Short answer: the KEF Q350 for directivity, the Polk Monitor XT20 for cost. The Q350’s coaxial Uni-Q driver gives it a reasonably flat on-axis response with excellent directivity, though two resonances at 700Hz and 1.2kHz show up on axis alongside an upper-bass boost. The XT20’s treble runs roughly 1-5dB above the midrange, a family trait that needs EQ or toe-out to tame.
Buy the Polk Monitor XT20. It is rated higher for sound quality, and the KEF Q350 is discontinued, so it is only available used.
Want more options? Browse the full Passive Home rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| Polk Monitor XT20 | KEF Q350 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $279.00 per pair | $699.00 per pair Discontinued |
| Ranked | #93 of 134 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers | #109 of 134 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 43.4Hz (derived, log-interpolated between spinorama.org -9dB/-12dB points) | 38Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 64.5Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 70Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Dimensions | 13”H x 7.5”W x 11”D (330.2 x 190.5 x 279.4 mm) | 14.1”H x 8.3”W x 12”D (358.0 x 210.0 x 306.0 mm) |
| Impedance | 8 ohms nominal (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 4 ohms |
| Sensitivity | 86dB (measured by Erin’s Audio Corner; 87dB manufacturer specified) | 86dB (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Drivers | 6.5” bilaminate paper cone woofer, 1” Terylene dome tweeter | 25mm tweeter + 165mm woofer |
| Weight | 11.9 lbs (5.4 kg) each | 29.5 lbs (13.4 kg) |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported | ported, rear |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 4.71 | 5.25 (spinorama.org) |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.07 | 7.12 (spinorama.org) |
| DIY Kit | No | No |
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The Two Speakers In Full
Polk Monitor XT20: $279.00 per pair Amazon Crutchfield eBay
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. Measured bass extension of 64.5Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 86dB.
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) | 43.4Hz (derived, log-interpolated between spinorama.org -9dB/-12dB points) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 64.5Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| DIY Kit | No |
| 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) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 4.71 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.07 |
| Weight | 11.9 lbs (5.4 kg) each |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Erin’s Audio Corner: Polk’s new budget XT Speakers. Reviewed! More from Erin’s Audio Corner →
- Erin’s Audio Corner Website Polk Monitor XT20
- Erin’s Audio Corner: 10 Great (and Terrible) Speakers Under $300!
- Erin’s Audio Corner: Budget Stereo Systems You Will Love
- Erin’s Audio Corner Measurements (spinorama.org)
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KEF Q350: $699.00 per pair Discontinued Amazon eBay
Newer model: the KEF Q3 Meta, ranked higher, rated 3.4/5.
Pros: CEA2034 spinorama shows a reasonably flat on-axis response with excellent directivity, aided by the coaxial Uni-Q driver. Vertical directivity is better than most non-coaxial two-way speakers, another benefit of the concentric design. Measured bass extension of 70Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 86dB.
Cons: Two resonances at 700Hz and 1.2kHz show up on-axis, alongside an upper-bass boost. Predicted in-room response looks a bit boomy as a result. Distortion climbs substantially in the 100Hz-1kHz range at 96dB SPL/1m, with a distinct resonance-driven peak around 900Hz-1kHz at both test levels. Discontinued.
Full KEF Q350 review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 38Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 70Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| DIY Kit | No |
| Dimensions | 14.1”H x 8.3”W x 12”D (358.0 x 210.0 x 306.0 mm) |
| Drivers | 25mm tweeter + 165mm woofer |
| Impedance | 4 ohms |
| Sensitivity | 86dB (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 5.25 (spinorama.org) |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.12 (spinorama.org) |
| Weight | 29.5 lbs (13.4 kg) |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, rear |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons