In this review, we will be comparing TSi100 and Q350, two Passive Bookshelf speakers from Polk Audio and KEF. Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Polk TSi100 and KEF Q350 first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
What size room are the Polk TSi100 and KEF Q350 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 TSi100 and KEF Q350 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 TSi100 and Q350 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, the Q350 features a 1" vented aluminum Dome Tweeter and 1 x 6.5" Aluminum Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 2500Hz.
Frequency Response
TSi100 has a frequency range of 61-24k Hz whereas Q350 has a frequency range of 63-28k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 63Hz, the Q350 can go slightly deeper then 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 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
TSi100 and Q350 have the same Impedance of 8 ohms but where they differ is the sensitivity levels. TSi100 sensitivity is rated at 89 dB and the Q350's is at 87 dB. This 2 dB difference makes the Polk TSi100 a more sensitive speaker compared to KEF Q350, 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.
TSi100 can handle a max power of 120 watts RMS from the amp the whereas TSi100 has a max power handling value of 100 watts RMS , 20 watts less than the Q350.
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
TSi100 features Post type posts and Q350 has a Post type posts. None of these speakers feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
KEF Q350's Post terminals
Cabinet Type and Port Position
Both TSi100 and Q350 have rear firing ports. Rear ported speakers generally need more room between the backside of the speaker and the wall compared to sealed and front/bottom ported speakers. Placing the speakers too close to the walls may cause the bass to sound boomy.
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 Q350'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 Q350 has external dimensions of 358.0 x 210.0 x 306.0mm ( 14.0 x 8.2 x 12.0inch) .
KEF Q350 is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 32.2mm wider, 78.6mm taller and 47mm deeper than Polk TSi100.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of Polk TSi100 and KEF Q350 in scale.
Comparison image of Polk TSi100 and KEF Q350 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 TSi100 is approximately 460.5cm2 / 71.4inch2 and base area of the KEF Q350 is approximately 642.6cm2 / 99.6inch2. The TSi100 requires 28% less surface area than the Q350 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 TSi100 and KEF Q350 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 TSi100 weighs 4.53kg / 10lbs and the KEF Q350 weighs 7.60kg / 16.7lbs. This makes the Q350 68% heavier than the TSi100.
Here is a comparison of how TSi100 and Q350's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Passive Bookshelf class.
Weight
All Bookshelf Speakers
What's in the Box of Polk TSi100?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of TSi100:
2 Black bookshelf speakers Detachable cloth grille (installed) 8 Self-adhesive rubber feet Owner's Manual Wall-Mount template Online registration sheet Polk Audio product brochure
What's in the Box of KEF Q350?
Here are the items that come with the Q350:
2 Bookshelf loudspeakers 2 Foam port plugs 8 Self-adhesive rubber feet Owner's Manual Warranty Registration Card
 Sensitivity |
89 dB
vs
87 dB
|
Play louder with same amount of amplification power |
 Low Frequency Response |
61 Hz
vs
63 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 Mounting Bracket |
Yes
vs
No
|
Allows mounting on walls |
 Height |
279mm
vs
358mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
460cm2 (177x259mm)
vs
642cm2 (210x306mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
 Price per pair* |
149USD
vs
750USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
 Max Input Power |
120 watts
vs
100 watts
|
Handle more power from your amplifier |
| Woofer Size |
6.5 inches
vs
5.25 inches
|
Larger woofer |
 High Frequency Response |
28k Hz
vs
24k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
| General |
Polk Audio TSi100 |
KEF Q350 |
| Brand |
Polk Audio |
KEF |
| Speaker Type |
Bookshelf speakers |
Bookshelf speakers |
| Power Range |
20-100 watts |
10-120 watts |
| Sensitivity |
89 dB |
87 dB |
| Impedance |
8 ohms |
8 ohms |
| Impedance |
n/a |
3.7 ohms |
| Frequency Response |
61-24k Hz |
63-28k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
5.25" |
6.5" |
| 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") |
358.0mm (14.1") |
| Width |
177.8mm (7") |
210.0mm (8.3") |
| Depth |
259.0mm (10.2") |
306.0mm (12") |
| Weight |
4.53kg (10lbs) |
7.60kg (16.7lbs) |
| 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 |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
| Biamp Inputs |
No |
No |
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |