In this review, we will be comparing R200 50th Anniversary Edition and Silver 100 7G, two Passive Bookshelf speakers from Polk Audio and Monitor Audio. Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Polk R200 50th AE and Monitor Audio Silver 100 7G first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
What size room are the Polk R200 50th AE and Monitor Audio Silver 100 7G 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 R200 50th AE and Monitor Audio Silver 100 7G 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 R200 50th Anniversary Edition and Silver 100 7G are 2-way speakers.
| Driver |
Polk R200 50th AE |
Monitor Audio Silver 100 7G |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
1 x 6.5-inch
|
1 x 8-inch
|
R200 50th Anniversary Edition features a 1" ring radiator Pinnacle with an integrated waveguide Ring Radiator Tweeter and 1 x 6.5" Polypropylene Woofer . On the other hand, the Silver 100 7G features a 1" Hard-Dome Tweeter and 1 x 8" C-CAM RST II Woofer .
Frequency Response
R200 50th Anniversary Edition has a frequency range of 51-38k Hz whereas Silver 100 7G has a frequency range of 35-35k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 35Hz, the Silver 100 7G can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the R200 50th Anniversary Edition's min frequency of 51Hz.
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
R200 50th Anniversary Edition
High Frequency
Bookshelf Speakers
Monitor Audio Silver 100 7G
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
R200 50th Anniversary Edition and Silver 100 7G have the same Impedance of 8 ohms but where they differ is the sensitivity levels. R200 50th Anniversary Edition sensitivity is rated at 86 dB and the Silver 100 7G's is at 87.5 dB. This 2 dB difference makes the Monitor Audio Silver 100 7G a more sensitive speaker compared to Polk R200 50th AE, hence will play louder with the same amount of watts.
Sensitivity
Bookshelf Speakers
R200 50th Anniversary Edition
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.
R200 50th Anniversary Edition can handle a max power of 200 watts RMS from the amp the whereas Silver 100 7G has a max power handling value of 120 watts RMS, 80 watts less than the R200 50th Anniversary Edition.
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
Silver 100 7G features Binding post posts which make bi-amping or bi-wiring possible. R200 50th Anniversary Edition has a Binding post which doesn't feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
Polk R200 50th AE's Binding post terminals
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 R200 50th AE's and Monitor Audio Silver 100 7G's external dimensions. Polk R200 50th AE has external dimensions of 358.0 x 193.0 x 355.0mm ( 24-28inch x 7-9/16inch x 13-15/16inch ) whereas Monitor Audio Silver 100 7G has external dimensions of 377.0 x 232.0 x 332.0mm ( 14-13/16 x 9-1/8 x 13-1/16inch) .
Polk R200 50th AE is 39mm narrower and 19mm shorter than Monitor Audio Silver 100 7G but it is also 23mm deeper.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of Polk R200 50th AE and Monitor Audio Silver 100 7G in scale.
Comparison image of Polk R200 50th AE and Monitor Audio Silver 100 7G 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 R200 50th AE is approximately 685.2cm2 / 106.2inch2 and base area of the Monitor Audio Silver 100 7G is approximately 770.2cm2 / 119.4inch2. The R200 50th Anniversary Edition requires 11% less surface area than the Silver 100 7G 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:
Size Comparison image of Polk R200 50th AE and Monitor Audio Silver 100 7G 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 R200 50th AE weighs 8.80kg / 19.4lbs and the Monitor Audio Silver 100 7G weighs 9.43kg / 20.7lbs. This makes the Silver 100 7G 7% heavier than the R200 50th Anniversary Edition.
Here is a comparison of how R200 50th Anniversary Edition and Silver 100 7G's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Passive Bookshelf class.
Weight
All Bookshelf Speakers
Monitor Audio Silver 100 7G
What's in the Box of Polk R200 50th AE?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of R200 50th Anniversary Edition:
2 Bookshelf loudspeakers2 GrillesOwners ManualOnline RegistrationCertificate Of Aunthenticity
What's in the Box of Monitor Audio Silver 100 7G?
Here are the items that come with the Silver 100 7G:
2 Bookshelf loudspeakers2 Grilles4 Jumpers (pre-installed)8 Rubber feet2 Foam port plugsHex-keyOwners ManualImportant Safety Instructions
 Max Input Power |
200 watts
vs
120 watts
|
Handle more power from your amplifier |
 High Frequency Response |
38k Hz
vs
35k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Height |
358mm
vs
377mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
685cm2 (193x355mm)
vs
770cm2 (232x332mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
 Price per pair* |
1249USD
vs
1400USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
 Sensitivity |
88 dB
vs
86 dB
|
Play louder with same amount of amplification power |
 Woofer Size |
8 inches
vs
6.5 inches
|
Larger woofer |
| Low Frequency Response |
35 Hz
vs
51 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 Bi-Amping and Bi-Wiring |
Yes
vs
No
|
Allows bi-amping and bi-wiring connections |
| General |
Polk Audio Reserve R200 50th Anniversary Edition |
Monitor Audio Silver 100 7G |
| Brand |
Polk Audio |
Monitor Audio |
| Speaker Type |
Bookshelf speakers |
Bookshelf speakers |
| Power Range |
30-200 watts |
40-120 watts |
| Sensitivity |
86 dB |
87.5 dB |
| Impedance |
8 ohms |
8 ohms |
| Impedance |
3.8 ohms |
n/a |
| Frequency Response |
51-38k Hz |
35-35k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
6.5" |
8" |
| Woofer Composition |
Polypropylene |
C-CAM RST II |
| Woofer Surround Material |
Rubber |
Rubber |
| Tweeter Size |
1" |
1" |
| Tweeter Type |
Ring Radiator |
Hard-Dome |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Firing Direction |
rear |
n/a |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
358.0mm (14.1") |
377.0mm (14.8") |
| Width |
193.0mm (7.6") |
232.0mm (9.1") |
| Depth |
355.0mm (14") |
332.0mm (13.1") |
| Weight |
8.80kg (19.4lbs) |
9.43kg (20.7lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Bass Reflex |
| Finish |
MDF/Wood veneer |
MDF/Wood veneer |
| Available Colors |
Cherry |
Ash,High Gloss Black,Black Oak,Satin White |
| Mounting Bracket |
No |
No |
| Recommended Stand Height |
24-28" |
22-26" |
| Grille |
Yes |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
| Biamp Inputs |
No |
Yes |
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |