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Monitor Audio Bronze 1 vs Polk RTi A3 Comparison

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Monitor Audio Bronze 1

Passive Bookshelf | 55-30k Hz

Monitor Audio Bronze 1
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Polk RTi A3

Passive Bookshelf | 50-26k Hz

Polk Audio RTi A3
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Monitor Audio Bronze 1 Monitor Audio Bronze...
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Polk RTi A3 Polk RTi A3
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Monitor Audio Bronze...
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Polk RTi A3
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Monitor Audio Bronze 1 vs Polk RTi A3 Speaker Comparison

In this review, we will be comparing Bronze 1 and RTi A3, two Passive Bookshelf speakers from Monitor Audio and Polk Audio.

Let's have a brief look at the main features of Monitor Audio Bronze 1 and Polk RTi A3 first before getting into our more detailed comparison.

Monitor Audio Bronze 1 Key Specs

  • 2-way Design
  • 1" Dome Tweeter
  • 5.5" C-CAM Woofer
  • 55-30k Hz Frequency Response
  • 88 dB Sensitivity
  • Impedance: 8ohms
  • Power Range:20-70watts
  • Weight:3.50kg
  • Dimensions (H x W x D): 260.0" x 6.4" x 8.0"( 260.0 x 165.0 x 205.0mm )

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 Monitor Audio Bronze 1 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* Monitor Audio Bronze 1 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 Monitor Audio Bronze 1 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 Bronze 1 and RTi A3 are 2-way speakers.

Driver Monitor Audio Bronze 1 Polk RTi A3
Driver Setup 2-way 2-way
Tweeter 1-inch 1-inch
Midrange - -
Woofer 1 x 5.5-inch 1 x 6.5-inch

Bronze 1 features a 1" Dome Tweeter and 1 x 5.5" C-CAM Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 2700Hz. 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

Bronze 1 has a frequency range of 55-30k Hz whereas RTi A3 has a frequency range of 50-26k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 50Hz, the RTi A3 can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the Bronze 1's min frequency of 55Hz.

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

Bronze 1
RTi A3
Min
Average
Max
High Frequency

Bookshelf Speakers

Monitor Audio Bronze 1
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

Bronze 1 and RTi A3 have the same Impedance of 8 ohms but where they differ is the sensitivity levels. Bronze 1 sensitivity is rated at 88 dB and the RTi A3's is at 89 dB. This 1 dB difference makes the Polk RTi A3 a more sensitive speaker compared to Monitor Audio Bronze 1, hence will play louder with the same amount of watts.

Sensitivity

Bookshelf Speakers

Bronze 1
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.

Bronze 1 can handle a max power of 150 watts RMS from the amp the whereas Bronze 1 has a max power handling value of 70 watts RMS , 80 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. Bronze 1 has a Post which doesn't feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.

Monitor Audio Bronze 1 Terminals
Monitor Audio Bronze 1's Post terminals

Cabinet Type and Port Position

Bronze 1 has a rear firing port whereas RTi A3 has a back and front firing ports.

Monitor Audio Bronze 1  Port
Monitor Audio Bronze 1 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 Monitor Audio Bronze 1's and Polk RTi A3's external dimensions. Monitor Audio Bronze 1 has external dimensions of 260.0 x 165.0 x 205.0mm ( 10.2 x 6.4 x 8.0inch) 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 49.4mm wider, 114.7mm taller and 150.6mm deeper than Monitor Audio Bronze 1.

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 Monitor Audio Bronze 1 is approximately 338.3cm2 / 52.4inch2 and base area of the Polk RTi A3 is approximately 762.4cm2 / 118.2inch2. The Bronze 1 requires 56% less surface area than the RTi A3 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 Monitor Audio Bronze 1 weighs 3.50kg / 7.7lbs and the Polk RTi A3 weighs 7.26kg / 16lbs. This makes the RTi A3 107% heavier than the Bronze 1.

Here is a comparison of how Bronze 1 and RTi A3's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Passive Bookshelf class.

Weight
All Bookshelf Speakers
Monitor Audio Bronze 1
Polk RTi A3
Min
Average
Max

What's in the Box of Monitor Audio Bronze 1?

Here are the items that are included inside the box of Bronze 1:
  • 2 Bookshelf loudspeakers
  • 2 Grilles
  • 2 Foam port plugs
  • Hex-key
  • Owner's Manual
  • Important Safety Instructions
  • 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 Monitor Audio Bronze 1 over Polk Audio RTi A3
    High Frequency Response 30k Hz vs 26k Hz Generates higher frequency
    Height 260mm vs 374mm Easier to fit in smaller spaces
    Base Surface Area 338cm2 vs 762cm2 Takes less floor space

    Reasons to choose Polk Audio RTi A3 over Monitor Audio Bronze 1

    Max Input Power 150 watts vs 70 watts Handle more power from your amplifier
    Sensitivity 89 dB vs 88 dB Play louder with same amount of amplification power
    Woofer Size 6.5 inches vs 5.5 inches Larger woofer
    Low Frequency Response 50 Hz vs 55 Hz Generates deeper bass
    Bi-Amping and Bi-Wiring Yes vs No Allows bi-amping and bi-wiring connections
    Mounting Bracket Yes vs No Allows mounting on walls
    Monitor Audio Bronze 1 vs Polk RTi A3 Specs Table
    Detailed comparison of specifications
    General Monitor Audio Bronze 1 Polk Audio RTi A3
    Brand Monitor Audio Polk Audio
    Speaker Type Bookshelf speakers Bookshelf speakers
    Power Range 20-70 watts 20-150 watts
    Sensitivity 88 dB 89 dB
    Impedance 8 ohms 8 ohms
    Frequency Response 55-30k Hz 50-26k Hz
    Drivers
    Woofer Quantity 1 1
    Woofer Size 5.5" 6.5"
    Woofer Composition C-CAM Polymer composite
    Woofer Surround Material Rubber Butyl rubber
    Tweeter Size 1" 1"
    Tweeter Type Dome Dome
    Aimable Tweeter No No
    Midrange Driver No No
    Crossover Frequency 2700Hz 2800Hz
    Firing Direction rear back and front
    Physical Specs
    Height 260.0mm (10.2") 374.7mm (14.8")
    Width 165.0mm (6.5") 214.4mm (8.4")
    Depth 205.0mm (8.1") 355.6mm (14")
    Weight 3.50kg (7.7lbs) 7.26kg (16lbs)
    Enclosure Bass Reflex Bass Reflex
    Finish MDF/Wood-grain vinyl Real wood veneer
    Available Colors Walnut, White, Rosemah, Black Black, Cherry
    Mounting Bracket No Keyhole
    Recommended Stand Height 30-31" 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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