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Polk Audio TSi100 vs KEF Q150
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Polk TSi100

Passive Bookshelf | 61-24k Hz

Polk Audio TSi100
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KEF Q150

Passive Bookshelf | 51-28k Hz

KEF Q150
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Polk TSi100 vs KEF Q150 Speaker Comparison

In this review, we will be comparing TSi100 and Q150, two Passive Bookshelf speakers from Polk Audio and KEF. Let's have a brief look at the main features of Polk TSi100 and KEF Q150 first before getting into our more detailed comparison.

Polk TSi100 Key Specs

  • 1" Dome Tweeter
  • 5.25" Organic Fiber Woofer
  • 61-24k Hz Frequency Response
  • 89 dB Sensitivity
  • Impedance: 8ohms
  • Power Range:20-100watts
  • Weight:4.53kg
  • Dimensions (H x W x D): 279.4" x 7.0" x 10.1"( 279.4 x 177.8 x 259.0mm )

KEF Q150 Key Specs

  • 11th Generation Uni-Q Driver
  • 1" Dome Tweeter
  • 5.25" Aluminum Woofer
  • 51-28k Hz Frequency Response
  • 86 dB Sensitivity
  • Impedance: 8ohms
  • Power Range:10-100watts
  • Weight:5.60kg
  • Dimensions (H x W x D): 303.0" x 7.0" x 10.9"( 303.0 x 180.0 x 278.0mm )

In the following sections, we will get into details in order to better understand how Polk TSi100 and KEF Q150 compares and hopefully end up with enough arguments to decide which one of these loudspeakers is the better choice for you.


**This post contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking through my links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.


Drivers

Both TSi100 and Q150 are 2-way speakers. TSi100 features a 1" Dome Tweeter and 1 x 5.25" Organic Fiber Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 2500Hz. On the other hand, Q150 features a 1" vented aluminum Dome Tweeter and 1 x 5.25" Aluminum Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 2500Hz.

Frequency Response

TSi100 has a frequency range of 61-24k Hz whereas Q150 has a frequency range of 51-28k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 51Hz, the Q150 can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the TSi100's min frequency of 61Hz.

Below graphs depict how these two speakers compare with the max, min and average values of the Min and Max Frequencies of other speakers under Bookshelf class in our database.

Low Frequency

Bookshelf Speakers

Polk TSi100
KEF Q150
Min
Average
Max
High Frequency

Bookshelf Speakers

Polk TSi100
KEF Q150
Min
Average
Max

Impedance and Sensitivity

TSi100 and Q150 has the same Impedance of 8 ohms but where they differ is the sensitivity levels. TSi100 sensitivity is rated at 89 dB and Q150's is at 86 dB. This 3 dB difference makes Polk TSi100 a more sensitive speaker compared to KEF Q150, hence will play louder with the same amount of watts.

Sensitivity

Bookshelf Speakers

Polk TSi100
KEF Q150
Min
Average
Max

Power Range

TSi100 has a power range of 20-100 watts RMS whereas Q150 has a power range of 10-100 watts.

Input Type and Bi-Amping / Bi-Wiring

TSi100 features Post type posts and Q150 has a Post type posts. None of these speakers feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.

KEF Q150 Terminals
KEF Q150's Post terminals

Cabinet Type and Port Position

Both TSi100 and Q150 have rear firing ports. Rear ported speakers generlly need more room between the backside of the speaker and the wall compared to sealed and front/bottom ported speakers. Placing too close to the walls may cause the bass to sound boomy.

KEF Q150  Port
KEF Q150 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 TSi100's and KEF Q150's external dimensions. Polk TSi100 has external dimensions of 279.4 x 177.8 x 259.0mm ( 11.0 x 7.0 x 10.1inch) whereas KEF Q150 has external dimensions of 303.0 x 180.0 x 278.0mm ( 11.9 x 7.0 x 10.9inch) .

KEF Q150 is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 2.2mm wider, 23.6mm taller and 19mm deeper than Polk TSi100.

Below you can see the front view size comparison of Polk TSi100 and KEF Q150 in scale.

Polk TSi100 vs KEF Q150 Size Comparison - Front View
Comparison image of Polk TSi100 and KEF Q150 Size and External Dimensions

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:

Polk TSi100 vs KEF Q150 Size Comparison on a Media Console
Size Comparison image of Polk TSi100 and KEF Q150 on a Media Console


Reasons to choose Polk Audio TSi100 over KEF Q150
Sensitivity 89 dB vs 86 dB Play louder with same amount of amplification power
Mounting Bracket Yes vs No Allows mounting on walls
Height 279mm vs 303mm Easier to fit in smaller spaces
Width 177mm vs 180mm Easier to fit in smaller spaces
Depth 259mm vs 278mm Easier to fit in smaller spaces
Price per pair* 149USD vs 600USD costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time)
Reasons to choose KEF Q150 over Polk Audio TSi100
Low Frequency Response 51 Hz vs 61 Hz Generates deeper bass
High Frequency Response 28k Hz vs 24k Hz Generates higher frequency

Polk TSi100 vs KEF Q150 Specs Table
Detailed comparison of specifications
General Polk Audio TSi100 KEF Q150
Brand Polk Audio KEF
Speaker Type Bookshelf speakers Bookshelf speakers
Power Range 20-100 watts 10-100 watts
Sensitivity 89 dB 86 dB
Impedance 8 ohms 8 ohms
Impedance n/a 3.7 ohms
Frequency Response 61-24k Hz 51-28k Hz
Drivers
Woofer Quantity 1 1
Woofer Size 5.25" 5.25"
Woofer Composition Organic Fiber Aluminum
Woofer Surround Material Butyl Rubber Rubber
Tweeter Size 1" 1"
Tweeter Type Dome Dome
Aimable Tweeter No No
Midrange Driver No No
Crossover Frequency 2500Hz 2500Hz
Firing Direction rear rear
Physical Specs
Height 279.4mm (11") 303.0mm (11.9")
Width 177.8mm (7") 180.0mm (7.1")
Depth 259.0mm (10.2") 278.0mm (10.9")
Weight 4.53kg (10lbs) 5.60kg (12.3lbs)
Enclosure Bass Reflex Bass Reflex
Finish Wood-grain vinyl MDF/Vinyl-wrapped
Available Colors Black, Cherry Black, Walnut, White
Mounting Bracket Keyhole No
Recommended Stand Height 16-30" 18-24"
Grille Yes magnetic
Moisture Resistancy No No
Connections
Biamp Inputs No No
Other
Parts Warranty 5 Years 5 Years
Labor Warranty 5 Years 5 Years


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