Short answer: the Neumi BS5. It ranks #38 of 179 bookshelf speakers by sound quality, rated 3.8/5, at $139.99; the Polk Audio XT15 ranks #51, rated 3.7/5, and costs $179, which makes this an easy call rather than a real tradeoff.
The Neumi BS5 is the deeper-bass option. Budget bookshelf speakers with accurate, punchy sound that work with any ordinary receiver, an exceptional value. Its bass reaches about 64Hz before falling 3dB, against 77.6Hz for the Polk Audio XT15. The tradeoff: Erin measured F3 at 64Hz, so kick-drum punch should not be mistaken for deep-bass extension.
The Polk Audio XT15 is the more accurate pick. Very affordable bookshelf speakers that work with 4 or 8 ohm receivers, an easy fit for stereo or home theater surrounds. Its measured preference score, a predictor of how neutral it sounds, is 4.56 against 3.60 for the Neumi BS5. The catch: Bass rolls off early, at 77.6Hz (-3dB) and 54.2Hz (-10dB).
Buy the Neumi BS5. It is rated higher for sound quality than the Polk Audio XT15 and costs less, so it is the default pick unless a specific strength of the other one matters more to you.
Still deciding? The full Passive Home rankings cover every ranked option.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Neumi BS5 | Polk Audio XT15 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $139.99 per pair | $179.00 per pair |
| Ranked | #38 of 179 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers | #51 of 179 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 64Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 77.6Hz (measured, spinorama.org) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 41.0Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 54.2Hz (measured, spinorama.org) |
| Sensitivity | Approximately 84dB/2.83V/1m (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 86dB (1W/1m) |
| Impedance | 4.6 ohms minimum; approximately 6 ohms nominal (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 4/8-ohm compatible |
| Drivers | 1” silk-dome tweeter; 5” fiberglass woofer | 1” Terylene dome tweeter, 5.25” bi-laminate paper woofer |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, front | Ported |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 3.60 | 4.56 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.12 | 7.31 |
| Dimensions | 10.6”H x 7.2”W x 8.5”D (269.2 x 182.9 x 215.9 mm) | 16.51 x 18.24cm (6.5 x 7.18 in), 4.08kg (9 lb) each |
| Weight | 7.1 lbs (3.2 kg) each | 9 lbs (4.08 kg) each |
| DIY Kit | No | No |
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