Polk Audio XT15 Bookshelf Speakers
Adding Adhesive-Backed Rubber Feet
To keep your Polk speakers firmly in place and prevent damage to floors or furniture, it’s a smart idea to attach the included adhesive-backed rubber feet to the bottom of your speaker.
How to Connect Your System
To get the best sound quality, it’s important to wire your speakers correctly.
How to Use Binding Post Connectors: Loosen hex nut and insert bare speaker wire through hole. Tighten hex nut down to make connection.
Note: Do not insert the insulated section of wire into the hole (you will not get a connection).
Basic Speaker Hookup
Make sure that the red (+) and black (-) connectors on your amplifier or receiver connect to the red (+) and black (-) connectors on your speakers. If your speakers sound “thin,” with little bass and little or no center image, odds are that one of the speaker wires is connected backwards. Double-check all connections.
Processor Mode for Center Channel Speaker
Note: Set Center Channel Speaker to “small” in your receiver’s Bass Management Settings. The “bass management” or “speaker configuration” menus of most surround receivers offer the choice of “normal” or “wide” modes for center channel operation. In discrete channel digital processors, these modes are referred to as “small” and “large.” Normal (small) mode filters bass frequencies from the center channel speaker and sends them instead to the front left and right main speakers or to the subwoofer output (LFE) jack. Wide (large) mode sends an unfiltered, full-range signal to the center channel speaker. Use the Small (normal) mode for optimum center (and surround) channel performance and reliability.
Speaker Positioning
To maximize the sound quality of your speaker system— whether you’ve purchased XT15 bookshelf speakers, an XT30 center channel speaker, or XT70 tower speakers—correct placement is everything. Take a look at the following examples and give them a try based on the Polk Monitor XT Series speakers you’ve purchased.
Note: Your Polk Monitor XT Series speakers are compatible with 2.0, 2.1, 3.1, 5.1, 7.1 and 9.1 setups (optional subwoofer shown in graphics).
Listening in 5.1 Surround
You can use the Polk Monitor XT Series speakers as rear surround speakers in a Polk Audio home theater system. Ideal rear channel surround speaker placement is on a side wall, slightly behind and above the listening position.
Listening in 3.1 System
Get the most realistic stereo image by placing speakers as far apart as the listeners are sitting from them. If room conditions require that you place the speakers farther apart, you may choose to angle the speakers toward the middle to support a more solid center image.
Listening in 5.1 Surround—alternate option
Alternate rear channel surround speaker placement for Polk Monitor XT Series speakers. If you cannot place rear surrounds on the side walls, position them on the rear wall above the listening position.
Listening in 7.1 Surround
Enjoy added depth to your surround sound experience with four rear surround speakers instead of two.
FOR MORE MANUALS BY POLK, VISIT MANUALSLIBRARYY
Polk Audio XT15 Bookshelf Speakers-FAQ’s
What is the power rating of the Polk XT15?
The Polk XT15 has a 30W–150W power range with 86 dB sensitivity, featuring a 1″ Terylene Dome tweeter.
How do I wall-mount the Polk XT15 speakers?
Use the keyhole slot on the back for direct wall mounting.
Alternatively, use a bracket with a 1/4″-20 thread for secure installation.
Are the Polk XT15 speakers active or passive?
They are passive speakers, meaning they require an external amplifier or receiver to function.
How long do Polk speakers typically last?
With proper care, Polk speakers can last 10–20 years or more.
Does Polk Audio make powered (active) speakers?
Yes, Polk offers powered speakers (e.g., Polk Hampden Bluetooth speakers), but the XT15 is passive.
How do I connect speaker wires to the Polk XT15?
Strip ½ inch of insulation from the wire ends.
Insert into the speaker terminals (red for positive, black for negative).
Secure tightly to ensure proper connection.
Can I power in-wall speakers with the Polk XT15?
No, the XT15 is a bookshelf speaker—for in-wall speakers, you’ll need a separate amplifier/receiver.
What is Polk Voice Adjust?
A feature in some Polk soundbars that enhances dialogue clarity for movies/TV. (Not applicable to XT15.)
How do I know if my speakers are active or passive?
Active speakers have built-in amps (plug into power).
Passive speakers (like XT15) need an external amp.
Where is Polk Audio based?
Polk Audio is an American company headquartered in San Diego, California.