In this review, we will be comparing RTi A3 and M106, two Passive Bookshelf speakers from Polk Audio and Revel. Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Polk RTi A3 and Revel M106 first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
What size room are the Polk RTi A3 and Revel M106 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 A3 and Revel M106 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 RTi A3 and M106 are 2-way speakers.
Driver |
Polk RTi A3 |
Revel M106 |
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1-inch
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
Woofer
|
1 x 6.5-inch
|
1 x 6.5-inch
|
RTi A3 features a 1" silk polymer composite Dome Tweeter and 1 x 6.5" Polymer composite Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 2800Hz. On the other hand, the M106 features a 1" aluminum Hard-Dome with Acoustic Lens Waveguide Tweeter and 1 x 6.5" Aluminum Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 2300Hz.
Frequency Response
RTi A3 has a frequency range of 50-26k Hz whereas M106 has a frequency range of 59Hz- 20kHz. With a minimum frequency of 50Hz, the RTi A3 can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the M106's min frequency of 59Hz.
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 A3 and M106 have the same Impedance of 8 ohms but where they differ is the sensitivity levels. RTi A3 sensitivity is rated at 89 dB and the M106's is at 87 dB. This 2 dB difference makes the Polk RTi A3 a more sensitive speaker compared to Revel M106, 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
RTi A3 features Pair of Dual 5-way Binding Posts - Gold-Plated posts which make bi-amping or bi-wiring possible. M106 has a Binding post which doesn't feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
Cabinet Type and Port Position
RTi A3 has a back and front firing port whereas M106 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 A3's and Revel M106's external dimensions. Polk RTi A3 has external dimensions of 374.7 x 214.4 x 355.6mm ( 14.7 x 8.4 x 14.0inch) whereas Revel M106 has external dimensions of 383.0 x 210.0 x 280.0mm ( 15-1/16 x 8-1/4 x 11inch) .
Revel M106 is 4.4mm narrower and 75.6mm less deeper than Polk RTi A3 but it is also 8.3mm taller.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of Polk RTi A3 and Revel M106 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 RTi A3 is approximately 762.4cm2 / 118.2inch2 and base area of the Revel M106 is approximately 588.0cm2 / 91.1inch2. The RTi A3 requires 30% more surface area than the M106 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:
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 A3 weighs 7.26kg / 16lbs and the Revel M106 weighs 8.41kg / 18.5lbs. This makes the M106 16% heavier than the RTi A3.
Here is a comparison of how RTi A3 and M106'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 A3?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of 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
What's in the Box of Revel M106?
Here are the items that come with the M106:
Bookshelf loudspeakerGrilleFoam port plugOwners Manual
Sensitivity |
89 dB
vs
87 dB
|
Play louder with same amount of amplification power |
Low Frequency Response |
50 Hz
vs
59 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
High Frequency Response |
26k Hz
vs
20k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
Bi-Amping and Bi-Wiring |
Yes
vs
No
|
Allows bi-amping and bi-wiring connections |
Mounting Bracket |
Yes
vs
No
|
Allows mounting on walls |
Height |
374mm
vs
383mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
Price per pair* |
465USD
vs
2200USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
Base Surface Area |
588cm2 (210x280mm)
vs
762cm2 (214x355mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
General |
Polk Audio RTi A3 |
Revel Performa3 M106 |
Brand |
Polk Audio |
Revel |
Speaker Type |
Bookshelf speakers |
Bookshelf speakers |
Power Range |
20-150 watts |
50-150 watts |
Sensitivity |
89 dB |
87 dB |
Impedance |
8 ohms |
8 ohms |
Frequency Response |
50-26k Hz |
59Hz- 20kHz |
Drivers |
|
|
Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
Woofer Size |
6.5" |
6.5" |
Woofer Composition |
Polymer composite |
Aluminum |
Woofer Surround Material |
Butyl rubber |
Rubber |
Tweeter Size |
1" |
1" |
Tweeter Type |
Dome |
Hard-Dome with Acoustic Lens Waveguide |
Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
Crossover Frequency |
2800Hz |
2300Hz |
Firing Direction |
back and front |
rear |
Physical Specs |
|
|
Height |
374.7mm (14.8") |
383.0mm (15.1") |
Width |
214.4mm (8.4") |
210.0mm (8.3") |
Depth |
355.6mm (14") |
280.0mm (11") |
Weight |
7.26kg (16lbs) |
8.41kg (18.5lbs) |
Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Bass Reflex |
Finish |
Real wood veneer |
Wood/Lacquer |
Available Colors |
Black, Cherry |
Gloss Walnut,Piano Black |
Mounting Bracket |
Keyhole |
No |
Recommended Stand Height |
24-31" |
24-25" |
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 |