In this review, we will be comparing TSi100 and Diamond 225, two Passive Bookshelf speakers from Polk Audio and Wharfedale. Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Polk TSi100 and Wharfedale 225 first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
What size room are the Polk TSi100 and Wharfedale 225 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 Wharfedale 225 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 Diamond 225 are 2-way speakers.
Driver |
Polk TSi100 |
Wharfedale 225 |
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1-inch
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
Woofer
|
1 x 5.25-inch
|
1 x 6.5-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 Diamond 225 features a 1" Dome Tweeter and 1 x 6.5" Woven Kevlar Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 2300Hz.
Frequency Response
TSi100 has a frequency range of 61-24k Hz whereas Diamond 225 has a frequency range of 45-20k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 45Hz, the Diamond 225 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 Diamond 225 have the same Impedance of 8 ohms but where they differ is the sensitivity levels. TSi100 sensitivity is rated at 89 dB and the Diamond 225's is at 87 dB. This 2 dB difference makes the Polk TSi100 a more sensitive speaker compared to Wharfedale 225, 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 Diamond 225.
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
Diamond 225 features Post posts which make bi-amping or bi-wiring possible. TSi100 has a Pair of 5-way Binding Posts - Gold-Plated which doesn't feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
Cabinet Type and Port Position
TSi100 has a rear firing port whereas Diamond 225 has a bottom firing ports. Wharfedale 225's bottom-firing port gives more flexibility in placement in regards to proximity to walls compared to Polk TSi100 with its rear-firing 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 Wharfedale 225'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 Wharfedale 225 has external dimensions of 355.0 x 196.0 x 290.0mm ( 13.9 x 7.7 x 11.4inch) .
Wharfedale 225 is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 18.2mm wider, 75.6mm taller and 31mm deeper than Polk TSi100.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of Polk TSi100 and Wharfedale 225 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 Wharfedale 225 is approximately 568.4cm2 / 88.1inch2. The TSi100 requires 19% less surface area than the Diamond 225 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:
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 Wharfedale 225 weighs 6.55kg / 14.4lbs. This makes the Diamond 225 45% heavier than the TSi100.
Here is a comparison of how TSi100 and Diamond 225'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 Wharfedale 225?
Here are the items that come with the Diamond 225:
2 Bookshelf loudspeakers 2 Grilles (pre-installed) 8 Self-adhesive rubber feet User's Manual Installation Guide
Sensitivity |
89 dB
vs
87 dB
|
Play louder with same amount of amplification power |
High Frequency Response |
24k Hz
vs
20k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
Mounting Bracket |
Yes
vs
No
|
Allows mounting on walls |
Height |
279mm
vs
355mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
Base Surface Area |
460cm2 (177x259mm)
vs
568cm2 (196x290mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
Price per pair* |
149USD
vs
349USD
|
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 |
Low Frequency Response |
45 Hz
vs
61 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
Bi-Amping and Bi-Wiring |
Yes
vs
No
|
Allows bi-amping and bi-wiring connections |
General |
Polk Audio TSi100 |
Wharfedale Diamond 225 |
Brand |
Polk Audio |
Wharfedale |
Speaker Type |
Bookshelf speakers |
Bookshelf speakers |
Power Range |
20-100 watts |
25-120 watts |
Sensitivity |
89 dB |
87 dB |
Impedance |
8 ohms |
8 ohms |
Impedance |
n/a |
4.2 ohms |
Frequency Response |
61-24k Hz |
45-20k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
Woofer Size |
5.25" |
6.5" |
Woofer Composition |
Organic Fiber |
Woven Kevlar |
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 |
2300Hz |
Firing Direction |
rear |
bottom |
Physical Specs |
|
|
Height |
279.4mm (11") |
355.0mm (14") |
Width |
177.8mm (7") |
196.0mm (7.7") |
Depth |
259.0mm (10.2") |
290.0mm (11.4") |
Weight |
4.53kg (10lbs) |
6.55kg (14.4lbs) |
Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Bass Reflex |
Finish |
Wood-grain vinyl |
MDF/Wood veneer |
Available Colors |
Black, Cherry |
Black, White, Walnut |
Mounting Bracket |
Keyhole |
No |
Recommended Stand Height |
16-30" |
24" |
Grille |
Yes |
Yes |
Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
Biamp Inputs |
No |
Yes |
Other |
|
|
Parts Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |
Labor Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |