Short answer: the Revel M105 for better sound quality, the Polk Audio XT15 for the lower price. The Revel M105 ranks #11 of 63 bookshelf speakers at $1500. The Polk Audio XT15 ranks #26 at $179, $1321 cheaper.
The case for the Revel M105: CEA2034 spinorama shows an essentially flat on-axis response with only a small 5kHz peak, a smooth listening window, and clean waterfall decay. The catch: Low nominal impedance demands a capable amplifier that can handle low-impedance loads.
What the Polk Audio XT15 offers: Very low $179/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. Set against that: Bass rolls off earlier than most of this batch at 77.6Hz (-3dB) / 54.2Hz (-10dB).
Buy the Revel M105 if sound quality matters more than the price. Buy the Polk Audio XT15 if the price matters more than sound quality.
Specifications Side By Side
| Revel M105 | Polk Audio XT15 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1500 Discontinued | $179 |
| Ranked | #11 of 63 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers | #26 of 63 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 75Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 77.6Hz (measured, spinorama.org) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 58Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 54.2Hz (measured, spinorama.org) |
| Discontinued | Yes | - |
| Sensitivity | 85dB (2.83V/1m, measured, Audio Science Review) | 86dB (1W/1m) |
| Impedance | 8 ohms nominal, low minimum | 4/8-ohm compatible |
| Frequency Response | 60Hz - 44kHz (+/-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) | - |
| Drivers | 5.25" aluminum cone woofer, 1" aluminum tweeter with acoustic lens waveguide | 1" Terylene dome tweeter, 5.25" bi-laminate paper woofer |
| Weight | 15.4 lbs / 7 kg each | 9 lbs / 4.08 kg (9 lb) each |
| Dimensions | 14"H x 7.9"W x 9.8"D (355.6 x 200.7 x 248.9 mm) | 16.51 x 18.24cm (6.5 x 7.18 in), 4.08kg (9 lb) each |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, rear | Ported |
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The Two Speakers In Full
Revel M105: $1500 Discontinued
Pros: CEA2034 spinorama shows an essentially flat on-axis response with only a small 5kHz peak, a smooth listening window, and clean waterfall decay. Wide horizontal dispersion gives flexibility with toe-in. The reviewer called it reference-quality performance with minor EQ correction applied.
Cons: Low nominal impedance demands a capable amplifier that can handle low-impedance loads. Bass distortion runs high in the 80-250Hz range from woofer displacement, and maximum output is limited compared to larger designs. Discontinued.
Full Revel M105 review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 58Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 75Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Dimensions | 14"H x 7.9"W x 9.8"D (355.6 x 200.7 x 248.9 mm) |
| Discontinued | Yes |
| Drivers | 5.25" aluminum cone woofer, 1" aluminum tweeter with acoustic lens waveguide |
| Frequency Response | 60Hz - 44kHz (+/-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Impedance | 8 ohms nominal, low minimum |
| Sensitivity | 85dB (2.83V/1m, measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Weight | 15.4 lbs / 7 kg each |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, rear |
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Polk Audio XT15: $179 Amazon Bhphotovideo Crutchfield
Pros: Very low $179/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. Directivity spread is reasonably even for the price (directivity_spdi_stddev 3.60).
Cons: Bass rolls off earlier than most of this batch at 77.6Hz (-3dB) / 54.2Hz (-10dB). On-axis deviation is the roughest measured figure here (aad_on_axis 0.449), and listening-window smoothness (0.303) trails the pricier options in this group. 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) |
| 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) |
| Weight | 9 lbs / 4.08 kg (9 lb) each |
| Woofer Cabinet | Ported |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
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