In this review, we will be comparing RTi A1 and TSi100, two Passive Bookshelf speakers by Polk Audio Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Polk RTi A1 and Polk TSi100 first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
What size room are the Polk RTi A1 and Polk TSi100 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 RTi A1 and Polk TSi100 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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through my links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Drivers
Both RTi A1 and TSi100 are 2-way speakers.
| Driver |
Polk RTi A1 |
Polk TSi100 |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
1 x 5.25-inch
|
1 x 5.25-inch
|
RTi A1 features a 1" silk polymer composite Dome Tweeter and 1 x 5.25" Polymer composite Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 1900Hz. On the other hand, the TSi100 features a 1" Dome Tweeter and 1 x 5.25" Organic Fiber Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 2500Hz.
Frequency Response
RTi A1 has a frequency range of 60-26k Hz whereas TSi100 has a frequency range of 61-24k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 60Hz, the RTi A1 can go slightly deeper then the TSi100's min frequency of 61Hz.
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
RTi A1 and TSi100 have the same Impedance of 8 ohms and their sensitivity is also same at 89 dB.
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.
RTi A1 can handle a max power of 125 watts RMS from the amp the whereas TSi100 has a max power handling value of 100 watts RMS, 25 watts less than the RTi A1.
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 A1 features Pair of Dual 5-way Binding Posts - Gold-Plated posts which make bi-amping or bi-wiring possible. TSi100 has a Pair of 5-way Binding Posts - Gold-Plated which doesn't feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
Cabinet Type and Port Position
RTi A1 has a back and front firing port whereas TSi100 has a rear 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 RTi A1's and Polk TSi100's external dimensions. Polk RTi A1 has external dimensions of 304.8 x 187.5 x 292.1mm ( 12.0 x 7.3 x 11.5inch) whereas Polk TSi100 has external dimensions of 279.4 x 177.8 x 259.0mm ( 11.0 x 7.0 x 10.1inch) .
Polk RTi A1 is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 9.7mm wider, 25.4mm taller and 33.1mm deeper than Polk TSi100.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of Polk RTi A1 and Polk TSi100 in scale.
Comparison image of Polk RTi A1 and Polk TSi100 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 Polk RTi A1 is approximately 547.7cm2 / 84.9inch2 and base area of the Polk TSi100 is approximately 460.5cm2 / 71.4inch2. The RTi A1 requires 19% more surface area than the TSi100 which gives it a small disadvantage 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 Polk RTi A1 and Polk TSi100 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 Polk RTi A1 weighs 5.44kg / 12lbs and the Polk TSi100 weighs 4.53kg / 10lbs. This makes the RTi A1 20% heavier than the TSi100.
Here is a comparison of how RTi A1 and TSi100'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 RTi A1?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of RTi A1:
2 Cherry bookshelf speakers 2 Self-tapping screws 8 Self-adhesive rubber feet Owner's Manual Template Online registration sheet Polk Audio product brochure
What's in the Box of Polk TSi100?
Here are the items that come with the TSi100:
2 Black bookshelf speakers Detachable cloth grille (installed) 8 Self-adhesive rubber feet Owner's Manual Wall-Mount template Online registration sheet Polk Audio product brochure
 Max Input Power |
125 watts
vs
100 watts
|
Handle more power from your amplifier |
 Low Frequency Response |
60 Hz
vs
61 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 High Frequency Response |
26k Hz
vs
24k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Bi-Amping and Bi-Wiring |
Yes
vs
No
|
Allows bi-amping and bi-wiring connections |
 Height |
279mm
vs
304mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
460cm2 (177x259mm)
vs
547cm2 (187x292mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
 Price per pair* |
149USD
vs
382USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
| General |
Polk Audio RTi A1 |
Polk Audio TSi100 |
| Brand |
Polk Audio |
Polk Audio |
| Speaker Type |
Bookshelf speakers |
Bookshelf speakers |
| Power Range |
20-125 watts |
20-100 watts |
| Sensitivity |
89 dB |
89 dB |
| Impedance |
8 ohms |
8 ohms |
| Frequency Response |
60-26k Hz |
61-24k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
5.25" |
5.25" |
| Woofer Composition |
Polymer composite |
Organic Fiber |
| Woofer Surround Material |
Butyl rubber |
Butyl Rubber |
| Tweeter Size |
1" |
1" |
| Tweeter Type |
Dome |
Dome |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Crossover Frequency |
1900Hz |
2500Hz |
| Firing Direction |
back and front |
rear |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
304.8mm (12") |
279.4mm (11") |
| Width |
187.5mm (7.4") |
177.8mm (7") |
| Depth |
292.1mm (11.5") |
259.0mm (10.2") |
| Weight |
5.44kg (12lbs) |
4.53kg (10lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Bass Reflex |
| Finish |
Real wood veneer |
Wood-grain vinyl |
| Available Colors |
Black, Cherry |
Black, Cherry |
| Mounting Bracket |
Keyhole |
Keyhole |
| Recommended Stand Height |
28-36" |
16-30" |
| Grille |
n/a |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
| Biamp Inputs |
Yes |
No |
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |