Polk Audio RXT-70 Speakers

Description

The Polk Audio Monitor XT70 is a large floorstanding loudspeaker designed to deliver substantial full-range performance without moving into high-end pricing. Although the model is sometimes referred to simply as the “Polk XT70” or “RXT-70,” Polk’s official designation is Monitor XT70. It sits at the top of the Monitor XT family and was engineered for music, movies and gaming, combining Polk’s Dynamic Balance driver technology with a high-resolution tweeter and dual passive bass radiators.

The XT70 uses a 1-inch Terylene dome tweeter, two 6.5-inch bilaminate Dynamic Balance woofers and two large 8-inch passive bass radiators. Rather than relying on conventional ports, the passive radiators reinforce the lowest frequencies and allow the relatively tall cabinet to produce surprisingly deep bass. Polk rates the speaker’s overall response from 35Hz to 40kHz, with the extended treble response contributing to its Hi-Res Audio certification.

The Terylene tweeter is one of the more important features of the XT70. Polk says its low-resonance ceramic motor structure and lightweight dome extend response to 40kHz, while the company’s Dynamic Balance technology is intended to minimize unwanted resonances in the woofer and tweeter materials. In practical terms, the design aims for crisp detail without making the speaker excessively bright. Polk specifically describes the XT70 as delivering “crystal clear highs and deep, effortless bass.”

Bass is clearly one of the XT70’s strengths. The two 6.5-inch woofers provide the principal low-frequency output while the pair of 8-inch passive radiators adds considerable acoustic output at the bottom end. Polk says the arrangement produces “punchy, responsive bass” with low distortion while maintaining a relatively open midrange. This makes the XT70 particularly well suited to home theater, where explosions and soundtrack effects benefit from strong bass impact, but it also gives rock, electronic and orchestral music considerable weight.

Owner reviews have generally emphasized the XT70’s value and ability to produce substantial output. One verified Polk customer wrote, “I was absolutely Dumbfounded at the clarity and especially the Bass it produced!” Another called it “hands down the best speaker value available,” while a third praised the speaker for being powerful enough to produce room-filling volume. A further owner described the sound as “Warm, powerful,” specifically noting that it was pleasant and non-fatiguing compared with some brighter speakers.

The XT70 is also relatively easy to integrate into a system. Polk rates its sensitivity at 89dB, and the speaker is compatible with both 4- and 8-ohm amplifier outputs. Recommended amplifier power is 25 to 200 watts per channel. Its nickel-plated five-way binding posts accept conventional speaker cable, banana plugs and other standard connections.

At 40.4 inches tall and 35 pounds, the XT70 is substantial without being overwhelmingly large. Its low-resonance, critically braced MDF cabinet is intended to minimize unwanted cabinet coloration. For listeners wanting a modern tower with powerful bass, high output, smooth treble and strong home-theater capability, the Monitor XT70 is an impressive value-oriented design that carries forward Polk’s long-standing emphasis on dynamic sound and generous bass.

Product Specifications

• Type: Passive floorstanding tower loudspeaker
• Series: Polk Monitor XT
• Driver complement: 2-way design
• Tweeter: 1 × 1-inch Terylene dome
• Woofers: 2 × 6.5-inch bilaminate Dynamic Balance woofers
• Passive bass radiators: 2 × 8-inch
• Frequency response: 35Hz–40kHz
• Sensitivity: 89dB (1W/1m)
• Crossover frequency: 2,700Hz
• Impedance: Compatible with 4- and 8-ohm amplifier outputs
• Recommended amplifier power: 25–200 watts per channel
• Cabinet: Low-resonance, critically braced MDF
• Inputs: Nickel-plated five-way binding posts
• Hi-Res Audio: Certified
• Dolby Atmos: Compatible
• DTS:X: Compatible
• Dimensions: 40.4″ H × 9.25″ W × 12.5″ D
• Weight: 35 lbs. per speaker
• Finish: Midnight Black
• Quantity supplied: One speaker per carton
• Original positioning: Large floorstanding model in the Monitor XT series

Note: Polk officially identifies this model as the Monitor XT70, rather than “RXT-70.”