Website author headshot
Cameron Oatley
ExtremeHiFi
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi

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

Bloggers and YouTubers have tried this product—so we've summarized their strongest opinions below. Links to full reviews follow.

Product Strengths

  • Versatile and sounds good with a wide variety of components and music genres
  • Balanced and natural tone with a richness in the character, making for an engaging listening experience
  • Smooth treble, easy to listen to even on less-than-perfect recordings, with some expression and liveliness
  • Good dynamic output, able to handle crescendos well, surprising for its size
  • Excellent driver integration for a seamless sound

Product Considerations

  • Small speakers sound their size and are not meant for loud volumes or filling large rooms
  • May not be the best choice for those who prefer a V-curve sound—boosted treble and bass
  • Driver integration is less seamless in a near field environment
  • Some reviewers noticed port noise with certain bass tracks
  • Low sensitivity, requiring a good amplifier with sufficient power

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Compared to PMC DB1 Golds, the Evoke 10 is better overall in a traditional two-channel system with better driver integration and a warmer, richer sound, while the PMC DB1 Golds are better in a near field desktop environment
  • Compared to KEF R3, the R3 sounds bigger with more impactful low end
  • Compared to System Audio Legend SA5, the Evoke 10 is not as lively and dynamic

Takeaway: The Dynaudio Evoke 10 is a well-rounded speaker with a balanced sound and a touch of richness, making it enjoyable for various music genres. It is a great option for those seeking a quality monitor that delivers an engaging and easy-to-listen-to experience.

What are hifi reviews useful for? (1) Identifying products you should demo in person at a dealer. (2) Learning which products reviewers unanimously praise as the best they've heard (this means they probably are legitimately great). (3) Identifying a product's attributes that satisfy your idiosyncratic needs and tastes. Beyond that, we often discount what reviewers say because they heap praise on most products—and are often apprehensive about publishing strong criticism or comparisons between products. Further, they seldom have more than a few products on-hand, often relying on their memories to compare past products. Always listen for yourself.

All

Evoke 10

reviews

[{"title":"Dynaudio Evoke 10 Review","link":"https://www.hifireport.com/dynaudio-evoke-10-review","source":"HiFi Report","datePublished":""},{"title":"Review! The Dynaudio Evoke 10 | Bookshelf Loudspeaker","link":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Igv5y0DMjLk","source":"Zero Fidelity","datePublished":"2021"},{"title":"The Dynaudio Evoke 10 Audiophiliac speaker review","link":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a4skh-yGdKo","source":"Steve Guttenberg Audiophiliac","datePublished":"2020"},{"title":"Dynaudio EVOKE 10 Speakers REVIEW Better than KEF ATC Sonus Faber ??","link":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uV005PTFj3E","source":"Pursuit Perfect System","datePublished":"2022"},{"title":"Three Danes! | Buchardt S400 vs Dynaudio Evoke 10 vs System Audio SA5 | Premium Bookshelf Speakers","link":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qBYDRa8bsOM","source":"Zero Fidelity","datePublished":"2021"}]
An excellent review of a great product
/
Publisher
/
3/1/2022
An excellent review of a great product
Publisher
/
3/1/2022

Manufacturer details

  • Status: Current
  • Segment: Home
  • Series: Evoke
  • Type: Bookshelf
  • Sensitivity: 84 dB @ 2.83V/1m
  • IEC Power Handling: 160W
  • Rated Impedance: 6 Ohm
  • Frequency Response: 47Hz - 23kHz (± 3dB)
  • Box Principle: Bass reflex rear ported
  • Crossover: 2-way
  • Crossover Frequency: 1400 Hz
  • Crossover Topology: 2nd order
  • Tweeter: 28mm Cerotar soft dome with Hexis
  • Midrange/Woofer: 14cm MSP
  • Weight: 6.7kg (14.8 lbs)
  • Dimensions (WxHxD): 180 x 315 x 266mm (7 1/8 x 12 3/8 x 10 4/8 inches)
  • Dimensions with feet/grill (WxHxD): 180 x 315 x 277mm (7 1/8 x 12 3/8 x 10 7/8 inches)
Plug them in, turn them up, and then get a friend round. We'd put money on your pal asking where's the rest of the speakers are. That's when you smile, shrug and invite them to sit down in the sweet-spot on your sofa. And then turn it up a bit more. We've been creating speakers that perform out of all proportion to their physical size for over 40 years, and Evoke 10 is no exception. These are serious hi-fi… built for serious entertainment.
Manufacturer Site

Brand highlights

Taking a step back to look at reviewers' thoughts of the brand's entire lineup—not just this product—what stands out most is the following:

  • Dynaudio meticulously crafts its own drivers in-house, from diaphragm to magnet, allowing for precise control over every aspect of sonic performance, a commitment extending even to entry-level models.
  • They exhibit a characteristically refined, smooth, and non-fatiguing sound signature that is well-suited for extended listening sessions, which is very beneficial for mixing/mastering purposes.
  • Dynaudio designs its speakers with the modern home in mind, offering features such as wireless connectivity, app-based control, and DSP room correction to seamlessly integrate into various living spaces.

Emit

  • Positioning: The entry-level range, designed to introduce users to high-end audio.
  • Description: Offers a great entry point into high-fidelity sound with MSP cone material and Cerotar tweeters, which are also found in the higher-end Evoke range. Compared to the Evoke, Emit is more budget-friendly, making it ideal for those new to high-end audio or with smaller rooms, while still providing a taste of the advanced technologies used in Dynaudio's premium models.

Evoke

  • Positioning: Sits in the mid-range of Dynaudio's lineup, offering advanced technology at a more accessible price point.
  • Description: Uses technology from Dynaudio's top-tier models, such as the Esotar Forty tweeter and MSP woofers, providing a detailed and dynamic sound.

Contour i

  • Positioning: Positioned as a high-performance option for serious audiophiles, offering significant improvements over its predecessors.
  • Description: Features the Esotar 2i tweeter with Hexis technology and updated woofers, delivering enhanced clarity and precision. It surpasses the Evoke series in terms of detail and soundstage.

Confidence

  • Positioning: Represents Dynaudio's flagship range, showcasing the pinnacle of their audio engineering.
  • Description: Features the Esotar3 tweeter and DDC Lens technology, providing groundbreaking sound precision and control. They are designed for the most discerning audiophiles who seek the ultimate in audio performance, offering a more refined experience than the Contour series.

Consequence Ultimate Edition

  • Positioning: A limited-edition model, designed as a tribute to Dynaudio's legacy of high-end audio excellence.
  • Description: Features a unique five-way crossover and advanced driver technology, providing a wide dynamic range and low distortion. It stands apart from the Evidence Master with its focus on musicality and exclusivity.
See All Products
Avg. Product Price
$500
Used For Sale
154
 Available (Scroll Down)
Brand Popularity
27
 of 900+
Badges
Top 50 Brand
Top 250 Brand
Products Listed
45
Founding Year
1976

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.

Look inside the brand

Brand Page

Our interview with the brand

What are two key technological innovations or strong opinions that differ you from other brands?

What's your approach to customer support?

What are your favorite tracks for showcasing the strength of your products?

What other products pair best with yours?

From our interview with
.
Brand Page

What if you spend more?

Product image
Dynaudio
Emit 20
780
780
/
8
Reviews
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.
Check Amazon
Expand Details

Product Strengths

  • Impressive sense of scale and a wide-open sound field for standmounters
  • Refined and sophisticated treble and midrange
  • Revealing of partnering equipment, indicating neutrality and minimal character of its own
  • Clean and well-extended bass that remains controlled and tuneful

Product Considerations

  • Dynamics can be bettered, doesn't communicate the dynamics and timing as effectively as some competitors
  • Presentation lacks a little cohesion, all elements are there but not glued together as effectively
  • Placement can be sensitive due to the rear-firing port
  • Midrange can be muffled with some wooly sounding electronics where a lack of high-frequency finesse is present

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Vs KEF LS50 Meta: KEFs communicate the dynamics and timing of the track in a slightly more natural and believable way

Takeaway: The Dynaudio Emit 20 speakers deliver a sophisticated sound with impressive scale, dynamics, and seamless driver integration, making them a speaker that offers real value. These speakers are worth considering as they offer a balanced package that is easy to live with.

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.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
Product image
Wharfedale
Evo4.2
899
899
/
22
Reviews

Wharfedale’s new EVO4 has grown out of the extensive research and development that produced the ELYSIAN flagship loudspeakers and borrows much of the technology involved in ELYSIAN.

Wharfedale is a speaker brand known for making high-end audio accessible to budget-conscious audiophiles, particularly through their Heritage Series and Diamond line which offer premium sound at affordable prices. Their speakers feature curved cabinets and are celebrated for their rich, full-bodied sound with excellent tonal balance, notably in their Linton 85s and Dovedale models.
Check Amazon
Expand Details

Product Strengths

  • Excellent focus and separation, with the speakers 'disappearing' to create a natural soundstage
  • Impressive low-end performance, adding authority to the music
  • Cohesive driver integration, with no perceivable handover between the AMT tweeter, midrange dome, and woofer
  • Remarkable neutrality in the midrange, with a detailed yet smooth treble—avoiding harshness even at higher volumes
  • Clear and detailed sound reproduction, extracting nuances and levels of information outstanding for its price

Product Considerations

  • Vertical off-axis performance of the AMT tweeter is not good, so correct speaker height and toe-in are important
  • Soundstage is not super wide, with the presentation mostly between the speakers
  • Some reviewers found the aesthetics or proportions to be awkward or not to suit all tastes
  • Bass may be a bit polite for some listeners wanting subwoofer-type rumble
  • The midrange can be fatiguing if the listener's ear is at the midrange driver level

Takeaway: The Evo4.2 is a well-rounded speaker that delivers excellent sound quality with impressive imaging, detail, and tonal balance. It is capable of providing an audiophile experience at an affordable price.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Wharfedale is a speaker brand known for making high-end audio accessible to budget-conscious audiophiles, particularly through their Heritage Series and Diamond line which offer premium sound at affordable prices. Their speakers feature curved cabinets and are celebrated for their rich, full-bodied sound with excellent tonal balance, notably in their Linton 85s and Dovedale models.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
Product image
Q Acoustics
5020
899
899
/
18
Reviews
Q Acoustics, a popular entry-level hifi brand among professional reviewers, offers excellent performance at affordable prices.
Check Amazon
Expand Details

Product Strengths

  • Attractive design with rounded cabinet edges and multiple finish options (Satin Black, Satin White, Santos Rosewood, Holme Oak)
  • Good midrange reproduction—clean and uncolored—especially for the price
  • Clear and detailed sound with good separation of instruments
  • Taut and agile bass performance
  • Internal bracing (P2P) stiffens the cabinet, reducing vibrations and improving stereo image
  • Connectivity options such as binding posts

Product Considerations

  • Can tend towards brightness, potentially causing fatigue during longer listening sessions—especially with the wrong equipment pairing
  • Cabinet size is relatively large for a bookshelf speaker
  • Bass response is somewhat subdued
  • Some reviewers noted imaging issues, with vocals lacking a firm presence in the center
  • Grilles muddle the sound

Takeaway: The Q Acoustics 5020 is a great-looking speaker that offers a rich and musical sound, making it a very entertaining listen for the price. With its ability to reveal details from recordings, it's a wise choice for those looking for a well-built and sonically pleasing speaker.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Q Acoustics, a popular entry-level hifi brand among professional reviewers, offers excellent performance at affordable prices.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
Product image
Klipsch
RP-600M II
649
649
/
14
Reviews
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.
Check Amazon
Expand Details

Product Strengths

  • Larger horn tweeter and a new Cerametallic woofer, compared to its predecessor
  • Upgraded binding posts and crossover plate elevate to Reference Premiere status
  • Larger diameter voice coils and aluminum shorting rings on the woofers give the speaker better linearity throughout the bass, decrease distortion while upping power handling resulting in improved speed and accuracy
  • Better detail retrieval, more articulate bass, and vastly improved soundstage width and imaging, compared to the RP-600M
  • The binding posts are the same that are found on costlier Heritage speakers

Product Considerations

  • Finish options did not receive an upgrade over the outgoing model, leaving customers with the same ebony or walnut wraps
  • The tweeter may be too bright for some listeners who are sensitive to a more aggressive top end
  • Rated sensitivity is 94.5dB, which is a decrease compared to the original's reported sensitivity of 96
  • Needs a bit of space behind them and to the sides, or at least positioning on open shelves, if the powerful output from that port isn't to muddy the sound

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Compared to the older RP-600M, the new sounds far more linear
  • The new is very easy to listen to for long periods of time, and while it still has a presence, a speed and transparency to the artist or instrument—at least with respect to the midrange—it is not as forward sounding as past designs
  • The new proved to be surprisingly flat, but best of all, not the least bit fatiguing
  • There was very little difference in tone with respect to the mids between the new and a costlier Revel bookshelf
  • These two are actually pretty neck and neck
  • As for the Wharfedale Evo 4.1, the Evo is better constructed, not to mention nicer looking

Takeaway: The RP-600M II is a refined speaker with better components, improved sound, and better bass response and imaging. It's a speaker that would be great for someone who likes to listen to a variety of music genres and wants a good-sounding speaker that can last a long time.

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.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page

What competes at this price?

Q Acoustics
M20
499
/
Released
2021
Designed to deliver stunning wireless high-resolution stereo sound, the flexible M20 HD audio system is the most powerful and immersive way to enjoy music, movies and gaming sound anywhere in the home.
Check Amazon
Q Acoustics, a popular entry-level hifi brand among professional reviewers, offers excellent performance at affordable prices.
Expand Details

Our Summary

Product Strengths

  • Effortlessly detailed and balanced sound
  • Excellent stereo imaging and dynamics
  • High-quality Bluetooth streaming
  • Simple setup and control
  • Multiple connection options, including subwoofer output, digital input for TV, and analog inputs

Product Considerations

  • No HDMI ARC for seamless control with TV remote
  • No dedicated app for adjusting settings
  • Bass output may be lacking for some listeners, potentially requiring a subwoofer
  • Grilles are non-removable
  • Speakers power down after 20 minutes at rest, requiring manual Bluetooth pairing each time

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Compared to Ruark Audio MR1 Mk2, the Q Acoustics M20 sounds fuller, louder and less compressed

Takeaway: The Q Acoustics M20 HD speakers offer detailed, balanced sound and are easy to set up with various devices. They're a versatile audio solution for upgrading sound, whether for music, movies, or gaming.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Q Acoustics, a popular entry-level hifi brand among professional reviewers, offers excellent performance at affordable prices.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
SVS
Prime Bookshelf
299
/
Released
The Prime Bookshelf speakers are sonic overachievers on all levels. Stunningly dynamic, pinpoint accurate and utterly transparent, they deftly serve as reference monitor loudspeakers in a two-channel system, or as high performance front, center, or side/rear surround speakers in a multi-channel home theater.
Check Amazon
SVS is a hifi brand known for its subwoofers that feature dual 8-inch voice coils and 17-inch drivers, delivering deep bass with precise control through their force-balanced woofer array design. Their Ultra Evolution series uses diamond-coated aluminum dome tweeters and acoustically centered time alignment cabinet architecture to ensure all sound reaches listeners' ears simultaneously for a coherent soundstage.
Expand Details

Our Summary

Product Strengths

  • Good ability to get loud, clean sound without distortion or compression issues above 80 Hz when paired with a subwoofer
  • Really good build quality cabinet
  • Very clear, immediate, vivid sounding speaker
  • Ultra-focused sounding, clean, and nicely balanced vocals
  • A lot of treble liveliness combined with quality clarity and crispness

Product Considerations

  • Treble is a little bit bright
  • Not the most neutral speaker
  • Leaner sound in terms of bass delivery
  • Very tight, tuneful, and on-point bass, but the perceived amount of bass is less substantial than other speakers reviewed
  • Some port noise or chuffing can be heard when setting the speakers to deliver as much bass as the Klipsch RP600M

Takeaway: The SVS Prime bookshelf is a sweet little speaker that delivers clear and vivid sound and has great build quality. It's also versatile, as it can be used in a stereo setup or as part of a home theater system.

Video review

Our take on the brand

SVS is a hifi brand known for its subwoofers that feature dual 8-inch voice coils and 17-inch drivers, delivering deep bass with precise control through their force-balanced woofer array design. Their Ultra Evolution series uses diamond-coated aluminum dome tweeters and acoustically centered time alignment cabinet architecture to ensure all sound reaches listeners' ears simultaneously for a coherent soundstage.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
Sonos
Era 100
230
/
Released
2023
Featuring next-gen acoustics and new levels of connectivity, Era 100 transforms any room with the finely tuned stereo sound and rich bass your music deserves.
Check Amazon
Sonos pioneered multi-room wireless audio with their proprietary SonosNet mesh network, which ensures synchronized streaming across multiple speakers without relying on traditional Wi-Fi. Their products feature Trueplay technology that automatically tunes speakers to room acoustics, while supporting multiple voice assistants and streaming services across their platform-agnostic ecosystem.
Expand Details

Our Summary

Product Strengths

  • Delivers stereo sound, unlike the Sonos One, due to angled tweeters
  • Has a larger woofer, resulting in deeper bass
  • Features Bluetooth connectivity, in addition to Wi-Fi and AirPlay 2, offering more flexibility
  • Easy to set up and use with the Sonos app, which integrates many music sources
  • Includes Trueplay room tuning, now available for Android users, which optimizes the speaker's sound based on its placement in the room, and adjustable EQ

Product Considerations

  • The Apple HomePod 2 provides more natural warmth of human voices
  • A separate adapter is needed for a wired connection, and it's not included in the box
  • Lacks Google Assistant support
  • Android users may find the Quick Tuning feature is not as capable as the iOS version
  • Isn't designed for outdoor use

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Era 100 has better sound quality with cleaner bass and can playback stereo content without downmixing to mono, compared to Sonos One/One SL
  • Era 100 is more affordable and compact but lacks Dolby Atmos support, compared to Sonos Era 300
  • Era 100 is cheaper but doesn't have a built-in battery for portability, compared to Sonos Move 2

Takeaway: The Sonos Era 100 is a versatile wireless speaker with great sound, enhanced bass, and easy integration with streaming services. It's a solid choice for anyone seeking a compact, all-in-one speaker that delivers both convenience and quality audio for an immersive listening experience.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Sonos pioneered multi-room wireless audio with their proprietary SonosNet mesh network, which ensures synchronized streaming across multiple speakers without relying on traditional Wi-Fi. Their products feature Trueplay technology that automatically tunes speakers to room acoustics, while supporting multiple voice assistants and streaming services across their platform-agnostic ecosystem.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
SVS
Ultra (Bookshelf)
399
/
Released
2024
The SVS Ultra Bookshelf speakers are the rare speaker design that deliver effortless full-range sound and an expansive soundstage with pitch-perfect accuracy and pinpoint imaging. A true reference quality speaker, critics and music lovers celebrate the absolute transparency while home theater speaker fans laud the room-energizing dynamics and palpable bass output. It’s an amazingly balanced speaker that radiates acoustic power while rendering the finest details with precision and refinement.

Every design element of the SVS Ultra Bookshelf speakers was scrutinized to achieve cost-no-object audio performance and build quality to create a groundbreaking bookshelf loudspeaker. Countless design innovations and world-class build materials result in reference sound quality and stunning dynamics normally reserved for the world’s most expensive speakers.

Whether handling the warm and engaging sound of vinyl or the demanding, multi-layered soundtrack of an action movie, the Ultra Bookshelf speakers deliver a powerful and convincing audio experience and are among the top audio investments available at any price.

Read
Check Amazon
SVS is a hifi brand known for its subwoofers that feature dual 8-inch voice coils and 17-inch drivers, delivering deep bass with precise control through their force-balanced woofer array design. Their Ultra Evolution series uses diamond-coated aluminum dome tweeters and acoustically centered time alignment cabinet architecture to ensure all sound reaches listeners' ears simultaneously for a coherent soundstage.
Expand Details

Our Summary

Product Strengths

  • Nice cabinets
  • Fluid and captivating articulation in the mids, with warmth and clarity to voices
  • The bass is good enough that one could conceivably get away without ever having a subwoofer
  • Excellent clarity and tonal balance
  • Able to use so much high-performance technology in products that cost so little

Product Considerations

  • Has aluminum wiring
  • Lacks a little bit of detail at the very top—kicks, punches, and gunshots do not quite have enough "snap" to them
  • Rated at 8 ohms, but in reality, they are 4 ohm speakers
  • Do not have magnetic grills, they have a pin-and-cup grill retention system
  • Tendency to sound bright with modern pop and electronic music

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Compared to the SVS Prime Bookshelf Speaker, it is a noticeable step up in linearity
  • The Ultra Towers' performance is beaten by perhaps only one or two other models in the same price range
  • The SVS's more laid-back character and natural response remains composed compared to the JBLs, where the JBLs start to lose control and break up

Takeaway: The Ultra speakers are a good value because of their high-quality sound and build that offer performance often found in more expensive speakers. One can enjoy great sound without breaking the bank.

Video review

Our take on the brand

SVS is a hifi brand known for its subwoofers that feature dual 8-inch voice coils and 17-inch drivers, delivering deep bass with precise control through their force-balanced woofer array design. Their Ultra Evolution series uses diamond-coated aluminum dome tweeters and acoustically centered time alignment cabinet architecture to ensure all sound reaches listeners' ears simultaneously for a coherent soundstage.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
Polk
XT20
299
/
Released
2021
Monitor XT20 maximizes the enjoyment of music, gaming, and movies with lifelike, high-resolution sound and effortless bass. As the higher-performing bookshelf speaker in the Monitor XT line, the MXT20 can be paired with louder amplifiers and can produce deeper bass (a full half octave lower) than the compact MXT15.
Check Amazon
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

  • Clear and natural dialogue projection for movies
  • Impressive bass performance, especially in small to medium-sized rooms
  • Good imaging, with elements well-placed in the mix
  • Durable finish on the cabinet that is scratch resistant
  • Engaging sound quality for the price

Product Considerations

  • Treble can sound a bit two-dimensional
  • The tweeter can be a bit harsh at louder volumes
  • Bass is not very refined
  • Simplistic box design
  • They are heavier than expected

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Vs Cerwin-Vega LA-165s, the tweeter on the Cerwin-Vegas is better, but midrange driver from the XT20 is nicer
  • Vs Sony SS-CS5, Polk gives nicer bass than Sony

Takeaway: The Polk Monitor XT20 is an affordable speaker that offers good sound quality, especially with its bass performance and clear dialogue, making it a great option to put smiles on people's faces when listening to music or watching movies. Its durable build and engaging sound make it a worthwhile consideration for those starting their audio journey.

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.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page

Questions? Ask the brand's dealers.

All Dealers

How to buy

Speakers

Search all hifi products

Explore our database of 10,000+ new and 25,000+ used hifi products.