Monitor XT20 (Monitor XT35) 200w Speaker Review – A Detailed Look
Introduction
The Monitor XT20 (also known as the Monitor XT35), a 200W, 8-ohm, 2.0 channel speaker system, promises a rich audio experience. I’ve spent the last few weeks putting it through its paces, subjecting it to a variety of music genres and listening levels. This review will delve into the specifics, highlighting both its strengths and areas where it could improve.
Key Features
The Monitor XT20 boasts an impressive driver complement: a 1″ Terylene dome tweeter and four 3″ bi-laminate paper woofers. This setup, combined with its dual-port design, is intended to deliver a wide frequency response and powerful sound. The build quality feels solid, with a robust enclosure that minimizes vibrations. The black finish is sleek and understated, fitting seamlessly into most home setups.
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Product Weight | 6.35 KG |
| Colour Name | Black |
| What’s In The Box | Speaker |
| Product Length | 14 cm |
| Product Height | 10 cm |
| Product Width/Depth | 62 cm |
| Wattage | 200 W |
| Model Number | Monitor XT20 |
| Model Name | Monitor XT35 |
Performance & Sound Quality
The Monitor XT20 delivers a surprisingly powerful sound for its size. The four woofers provide a robust bass response, though it doesn’t quite reach the subterranean depths of larger subwoofer systems. However, for its class, the bass is surprisingly deep and well-defined. The tweeter handles high frequencies cleanly, producing crisp and clear highs without any harshness. I tested it with various genres – classical music revealed a detailed and nuanced soundstage, while rock music showed its ability to handle powerful dynamics without distortion. However, at maximum volume, a slight distortion became noticeable with very bass-heavy tracks. The dual-port design seems to contribute to a balanced sound, minimizing port noise even at higher volumes.
Mid-range frequencies are well-represented, ensuring vocals and instruments in the mid-range sit nicely in the overall mix. The soundstage is relatively wide, creating an immersive listening experience, particularly noticeable when listening to orchestral pieces or music with a complex soundscape. The sensitivity (87dB SPL) means that it performs well even with lower-powered amplifiers, which is a bonus for many users.
Pros & Cons
- Pros: Powerful sound for its size, detailed soundstage, good bass response for a bookshelf speaker, relatively clean highs, robust build quality, good sensitivity.
- Cons: Slight distortion at maximum volume with bass-heavy tracks, bass response could be deeper for those seeking truly booming bass.
Final Verdict
The Monitor XT20 (Monitor XT35) is a compelling option for those seeking a powerful and versatile bookshelf speaker system. Its combination of a robust build, detailed sound, and surprisingly deep bass make it a great choice for a variety of listening scenarios. While it has a minor limitation with distortion at maximum volume on bass-heavy tracks, the overall performance makes it a highly recommended speaker system, particularly considering its price point (assuming a reasonable price).
