In this review, we will be comparing two different type of speakers by Polk Audio. Polk Audio Reserve R350 is a Center Channel speaker whereas the R100 is a Bookshelf speaker.
Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Polk Audio Reserve R350 and Polk R100 first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
Polk Audio Reserve R350 Key Specs
- 2-way Design
- 1" Ring Radiator Tweeter
- 4 x 4" Woofer
- 75-35k Hz Frequency Response
- 87 dB Sensitivity
- Impedance: 8ohms
- Weight:kg
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 5-9/16" x 30" x 7-1/4"
Polk R100 Key Specs
- 2-way Design
- 1" Pinnacle Ring Radiator Tweeter
- 5.25" Polypropylene Turbine Cone Woofer
- 58-39k Hz Frequency Response
- 86 dB Sensitivity
- Impedance: 8ohms
- Power Range:30-150watts
- Weight:5.55kg
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 12-13/16" x 6-9/16" x 10-3/16" ( 326.0 x 167.0 x 259.0mm )
Reserve R350 and R100 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 Audio Reserve R350 and Polk R100 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 Reserve R350 and R100 are 2-way speakers.
| Driver |
Polk Audio Reserve R350 |
Polk R100 |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
4 x 4-inch
|
1 x 5.25-inch
|
Reserve R350 features a 1" Ring Radiator Tweeter and 4 x 4" Woofer . On the other hand, the R100 features a 1" Pinnacle Ring Radiator Tweeter and 1 x 5.25" Polypropylene Turbine Cone Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 2700Hz.
Frequency Response
Reserve R350 has a frequency range of 75-35k Hz whereas R100 has a frequency range of 58-39k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 58Hz, the R100 can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the Reserve R350's min frequency of 75Hz.
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
Reserve R350 and R100 have the same Impedance of 8 ohms but where they differ is the sensitivity levels. Reserve R350 sensitivity is rated at 87 dB and the R100's is at 86 dB. This 1 dB difference makes the Polk Audio Reserve R350 a more sensitive speaker compared to Polk R100, hence will play louder with the same amount of watts.
Sensitivity
Center Channel Speakers
Input Type and Bi-Amping / Bi-Wiring
Reserve R350 features Binding post type posts and R100 has a Binding post type posts. None of these speakers feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
Polk R100's Binding post terminals
Polk R100 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 Audio Reserve R350's and Polk R100's external dimensions. Polk Audio Reserve R350 has external dimensions of ( ) whereas Polk R100 has external dimensions of 326.0 x 167.0 x 259.0mm ( 12-13/16 x 6-9/16 x 10-3/16inch) .
Polk R100 is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 167mm wider, 326mm taller and 259mm deeper than Polk Audio Reserve R350.
What's in the Box of Polk R100?
Here are the items that come with the R100:
- 2 Bookshelf loudspeakers
- 2 Grilles
- Owners Manual
- Online Registration