In this review, we will be comparing two different type of speakers by Polk Audio. Polk Audio T15 is a Bookshelf speaker whereas the T30 is a Center Channel speaker.
Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Polk Audio T15 and Polk Audio T30 first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
Polk Audio T15 Key Specs
- 2-way Design
- 0.75" Soft-Dome Tweeter
- 5.25" Mineral-filled polymer composite Woofer
- 45-24k Hz Frequency Response
- 89 dB Sensitivity
- Impedance: 8ohms
- Power Range:20-100watts
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 10-5/8" x 6-1/2" x 7-1/4" ( 270.0 x 165.0 x 184.0mm )
Polk Audio T30 Key Specs
- 2-way Design
- 1" Soft-Dome Tweeter
- 2 x 5.25" Dynamic Balance composite Woofer
- 55-24k Hz Frequency Response
- 90 dB Sensitivity
- Impedance: 8ohms
- Power Range:Up to 100watts
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 6-1/2" x 19" x 8-1/2" ( 165.0 x 483.0 x 216.0mm )
T15 and T30 are members of Polk Audio's T series of speakers. Below you can find the loudspeakers from this series.
What size room are the Polk Audio T15 and Polk Audio T30 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:
| Listening Environment* |
Polk Audio T15 |
Polk Audio T30 |
| Near-field |
Average |
Poor |
| Small Room |
Good |
Average |
| Mid-size Room |
Average |
Good |
| Large Room |
Poor |
Average |
| Very Large Room |
Bad |
Poor |
(* Approximate Room sizes: Small < 100sq. ft / 9 m2,
Mid-size: 100-220 sq. ft / 9-20 m2, Large 220-400 sq. ft / 20-36 m2, Very Large: >
400 sq. ft / 36 m2.
Average Floor Height: 9" / 2.7m. Typical room sizes differ from country to country, and the actual
listening experience changes depending on floor height, room shape, surface materials, listening
position, speaker locations, etc.)
In the following sections, we will get into more detail in order to better understand how the Polk Audio T15 and Polk Audio T30 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 T15 and T30 are 2-way speakers.
| Driver |
Polk Audio T15 |
Polk Audio T30 |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
0.75-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
1 x 5.25-inch
|
2 x 5.25-inch
|
T15 features a 0.75" Silk/polymer composite Soft-Dome Tweeter and 1 x 5.25" Mineral-filled polymer composite Woofer . On the other hand, the T30 features a 1" Silk, with waveguide Soft-Dome Tweeter and 2 x 5.25" Dynamic Balance composite Woofer .
Frequency Response
T15 has a frequency range of 45-24k Hz whereas T30 has a frequency range of 55-24k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 45Hz, the T15 can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the T30's min frequency of 55Hz.
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
T15 and T30 have the same Impedance of 8 ohms but where they differ is the sensitivity levels. T15 sensitivity is rated at 89 dB and the T30's is at 90 dB. This 1 dB difference makes the Polk Audio T30 a more sensitive speaker compared to Polk Audio T15, 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
T15 features 5-way post type posts and T30 has a 5-way post type posts. None of these speakers feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
Cabinet Type and Port Position
Both T15 and T30 have front firing ports. front ported speakers offers more flexibility in placement in regards to proximity to walls&surfaces compared to rear ported speakers.
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 T15's and Polk Audio T30's external dimensions. Polk Audio T15 has external dimensions of 270.0 x 165.0 x 184.0mm ( 10-5/8 x 6-1/2 x 7-1/4inch) whereas Polk Audio T30 has external dimensions of 165.0 x 483.0 x 216.0mm ( 6-1/2 x 19 x 8-1/2inch) .
Polk Audio T15 is 318mm narrower and 32mm less deeper than Polk Audio T30 but it is also 105mm taller.
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 Audio T15 is approximately 303.6cm2 / 47.1inch2 and base area of the Polk Audio T30 is approximately 1043.3cm2 / 161.7inch2. The T15 requires 71% less surface area than the T30 which gives it a small advantage on placement in tight spaces.