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Polk Audio Blackstone TL1 Review
Polk Audio Blackstone TL1

Main Features

  • 0.5" dome Tweeter
  • 2 x 2.5" Dynamic Balance Woofer
  • 125-20k Hz Frequency Response
  • 89 dB Sensitivity
  • Impedance: 8ohms
  • Power Range: 10-125watts
  • Weight:4.05 lbs / 1.84 kg
  • Dimensions(HxWxD): 3-15/16"x15"x3-7/16" / 101.0 x 381.0 x 88.0mm
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Polk TL1 Review
Polk TL1 Polk TL1
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Polk Audio Blackstone TL1 is a 2-way Passive Bass Reflex Center Channel speaker by Polk Audio. Center channel speaker is an important component of a home theater system set-up as it delivers the listener significant part of the on-screen dialogue from your television. It features a 0.5" dome Tweeter and 2 x 2.5" Dynamic Balance Woofer. The speaker has a frequency range of 125-20k Hz and a sensitivity of 89 dB. Polk TL1 has an MSRP of 79$.

Room Size Suitability

The size of the room where you plan to use the Polk TL1 is a crucial factor in your decision. We have assessed its suitability for various room sizes based on its dimensions and maximum power output:

Listening Environment* Suitability
Near-fieldPoor
Small RoomAverage
Mid-size RoomGood
Large RoomAverage
Very Large RoomPoor

(* 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.)


**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.

Frequency Response of the Polk TL1 Speaker

Polk TL1 has a Frequency response range of 125-20k Hz at ±3dB and Power Range of 10-125 watts. Here we have a comparison of how Blackstone TL1's Low and High frequency values compare with the average, max and min Low and High frequency values in its class.

Low Frequency
Center Channel Speakers
Polk TL1
Min
Average
Max
High Frequency
Center Channel Speakers
Polk TL1
Min
Average
Max

Impedance and Sensitivity

Polk TL1's nominal impedance level is 8 ohms and has a sensitivity of 89 dB.

Sensitivity
Center Channel Speakers
Polk TL1
Min
Average
Max

8 Ohms is pretty much the standard nominal impedance amongst stereo speakers and amplifiers so Polk Audio Blackstone TL1 is not considered a difficult to drive speaker from nominal Impedance perspective.

Sensitivity

89dB of the Polk Audio Blackstone TL1 is an average sensitivity for stereo speaker so it is neither easy nor difficult to drive Sensitivity wise.

Check the amplifiers that are in a similar price range to the Polk TL1:

  • All Integrated Amplifiers

Input Type

Blackstone TL1 features 5-Way post type connectors. Bi-amping and Bi-wiring are not possible.

Polk TL1 External Dimensions and Weight

Polk TL1 has external dimensions of (Height x Width x Depth) 3-15/16 x 15 x 3-7/16inch (101.0 x 381.0 x 88.0mm ).

Base Surface Area
Base surface area of a loudspeaker may become a determining factor when the space in your room or desk is limited. The base area of Polk TL1 is approximately 335.3cm2 / 52.0inch2.

Weight

The Polk TL1 weighs 1.84kg / 4lbs per piece. Here is a comparison of how Blackstone TL1's weight compares with the average, max and min weights in its class.

Weight
All Center Channel Speakers
Polk TL1
Min
Average
Max
Weight
Center Channel Speakers under $300
Polk TL1
Min
Average
Max

Cabinet type and Materials

Polk TL1 has a Bass Reflex type cabinet. Bass Reflex type loudspeakers (aka Ported, Vented or Reflex Port) have enclosures that uses a port, hole or vent cut into the cabinet. Ported designs are generally more efficient than the Sealed designs.

Port Position

Polk TL1 is a rear-firing port speaker so you have to make sure you leave enough space between the back of the speaker and wall or bookshelf so that it has room to breathe.

Available colors

Polk TL1 is available in Gloss Black.

Does the Polk TL1 come with a Grille?

Blackstone TL1 comes with magnetic grilles. The purpose of the grille is to protect the delicate driver elements from external impacts while still allowing the sound to pass as clearly as possible. Since the included grille of the Blackstone TL1 is magnetic type, it is very easy to put it on and off.

What's in the Box of Polk TL1?

Here are the items that are included inside the box of Blackstone TL1:
  • Gloss-black center-channel loudspeaker
  • Detachable black cloth grille (attached)
  • System Diagram/Warranty sheet
  • Template
  • Online Product Registration card
  • Important Safety Instructions
  • Recommended Accessories

    Here is a list of accessories that we think you may need for the Polk Audio Blackstone TL1.

    • Speaker Cable and Connectors
      • Speaker Cables with Banana Plugs: If you know the lenght of the cable you need, this is the easier option to connect your speakers with your amp.
      • Speaker Cables without Connectors: If you are not sure about the lenght or need longer than standard cables with plugs, choose this option.
      • Banana Connectors and Plugs: If you chose the cables without connectors option or already have some cable around, pick the banana plugs separately.
    • Vibration Isolators: IsoAcoustics isolators more affordable options too.
    • Acoustic Panels and Treatments: Your room is as important as your stereo equipment so acoustic treatments goes a long way in improving the overall performance.

    Warranty

    5 Years of parts warranty and 5 Years of labor warranty is generally provided by the manufacturer.

    Polk Audio Blackstone TL1 Alternatives in Passive Center Channel Speakers
    Model Type Sensitivity Impedance Frequency
    Polk XT35
    Compare
    2-way 87 dB 8 ohms 57-40k Hz
    Polk TSi CS10
    Compare
    2-way 91 dB 8 ohms 63-24k Hz
    Definitive ProCenter 1000
    Compare
    2-way 90 dB 8 ohms 47-30k Hz
    Polk XT30
    Compare
    2-way 89 dB 8 ohms 55-40k Hz
    Polk ES35
    Compare
    2-way 89 dB 8 ohms 66-40k Hz
    Klipsch R-52C
    Compare
    2-way 95 dB 8 ohms 89-21k Hz
    Sony SS-CS8
    Compare
    2-way 86 dB 6 ohms 55-25k Hz
    Polk ES30
    Compare
    2-way 89 dB 8 ohms 55-40k Hz
    Frequently Asked Questions about Polk Audio Blackstone TL1
    What is the External Dimensions of Polk Audio Blackstone TL1
    What is the Speaker Sensitivity of Polk Audio Blackstone TL1
    is the Polk Audio Blackstone TL1 an easy to drive speaker?

    Polk TL1 Detailed Specifications

    General
    BrandPolk Audio
    Full Model NamePolk Audio Blackstone TL1
    Speaker Type2-way Center Channel
    Power Range10-125 watts
    Sensitivity89 dB
    Impedance8 ohms
    Frequency Response125-20k Hz
    DRIVERS
    Woofer Size2.5-inch
    Woofer CompositionDynamic Balance
    Tweeter Size0.5-inch
    Tweeter Typedome
    Port Positionrear

    CONNECTIONS
    Connector Type5-Way post
    Port Positionrear
    PHYSICAL SPECS
    Height101.0mm ( 3-15/16-inch)
    Width381.0mm ( 15-inch)
    Depth88.0mm ( 3-7/16-inch)
    Height101.0mm ( 3-15/16-inch)
    Weight1.84kg ( 4.05 lbs)
    EnclosureBass Reflex
    Available ColorsGloss Black
    Mounting BracketNo
    GrilleYes
    Moisture ResistanceNo
    OTHER
    Handheld RemoteNo
    Parts Warranty5 Years
    Labor Warranty5 Years
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