Short answer: the Behringer B2030P. It ranks #57 of 100 bookshelf speakers by sound quality at $220; the Polk Monitor XT20 ranks #65 and costs $279, so there is not much of a tradeoff to weigh.
The case for the Behringer B2030P: CEA2034 spinorama shows strong horizontal directivity control, keeping the response nearly constant off-axis through most of the audible spectrum, with a wide beamwidth that eases seating position and toe-in requirements. The tradeoff: A resonance around 800Hz shows up clearly in the on-axis response and the waterfall/CSD plot, and the flat, near-horizontal predicted in-room response makes it sound bright without an equalization target curve.
What the Polk Monitor XT20 gets right: Two-way bookshelf design with a 1” tweeter and 6.5” woofer, part of Polk’s budget-friendly XT lineup (spanning roughly $200-700 across the series). The catch: Notably bright treble, elevated roughly 1-5dB above the midrange depending on frequency - a characteristic shared across the whole Polk XT lineup, requiring either EQ or toe-out to tame.
Buy the Behringer B2030P. It ranks higher for sound quality than the Polk Monitor XT20 and costs less, so there is no real case for the other one.
Specifications Side By Side
| Behringer B2030P | Polk Monitor XT20 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $220 Discontinued | $279.00 |
| Ranked | #57 of 100 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers | #65 of 100 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 79Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 75Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 60Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 50Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Drivers | 6.75" woofer, 0.75" ferrofluid-cooled tweeter | 6.5" bilaminate paper cone woofer, 1" Terylene dome tweeter |
| Discontinued | Yes | - |
| Dimensions | 12.5H x 8.4W x 8.3D in | 13"H x 7.5"W x 11"D (330.2 x 190.5 x 279.4 mm) |
| Weight | 15.4 lbs / 7.0 kg each | 11.9 lbs / 5.4 kg each |
| Frequency Response | 75Hz - 21kHz (Manufacturer specified) | - |
| Power Handling | up to 100W | - |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, vertical slot | ported |
| Sensitivity | 84.5dB (2.83V/1m, measured, Audio Science Review) | 86dB (measured by Erin’s Audio Corner; 87dB manufacturer specified) |
| Impedance | - | 8 ohms nominal (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
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The Two Speakers In Full
Behringer B2030P: $220 Discontinued
Pros: CEA2034 spinorama shows strong horizontal directivity control, keeping the response nearly constant off-axis through most of the audible spectrum, with a wide beamwidth that eases seating position and toe-in requirements. Distortion measurements hold up well against the pricier Revel M106 at both 86dB and 106dB SPL. With EQ to tame a resonance around 800Hz and a bit of a bass fill, the reviewer called it a “winner” that could play loud without bottoming out.
Cons: A resonance around 800Hz shows up clearly in the on-axis response and the waterfall/CSD plot, and the flat, near-horizontal predicted in-room response makes it sound bright without an equalization target curve. Vertical directivity is only typical, not exceptional. Long discontinued - the reviewer noted you’ll have to hunt for a used pair. Discontinued.
Full Behringer B2030P review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 60Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 79Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Dimensions | 12.5H x 8.4W x 8.3D in |
| Discontinued | Yes |
| Drivers | 6.75" woofer, 0.75" ferrofluid-cooled tweeter |
| Frequency Response | 75Hz - 21kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Power Handling | up to 100W |
| Sensitivity | 84.5dB (2.83V/1m, measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Weight | 15.4 lbs / 7.0 kg each |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, vertical slot |
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Polk Monitor XT20: $279.00 Amazon Crutchfield
Pros: Two-way bookshelf design with a 1” tweeter and 6.5” woofer, part of Polk’s budget-friendly XT lineup (spanning roughly $200-700 across the series). Measures more linear and has fewer/smaller cabinet resonances than its smaller sibling, the XT15, making it - by the reviewer’s own assessment - probably the better of the two based on data alone. Reasonably good bass output for the price and size, with an F3 of 63Hz. Horizontal radiation of about ±50° gives a respectable, enjoyable soundstage width. Takes well to EQ correction - the early-reflections directivity trend is decently linear, meaning tonal adjustments can meaningfully improve the sound. Provides usable, respectable volume when paired with a subwoofer crossover, even though it isn’t intended to play extremely loud on its own.
Cons: Notably bright treble, elevated roughly 1-5dB above the midrange depending on frequency - a characteristic shared across the whole Polk XT lineup, requiring either EQ or toe-out to tame. Small resonances appear around 300Hz and 800Hz, with some of that energy leaking from the port area. Vertical listening window is narrow - best kept close to the tweeter axis, with only a couple of degrees of tolerance above or below before the sound changes. Still needs a subwoofer for real low-end extension despite the decent F3. Overall linearity isn’t state-of-the-art flat, and while the reviewer found it pleasant, some artificial brightness remains even after basic EQ correction in the crossover region.
Full Polk Monitor XT20 review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 50Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 75Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Dimensions | 13"H x 7.5"W x 11"D (330.2 x 190.5 x 279.4 mm) |
| Drivers | 6.5" bilaminate paper cone woofer, 1" Terylene dome tweeter |
| Impedance | 8 ohms nominal (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Sensitivity | 86dB (measured by Erin's Audio Corner; 87dB manufacturer specified) |
| Weight | 11.9 lbs / 5.4 kg each |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
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