In this review, we will be comparing 706 S2 and RTi A1, two Passive Bookshelf speakers from Bowers Wilkins and Polk Audio. Let's have a brief look at the main features
of B&W 706 S2 and Polk RTi A1 first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
What size room are the B&W 706 S2 and Polk RTi A1 speakers good for?
The size of the room in which you are planning to use these loudspeakers is an important decision factor. Here we have compared their suitability to various sizes of environments considering their size and max power parameters:
In the following sections, we will get into more detail in order to better understand how the B&W 706 S2 and Polk RTi A1 compare and hopefully end up with enough arguments to decide which one of these loudspeakers is the better choice for you.
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Drivers
Both 706 S2 and RTi A1 are 2-way speakers.
Driver |
B&W 706 S2 |
Polk RTi A1 |
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1-inch
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
Woofer
|
1 x 6.5-inch
|
1 x 5.25-inch
|
706 S2 features a 1" Decoupled Soft-Dome Tweeter and 1 x 6.5" Continuum Woofer . On the other hand, the RTi A1 features a 1" silk polymer composite Dome Tweeter and 1 x 5.25" Polymer composite Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 1900Hz.
Frequency Response
706 S2 has a frequency range of 50-28k Hz whereas RTi A1 has a frequency range of 60-26k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 50Hz, the 706 S2 can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the RTi A1's min frequency of 60Hz.
Below graphs depict how these two speakers compare with the max, min and average values of the Min and Max Frequencies of other speakers in the Bookshelf class in our database.
Low Frequency
Bookshelf Speakers
High Frequency
Bookshelf Speakers
None of these speakers achieves full range experience which is commonly agreed as 20Hz-20kHz. In order to achieve lower lows / deeper bass, we recommend you pair these with a subwoofer. Visit our Powered Subwoofers section to find out more about the available options.
Impedance and Sensitivity
706 S2 and RTi A1 have the same Impedance of 8 ohms but where they differ is the sensitivity levels. 706 S2 sensitivity is rated at 88 dB and the RTi A1's is at 89 dB. This 1 dB difference makes the Polk RTi A1 a more sensitive speaker compared to B&W 706 S2, hence will play louder with the same amount of watts.
Sensitivity
Bookshelf Speakers
Power Range
Power
range is the range of input power in watts RMS that a loudspeaker is designed to handle. While using an amplifier within this range ensures the nominal performance , inputting a power that is higher than the max wattage can result in a damaged speaker.
706 S2 can handle a max power of 125 watts RMS from the amp the whereas 706 S2 has a max power handling value of 120 watts RMS , 5 watts less than the RTi A1.
Keep in mind that a higher max power handling value doesn't necessarily make that a louder speaker
compared to a lower max handling speaker. Loudness or the sound level is also impacted by parameters
such as Impedance, sensitivity and system efficiencies.
Input Type and Bi-Amping / Bi-Wiring
Both 706 S2 and RTi A1 features dual binding post speaker terminals for bi-amping or bi-wiring.
Cabinet Type and Port Position
706 S2 has a rear firing port whereas RTi A1 has a back and front firing ports.
Physical Specs
Size of a speaker can sometimes become an important decision factor due to space constraints or in some cases purely for esthetic reasons. In this section, we are going to compare B&W 706 S2's and Polk RTi A1's external dimensions. B&W 706 S2 has external dimensions of 340.0 x 200.0 x 301.0mm ( 13.5-inch x 7.8-inch x 11.-inch) whereas Polk RTi A1 has external dimensions of 304.8 x 187.5 x 292.1mm ( 12.0 x 7.3 x 11.5inch) .
B&W 706 S2 is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 12.5mm wider, 35.2mm taller and 8.9mm deeper than Polk RTi A1.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of B&W 706 S2 and Polk RTi A1 in scale.
Base Surface Area Comparison
Base surface area of a loudspeaker may become a determining factor when the space in your room or desk is limited.
The base surface area of the B&W 706 S2 is approximately 602.0cm2 / 93.3inch2 and base area of the Polk RTi A1 is approximately 547.7cm2 / 84.9inch2. The 706 S2 requires 10% more surface area than the RTi A1 which gives it a small disadvantage on placement in tight spaces.
Here is an another comparison that shows both speakers on a BDI Octave Media Cabinet, next to a standard size amplifier and turntable in scale:
Weight Comparison The weight of a loudspeaker can become an important factor if you need to move and reposition the unit often. Weight of a speaker can also "sometimes" be an indicator of the rigidity of the enclosure and the quality of the internal components used. The B&W 706 S2 weighs 8.05kg / 17.7lbs and the Polk RTi A1 weighs 5.44kg / 12lbs. This makes the 706 S2 48% heavier than the RTi A1.
Here is a comparison of how 706 S2 and RTi A1's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Passive Bookshelf class.
Weight
All Bookshelf Speakers
What's in the Box of B&W 706 S2?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of 706 S2:
2 Bookshelf loudspeakers2 Grilles2 Two-piece foam port plugs8 Self-adhesive rubber feet4 Jumper-straps Manual Bowers & Wilkins brochureWarranty Information
What's in the Box of Polk RTi A1?
Here are the items that come with the RTi A1:
2 Cherry bookshelf speakers 2 Self-tapping screws 8 Self-adhesive rubber feet Owner's Manual Template Online registration sheet Polk Audio product brochure
Woofer Size |
6.5 inches
vs
5.25 inches
|
Larger woofer |
Low Frequency Response |
50 Hz
vs
60 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
High Frequency Response |
28k Hz
vs
26k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
Max Input Power |
125 watts
vs
120 watts
|
Handle more power from your amplifier |
Sensitivity |
89 dB
vs
88 dB
|
Play louder with same amount of amplification power |
Mounting Bracket |
Yes
vs
No
|
Allows mounting on walls |
Height |
304mm
vs
340mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
Base Surface Area |
547cm2 (187x292mm)
vs
602cm2 (200x301mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
Price per pair* |
382USD
vs
1999USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
General |
Bowers & Wilkins 706 S2 |
Polk Audio RTi A1 |
Brand |
Bowers Wilkins |
Polk Audio |
Speaker Type |
Bookshelf speakers |
Bookshelf speakers |
Power Range |
30-120 watts |
20-125 watts |
Sensitivity |
88 dB |
89 dB |
Impedance |
8 ohms |
8 ohms |
Impedance |
3.7 ohms |
n/a |
Frequency Response |
50-28k Hz |
60-26k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
Woofer Size |
6.5" |
5.25" |
Woofer Composition |
Continuum |
Polymer composite |
Woofer Surround Material |
Rubber |
Butyl rubber |
Tweeter Size |
1" |
1" |
Tweeter Type |
Decoupled Soft-Dome |
Dome |
Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
Crossover Frequency |
n/a |
1900Hz |
Firing Direction |
rear |
back and front |
Physical Specs |
|
|
Height |
340.0mm (13.4") |
304.8mm (12") |
Width |
200.0mm (7.9") |
187.5mm (7.4") |
Depth |
301.0mm (11.9") |
292.1mm (11.5") |
Weight |
8.05kg (17.7lbs) |
5.44kg (12lbs) |
Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Bass Reflex |
Finish |
MDF/Wood Veneer |
Real wood veneer |
Available Colors |
Rosewood, Gloss Black, Satin White |
Black, Cherry |
Mounting Bracket |
No |
Keyhole |
Recommended Stand Height |
24-26" |
28-36" |
Grille |
Yes |
n/a |
Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
Biamp Inputs |
Yes |
Yes |
Other |
|
|
Parts Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |
Labor Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |