In this review, we will be comparing 255c-LS and W250-LCR, two Passive In-wall speakers from Polk Audio and Monitor Audio.
Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Polk Audio 255c-LS and Monitor Audio W250-LCR first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
Polk Audio 255c-LS Key Specs
- 2-way Design
- 1.0" Ring radiator Tweeter
- 2 x 5.25" Aerated polypropylene Woofer
- 44-29kHz Frequency Response
- 91 dB Sensitivity
- Impedance: 8ohms
- Power Range:10-150watts
- Weight:3.12kg
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 194.0" x 13.1250" x 0.0000"
Monitor Audio W250-LCR Key Specs
- 2-way Design
- 1" Hard-Dome Tweeter
- 2 x 5" Metal Matrix Polymer Woofer
- 60-30kHz Frequency Response
- 88 dB Sensitivity
- Impedance: 8ohms
- Power Range:30-100watts
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 353.0" x 5.7500" x 4.0000"( 353.0 x 147.0 x 102.0mm )
What size room are the Polk Audio 255c-LS and Monitor Audio W250-LCR 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* |
Polk Audio 255c-LS |
Monitor Audio W250-LCR |
| Near-field |
Poor |
Average |
| Small Room |
Average |
Good |
| Mid-size Room |
Good |
Average |
| Large Room |
Average |
Poor |
| Very Large Room |
Poor |
Bad |
(* 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 Polk Audio 255c-LS and Monitor Audio W250-LCR 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 255c-LS and W250-LCR are 2-way speakers.
| Driver |
Polk Audio 255c-LS |
Monitor Audio W250-LCR |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1.0-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
2 x 5.25-inch
|
2 x 5-inch
|
255c-LS features a 1.0" Ring radiator Tweeter and 2 x 5.25" Aerated polypropylene Woofer . On the other hand, the W250-LCR features a 1" Hard-Dome Tweeter and 2 x 5" Metal Matrix Polymer Woofer .
Frequency Response
255c-LS has a frequency range of 44-29kHz whereas W250-LCR has a frequency range of 60-30kHz. With a minimum frequency of 44Hz, the 255c-LS can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the W250-LCR's min frequency of 60Hz.
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 In-wall class in our database.
Low Frequency
In-wall Speakers
High Frequency
In-wall 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
255c-LS and W250-LCR have the same Impedance of 8 ohms but where they differ is the sensitivity levels. 255c-LS sensitivity is rated at 91 dB and the W250-LCR's is at 88 dB. This 3 dB difference makes the Polk Audio 255c-LS a more sensitive speaker compared to Monitor Audio W250-LCR, hence will play louder with the same amount of watts.
Sensitivity
In-wall 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.
255c-LS can handle a max power of 150 watts RMS from the amp the whereas W250-LCR has a max power handling value of 100 watts RMS, 50 watts less than the 255c-LS.
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
255c-LS features Spring post type posts and W250-LCR has a Spring post type posts. None of these speakers feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
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 Polk Audio 255c-LS's and Monitor Audio W250-LCR's external dimensions. Polk Audio 255c-LS has external dimensions of ( 7.6250-inch x 13.1250-inch x 0.0000-inch) whereas Monitor Audio W250-LCR has external dimensions of 353.0 x 147.0 x 102.0mm ( 13.8750-inch x 5.7500-inch x 4.0000-inch) .
Polk Audio 255c-LS is 159mm shorter and 102mm less deeper than Monitor Audio W250-LCR but it is also 187mm wider.
What's in the Box of Polk Audio 255c-LS?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of 255c-LS:
In-wall loudspeakerWhite metal grilleMounting templateOwners Manual
What's in the Box of Monitor Audio W250-LCR?
Here are the items that come with the W250-LCR:
In-wall speakerGrillePaint skimInstallation GuideImportant Safety InstructionsCutout Template