In this review, we will be comparing Evoke 25C and R400, two Passive Center Channel speakers from Dynaudio and Polk Audio.
Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Dynaudio Evoke 25C and Polk R400 first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
Dynaudio Evoke 25C Key Specs
- 2-way Design
- 1.1" soft-dome Tweeter
- 2 x 5.5" Esotec+ MSP Woofer
- 50-23k Hz Frequency Response
- 88 dB Sensitivity
- Impedance: 6ohms
- Power Range:up to 200watts
- Weight:11.82kg
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 183.0" x 23-11/16" x 11-1/16"( 183.0 x 602.0 x 281.0mm )
Polk R400 Key Specs
- 2-way Design
- 1" Pinnacle Ring Radiator Tweeter
- 2 x 6.5" Polypropylene Turbine Cone Woofer
- 48-39K Hz Frequency Response
- 89 dB Sensitivity
- Impedance: 8ohms
- Power Range:20-200watts
- Weight:14.91kg
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 199.0" x 24-5/16" x 14-5/8"( 199.0 x 618.0 x 372.0mm )
What size room are the Dynaudio Evoke 25C and Polk R400 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:
| Listening Environment* |
Dynaudio Evoke 25C |
Polk R400 |
| Near-field |
Poor |
Poor |
| Small Room |
Average |
Average |
| Mid-size Room |
Good |
Good |
| Large Room |
Average |
Average |
| Very Large Room |
Poor |
Poor |
(* Approximate Room sizes: Small < 100sq. ft / 9 m2,
Mid-size: 100-220 sq. ft / 9-20 m2, Large 220-400 sq. ft / 20-36 m2, Very Large: >
400 sq. ft / 36 m2.
Average Floor Height: 9" / 2.7m. Typical room sizes differ from country to country, and the actual
listening experience changes depending on floor height, room shape, surface materials, listening
position, speaker locations, etc.)
In the following sections, we will get into more detail in order to better understand how the Dynaudio Evoke 25C and Polk R400 compare and hopefully end up with enough arguments to decide which one of these loudspeakers is the better choice for you.
**This post contains affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking
through my links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Drivers
Both Evoke 25C and R400 are 2-way speakers.
| Driver |
Dynaudio Evoke 25C |
Polk R400 |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1.1-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
2 x 5.5-inch
|
2 x 6.5-inch
|
Evoke 25C features a 1.1" Cerotar coated silk soft-dome Tweeter and 2 x 5.5" Esotec+ MSP Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 1200 and 2300Hz. On the other hand, the R400 features a 1" Pinnacle Ring Radiator Tweeter and 2 x 6.5" Polypropylene Turbine Cone Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 2500Hz.
Frequency Response
Evoke 25C has a frequency range of 50-23k Hz whereas R400 has a frequency range of 48-39K Hz. With a minimum frequency of 48Hz, the R400 can go slightly deeper then the Evoke 25C's min frequency of 50Hz.
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 Center Channel class in our database.
Low Frequency
Center Channel Speakers
High Frequency
Center Channel 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
Evoke 25C is a 6 ohms speaker compared to the R400 which has a nominal impedance of 8 ohms.
These two speakers also have different sensitivity levels. Evoke 25C sensitivity is rated at 88 dB and the R400's is rated at 89 dB. This 1 dB difference makes the Polk R400 a more sensitive speaker compared to Dynaudio Evoke 25C, hence will play louder with the same amount of watts.
Sensitivity
Center Channel 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.
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
Evoke 25C features Binding post type posts and R400 has a Binding post type posts. None of these speakers feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
Dynaudio Evoke 25C's Binding post terminals
Polk R400's Binding post terminals
Cabinet Type and Port Position
Both Evoke 25C and R400 have rear firing ports. Rear ported speakers generally need more room between the backside of the speaker and the wall compared to sealed and front/bottom ported speakers. Placing the speakers too close to the walls may cause the bass to sound boomy.
If you are limited in space and can't get the speakers away from the backwall, check our Speakers with Front Firing Ports page.
Polk R400 dual Port
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 Dynaudio Evoke 25C's and Polk R400's external dimensions. Dynaudio Evoke 25C has external dimensions of 183.0 x 602.0 x 281.0mm ( 7-3/16 x 23-11/16 x 11-1/16inch) whereas Polk R400 has external dimensions of 199.0 x 618.0 x 372.0mm ( 7-13/16 x 24-5/16 x 14-5/8inch) .
Polk R400 is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 16mm wider, 16mm taller and 91mm deeper than Dynaudio Evoke 25C.
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 Dynaudio Evoke 25C is approximately 1691.6cm2 / 262.2inch2 and base area of the Polk R400 is approximately 2299.0cm2 / 356.3inch2. The Evoke 25C requires 26% less surface area than the R400 which gives it a small advantage on placement in tight spaces.
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 Dynaudio Evoke 25C weighs 11.82kg / 26lbs and the Polk R400 weighs 14.91kg / 32.8lbs. This makes the R400 26% heavier than the Evoke 25C.
Here is a comparison of how Evoke 25C and R400's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Passive Center Channel class.
Weight
All Center Channel Speakers
What's in the Box of Dynaudio Evoke 25C?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of Evoke 25C:
Center-channel loudspeakerGrille2 Foam port plugsTweeter protection cover (pre-installed)Instructions for UseImportant Safety InstructionsWarranty Card
What's in the Box of Polk R400?
Here are the items that come with the R400:
Center-channel loudspeakerGrilleOwners ManualOnline Registration
 Height |
183mm
vs
199mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
1691cm2
vs
2299cm2
|
Takes less floor space |
 Sensitivity |
89 dB
vs
88 dB
|
Play louder with same amount of amplification power |
 Nominal Impedance |
8 ohms
vs
6 ohms
|
Less selective with amplifiers |
 Woofer Size |
6.5 inches
vs
5.5 inches
|
Larger woofer |
|
Low Frequency Response |
48 Hz
vs
50 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 High Frequency Response |
39k Hz
vs
23k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Price per pair* |
649USD
vs
1499USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
| General |
Dynaudio Evoke 25C |
Polk Audio Reserve R400 |
| Brand |
Dynaudio |
Polk Audio |
| Speaker Type |
Center channel speaker (Blonde) |
Center channel speaker |
| Power Range |
up to 200 watts |
20-200 watts |
| Sensitivity |
88 dB |
89 dB |
| Impedance |
6 ohms |
8 ohms |
| Impedance |
n/a |
4.1 ohms |
| Frequency Response |
50-23k Hz |
48-39K Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
2 |
2 |
| Woofer Size |
5.5" |
6.5" |
| Woofer Composition |
Esotec+ MSP |
Polypropylene Turbine Cone |
| Woofer Surround Material |
Rubber |
Rubber |
| Tweeter Size |
1.1" |
1" |
| Tweeter Type |
soft-dome |
Pinnacle Ring Radiator |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
N/A" |
| Crossover Frequency |
1200 and 2300Hz |
2500Hz |
| Firing Direction |
rear |
rear |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
183.0mm (7.2") |
199.0mm (7.8") |
| Width |
602.0mm (23.7") |
618.0mm (24.3") |
| Depth |
281.0mm (11.1") |
372.0mm (14.6") |
| Weight |
11.82kg (26lbs) |
14.91kg (32.8lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Bass Reflex |
| Finish |
MDF/Wood veneer |
n/a |
| Available Colors |
Oak (blonde) |
Black, Walnut |
| Grille |
Yes |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
| Biamp Inputs |
No |
No |
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
5 Years (8 Years registered) |
5 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
5 Years (8 Years registered) |
5 Years |