Adding a subwoofer is one of the easiest ways to improve your home theater or stereo setup. A good sub fills in the low frequencies that smaller speakers struggle to reproduce. Polk is an iconic brand known for its audio products. But is the XT10 a worthy budget sub? We’re reviewing the Polk Audio Monitor XT10, a fairly affordable 10-inch for those seeking a more robust low-end without taking up a huge footprint.
- Quality, Deep Bass For Size
- Compact Size = Easy Placement
- Quality Design & Great Value
Table of Contents
Key Specifications
| Dimensions | 11.9″ W x 15.7″ H x 16.6″ D |
| Weight | 23 pounds |
| Subwoofer Type | Powered Subwoofer |
| Enclosure Type | Braced Ported Enclosure / Down-Firing Woofer and Port |
| Enclosure Material | Medium-Density Fiberboard (MDF) |
| Power | 50W RMS / 100W Peak – Class D Amplifier |
| Frequency Response | Down To 24Hz |
| Woofer: | 10″ Long-Throw Dynamic Balance Woofer |
| Connectivity Options | LFE and Line Level Inputs (RCA) |
| Warranty | Woofer – 5 Years / Amplifier – 3 Years |
| Onboard Controls | Low Pass Filter (40Hz-160Hz), Volume Dial, and Polarity Switch (0/180) |
| Additional Features | Indicator light, Auto on/off, DC Control, and detachable grill |
Polk Audio Monitor XT10 Summary
The Polk Audio Monitor XT10 is a 10-inch powered subwoofer with 50-Watt class D amplifier (100 Peak). It also comes in a very compact footprint with a design that makes for flexible placement. With a frequency response down to 24 Hz for deep bass reproduction, buyers are getting deeper bass than typical compact subs. The durable enclosure houses a 10” long-throw woofer and bass-reflex port. The port and the 10″ woofer are both down-firing, a combination that really opens up placement options for those with limited space.
An adjustable low pass crossover, phase adjustment, and volume dial offer ample control over the subwoofer output. The Polk XT10 sub connects via LFE or line-level RCA inputs. That’s solid connectivity, a small footprint, and a surprisingly impactful bass response for nearly $200 when on sales. For the right setup, the Polk Monitor XT10 is the perfect budget sub to enhance low frequencies for your music or home theater experience.
Product Highlights: Compact 10-inch Polk Sub, Surprising Bass
Deep Bass Response For Size
Getting truly deep bass requires larger subwoofers and more power. But the Polk XT10 10-inch woofer boasts a surprisingly deep 24 Hz low-end frequency response. While you shouldn’t expect it to hit below 30 Hz deep with the same volume or impact or more premium subs, it’s still impressive. Capable of rich and clean bass, the ported bass reflex enclosure will improve your listening experience for music and movies.
Compact Size & Flexible Placement
With more than manageable dimensions (11.9″ W x 15.7″ H x 16.6″ D), the Polk Audio XT10 subwoofer has a very compact footprint. It also weighs just 23 pounds promising it won’t be a speaker you dread moving around. In addition to the actual size, the XT10 design makes flexible placement throughout the room much simpler. It also features a down-firing port. This means placing this subwoofer cabinet closer to a wall won’t result in additional resonance that might degrade your audio experience. Those building a home theater system with limited space will appreciate the flexibility.
High-Value Polk Subwoofer
Considering its performance capabilities, the Polk Monitor XT10 is very competitively priced. While it carries a 299, it’s often on sale for just under $250. You get a fairly deep bass extension, 100-Watt (peak) class D amplification. and smooth bass for a more immersive home theater experience. They also have solid controls and connectivity for seamless integration with an AV receiver or other loudspeakers. Is it the chest-pounding sub 20Hz bass of a high-end SVS subwoofer? No. But it’s affordable, lightweight, and performs quite well for its price point, shaking walls harder than some more powerful subwoofers. For similarly-priced options, check out our guide to the best sub $300 subwoofers.
Good Controls & Design
The Polk XT10 enclosure is made of a sturdy and durable material to withstand wear and tear. It has a clean, understated design in black. Polk Audio’s XT10 speaker also comes with excellent warranty coverage making it clear. The woofer is covered for 5 years and the amplifier for 3 years. The braced cabinet also houses useful controls and connections. In addition to a dial for subwoofer volume control, the XT10 also includes a low-pass filter and polarity switch.
Frequency and volume adjustments are also possible via an LFE connection to your compatible receiver. Or line-level RCA inputs. The Polk Monitor XT10 plays well whether you’re connecting to bookshelf speakers, a soundbar, or a Dolby Atmos speaker system. You can also pair it with more of Polk products like a center channel to build your own Hi-Fi speaker system.
Polk Monitor XT10: Pros and Cons
Pros
- Great Overall Value For Price
- Impressively Deep Bass for Budget 10″ Sub
- Light and Compact For Flexible Placement
Cons
- Bigger Spaces Will Require More Power
- Some Will Prefer A Bolder Design
Polk Monitor XT10 Subwoofer Review Verdict
- Quality, Deep Bass For Size
- Compact Size = Easy Placement
- Quality Design & Great Value
If you need an affordable but capable 10-inch sub to round out your home theater, the Polk Monitor XT10 is a great choice. It delivers deep, punchy, and effortless bass in a relatively compact form factor. The flexible placement options, price point, and the company’s excellent warranty add even more long-term value. This makes is a great subwoofer for a smaller home theater setup, an office, or a 2.1 setup.
Keith Collins has been writing for over 15 years for various publications. He’s a lover of music, home theater, and excellent sound quality. His fondness for technology in addition to his non-stop curiosity fuels his writing ventures.