In this review, we will be comparing two different type of speakers by Polk Audio. Polk Audio Legend L400 is a Center Channel speaker whereas the L800 is a Floor-standing speaker.
Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Polk L400 and Polk L800 first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
Polk L400 Key Specs
- 3-way Design
- 1" Pinnacle Ring Radiator Tweeter
- 4" Midrange
- 2 x 6.5" Woofer
- 55-38k Hz Frequency Response
- 87.5 dB Sensitivity
- Impedance: 4ohms
- Power Range:25-300watts
- Weight:18.55kg
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 245.0" x 26-1/16" x 13-1/2"( 245.0 x 662.0 x 343.0mm )
Polk L800 Key Specs
- 3-way Design
- 1" Pinnacle Ring Radiator Tweeter
- 5.25" Midrange
- 2 x 10" Polypropylene Woofer
- 5.25" Midrange
- 32-38k Hz Frequency Response
- 87 dB Sensitivity
- Impedance: 4ohms
- Power Range:25-300watts
- Weight:68.50kg
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 1236.0" x 18" x 17-7/16"( 1236.0 x 458.0 x 443.0mm )
L400 and L800 are members of Polk Audio's Legend L series of speakers. Below you can find the loudspeakers from this series.
What size room are the Polk L400 and Polk L800 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 L400 |
Polk L800 |
| Near-field |
Poor |
Bad |
| Small Room |
Poor |
Poor |
| Mid-size Room |
Good |
Average |
| Large Room |
Good |
Good |
| Very Large Room |
Average |
Average |
(* 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 L400 and Polk L800 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 L400 and L800 are 3-way speakers.
| Driver |
Polk L400 |
Polk L800 |
|
Driver Setup
|
3-way
|
3-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
1 x 4-inch |
2 x 5.25-inch |
|
Woofer
|
2 x 6.5-inch
|
2 x 10-inch
|
L400 features a 1" Pinnacle Ring Radiator Tweeter , a 4" Midrange and 2 x 6.5" Woofer . On the other hand, the L800 features a 1" Pinnacle Ring Radiator Tweeter , a 5.25" Midrange and 2 x 10" Polypropylene Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 370Hz and 2800Hz.
Frequency Response
L400 has a frequency range of 55-38k Hz whereas L800 has a frequency range of 32-38k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 32Hz, the L800 can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the L400'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 Center Channel class in our database.
Low Frequency
Center Channel Speakers
High Frequency
Center Channel 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
L400 and L800 have the same Impedance of 4 ohms but where they differ is the sensitivity levels. L400 sensitivity is rated at 87.5 dB and the L800's is at 87 dB. This 1 dB difference makes the Polk L400 a more sensitive speaker compared to Polk L800, hence will play louder with the same amount of watts.
One thing to keep in mind that the lower impedance speakers, especially the ones that are rated at 4 ohms may put more pressure on the amplifier unit comared to higher impedance speakers especially at high volume levels, so make sure the amp you pair with the L400 and the L400 can provide this impedance level.
Sensitivity
Center Channel 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.
L400 and L800 has the same power range of 25-300 watts.
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
L800 features Binding post posts which make bi-amping or bi-wiring possible. L400 has a Binding post which doesn't feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
Polk L400's Binding post terminals
Polk L800's Binding post terminals allows Bi-amping or bi-wiring
Cabinet Type and Port Position
L400 has a rear firing port whereas L800 has a down firing ports.
Polk L400 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 Polk L400's and Polk L800's external dimensions. Polk L400 has external dimensions of 245.0 x 662.0 x 343.0mm ( 9-5/8 x 26-1/16 x 13-1/2inch) whereas Polk L800 has external dimensions of 1236.0 x 458.0 x 443.0mm ( 48-5/8 x 18 x 17-7/16inch) .
Polk L400 is 991mm shorter and 100mm less deeper than Polk L800 but it is also 204mm 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 Polk L400 is approximately 2270.7cm2 / 352.0inch2 and base area of the Polk L800 is approximately 2028.9cm2 / 314.5inch2. The L400 requires 12% more surface area than the L800 which gives it a small disadvantage on placement in tight spaces.
What's in the Box of Polk L400?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of L400:
Center-channel loudspeakerGrille2 Jumper-wiresCleaning clothOwners ManualOnline Registration
What's in the Box of Polk L800?
Here are the items that come with the L800:
2 Floorstanding loudspeakers2 Large Grilles2 Small grillesTwo 15-feet SDA interconnect cables8 Rubber feet8 Spike feet2 Jumper-wires (pre-installed)2 Cleaning cloths2 Hex-keysOwners ManualOnline Registration
Sensitivity 
Height 
Price per pair* 
Woofer Size 
Dolby Atmos Drivers 
Base Surface Area