In this review, we will be comparing TSi100 and Alpha P5, two Passive Bookshelf speakers from Polk Audio and PSB. Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Polk TSi100 and PSB P5 first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
What size room are the Polk TSi100 and PSB P5 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 PSB P5 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 Alpha P5 are 2-way speakers.
Driver |
Polk TSi100 |
PSB P5 |
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
0.75-inch
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
Woofer
|
1 x 5.25-inch
|
1 x 5.25-inch
|
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 Alpha P5 features a 0.75" anodized aluminum Hard-Dome Tweeter and 1 x 5.25" Polypropylene Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 2500Hz.
Frequency Response
TSi100 has a frequency range of 61-24k Hz whereas Alpha P5 has a frequency range of 55-21k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 55Hz, the Alpha P5 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 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 Alpha P5 have the same Impedance of 8 ohms and their sensitivity is also same at 89 dB.
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 100 watts RMS from the amp the whereas Alpha P5 has a max power handling value of 90 watts RMS, 10 watts less than the TSi100.
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 5-way post type posts and Alpha P5 has a 5-way post type posts. None of these speakers feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
Cabinet Type and Port Position
Both TSi100 and Alpha P5 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.
If you are limited in space and can't get the speakers away from the backwall, check our Speakers with Front Firing Ports page.
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 PSB P5'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 PSB P5 has external dimensions of 289.0 x 172.0 x 254.0mm ( 11-3/8 x 6-3/4 x 10inch) .
PSB P5 is 5.8mm narrower and 5mm less deeper than Polk TSi100 but it is also 9.6mm taller.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of Polk TSi100 and PSB P5 in scale.
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 PSB P5 is approximately 436.9cm2 / 67.7inch2. The TSi100 requires 5% more surface area than the Alpha P5 which gives it a small disadvantage 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:
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 PSB P5 weighs 4.61kg / 10.1lbs. This makes the Alpha P5 2% heavier than the TSi100.
Here is a comparison of how TSi100 and Alpha P5'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 PSB P5?
Here are the items that come with the Alpha P5:
2 Bookshelf loudspeakers 2 Grilles 8 Self-adhesive rubber feet Quick Start Guide Warranty Card
Max Input Power |
100 watts
vs
90 watts
|
Handle more power from your amplifier |
High Frequency Response |
24k Hz
vs
21k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
Mounting Bracket |
Yes
vs
No
|
Allows mounting on walls |
Height |
279mm
vs
289mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
Price per pair* |
149USD
vs
449USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
Low Frequency Response |
55 Hz
vs
61 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
Base Surface Area |
436cm2 (172x254mm)
vs
460cm2 (177x259mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
General |
Polk Audio TSi100 |
PSB Alpha P5 |
Brand |
Polk Audio |
PSB |
Speaker Type |
Bookshelf speakers |
Bookshelf speakers |
Power Range |
20-100 watts |
10-90 watts |
Sensitivity |
89 dB |
89 dB |
Impedance |
8 ohms |
8 ohms |
Impedance |
n/a |
4 ohms |
Frequency Response |
61-24k Hz |
55-21k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
Woofer Size |
5.25" |
5.25" |
Woofer Composition |
Organic Fiber |
Polypropylene |
Woofer Surround Material |
Butyl Rubber |
Rubber |
Tweeter Size |
1" |
0.75" |
Tweeter Type |
Dome |
Hard-Dome |
Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
Crossover Frequency |
2500Hz |
2500Hz |
Firing Direction |
rear |
rear |
Physical Specs |
|
|
Height |
279.4mm (11") |
289.0mm (11.4") |
Width |
177.8mm (7") |
172.0mm (6.8") |
Depth |
259.0mm (10.2") |
254.0mm (10") |
Weight |
4.53kg (10lbs) |
4.61kg (10.1lbs) |
Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Bass Reflex |
Finish |
Wood-grain vinyl |
MDF, Wood-grain vinyl |
Available Colors |
Black, Cherry |
Walnut,Black Ash |
Mounting Bracket |
Keyhole |
No |
Recommended Stand Height |
16-30" |
28-30" |
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 |