In this review, we will be comparing Bronze 2 and S15, 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 S15 first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
What size room are the Monitor Audio Bronze 2 and Polk S15 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:
In the following sections, we will get into more detail in order to better understand how the Monitor Audio Bronze 2 and Polk S15 compare and hopefully end up with enough arguments to decide which one of these loudspeakers is the better choice for you.
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Drivers
Both Bronze 2 and S15 are 2-way speakers.
Driver |
Monitor Audio Bronze 2 |
Polk S15 |
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1-inch
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
Woofer
|
1 x 6.5-inch
|
1 x 5.25-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 S15 features a 1" Terylene Dome Tweeter and 1 x 5.25" Mica-reinforced polypropylene Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 2500Hz.
Frequency Response
Bronze 2 has a frequency range of 42-30k Hz whereas S15 has a frequency range of 50-40k 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 S15'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 S15 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 S15's is at 88 dB. This 2 dB difference makes the Monitor Audio Bronze 2 a more sensitive speaker compared to Polk S15, 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.
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 2 features Post posts which make bi-amping or bi-wiring possible. S15 has a Pair of Binding Posts - Gold Plated which doesn't feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
Cabinet Type and Port Position
Bronze 2 has a front firing port whereas S15 has a rear firing ports. Monitor Audio Bronze 2's front-firing port gives more flexibility in placement in regards to proximity to walls compared to Polk S15 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 S15'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 S15 has external dimensions of 304.8 x 190.0 x 260.4mm ( 12.0 x 7.4 x 10.2inch) .
Polk S15 is 45.2mm shorter and 20.6mm less deeper than Monitor Audio Bronze 2 but it is also 5mm wider.
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 S15 is approximately 494.8cm2 / 76.7inch2. The Bronze 2 requires 5% more surface area than the S15 which gives it a small disadvantage 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 2 weighs 5.30kg / 11.7lbs and the Polk S15 weighs 5.90kg / 13lbs. This makes the S15 11% heavier than the Bronze 2.
Here is a comparison of how Bronze 2 and S15'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 S15?
Here are the items that come with the S15:
2 Bookshelf loudspeakers2 Grille (attached)8 Self-adhesive rubber feetWall-mount templateOwners ManualOnline Product Registration
Sensitivity |
90 dB
vs
88 dB
|
Play louder with same amount of amplification power |
Woofer Size |
6.5 inches
vs
5.25 inches
|
Larger woofer |
Low Frequency Response |
42 Hz
vs
50 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
Bi-Amping and Bi-Wiring |
Yes
vs
No
|
Allows bi-amping and bi-wiring connections |
Port Position |
Front
vs
Rear
|
Gives more flexibility placing close to walls |
High Frequency Response |
40k Hz
vs
30k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
Mounting Bracket |
Yes
vs
No
|
Allows mounting on walls |
Height |
304mm
vs
350mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
Base Surface Area |
494cm2 (190x260mm)
vs
519cm2 (185x281mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
General |
Monitor Audio Bronze 2 |
Polk Audio Signature S15 |
Brand |
Monitor Audio |
Polk Audio |
Speaker Type |
Bookshelf speakers |
Bookshelf speakers |
Power Range |
30-100 watts |
20-100 watts |
Sensitivity |
90 dB |
88 dB |
Impedance |
8 ohms |
8 ohms |
Frequency Response |
42-30k Hz |
50-40k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
Woofer Size |
6.5" |
5.25" |
Woofer Composition |
C-CAM |
Mica-reinforced polypropylene |
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 |
2500Hz |
Firing Direction |
front |
rear |
Physical Specs |
|
|
Height |
350.0mm (13.8") |
304.8mm (12") |
Width |
185.0mm (7.3") |
190.0mm (7.5") |
Depth |
281.0mm (11.1") |
260.4mm (10.3") |
Weight |
5.30kg (11.7lbs) |
5.90kg (13lbs) |
Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Bass Reflex |
Finish |
MDF/Wood-grain vinyl |
Meddite MDF |
Available Colors |
Walnut, White, Rosemah, Black |
Black, Walnut, Brown Walnut |
Mounting Bracket |
No |
Keyhole |
Recommended Stand Height |
30-31" |
24-30" |
Grille |
Yes |
Yes |
Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
Biamp Inputs |
Yes |
No |
Other |
|
|
Parts Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |
Labor Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |