In this review, we will be comparing two different type of speakers . Polk Audio TSi300 is a Floor-standing speaker whereas the RP-500M is a Bookshelf speaker.
Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Polk TSi300 and Klipsch RP-500M first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
Polk TSi300 Key Specs
- 2-way Design
- 1" Tweeter
- 2 x 5.25" Organic Fiber Woofer
- 47-24k Hz Frequency Response
- 90 dB Sensitivity
- Impedance: 8ohms
- Power Range:20-150watts
- Weight:11.82kg
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 921.0" x 8-3/16" x 11-3/4"( 921.0 x 208.0 x 299.0mm )
Klipsch RP-500M Key Specs
- 2-way Design
- 1" Tractrix Horn Tweeter
- 5.25" Cerametallic Woofer
- 48-25k Hz Frequency Response
- 93 dB Sensitivity
- Impedance: 8ohms
- Power Range:up to 75watts
- Weight:5.40kg
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 343.0" x 6.8" x 9.4"( 343.0 x 173.0 x 241.0mm )
What size room are the Polk TSi300 and Klipsch RP-500M 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 TSi300 |
Klipsch RP-500M |
| Near-field |
Bad |
Good |
| Small Room |
Poor |
Good |
| Mid-size Room |
Good |
Average |
| Large Room |
Good |
Poor |
| Very Large Room |
Poor |
No way |
(* 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 TSi300 and Klipsch RP-500M compare 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 TSi300 and RP-500M are 2-way speakers.
| Driver |
Polk TSi300 |
Klipsch RP-500M |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
2 x 5.25-inch
|
1 x 5.25-inch
|
TSi300 features a 1" Tweeter and 2 x 5.25" Organic Fiber Woofer . On the other hand, the RP-500M features a 1" Tractrix Horn Tweeter and 1 x 5.25" Cerametallic Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 1500Hz.
Frequency Response
TSi300 has a frequency range of 47-24k Hz whereas RP-500M has a frequency range of 48-25k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 47Hz, the TSi300 can go slightly deeper then the RP-500M's min frequency of 48Hz.
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 Floor-standing class in our database.
Low Frequency
Floor-standing Speakers
High Frequency
Floor-standing 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
TSi300 and RP-500M have the same Impedance of 8 ohms but where they differ is the sensitivity levels. TSi300 sensitivity is rated at 90 dB and the RP-500M's is at 93 dB. This 3 dB difference makes the Klipsch RP-500M a more sensitive speaker compared to Polk TSi300, hence will play louder with the same amount of watts.
Sensitivity
Floor-standing 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.
TSi300 can handle a max power of 150 watts RMS from the amp the whereas RP-500M has a max power handling value of 75 watts RMS, 75 watts less than the TSi300.
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
TSi300 features 5-way post posts which make bi-amping or bi-wiring possible. RP-500M has a Single binding posts which doesn't feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
Klipsch RP-500M's Single binding posts terminals
Cabinet Type and Port Position
TSi300 has a bottom firing port whereas RP-500M has a rear firing ports. Polk TSi300's bottom-firing port gives more flexibility in placement in regards to proximity to walls compared to Klipsch RP-500M 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 TSi300's and Klipsch RP-500M's external dimensions. Polk TSi300 has external dimensions of 921.0 x 208.0 x 299.0mm ( 36-1/4 x 8-3/16 x 11-3/4inch) whereas Klipsch RP-500M has external dimensions of 343.0 x 173.0 x 241.0mm ( 13.5 x 6.8 x 9.4inch) .
Polk TSi300 is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 35mm wider, 578mm taller and 58mm deeper than Klipsch RP-500M.
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 TSi300 is approximately 621.9cm2 / 96.4inch2 and base area of the Klipsch RP-500M is approximately 416.9cm2 / 64.6inch2. The TSi300 requires 49% more surface area than the RP-500M which gives it a small disadvantage on placement in tight spaces.
What's in the Box of Polk TSi300?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of TSi300:
Tower speakerDetachable cloth grille (installed)Owners ManualWall-Mount templateOnline registration sheetPolk Audio product brochure
What's in the Box of Klipsch RP-500M?
Here are the items that come with the RP-500M:
2 Bookshelf loudspeakers 2 Grilles (installed) 8 Self-adhesive rubber feet User Manual Important Safety Instructions Warranty Information