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Klipsch RP-400M vs Polk RTi A3 Comparison

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Klipsch RP-400M

Passive Bookshelf | 52-25k Hz

Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-400M
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Polk RTi A3

Passive Bookshelf | 50-26k Hz

Polk Audio RTi A3
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Klipsch RP-400M Klipsch RP-400M
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Polk RTi A3 Polk RTi A3
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Klipsch RP-400M
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Polk RTi A3
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Klipsch RP-400M vs Polk RTi A3 Speaker Comparison

In this review, we will be comparing RP-400M and RTi A3, two Passive Bookshelf speakers from Klipsch and Polk Audio.

Let's have a brief look at the main features of Klipsch RP-400M and Polk RTi A3 first before getting into our more detailed comparison.

Klipsch RP-400M Key Specs

  • 2-way Design
  • 1" Tractrix Horn Tweeter
  • 4" Cerametallic Woofer
  • 52-25k Hz Frequency Response
  • 93 dB Sensitivity
  • Impedance: 8ohms
  • Power Range:up to 50watts
  • Weight:4.10kg
  • Dimensions (H x W x D): 298.0" x 5.6" x 7.5"( 298.0 x 144.0 x 191.0mm )

Polk RTi A3 Key Specs

  • 2-way Design
  • 1" Dome Tweeter
  • 6.5" Polymer composite Woofer
  • 50-26k Hz Frequency Response
  • 89 dB Sensitivity
  • Impedance: 8ohms
  • Power Range:20-150watts
  • Weight:7.26kg
  • Dimensions (H x W x D): 374.7" x 8.4" x 14.0"( 374.7 x 214.4 x 355.6mm )

What size room are the Klipsch RP-400M and Polk RTi A3 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* Klipsch RP-400M Polk RTi A3
Near-field Good Poor
Small Room Good Average
Mid-size Room Average Good
Large Room Poor Average
Very Large Room No way 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 Klipsch RP-400M and Polk RTi A3 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 RP-400M and RTi A3 are 2-way speakers.

Driver Klipsch RP-400M Polk RTi A3
Driver Setup 2-way 2-way
Tweeter 1-inch 1-inch
Midrange - -
Woofer 1 x 4-inch 1 x 6.5-inch

RP-400M features a 1" Tractrix Horn Tweeter and 1 x 4" Cerametallic Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 1500Hz. On the other hand, the RTi A3 features a 1" silk polymer composite Dome Tweeter and 1 x 6.5" Polymer composite Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 2800Hz.

Frequency Response

RP-400M has a frequency range of 52-25k Hz whereas RTi A3 has a frequency range of 50-26k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 50Hz, the RTi A3 can go slightly deeper then the RP-400M's min frequency of 52Hz.

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

RP-400M
RTi A3
Min
Average
Max
High Frequency

Bookshelf Speakers

Klipsch RP-400M
Polk RTi A3
Min
Average
Max

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

RP-400M and RTi A3 have the same Impedance of 8 ohms but where they differ is the sensitivity levels. RP-400M sensitivity is rated at 93 dB and the RTi A3's is at 89 dB. This 4 dB difference makes the Klipsch RP-400M a more sensitive speaker compared to Polk RTi A3, hence will play louder with the same amount of watts.

Sensitivity

Bookshelf Speakers

RP-400M
RTi A3
Min
Average
Max

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.

RP-400M can handle a max power of 150 watts RMS from the amp the whereas RP-400M has a max power handling value of 50 watts RMS , 100 watts less than the RTi A3.

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

RTi A3 features Pair of Dual 5-way Binding Posts - Gold-Plated posts which make bi-amping or bi-wiring possible. RP-400M has a Single binding posts which doesn't feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.

Klipsch RP-400M Terminals
Klipsch RP-400M's Single binding posts terminals

Cabinet Type and Port Position

RP-400M has a rear firing port whereas RTi A3 has a back and front firing ports.

Klipsch RP-400M  Port
Klipsch RP-400M Tractrix horn-shaped 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 Klipsch RP-400M's and Polk RTi A3's external dimensions. Klipsch RP-400M has external dimensions of 298.0 x 144.0 x 191.0mm ( 11.7 x 5.6 x 7.5inch) whereas Polk RTi A3 has external dimensions of 374.7 x 214.4 x 355.6mm ( 14.7 x 8.4 x 14.0inch) .

Polk RTi A3 is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 70.4mm wider, 76.7mm taller and 164.6mm deeper than Klipsch RP-400M.

Below you can see the front view size comparison of Klipsch RP-400M and Polk RTi A3 in scale.

Klipsch RP-400M vs Polk RTi A3 Size Comparison - Front View
Comparison image of Klipsch RP-400M and Polk RTi A3 Size and External Dimensions

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 Klipsch RP-400M is approximately 275.0cm2 / 42.6inch2 and base area of the Polk RTi A3 is approximately 762.4cm2 / 118.2inch2. The RP-400M requires 64% less surface area than the RTi A3 which gives it a small advantage 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:

Klipsch RP-400M vs Polk RTi A3 Size Comparison on a Media Console
Size Comparison image of Klipsch RP-400M and Polk RTi A3 on a Media Console
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 Klipsch RP-400M weighs 4.10kg / 9lbs and the Polk RTi A3 weighs 7.26kg / 16lbs. This makes the RTi A3 77% heavier than the RP-400M.

Here is a comparison of how RP-400M and RTi A3's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Passive Bookshelf class.

Weight
All Bookshelf Speakers
Klipsch RP-400M
Polk RTi A3
Min
Average
Max

What's in the Box of Klipsch RP-400M?

Here are the items that are included inside the box of RP-400M:
  • 2 Bookshelf loudspeakers
  • 2 Grilles (installed)
  • 8 Self-adhesive rubber feet
  • User Manual
  • Important Safety Instructions
  • Warranty Information
  • What's in the Box of Polk RTi A3?

    Here are the items that come with the RTi A3:
  • 2 Cherry bookshelf speakers
  • 2 Self-tapping screws
  • 8 Self-adhesive rubber feet
  • Owner's Manual
  • Template
  • Online registration sheet
  • Polk Audio product brochure

  • Reasons to choose Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-400M over Polk Audio RTi A3
    Sensitivity 93 dB vs 89 dB Play louder with same amount of amplification power
    Height 298mm vs 374mm Easier to fit in smaller spaces
    Base Surface Area 275cm2 vs 762cm2 Takes less floor space
    Price per pair* 399USD vs 465USD costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time)

    Reasons to choose Polk Audio RTi A3 over Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-400M

    Max Input Power 150 watts vs 50 watts Handle more power from your amplifier
    Woofer Size 6.5 inches vs 4 inches Larger woofer
    Low Frequency Response 50 Hz vs 52 Hz Generates deeper bass
    High Frequency Response 26k Hz vs 25k Hz Generates higher frequency
    Bi-Amping and Bi-Wiring Yes vs No Allows bi-amping and bi-wiring connections
    Klipsch RP-400M vs Polk RTi A3 Specs Table
    Detailed comparison of specifications
    General Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-400M Polk Audio RTi A3
    Brand Klipsch Polk Audio
    Speaker Type Bookshelf speakers Bookshelf speakers
    Power Range up to 50 watts 20-150 watts
    Sensitivity 93 dB 89 dB
    Impedance 8 ohms 8 ohms
    Frequency Response 52-25k Hz 50-26k Hz
    Drivers
    Woofer Quantity 1 1
    Woofer Size 4" 6.5"
    Woofer Composition Cerametallic Polymer composite
    Woofer Surround Material Rubber Butyl rubber
    Tweeter Size 1" 1"
    Tweeter Type Tractrix Horn Dome
    Aimable Tweeter No No
    Midrange Driver No No
    Crossover Frequency 1500Hz 2800Hz
    Firing Direction rear back and front
    Physical Specs
    Height 298.0mm (11.7") 374.7mm (14.8")
    Width 144.0mm (5.7") 214.4mm (8.4")
    Depth 191.0mm (7.5") 355.6mm (14")
    Weight 4.10kg (9lbs) 7.26kg (16lbs)
    Enclosure Bass Reflex Bass Reflex
    Finish MDF/Wood-grain vinyl Real wood veneer
    Available Colors Ebony, Walnut, Piano Black Black, Cherry
    Mounting Bracket Keyhole Keyhole
    Recommended Stand Height 28-30" 24-31"
    Grille Yes n/a
    Moisture Resistancy No No
    Connections
    Biamp Inputs No Yes
    Other
    Parts Warranty 5 Years 5 Years
    Labor Warranty 5 Years 5 Years

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