Short answer: the Polk Monitor XT20, because the Zu Audio Method’s flaw is the harder one to live with. The Zu is genuinely high-sensitivity, measuring about 90-90.7dB average through the 300Hz-3kHz vocal range, but a severe suckout in the 1.5-3kHz range drops as much as 19dB below the mean and removes attack and clarity from brass and woodwinds. The XT20’s treble is elevated roughly 1-5dB above the midrange, which EQ or toe-out can tame.
Buy the Polk Monitor XT20. It is rated higher for sound quality than the Zu Audio Method and costs less, which makes it the one to get unless you need something the other one does better.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Passive Home rankings.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Polk Monitor XT20 | Zu Audio Method | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $277.50 per pair | $700 per pair |
| Ranked | #157 of 222 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers | #220 of 222 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 43.4Hz (derived, log-interpolated between spinorama.org -9dB/-12dB points) | 56Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 64.5Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 92Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Dimensions | 13”H x 7.5”W x 11”D (330.2 x 190.5 x 279.4 mm) | 15”H x 8.7”W x 11”D (381.0 x 222.0 x 280.0 mm) |
| Impedance | 8 ohms nominal (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 8 ohms |
| Sensitivity | 86dB (measured by Erin’s Audio Corner; 87dB manufacturer specified) | 91dB |
| Drivers | 6.5” bilaminate paper cone woofer, 1” Terylene dome tweeter | 8” coax HE (Eminence/Zu) woofer, Eminence ASD-1001 tweeter |
| Weight | 11.9 lbs (5.4 kg) each | 12.1 lbs (5.5 kg) |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported | ported, front |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 4.71 | 0.25 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.07 | 3.05 |
| DIY Kit | No | No |
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