In this review, we will be comparing Bronze 2 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 2 and Polk RTi A3 first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
Monitor Audio Bronze 2 Key Specs
- 2-way Design
- 1" Dome Tweeter
- 6.5" C-CAM Woofer
- 42-30k Hz Frequency Response
- 90 dB Sensitivity
- Impedance: 8ohms
- Power Range:30-100watts
- Weight:5.30kg
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 350.0" x 7.2" x 11.0"( 350.0 x 185.0 x 281.0mm )
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 2 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 2 |
Polk RTi A3 |
| Near-field |
Average |
Poor |
| Small Room |
Good |
Average |
| Mid-size Room |
Average |
Good |
| Large Room |
Poor |
Average |
| Very Large Room |
Bad |
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 2 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 2 and RTi A3 are 2-way speakers.
| Driver |
Monitor Audio Bronze 2 |
Polk RTi A3 |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
1 x 6.5-inch
|
1 x 6.5-inch
|
Bronze 2 features a 1" Dome Tweeter and 1 x 6.5" C-CAM Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 3100Hz. 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 2 has a frequency range of 42-30k Hz whereas RTi A3 has a frequency range of 50-26k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 42Hz, the Bronze 2 can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the RTi A3'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 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 2 and RTi A3 have the same Impedance of 8 ohms but where they differ is the sensitivity levels. Bronze 2 sensitivity is rated at 90 dB and the RTi A3's is at 89 dB. This 1 dB difference makes the Monitor Audio Bronze 2 a more sensitive speaker compared to Polk RTi A3, 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 2 can handle a max power of 150 watts RMS from the amp the whereas Bronze 2 has a max power handling value of 100 watts RMS , 50 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
Both Bronze 2 and RTi A3 features dual binding post speaker terminals for bi-amping or bi-wiring.
Cabinet Type and Port Position
Bronze 2 has a front firing port whereas RTi A3 has a back and front firing ports. Monitor Audio Bronze 2's front-firing port gives more flexibility in placement in regards to proximity to walls compared to Polk RTi A3 with its rear-firing 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 2's and Polk RTi A3's external dimensions. Monitor Audio Bronze 2 has external dimensions of 350.0 x 185.0 x 281.0mm ( 13.7 x 7.2 x 11.0inch) 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 29.4mm wider, 24.7mm taller and 74.6mm deeper than Monitor Audio Bronze 2.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of Monitor Audio Bronze 2 and Polk RTi A3 in scale.
Comparison image of Monitor Audio Bronze 2 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 Monitor Audio Bronze 2 is approximately 519.9cm2 / 80.6inch2 and base area of the Polk RTi A3 is approximately 762.4cm2 / 118.2inch2. The Bronze 2 requires 32% 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:
Size Comparison image of Monitor Audio Bronze 2 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 Monitor Audio Bronze 2 weighs 5.30kg / 11.7lbs and the Polk RTi A3 weighs 7.26kg / 16lbs. This makes the RTi A3 37% heavier than the Bronze 2.
Here is a comparison of how Bronze 2 and RTi A3'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 2?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of Bronze 2:
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
 Sensitivity |
90 dB
vs
89 dB
|
Play louder with same amount of amplification power |
 Low Frequency Response |
42 Hz
vs
50 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 High Frequency Response |
30k Hz
vs
26k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Height |
350mm
vs
374mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
519cm2
vs
762cm2
|
Takes less floor space |
 Max Input Power |
150 watts
vs
100 watts
|
Handle more power from your amplifier |
 Mounting Bracket |
Yes
vs
No
|
Allows mounting on walls |
| General |
Monitor Audio Bronze 2 |
Polk Audio RTi A3 |
| Brand |
Monitor Audio |
Polk Audio |
| Speaker Type |
Bookshelf speakers |
Bookshelf speakers |
| Power Range |
30-100 watts |
20-150 watts |
| Sensitivity |
90 dB |
89 dB |
| Impedance |
8 ohms |
8 ohms |
| Frequency Response |
42-30k Hz |
50-26k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
6.5" |
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 |
3100Hz |
2800Hz |
| Firing Direction |
front |
back and front |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
350.0mm (13.8") |
374.7mm (14.8") |
| Width |
185.0mm (7.3") |
214.4mm (8.4") |
| Depth |
281.0mm (11.1") |
355.6mm (14") |
| Weight |
5.30kg (11.7lbs) |
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 |
Yes |
Yes |
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |