Note that this is a discontinued product. You may want to visit the brand's page here to browse their newer products.
What reviewers think
Magazine reviewers and YouTubers have tried this product—so we've summarized their strongest opinions below.
Product Strengths
- Every strand of a musical performance is revealed, as well as every instrument's contribution to a song
- Immense power, neutrality, bandwidth, speed, and sheer visceral impact
- A sweet-sounding, refined, and neutral tweeter design makes the sound highly enjoyable
- Convincing, lifelike, and emotionally stirring stereo sound enhances the listening experience
- A benchmark design and a world-class loudspeaker, whether driven actively or passively
Product Considerations
- An amplifier with high current capability is needed to provide enough grip for its powerful drive units
- Careful attention must be paid to positioning
- Placing them too close to a boundary wall will result in bass bloom, requiring an absolute minimum of 18″ from the rear wall—3′ would be even better
- Visually, the purposeful looks aren't as pretty as something like a Bowers & Wilkins Nautilus 801 D4
- Active loudspeakers are heavier than their passive counterparts
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The SCM50 benefits from a little extra volume and has a bigger and more powerful bass driver, compared to the ATC SCM40
Takeaway: The ATC SCM50SLT is a world-class loudspeaker designed to reveal every detail in music. It is a benchmark design that offers incredible power, neutrality, and impact, making for a life-enhancing listening experience.
How useful are hifi reviews? We consider them useful for three things: (1) Surfacing new products you should demo in person at a dealer. (2) Learning which products reviewers unanimously praise as the best they've ever heard (this means they probably are legitimately great). (3) Identifying a product's unique attributes that satisfy your idiosyncratic needs and tastes. Beyond that, we discount what reviewers say because they heap praise on everything—rarely being negative for fear of souring relationships with manufacturers. Further, they seldom have more than a couple products on-hand at once, relying on their imperfect memories to compare to past products.
Video Review
Compared to their other products
We think it's helpful to understand how this product fits into the brand's full lineup (below). To learn more about these products, visit the brand's page.
SCM7 MK3
- Positioning: The entry-level model in ATC's loudspeaker lineup.
- Description: Features a compact design and precise sound, with a 25mm soft dome tweeter and a 125mm mid-bass driver. Compared to the SCM19, it offers a smaller footprint, making it ideal for small rooms or desktop setups, but it lacks the larger bass driver and higher sensitivity found in the SCM19.
SCM19
- Positioning: A mid-range model in the Entry Series, offering a balance between performance and size.
- Description: Features an "SL" spec bass driver and 75mm integral soft dome, providing excellent phase coherence and bass response. It offers a more robust soundstage than the SCM7 MK3.
SCM19A
- Positioning: An active version of the SCM19, positioned as a higher-end option within the Entry Series.
- Description: Includes an on-board 182-watt Class A/B bi-amplifier, delivering enhanced sound clarity and power. It uses active crossover filters, unlike the passive SCM19, which requires external amplification.
SCM40A
- Positioning: The groundbreaking flagship model of the Entry Series, offering the most advanced features and performance.
- Description: Equipped with a tri-amplifier system and a 164mm bass driver, providing exceptional sound quality and dynamic range. It surpasses the SCM19A with its additional mid-range driver and higher power output.
See all the brand's products
Read the reviews
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An excellent review of a great product
/
Publisher
/
3/1/2022
An excellent review of a great product
Publisher
/
3/1/2022
SCM50SLT
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No items found.
Manufacturer's notes
The SCM50 ASLT (active) and SCM50 PSLT (passive) towers are designed to offer exceptional performance and enjoyment to the home hi-fi enthusiast and music lover. The monitors' ability to reproduce music and speech with phenomenal accuracy, transparency and dynamics lies mainly in the SM75-150S soft dome midrange driver.
The SCM50 ASLT (active) and SCM50 PSLT (passive) towers are designed to offer exceptional performance and enjoyment to the home hi-fi enthusiast and music lover. The monitors' ability to reproduce music and speech with phenomenal accuracy, transparency and dynamics lies mainly in the SM75-150S soft dome midrange driver. However, recent modifications that include the new ATC SH25-76S tweeter and enhanced port profile have brought about further improvements to all performance parameters.
Each drive unit in the active model has its own dedicated and individually matched MOS-FET amplifier, while the 234mm/9″ bass driver incorporates ATC's unique Super Linear Magnet technology. Our active crossover network consists of a wide band-width, electronically balanced input stage with high common mode rejection and very low distortion.
Like the HF, mid and bass drivers, all electronics are designed and manufactured in-house to create a no-compromise active system. In passive form, the SCM50PSLT provides broad and symmetrical dispersion, excellent amplitude and phase characteristics throughout the frequency range.
Each drive unit in the active model has its own dedicated and individually matched MOS-FET amplifier, while the 234mm/9″ bass driver incorporates ATC's unique Super Linear Magnet technology. Our active crossover network consists of a wide band-width, electronically balanced input stage with high common mode rejection and very low distortion.
Like the HF, mid and bass drivers, all electronics are designed and manufactured in-house to create a no-compromise active system. In passive form, the SCM50PSLT provides broad and symmetrical dispersion, excellent amplitude and phase characteristics throughout the frequency range.
Manufacturer Specs
- Drivers: HF 25mm ATC SH25-76S, Mid 75mmATC Soft Dome, LF 234mm Super Linear
- Amplitude Linearity (±2dB): 70Hz – 20kHz
- Frequency Response (-6dB): 40Hz & 25kHz
- Matched Response: ±0.5dB
- Dispersion: ±80° Coherent Horizontal ±10° Coherent Vertical
- Sensitivity: 85dB @ 1W @ 1m
- Max continuous SPL @1m: 112dB SPL
- Crossover Frequency: 380Hz & 3.5kHz
- Nominal Impedance: 8 ohms (5.5 ohms min)
- Cabinet Dimensions (HxWxD): 1003 x 304 x 470mm / 39.49 x 11.97 x 18.50"
- Weight: 45.5kg
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Average Price
$500
Used Products
40
Available (Scroll Down)
Brand Popularity
45
of 600+
Badges
Top 50 Brand
Top 250 Brand
Products
56
Founded
1974
Our take on the brand
ATC is distinguished by manufacturing all drivers in-house and using a unique dual-suspension system in their tweeters that enhances stability without ferro-fluid. The brand, widely used in recording studios, features sealed cabinet designs for tight bass control and a proprietary 75mm soft-dome midrange driver that delivers precise, uncolored sound.
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Used
ATC
What if you spend a bit more?
RP-8000F II
749
749
/
9
Reviews
Klipsch
Klipsch is renowned for its pioneering use of horn-loaded technology in speakers, which enhances efficiency and reduces distortion through their signature Tractrix Horn design. The brand's distinctive "Klipsch sound" is characterized by a bright, dynamic audio profile that some find exhilarating.
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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Flat in-room frequency response, especially from 200 Hz upwards, contributes to accurate sound reproduction
- Amplifier and receiver friendly due to its high sensitivity and 8-ohm impedance, performing well with entry-level to flagship AV receivers and amplifiers
- The new, larger Tractrix horn waveguide design offers improved directivity control and high-frequency focus
- Excels in dynamics, delivering raw impact and presence that enhances the excitement of movies and gaming, as well as rock and electronica music
Product Considerations
- Treble might become fatiguing with lesser recordings or at higher volumes, and may not be agreeable with all genres for listeners seeking a very smooth top end
- The midrange, while linear, isn't completely neutral due to some cabinet resonance, adding extra energy that may or may not be desirable depending on listener preference
- For true full-range playback, a subwoofer is required to compensate for the lack of deep bass extension
- The vinyl finish may disappoint fans of natural materials
- Best listened at within a 5-degree angle, and listening at a height level with the tweeter is clearly the best choice
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs. Polk R700: R700 is a more versatile all-rounder, but preferred for rock and electronica
- Vs. Sonus Faber Lumina 5: The Sonus Faber is better built and looks nicer, but more refined
- Vs. Q Acoustics Concept 50s: The Concept 50s image a little better, disappear just a little bit better, and they are exceptional off-axis, but do not play as low
- Vs. Heco Aurora 1000: The Heco is more linear across the range
- Vs. SVS Prime Pinnacle: The SVS Prime Pinnacle has a tweeter that is lower in level, offering a warmer sound
Takeaway: The Klipsch RP-8000F Mark II is a speaker that brings a dynamic sound to movies, gaming, and music. For speakers that are easy to set up, are amplifier-friendly and deliver punchy, clear audio, these could be a great option.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Klipsch is renowned for its pioneering use of horn-loaded technology in speakers, which enhances efficiency and reduces distortion through their signature Tractrix Horn design. The brand's distinctive "Klipsch sound" is characterized by a bright, dynamic audio profile that some find exhilarating.
Visit our
RP-8000F II
page
Product Page
LRS+
995
995
/
9
Reviews
Magnepan
Following in the footsteps of the highly acclaimed LRS, the LRS+ takes it up a notch. "This is another slam-dunk POY (Product of the Year) nominee, and, IMO, the best buy (along with the MG1.7i) in an affordable loudspeaker for modest-sized rooms.” 2022 Golden Ear Award. Jonathan Valin, October 7th, 2022
Magnepan is known for their unique planar magnetic speakers that use thin Mylar film and aluminum foil strips instead of traditional speaker cones, creating sound from both front and back of the panel for a more natural, box-less sound. Their speakers are particularly appealing for jazz and classical music listeners due to their lifelike reproduction of acoustic instruments, and they're popular among audiophiles for offering high-end performance at relatively affordable prices.
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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Creates a very open and transparent soundstage, which crosses the threshold of believability in a small to medium-sized room
- Low distortion, especially in the midrange and upper bass, making listeners realize how imperfectly transparent many speakers are
- Highly resolving, with impressive performance on acoustical instruments and vocal reproduction
- Offers a unique and remarkable experience due to the story and love behind the speaker's creation
- Presents a challenge, helping users understand speaker positions as the sound changes completely with movement
- Considered 'eminently affordable' and provides incredible sound for the price
Product Considerations
- Requires significant time to install, tweak, and dial in due to its dipole design, making positioning critical
- Bass is not powerful—it doesn't do pounding bass, and listeners won't feel the bass pounding on their chest, so a subwoofer might be needed, especially for rock, pop, dance, and electronic music
- Needs good power and high current to sound clean and not cause fatigue, it is not a powerful-sounding speaker
- The stand included is considered subpar and not very versatile
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs the original LRS, the LRS+ has ameliorated treble, has smoother upper mids, and has a reduced nosedive in the power range and midbass
Takeaway: The Magnepan LRS+ is a special speaker with an open soundstage, great details, and makes music sound real and enjoyable. Though not perfect, it is well worth buying because it offers an excellent way to experience a panel speaker without spending too much.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Magnepan is known for their unique planar magnetic speakers that use thin Mylar film and aluminum foil strips instead of traditional speaker cones, creating sound from both front and back of the panel for a more natural, box-less sound. Their speakers are particularly appealing for jazz and classical music listeners due to their lifelike reproduction of acoustic instruments, and they're popular among audiophiles for offering high-end performance at relatively affordable prices.
Visit our
LRS+
page
Product Page
Emit 30
849
849
/
9
Reviews
Dynaudio
Dynaudio is a hifi speaker brand known for its unique external voice-coil construction, which allows for larger voice coils that improve thermal power handling and reduce thermal compression. The brand has a heritage in professional sound production and uses advanced materials like the Esotar 40 tweeter and rare 240mm drivers to deliver superior dynamic realism and headroom.
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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- The Emit 30 delivers a satisfying and full-bodied sound, particularly excelling in the midrange, making vocals, piano, strings, and horns sound 'right'
- Bass performance is impressive for its size, delivering clean, fast, and airy bass with low distortion
- Good clarity and detail, rendering a wide range of recordings
- Good dynamics and energy, making music lively and engaging
- Top-notch build quality
Product Considerations
- The Emit 30's presentation might favor sophistication over excitement, with rhythmic drive being somewhat muted
- High-frequency non-linearity
- Some reviewers found the upper frequencies 'off', sometimes a little too soft
- The vinyl finish may be a drawback for some, as it is not as luxurious as real wood veneers
- Speakers like a bit of power
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Triangle Comet: The Emit 30 is rich, warm, and sweet, whereas the Comet is fast, quick, hyper-detailed, and exciting
- Vs KEF LS50 Meta: The Emit 30 gives a more complete, full-bodied sound, while the LS50 offers clearer vocals and more air
Takeaway: The Dynaudio Emit 30 is a well-rounded speaker that offers a satisfying and engaging listening experience with impressive bass and midrange performance. It's a great value for those seeking a refined and capable floorstanding speaker without breaking the bank.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Dynaudio is a hifi speaker brand known for its unique external voice-coil construction, which allows for larger voice coils that improve thermal power handling and reduce thermal compression. The brand has a heritage in professional sound production and uses advanced materials like the Esotar 40 tweeter and rare 240mm drivers to deliver superior dynamic realism and headroom.
Visit our
Emit 30
page
Product Page
AE109²
999
999
/
8
Reviews
Acoustic Energy
The AE109² is designed to offer effortless, room filling performance from a slim-line floor-standing loudspeaker in much the same way the world acclaimed original AE109 did 20 years ago. To do this, two 130mm paper drivers utilising an ultra-high force motor system are used in partnership with a 25mm soft dome tweeter. The 2.5-way crossover features a unique topology allowing integration and power handling previously un-achievable from this type of speaker. Particular attention has been paid to the phase and time alignment for the most cohesive performance possible. Like the AE100² stand-mount speaker, the driver and crossover are housed within a substantial 15mm HDF cabinet that takes styling cues from the award winning 500 Series. The result is an audio product with clean and uncluttered lines that can still deliver the thrilling and powerful presentation Acoustic Energy owners have come to expect. Black and walnut vinyl veneer finishes are available.
Acoustic Energy is a hifi speaker brand known for its unique 3.5-way Corinium design that separates bass drivers from midrange and tweeter, creating sound similar to a standmount speaker with a bass module. Their speakers feature distinctive materials like coconut husk-paper blend drivers and carbon fiber domes, along with specialized cabinet designs using inert mass damping to reduce coloration and enhance clarity.
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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Well-rounded sound for the price
- Easy to drive with various amplifiers
- Easy to place in a room, even close to a wall, thanks to the rear slot port design
- Wide sound dispersion, making them suitable for enjoying with friends and family
- Smooth, warm, and non-fatiguing sound, suitable for long listening sessions
Product Considerations
- Bass can sometimes muddy the midrange, especially with tone controls that increase bass
- Soundstage depth may fall a bit short compared to more expensive speakers
- The provided spikes attach directly to the base of the cabinet, which could affect side-to-side stability
- Accessories could be better
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Magnepan LRS+—AE109² easier to own, less finicky with amp requirements and placement, and better for sharing due to wider sweet spot, though Magnepan sounds better
- Vs DALI Spektor 6—AE109² presents a genuine challenge, with better looks, though DALI has more 'fizz' of excitement
Takeaway: The AE109² is a budget-friendly floorstanding speaker that provides a balanced and enjoyable listening experience, especially for those prioritizing ease of placement and a wide soundstage. These speakers are a great option for creating a solid system.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Acoustic Energy is a hifi speaker brand known for its unique 3.5-way Corinium design that separates bass drivers from midrange and tweeter, creating sound similar to a standmount speaker with a bass module. Their speakers feature distinctive materials like coconut husk-paper blend drivers and carbon fiber domes, along with specialized cabinet designs using inert mass damping to reduce coloration and enhance clarity.
Visit our
AE109²
page
Product Page
What else competes at this price?
Reserve R500
455
/
Released
2021
Polk
Offering a balance of size and power, the R500 loudspeaker is perfect for both listening in a stereo pair or within a surround system. It delivers standout sound from a narrow, elegant cabinet that seamlessly fits into any room.
Polk’s been a major player in the audio world since the ’70s, though they don’t always get the same attention from hi-fi reviewers as some other brands. But they know their niche—mass-market, entry-level products that perform way better than you’d expect for the price. Their R200 model, for example, gets called one of the best under $1,000. If you’re looking for solid performance without spending a fortune, Polk’s stuff is hard to beat.
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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Sleek design with a balanced aesthetic
- Big, warm, and muscular sounding presentation
- Treble response is a little elevated, yet very easy to listen to
- Midrange has a warm, full-bodied sound with real scale and density
- Imaging is a strong suit, providing a good locked-in center image and wide soundstage
Product Considerations
- The speaker can sound shouty in the higher frequencies, specifically around 4-6kHz
- Bass can be too strong—thick in some rooms, and a subwoofer might be needed for deep bass
- High frequencies narrow rapidly when not aimed directly at the listener, reducing 'air'
- The up-firing Dolby Atmos configuration may not be the best immersive experience
- Dynamic output is okay but not as agile as other speakers
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The R500 has more emphasis in the treble, richer midrange, stronger bass, and better imaging compared to the Elac Debut Reference Series, while the Elac Debut Reference Series is more balanced sounding
- The R500 is easier to work with, has a fuller mid-range scale, and stronger bass compared to the Wharfedale Evo line, while the Wharfedale Evo line has greater resolution and refinement
- The R500 is smoother, more forgiving of poor recordings, has a warmer midrange, stronger bass, and superior imaging compared to Klipsch
- Driver integration and bass are better than the Triangle Borea Series, while the Borea series has a more open and brighter sound
- The R500 is smoother, more resolute, has better driver integration, a fuller mid-range, stronger bass, and better imaging compared to the Polk Signature Line
Takeaway: The Polk R500 is a good speaker overall and offers a big, warm sound that works well with most music. It's a stylish speaker that offers great value and ease of use.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Polk’s been a major player in the audio world since the ’70s, though they don’t always get the same attention from hi-fi reviewers as some other brands. But they know their niche—mass-market, entry-level products that perform way better than you’d expect for the price. Their R200 model, for example, gets called one of the best under $1,000. If you’re looking for solid performance without spending a fortune, Polk’s stuff is hard to beat.
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Reserve R500
Page
Product Page
Monitor XT60
249
/
Released
2021
Polk
Monitor XT60 maximizes the enjoyment of movies, music, and gaming, with energetic and dynamic, high-resolution sound featuring effortless bass. Ideal for front left and right, or as side or rear surrounds in your high-performance home theater, MXT tower loudspeakers provide more bass and depth of sound than bookshelf speakers and are the best choice for serious movie and music enthusiasts.
Polk’s been a major player in the audio world since the ’70s, though they don’t always get the same attention from hi-fi reviewers as some other brands. But they know their niche—mass-market, entry-level products that perform way better than you’d expect for the price. Their R200 model, for example, gets called one of the best under $1,000. If you’re looking for solid performance without spending a fortune, Polk’s stuff is hard to beat.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Good neutral response top to bottom
- Detailed and articulate treble response without being too forward or bright
- Excellent soundstage and dynamics for the price
- Bass is weighty and deeper feeling than its measurements convey
- Nice looking exterior, especially for the price
Product Considerations
- Bass requires a subwoofer for full-range playback
- Tweeter can lose composure at high volumes
- Can require more volume than some other speakers
- With aggressive music, mid-range and low frequencies can sound like a traffic jam
- Grills are thin and flimsy
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Versus Klipsch R800F, the Polk XT60 is better, the R800F has messier bass, cabinet distortion, and port noise
- Versus Polk R700, the R700 is a demonstrably better loudspeaker with better bass, a better ability to handle volume and dynamic swings, and unflappable high frequencies
Takeaway: The Polk XT60 is a great entry-level tower speaker that offers surprisingly accurate sound and good performance for the price. It's a solid choice for building a home theater system or enjoying music.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Polk’s been a major player in the audio world since the ’70s, though they don’t always get the same attention from hi-fi reviewers as some other brands. But they know their niche—mass-market, entry-level products that perform way better than you’d expect for the price. Their R200 model, for example, gets called one of the best under $1,000. If you’re looking for solid performance without spending a fortune, Polk’s stuff is hard to beat.
Visit
Monitor XT60
Page
Product Page
Monitor 60 Series II
189
/
Released
Polk
The reborn monitor Series is classic Polk: a quality-built, affordable line of high-performance loudspeakers for music and Home theater. They are highly efficient, so they can be driven easily by unpretentious receivers, and they are voice matched for lifelike surround sound.
Polk’s been a major player in the audio world since the ’70s, though they don’t always get the same attention from hi-fi reviewers as some other brands. But they know their niche—mass-market, entry-level products that perform way better than you’d expect for the price. Their R200 model, for example, gets called one of the best under $1,000. If you’re looking for solid performance without spending a fortune, Polk’s stuff is hard to beat.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Good, solid build quality
- Wide dispersed soundstage
- Good bass, and a subwoofer is not usually needed
- Punch higher than their price should be
- The drivers are specially designed for the mid-century to reproduce its noise, in addition to a more significant dispersion
Product Considerations
- The crystal clear and sharp noise is insufficient for the complete noise operation
- To receive the optimal adventure, one ought to use a surround sound installation having a subwoofer, rear or front
- Clients that are searching for an entire audio performance aren't advocating this item
- Amazon alone urges mixing the speakers together with all the Polk Audio PSW10 10-inch Driven Subwoofer, and also the Polk Audio CS10 Center Channel Speaker
- Polk Audio does not sell these anymore
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The Polk Audio Monitor 60 Series 2 had a more neutral—balanced sound than Klipsch speakers
Takeaway: The Polk Audio Monitor 60 Series 2 speakers sound very good and look stylish, making them a great option for people on a budget or with smaller rooms. They offer good quality audio for everyday use and fill the room with sound.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Polk’s been a major player in the audio world since the ’70s, though they don’t always get the same attention from hi-fi reviewers as some other brands. But they know their niche—mass-market, entry-level products that perform way better than you’d expect for the price. Their R200 model, for example, gets called one of the best under $1,000. If you’re looking for solid performance without spending a fortune, Polk’s stuff is hard to beat.
Visit
Monitor 60 Series II
Page
Product Page
NS-777
479
/
Released
Yamaha
Enhance your home with the NS-777 high performance home theater floor standing speakers.
Yamaha pioneered the concept of hifi with their first hifi player in 1954 and was the first to use pure beryllium diaphragms in their NS-1000M speakers, which became a benchmark for professional studios. The brand uniquely integrates their musical instrument expertise into their audio equipment design, allowing them to accurately replicate the sound of their instruments through their audio systems.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Super attractive and beautiful to look at
- Hard hitting speaker
- A lot of mid-bass, very authoritative
- Very strong bass
- Good efficiency
Product Considerations
- Piano black finish is a fingerprint magnet and prone to micro scratches
- Vocals aren't the last word in clarity
- Not an audiophile speaker
- Highs were ok, but metallic
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Faithfulness to horns is not as good as Klipsch
- Doesn't have the same instrument separation as Polk
Takeaway: The NS-777 speakers are beautiful and fun to listen to, especially for rock and hip-hop music, because of their hard-hitting sound and strong bass. They are efficient and provide a satisfying musical experience.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Yamaha pioneered the concept of hifi with their first hifi player in 1954 and was the first to use pure beryllium diaphragms in their NS-1000M speakers, which became a benchmark for professional studios. The brand uniquely integrates their musical instrument expertise into their audio equipment design, allowing them to accurately replicate the sound of their instruments through their audio systems.
Visit
NS-777
Page
Product Page
Monitor XT70
349
/
Released
2021
Polk
The highest performing loudspeaker in the Monitor XT line, the MXT70 maximizes your enjoyment of music, movies, TV and gaming. With its dual 6.5" Dynamic Balance woofers and 8" passive bass radiators, and Hi-Res Audio certified tweeter, the MXT70 will fill your home with powerful, high-resolution sound with crystal clear highs and deep, effortless bass.
Polk’s been a major player in the audio world since the ’70s, though they don’t always get the same attention from hi-fi reviewers as some other brands. But they know their niche—mass-market, entry-level products that perform way better than you’d expect for the price. Their R200 model, for example, gets called one of the best under $1,000. If you’re looking for solid performance without spending a fortune, Polk’s stuff is hard to beat.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Ample sub-bass response eliminates the need for a separate subwoofer
- Performs very well in movies, providing a cinematic experience
- Sounds natural with ample clarity for vocal separation when used for movies
Product Considerations
- The veneer finish looks basic and somewhat cheap
- When the volume is pushed, the bass becomes more bloomy, and the mids become slightly more confused—mid performance and bass are areas of weakness
- It isn't geared toward audiophiles looking for pure fidelity, and other speakers may outperform it in detail retrieval and technical aspects for music listening
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Polk ES60: The Polk ES60 has a far more stylized housing
- Vs Emotiva B1+: The Emotiva B1+ significantly outperforms it in detail retrieval and technicals for music listening
Takeaway: The Polk Monitor XT70 is a versatile speaker, great for both movies and music, especially because it delivers a powerful bass response. It's an ideal choice for anyone looking to simplify their setup and enjoy an immersive sound experience without needing extra equipment.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Polk’s been a major player in the audio world since the ’70s, though they don’t always get the same attention from hi-fi reviewers as some other brands. But they know their niche—mass-market, entry-level products that perform way better than you’d expect for the price. Their R200 model, for example, gets called one of the best under $1,000. If you’re looking for solid performance without spending a fortune, Polk’s stuff is hard to beat.
Visit
Monitor XT70
Page
Product Page
Note that this is a discontinued product. You may want to visit the brand's page here to browse their newer products.
What reviewers think
Magazine reviewers and YouTubers have tried this product—so we've summarized their strongest opinions below.
Product Strengths
- Every strand of a musical performance is revealed, as well as every instrument's contribution to a song
- Immense power, neutrality, bandwidth, speed, and sheer visceral impact
- A sweet-sounding, refined, and neutral tweeter design makes the sound highly enjoyable
- Convincing, lifelike, and emotionally stirring stereo sound enhances the listening experience
- A benchmark design and a world-class loudspeaker, whether driven actively or passively
Product Considerations
- An amplifier with high current capability is needed to provide enough grip for its powerful drive units
- Careful attention must be paid to positioning
- Placing them too close to a boundary wall will result in bass bloom, requiring an absolute minimum of 18″ from the rear wall—3′ would be even better
- Visually, the purposeful looks aren't as pretty as something like a Bowers & Wilkins Nautilus 801 D4
- Active loudspeakers are heavier than their passive counterparts
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The SCM50 benefits from a little extra volume and has a bigger and more powerful bass driver, compared to the ATC SCM40
Takeaway: The ATC SCM50SLT is a world-class loudspeaker designed to reveal every detail in music. It is a benchmark design that offers incredible power, neutrality, and impact, making for a life-enhancing listening experience.
How useful are hifi reviews? We consider them useful for three things: (1) Surfacing new products you should demo in person at a dealer. (2) Learning which products reviewers unanimously praise as the best they've ever heard (this means they probably are legitimately great). (3) Identifying a product's unique attributes that satisfy your idiosyncratic needs and tastes. Beyond that, we discount what reviewers say because they heap praise on everything—rarely being negative for fear of souring relationships with manufacturers. Further, they seldom have more than a couple products on-hand at once, relying on their imperfect memories to compare to past products.
Video Review
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How to buy
Speakers
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