In this review, we will be comparing Bronze 1 and TSi200, 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 TSi200 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 TSi200 Key Specs
- 2-way Design
- 1" Dome Tweeter
- 2 x 5.25" Organic Fiber Woofer
- 50-24k Hz Frequency Response
- 89 dB Sensitivity
- Impedance: 8ohms
- Power Range:20-150watts
- Weight:7.71kg
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 392.1" x 8.0" x 11.7"( 392.1 x 203.2 x 298.5mm )
What size room are the Monitor Audio Bronze 1 and Polk TSi200 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 TSi200 |
| 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 TSi200 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 TSi200 are 2-way speakers.
| Driver |
Monitor Audio Bronze 1 |
Polk TSi200 |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
1 x 5.5-inch
|
2 x 5.25-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 TSi200 features a 1" Dome Tweeter and 2 x 5.25" Organic Fiber Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 2500Hz.
Frequency Response
Bronze 1 has a frequency range of 55-30k Hz whereas TSi200 has a frequency range of 50-24k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 50Hz, the TSi200 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
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
Bronze 1 and TSi200 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 TSi200's is at 89 dB. This 1 dB difference makes the Polk TSi200 a more sensitive speaker compared to Monitor Audio Bronze 1, 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.
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 TSi200.
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
Bronze 1 features Pair of 5-way binding posts - Gold-plated type posts and TSi200 has a Pair of 5-way binding posts - Gold-plated type posts. None of these speakers feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
Monitor Audio Bronze 1's Post terminals
Cabinet Type and Port Position
Both Bronze 1 and TSi200 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.
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 TSi200'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 TSi200 has external dimensions of 392.1 x 203.2 x 298.5mm ( 15.4 x 8.0 x 11.7inch) .
Polk TSi200 is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 38.2mm wider, 132.1mm taller and 93.5mm 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 TSi200 is approximately 606.6cm2 / 94.0inch2. The Bronze 1 requires 44% less surface area than the TSi200 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 TSi200 weighs 7.71kg / 17lbs. This makes the TSi200 120% heavier than the Bronze 1.
Here is a comparison of how Bronze 1 and TSi200's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Passive Bookshelf class.
Weight
All Bookshelf Speakers
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 TSi200?
Here are the items that come with the TSi200:
2 Black bookshelf speakers Detachable cloth grille (installed) 8 Self-adhesive rubber feet Owner's Manual Online registration sheet Polk Audio product brochure
 Woofer Size |
5.5 inches
vs
5.25 inches
|
Larger woofer |
 High Frequency Response |
30k Hz
vs
24k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Height |
260mm
vs
392mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
338cm2
vs
606cm2
|
Takes less floor space |
 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 |
|
Number of Woofers |
2
vs
1
|
More woofers |
|
Low Frequency Response |
50 Hz
vs
55 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
| General |
Monitor Audio Bronze 1 |
Polk Audio TSi200 |
| 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 |
50-24k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
2 |
| Woofer Size |
5.5" |
5.25" |
| Woofer Composition |
C-CAM |
Organic Fiber |
| 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 |
2500Hz |
| Firing Direction |
rear |
rear |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
260.0mm (10.2") |
392.1mm (15.4") |
| Width |
165.0mm (6.5") |
203.2mm (8") |
| Depth |
205.0mm (8.1") |
298.5mm (11.8") |
| Weight |
3.50kg (7.7lbs) |
7.71kg (17lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Bass Reflex |
| Finish |
MDF/Wood-grain vinyl |
Wood-grain vinyl |
| Available Colors |
Walnut, White, Rosemah, Black |
Black, Cherry |
| Mounting Bracket |
No |
No |
| Recommended Stand Height |
30-31" |
16-26" |
| Grille |
Yes |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
| Biamp Inputs |
No |
No |
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |