Short answer: the Polk Audio XT15. It ranks #52 of 160 bookshelf speakers by sound quality (rated 3.7/5) at $149 and is still sold new; the Boston Acoustics A25 ranks #59 (rated 3.6/5) and is discontinued, so it is only an option used.
The Polk Audio XT15 is the more accurate, deeper-bass option. Very low $149/pair entry price for a Hi-Res Audio Certified 2-way design that’s Dolby Atmos and DTS:X compatible, and works with either 4- or 8-ohm amplifier outputs so it drops into almost any AVR without matching concerns. Its measured preference score, a predictor of how neutral it sounds, is 4.56 against 3.53 for the Boston Acoustics A25. Its bass reaches about 77.6Hz before falling 3dB, against 90Hz for the Boston Acoustics A25. Watch for: Bass rolls off early, at 77.6Hz (-3dB) and 54.2Hz (-10dB).
Why pick the Boston Acoustics A25: CEA2034 spinorama is decent once you ignore a peak around 900Hz and a dip around 3kHz: directivity is good enough that the response can be EQed and won’t be too room-dependent. The tradeoff: A crazy port resonance and a tweeter with a steeper rolloff than the woofer both show up in the near-field driver measurements, creating the 900Hz peak and the crossover-region dip.
Buy the Polk Audio XT15. It is rated higher for sound quality and still sold new, while the Boston Acoustics A25 is discontinued.
Want more options? Browse the full Passive Home rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| Polk Audio XT15 | Boston Acoustics A25 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $149.00 per pair | $299.98 per pair Discontinued |
| Ranked | #52 of 160 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers | #59 of 160 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 54.2Hz (measured, spinorama.org) | 55Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 77.6Hz (measured, spinorama.org) | 90Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Dimensions | 16.51 x 18.24cm (6.5 x 7.18 in), 4.08kg (9 lb) each | 10.7H x 7.25W x 8.9D in |
| Impedance | 4/8-ohm compatible | 8 ohms nominal |
| Sensitivity | 86dB (1W/1m) | 85dB (2.83V/1m, measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Drivers | 1” Terylene dome tweeter, 5.25” bi-laminate paper woofer | 1” Kortec soft dome tweeter, 5.25” ceramic/glass-fiber polymer mid/woofer |
| Weight | 9 lbs (4.08 kg) each | 10.1 lbs (4.58 kg) each |
| Woofer Cabinet | Ported | ported, rear |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 4.56 | 3.53 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.31 | 6.19 |
| DIY Kit | No | No |
| Frequency Response | - | 55Hz - 25kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Power Handling | - | 10-150W recommended |
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The Two Speakers In Full
Polk Audio XT15: $149.00 per pair Amazon B&H Photo Video Crutchfield eBay
Same family: the Polk Monitor XT20 (larger bookshelf, rated 3.4/5), the Polk Audio XT60 (smaller floorstanding, rated 3.5/5), the Polk Audio XT70 (larger floorstanding, rated 3.6/5), the Polk Audio XT30 (smaller center, rated 3.6/5), the Polk Audio XT35 (larger center, rated 4.1/5), the Polk Audio Monitor XT10 (smaller subwoofer, estimated 3.1/5) and the Polk Audio Monitor XT12 (larger subwoofer, estimated 3.3/5).
Pros: Very low $149/pair entry price for a Hi-Res Audio Certified 2-way design that’s Dolby Atmos and DTS:X compatible, and works with either 4- or 8-ohm amplifier outputs so it drops into almost any AVR without matching concerns. Off axis sound tracks the on axis response reasonably consistently for the price. Measured bass extension of 77.6Hz (-3dB).
Cons: Bass rolls off early, at 77.6Hz (-3dB) and 54.2Hz (-10dB). On-axis response is relatively uneven, with an average deviation of about 0.45dB, and its listening window is less smooth than pricier speakers. Modest 86dB sensitivity wants a reasonably powered amp channel. The 5.25” bi-laminate paper woofer is Polk’s entry-tier driver, not the polypropylene/Turbine cones used in its pricier Signature Elite/Reserve lines.
Full Polk Audio XT15 review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 54.2Hz (measured, spinorama.org) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 77.6Hz (measured, spinorama.org) |
| DIY Kit | No |
| Dimensions | 16.51 x 18.24cm (6.5 x 7.18 in), 4.08kg (9 lb) each |
| Drivers | 1” Terylene dome tweeter, 5.25” bi-laminate paper woofer |
| Impedance | 4/8-ohm compatible |
| Sensitivity | 86dB (1W/1m) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 4.56 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.31 |
| Weight | 9 lbs (4.08 kg) each |
| Woofer Cabinet | Ported |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
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Boston Acoustics A25: $299.98 per pair Discontinued eBay
Pros: CEA2034 spinorama is decent once you ignore a peak around 900Hz and a dip around 3kHz: directivity is good enough that the response can be EQed and won’t be too room-dependent. Cabinet fit and finish is well above its price class, and dynamics were strong with no distortion audible even at high volume on well-recorded material. Discontinued, but the reviewer suggests hunting for clearance pricing on remaining stock. Measured bass extension of 90Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 85dB.
Cons: A crazy port resonance and a tweeter with a steeper rolloff than the woofer both show up in the near-field driver measurements, creating the 900Hz peak and the crossover-region dip. The rear port itself measured audibly distorted up close, though it wasn’t noticeable from normal listening distance in the reviewer’s room. Discontinued.
Full Boston Acoustics A25 review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 55Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 90Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| DIY Kit | No |
| Dimensions | 10.7H x 7.25W x 8.9D in |
| Drivers | 1” Kortec soft dome tweeter, 5.25” ceramic/glass-fiber polymer mid/woofer |
| Frequency Response | 55Hz - 25kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Impedance | 8 ohms nominal |
| Power Handling | 10-150W recommended |
| Sensitivity | 85dB (2.83V/1m, measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 3.53 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.19 |
| Weight | 10.1 lbs (4.58 kg) each |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, rear |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Boston Acoustics A25 vs Wharfedale Diamond 220
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