Short answer: the Polk Monitor XT20, if you are buying new. The Revel Concerta2 M16 ranks higher than it (#61 vs #143 of 203 bookshelf speakers, 4.1/5 vs 3.4/5) but is discontinued, so only consider it used; the Polk Monitor XT20 is still sold new at $179.
Why pick the Polk Monitor XT20: 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.
The Revel Concerta2 M16 is the better-sounding choice. CEA2034 spinorama shows an on-axis response that’s essentially flat from 200Hz to 10kHz, with some bass boost around 100Hz. The tradeoff: Harmonic distortion shows a notable peak around 80Hz and a sharp spike around 350Hz, plus the woofer appears to get a bit unhappy right before handing off to the tweeter.
Buy the Polk Monitor XT20 if you want one new; the Revel Concerta2 M16 is discontinued, so only look for it used.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Passive Home rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| Polk Monitor XT20 | Revel Concerta2 M16 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $179.00 per pair | $600 per pair used (about), Discontinued |
| Ranked | #143 of 203 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers | #61 of 203 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 43.4Hz (derived, log-interpolated between spinorama.org -9dB/-12dB points) | 41.6Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 64.5Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 60.1Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Dimensions | 13”H x 7.5”W x 11”D (330.2 x 190.5 x 279.4 mm) | 14.8”H x 8.6”W x 10.8”D (374.7 x 218.4 x 273.3 mm) |
| Impedance | 8 ohms nominal (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 6 ohms |
| Sensitivity | 86dB (measured by Erin’s Audio Corner; 87dB manufacturer specified) | 86dB |
| Drivers | 6.5” bilaminate paper cone woofer, 1” Terylene dome tweeter | 25mm tweeter + 165mm woofer |
| Weight | 11.9 lbs (5.4 kg) each | 32 lbs (14.5 kg) |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported | ported, rear |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 4.71 | 5.06 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.07 | 7.28 |
| DIY Kit | No | No |
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The Two Speakers In Full
Polk Monitor XT20: $179.00 per pair Amazon Crutchfield eBay
Older model: the Polk Audio Monitor 40 Series II (rated 3.2/5).
Same family: the Polk Audio XT15 (smaller bookshelf, rated 3.7/5), 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: 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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Revel Concerta2 M16: $600 per pair used (about) Discontinued eBay
Same family: the Revel Concerta2 F35 (smaller floorstanding, rated 4.5/5), the Revel Concerta2 F36 (larger floorstanding, estimated 4.6/5) and the Revel Concerta2 C25 (center, rated 4.1/5).
Pros: CEA2034 spinorama shows an on-axis response that’s essentially flat from 200Hz to 10kHz, with some bass boost around 100Hz. Predicted in-room response is very nice, with just extra bass and a bit of roll-off above 20kHz: the reviewer calls it “nice!” Distortion is well controlled through most of the range at both test levels. Measured bass extension of 60.1Hz (-3dB).
Cons: Harmonic distortion shows a notable peak around 80Hz and a sharp spike around 350Hz, plus the woofer appears to get a bit unhappy right before handing off to the tweeter. Cumulative spectral decay (waterfall) shows some lingering resonances in the 300Hz-1kHz region. The reviewer cautions not to over-cover the cabinet/grille area with thin fabric, as it can audibly affect the top-end response. Discontinued.
Full Revel Concerta2 M16 review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 41.6Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 60.1Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| DIY Kit | No |
| Dimensions | 14.8”H x 8.6”W x 10.8”D (374.7 x 218.4 x 273.3 mm) |
| Drivers | 25mm tweeter + 165mm woofer |
| Impedance | 6 ohms |
| Sensitivity | 86dB |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 5.06 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.28 |
| Weight | 32 lbs (14.5 kg) |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, rear |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
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