In this review, we will be comparing two different type of speakers by Polk Audio. Polk Audio Reserve R300 is a Center Channel speaker whereas the Reserve R900 is a Surround speaker.
Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Polk R300 and Polk Audio Reserve R900 first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
Polk R300 Key Specs
- 2-way Design
- 1" Pinnacle Ring Radiator Tweeter
- 2 x 5.25" Polypropylene Turbine Cone Woofer
- 65-38k Hz Frequency Response
- 86.5 dB Sensitivity
- Impedance: 8ohms
- Power Range:30-200watts
- Weight:7.64kg
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 6-13/16" x 19-1/16" x 8-15/16" ( 174.0 x 485.0 x 228.0mm )
Polk Audio Reserve R900 Key Specs
- 2-way Design
- 0.75" Ring Radiator Tweeter
- 4" Woofer
- 70-32k Hz Frequency Response
- 85.5 dB Sensitivity
- Impedance: 8ohms
- Weight:kg
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 6-1/4" x 6-9/16" x 12-5/8"
R300 and Reserve R900 are members of Polk Audio's Reserve series of speakers. Below you can find the loudspeakers from this series.
Polk Audio Reserve Series
History
In the following sections, we will get into more detail in order to better understand how the Polk R300 and Polk Audio Reserve R900 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 R300 and Reserve R900 are 2-way speakers.
| Driver |
Polk R300 |
Polk Audio Reserve R900 |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
0.75-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
2 x 5.25-inch
|
1 x 4-inch
|
R300 features a 1" Pinnacle Ring Radiator Tweeter and 2 x 5.25" Polypropylene Turbine Cone Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 2200Hz. On the other hand, the Reserve R900 features a 0.75" Ring Radiator Tweeter and 1 x 4" Woofer .
Frequency Response
R300 has a frequency range of 65-38k Hz whereas Reserve R900 has a frequency range of 70-32k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 65Hz, the R300 can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the Reserve R900's min frequency of 70Hz.
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
R300 and Reserve R900 have the same Impedance of 8 ohms but where they differ is the sensitivity levels. R300 sensitivity is rated at 86.5 dB and the Reserve R900's is at 85.5 dB. This 1 dB difference makes the Polk R300 a more sensitive speaker compared to Polk Audio Reserve R900, hence will play louder with the same amount of watts.
Sensitivity
Center Channel Speakers
Input Type and Bi-Amping / Bi-Wiring
R300 features Binding post type posts and Reserve R900 has a Binding post type posts. None of these speakers feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
Polk R300'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 R300's and Polk Audio Reserve R900's external dimensions. Polk R300 has external dimensions of 174.0 x 485.0 x 228.0mm ( 6-13/16 x 19-1/16 x 8-15/16inch) whereas Polk Audio Reserve R900 has external dimensions of ( ) .
Polk R300 is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 485mm wider, 174mm taller and 228mm deeper than Polk Audio Reserve R900.
What's in the Box of Polk R300?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of R300:
- Center-channel loudspeaker
- Grille
- Owners Manual
- Online Registration