_HT]

None. This speaker uses wires.

[@ohno4859]

Great video! By chance, can these speakers be used in a stereo setup or are they exclusive to a surround setup?

[@Upscaled_HT]

They sure can. Won’t blow you away with bass but adequate given their size.

[@ohno4859]

@@Upscaled_HT Thank you for your response! I'm looking at these to add to two Polk tower speakers that I currently have to create a surround effect in my room, which is why I asked.

[@menghsiu]

Any plans to pair it with the xt90 for atmos either right on top of the speakers or mount it on the wall? That set up is, hopefully, in my future.

[@Upscaled_HT]

No plans since I already have a speaker setup. I bought these specifically to test them.

[@menghsiu]

@@Upscaled_HT wow, dedication! Thanks for the review!

[@budgetking2591]

Got these new for 80 euro for a pair with shipping, they sound crazy good, specially for that price, obviously.

[@Upscaled_HT]

Absolutely great speakers at the price!

[@nigel5000]

What Speaker Stand is that?

[@Upscaled_HT]

They’re made by Sanus. www.crutchfield.com/p_051BF31B/Sanus-BF31B-Speaker-Stands.html

[@INFIN1TY-]

Sounds good, but the build quality overall of the t15 feels better overall. These are pretty nice tho. I use them as front highs on my Atmos set-up.

[@JayinToronto]

Are the differences from the T15 purely cosmetic?

[@Upscaled_HT]

There are differences. Both the woofer and tweeter were upgraded. This video goes a little more in depth into the differences. kzbin.info/www/bejne/n5vOaJStdrGMeqc

[@djijspeakerguy4628]

The only part that both speakers share are the rear speaker wire terminals. The T15 was a little more efficient, but the new xt15 has a far better frequency response. It might have a slight boost in the super high treble, but that’s about it. The T15 has a giant peak and a giant null in the high mid/low treble range that makes it sound super strange once you’ve heard better speakers.

[@MelanicWarrior]

The best bookshelf speaker, by far - under $1500 - is the Dali Oberon 3! Placement is simple, soundstage and imaging is fantastic! Nothing I have had in this class can touch them; they are the best for two-channel music lovers!

[@Upscaled_HT]

Those do look really good. I'll have to check them out.

[@MelanicWarrior]

@@Upscaled_HT Please do. I think you will be pleasantly surprised. I still have my Elac Unifi’s and Polk Rti A3’s, and they are very good speakers. But these are really on another level, and you can take that from someone who may not be an audiophile per se, but I do know what music should sound like and what it should feel like, and the Dali’s give you the sound that makes you feel like just sitting there and enjoying the pleasures of music. However, I do understand that all of this is subjective so what might be great to me may not be that with others and their equipment and their listening environment.

[@budgetking2591]

lol the speakers in the video are 80 usd for a pair....

[@idnintel]

@@budgetking2591 200 bucks normally

[@ajayakumarraman7768]

You have not shown us the sound effect with this speaker. Without that, what is the use of listening to ur lecturer for about 7.5 mins ???

[@Upscaled_HT]

I don’t even know where to begin. A sound demo is limited by my microphone, your speakers or headphones, and KZbin’s compression making impossible for you to get an accurate representation of what they sound like. That’s why any respectable speaker reviewer will not provide a demo.

[@ajayakumarraman7768]

@@Upscaled_HT .....Not expecting a crystal clear sound during the demo. The Ultimate purpose of a review of any audio system is to show how it performs. U could have at least shown video of 30-40 sec with a " No copy right issue " song.....

[@jasona6726]

@Upscaled this Polk XT15 or the micca RB42? The Micca is always out of stock. Kinda like this for my HT-which would you recommend?

[@Upscaled_HT]

Personally, I would go with the Polks. They're cheaper, easier to drive, and have deeper bass.

[@dipankarsaha8986]

VERY NICE VIDEO. WHAT IS THE RMS OF EACH SPEAKER BOX?

[@kaikaih5771]

You don't even need to drive them with anything do you? Can't you just plug them into your phone and play? And i dont think you would need a subwoofer either. Will they play dolby atmos without a subwoofer?

[@EricWebSurfer]

No they’re passive and require an amp. Just get a little Aiyima or Fosi amp, some basic speaker wire, and a Bluetooth adapter.

[@bikdav]

The XT15 replaces the old T15? That’s what I needed to know.

[@djijspeakerguy4628]

Yes, but the new xt15 is way better. The old T15 had a pronounced “suck-out” in the lower side of the treble range that made them sound strange, and I strongly disliked those. These new ones have a little bit of a high treble boost, but sound good other than that, with more bass. However, you have to turn them up more to get the same volume level from them.

[@bikdav]

@@djijspeakerguy4628 That’s interesting . I got 3 pairs of the T15 dirt cheap (meaning, open box). I never noticed that midrange “suck out” that concerns many listeners.

[@WheresYourToque]

​@@djijspeakerguy4628The T15s are wired out of phase to serve as a surround speaker above or below the listening position. That is why they sound strange.

[@djijspeakerguy4628]

@@WheresYourToque Some people claim this, but in no place on the Polk T15 specs or manual is this the case. Also, they still don’t sound nearly as good as the XT15 to my ears when they are placed this way, though they improve a good bit. I tried wiring the tweeter backwards, and funnily enough they did improve ever so slightly. The XT15 is still a completely different sounding speaker, with more bass and a neutral-sounding (though ever so slightly forward) treble. I feel like the mids are quieter on the XT15, but are flatter, so the vocals are natural sounding, while with the T15 it sounded a little more hollow, like an old recording.

[@WheresYourToque]

@@djijspeakerguy4628 Audioholics discovered this: "We...contacted Polk Audio about this behavior and asked them about the intent of height placement regarding this response. Their answer, from Stu Lumsden, VP of engineering: 'We recognized that bookshelf speakers at this price are rarely placed on tall stands that position the speaker at the listener’s ear level. Usually the speaker is placed on furniture that results in positions slightly above or below ear level.' " It was a deliberate design decision by Polk because they knew most people use them for surrounds above or below listening position, and not as mains on speaker stands.

[@gt.vintageaudio3402]

Sound Test ???....

[@Upscaled_HT]

I’ve done sound demos before in my home theater but I think they’re limited to what you’re listening to on the other side and don’t provide much value.

[@duranarts]

background music was too distracting

[@Upscaled_HT]

I cut the music in my newer videos.

[@robwilli7572]

Listening to your review was helpful, but it seemed you may benefit with some acoustic panels. There was alot of echo in your recording like in a bare room. I am looking to replace T15 with something better like Jamo 803. Your review will help. Thanks

[@Upscaled_HT]

I have acoustic panels in my theater room and they do help. I chose my rec room because it provides a more real use case scenario. Most people are going to use them wherever they can put them. Under most circumstances, they sounded good to me but I guess results can vary from room to room.

[@glennjones6574]

It looks a little unfinished without the grill

[@Upscaled_HT]

I usually leave grills on speakers but I know lots of people don’t. I think they’re nice both ways and definitely more so than the T15s, The woofers kind of looks like a B&W 607 clone.

[@johndangelo3989]

Hi good honest review, Presentation could be better with less choppy editing, smooth things out.

[@Upscaled_HT]

Thank you for the feedback. I’m working on improving that in every video.

[@benjamin9349]

Tengo estos altavoces y esto no es sonido hi-fi refinado. Después de 10 minutos de escucha acabo con dolor de cabeza. Los bajos son exagerados. Probado con dos configuraciones de amplificador: Cambridge Audio CXA61 y un Rotel RA-970BX. Ambos entregan 60w a 8 omnios. Con el Rotel puedes atenuar los bajos porque lleva control de tono, con el Cambridge no. Repito esto no es sonido hi-fi refinado, quizás para una fiesta de adolescentes con la música muy alta.

[@weeooh1]

Wonder how they compare to the Polk S15. Btw, the background music is very distracting and annoying when you are talking. Zero need for it. Seriously!

[@Upscaled_HT]

My newer videos are better in regards to background music.

[@jarrodcodes]

Stop with the terrible background music

[@Upscaled_HT]

My newer videos are better in this regard. Unfortunately, you can’t replace a video once it’s uploaded.

[@dublegun4884]

F*ck this review if I didn't hear it