In this review, we will be comparing TSi400 and RP-280F, two Passive Floor-standing speakers from Polk Audio and Klipsch. Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Polk TSi400 and Klipsch RP-280F first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
What size room are the Polk TSi400 and Klipsch RP-280F 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 TSi400 and Klipsch RP-280F 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 TSi400 and RP-280F are 2-way speakers.
Driver |
Polk TSi400 |
Klipsch RP-280F |
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1-inch
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
Woofer
|
3 x 5.25-inch
|
2 x 8-inch
|
TSi400 features a 1" Tweeter and 3 x 5.25" Organic Fiber Woofer . On the other hand, the RP-280F features a 1" Tractrix Horn Tweeter and 2 x 8" Cerametallic Woofer .
Frequency Response
TSi400 has a frequency range of 44-24k Hz whereas RP-280F has a frequency range of 32-25k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 32Hz, the RP-280F can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the TSi400's min frequency of 44Hz.
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
TSi400 and RP-280F have the same Impedance of 8 ohms but where they differ is the sensitivity levels. TSi400 sensitivity is rated at 91 dB and the RP-280F's is at 98 dB. This 7 dB difference makes the Klipsch RP-280F a more sensitive speaker compared to Polk TSi400, 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.
TSi400 can handle a max power of 200 watts RMS from the amp the whereas RP-280F has a max power handling value of 150 watts RMS, 50 watts less than the TSi400.
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
Both TSi400 and RP-280F features dual binding post speaker terminals for bi-amping or bi-wiring.
Cabinet Type and Port Position
TSi400 has a bottom firing port whereas RP-280F has a rear firing ports. Polk TSi400's bottom-firing port gives more flexibility in placement in regards to proximity to walls compared to Klipsch RP-280F 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 TSi400's and Klipsch RP-280F's external dimensions. Polk TSi400 has external dimensions of 985.0 x 208.0 x 369.0mm ( 38-3/4 x 8-3/16 x 14-1/2inch) whereas Klipsch RP-280F has external dimensions of 1094.0 x 269.0 x 442.0mm ( 43-1/16 x 10-9/16 x 17-3/8inch) .
Klipsch RP-280F is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 61mm wider, 109mm taller and 73mm deeper than Polk TSi400.
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 TSi400 is approximately 767.5cm2 / 119.0inch2 and base area of the Klipsch RP-280F is approximately 1189.0cm2 / 184.3inch2. The TSi400 requires 35% less surface area than the RP-280F which gives it a small advantage on placement in tight spaces.
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 TSi400 weighs 14.55kg / 32lbs and the Klipsch RP-280F weighs 28.41kg / 62.5lbs. This makes the RP-280F 95% heavier than the TSi400.
Here is a comparison of how TSi400 and RP-280F's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Passive Floor-standing class.
Weight
All Floor-standing Speakers
What's in the Box of Polk TSi400?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of TSi400:
Tower speakerDetachable cloth grille (installed)Owners ManualWall-Mount templateOnline registration sheetPolk Audio product brochure
What's in the Box of Klipsch RP-280F?
Here are the items that come with the RP-280F:
Floorstanding loudspeaker (Ebony)Speaker baseDetachable magnetic grilleFour 1-inch #6 Wood screws4 Spike feet6 Rubber feetUser ManualWarranty InformationImportant Safety Instructions
Max Input Power |
200 watts
vs
150 watts
|
Handle more power from your amplifier |
Number of Woofers |
3
vs
2
|
More woofers |
Height |
985mm
vs
1094mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
Base Surface Area |
767cm2 (208x369mm)
vs
1189cm2 (269x442mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
Price per pair* |
498USD
vs
1198USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
Sensitivity |
98 dB
vs
91 dB
|
Play louder with same amount of amplification power |
Woofer Size |
8 inches
vs
5.25 inches
|
Larger woofer |
Low Frequency Response |
32 Hz
vs
44 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
High Frequency Response |
25k Hz
vs
24k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
General |
Polk Audio TSi400 |
Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-280F |
Brand |
Polk Audio |
Klipsch |
Speaker Type |
Floor-standing speaker |
Floor-standing speaker |
Power Range |
20-200 watts |
up to 150 watts |
Sensitivity |
91 dB |
98 dB |
Impedance |
8 ohms |
8 ohms |
Frequency Response |
44-24k Hz |
32-25k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
Woofer Quantity |
3 |
2 |
Woofer Size |
5.25" |
8" |
Woofer Composition |
Organic Fiber |
Cerametallic |
Woofer Surround Material |
Butyl Rubber |
Rubber |
Tweeter Size |
1" |
1" |
Tweeter Type |
n/a |
Tractrix Horn |
Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
Firing Direction |
bottom |
rear |
Physical Specs |
|
|
Height |
985.0mm (38.8") |
1094.0mm (43.1") |
Width |
208.0mm (8.2") |
269.0mm (10.6") |
Depth |
369.0mm (14.5") |
442.0mm (17.4") |
Weight |
14.55kg (32lbs) |
28.41kg (62.5lbs) |
Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Bass Reflex |
Finish |
Wood-grain vinyl |
MDF/Wood-grain vinyl |
Available Colors |
Cherry |
Walnut, Black |
Grille |
Yes |
Yes |
Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
Biamp Inputs |
Yes |
Yes |
Other |
|
|
Parts Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |
Labor Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |