In this review, we will be comparing L100 and RTi A3, two Passive Bookshelf speakers by Polk Audio Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Polk L100 and Polk RTi A3 first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
What size room are the Polk L100 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:
In the following sections, we will get into more detail in order to better understand how the Polk L100 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.
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Drivers
Both L100 and RTi A3 are 2-way speakers.
Driver |
Polk L100 |
Polk RTi A3 |
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1-inch
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
Woofer
|
1 x 5.25-inch
|
1 x 6.5-inch
|
L100 features a 1" Ring Radiator Tweeter and 1 x 5.25" Polypropylene Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 2900Hz. 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
L100 has a frequency range of 57-38k 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 L100's min frequency of 57Hz.
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
L100 is a 4 ohms speaker compared to the RTi A3 which has a nominal impedance of 8 ohms. Lower impedance speakers, especially the ones that are rated at 4 ohms may put more pressure on the amplifier unit especially when played at high volume levels, so make sure the amp you pair with the L100 can provide this impedance level.
These two speakers also have different sensitivity levels. L100 sensitivity is rated at 85.5 dB and the RTi A3's is rated at 89 dB. This 3 dB difference makes the Polk RTi A3 a more sensitive speaker compared to Polk L100, 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.
L100 can handle a max power of 160 watts RMS from the amp the whereas RTi A3 has a max power handling value of 150 watts RMS, 10 watts less than the L100.
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. L100 has a Post which doesn't feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
Cabinet Type and Port Position
L100 has a rear firing port whereas RTi A3 has a back and front firing ports.
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 L100's and Polk RTi A3's external dimensions. Polk L100 has external dimensions of 348.0 x 201.0 x 288.0mm ( 13-11/16 x 7-7/8 x 11-5/16inch) 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 13.4mm wider, 26.7mm taller and 67.6mm deeper than Polk L100.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of Polk L100 and Polk RTi A3 in scale.
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 Polk L100 is approximately 578.9cm2 / 89.7inch2 and base area of the Polk RTi A3 is approximately 762.4cm2 / 118.2inch2. The L100 requires 24% 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:
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 Polk L100 weighs 7.68kg / 16.9lbs and the Polk RTi A3 weighs 7.26kg / 16lbs. This makes the L100 6% heavier than the RTi A3.
Here is a comparison of how L100 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 Polk L100?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of L100:
2 Bookshelf loudspeakers 2 Grilles Cleaning cloth Owners Manual Online Registration
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
Max Input Power |
160 watts
vs
150 watts
|
Handle more power from your amplifier |
High Frequency Response |
38k Hz
vs
26k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
Height |
348mm
vs
374mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
Base Surface Area |
578cm2 (201x288mm)
vs
762cm2 (214x355mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
Sensitivity |
89 dB
vs
86 dB
|
Play louder with same amount of amplification power |
Nominal Impedance |
8 ohms
vs
4 ohms
|
Less selective with amplifiers |
Woofer Size |
6.5 inches
vs
5.25 inches
|
Larger woofer |
Low Frequency Response |
50 Hz
vs
57 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 |
Price per pair* |
465USD
vs
999USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
General |
Polk Audio Legend L100 |
Polk Audio RTi A3 |
Brand |
Polk Audio |
Polk Audio |
Speaker Type |
Bookshelf speakers |
Bookshelf speakers |
Power Range |
30-160 watts |
20-150 watts |
Sensitivity |
85.5 dB |
89 dB |
Impedance |
4 ohms |
8 ohms |
Impedance |
3 ohms |
n/a |
Frequency Response |
57-38k Hz |
50-26k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
Woofer Size |
5.25" |
6.5" |
Woofer Composition |
Polypropylene |
Polymer composite |
Woofer Surround Material |
Rubber |
Butyl rubber |
Tweeter Size |
1" |
1" |
Tweeter Type |
Ring Radiator |
Dome |
Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
Crossover Frequency |
2900Hz |
2800Hz |
Firing Direction |
rear |
back and front |
Physical Specs |
|
|
Height |
348.0mm (13.7") |
374.7mm (14.8") |
Width |
201.0mm (7.9") |
214.4mm (8.4") |
Depth |
288.0mm (11.3") |
355.6mm (14") |
Weight |
7.68kg (16.9lbs) |
7.26kg (16lbs) |
Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Bass Reflex |
Finish |
MDF/Wood veneer |
Real wood veneer |
Available Colors |
Brown Walnut, Black Ash |
Black, Cherry |
Mounting Bracket |
No |
Keyhole |
Recommended Stand Height |
24-28" |
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 |