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Polk Audio R100 Review
Polk Audio Reserve R100

Main Features

  • 1" Pinnacle Ring Radiator Tweeter
  • 5.25" Polypropylene Turbine Cone Woofer
  • 58-39k Hz Frequency Response
  • 86 dB Sensitivity
  • Impedance: 8ohms
  • Power Range: 30-150watts
  • Weight:12.21 lbs / 5.55 kg
  • Dimensions(HxWxD): 12-13/16"x6-9/16"x10-3/16" / 326.0 x 167.0 x 259.0mm
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Polk R100 Review
Polk R100 Polk R100
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Polk Audio Reserve R100 is a 2-way Passive Bass Reflex Bookshelf speaker by Polk Audio. It features a 1" Pinnacle Ring Radiator Tweeter and 1 x 5.25" Polypropylene Turbine Cone Woofer. The speaker has a frequency range of 58-39k Hz and a sensitivity of 86 dB. Polk R100 has an MSRP of 649$ per pair.

Room Size Suitability

The size of the room where you plan to use the Polk R100 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.)

Polk Audio's Reserve Series of Loudspeakers

R100 is a member of Polk Audio's Reserve series of Passive speakers. Below you can see the main specs of these speakers.

Polk Audio Reserve Series Speakers
Model Frequency SensitivityImpedance Woofer
Polk R700
Compare
38-38k Hz 88 dB8Ω 2 x 8"
Polk R500
Compare
49-36k Hz 87 dB8Ω 2 x 5.25"
Polk R600
Compare
43-38k Hz 87.5 dB8Ω 2 x 6.5"
Polk R200
Compare
51-38k Hz 86 dB8Ω 1 x 6.5"
Polk R400
Compare
48-39k Hz 89 dB8Ω 2 x 6.5"
Polk R100
58-39k Hz 86 dB8Ω 1 x 5.25"
Polk R300
Compare
65-38k Hz 86.5 dB8Ω 2 x 5.25"
Polk R200 50th AE
Compare
51-38k Hz 86 dB8Ω 1 x 6.5"


**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 R100 Speaker

Polk R100 has a Frequency response range of 58-39k Hz at ±3dB and Power Range of 30-150 watts. With a minimum frequency of 58 Hz, R100 delivers moderate bass depth so depending on your use case, you might want to consider adding a subwoofer to your system.

To focus on the subwoofers that are in a similar price range with Polk R100, check out the Powered Subwoofers under $750. Alternatively, find the Full list of Powered Subwoofers regardless of the price.
Here we have a comparison of how R100's Low and High frequency values compare with the average, max and min Low and High frequency values in its class.
Low Frequency
Bookshelf Speakers
Polk R100
Min
Average
Max
High Frequency
Bookshelf Speakers
Polk R100
Min
Average
Max
Polk R100 Woofer
Polk R100's Polypropylene Turbine Cone Woofer


Crossover frequency of the Polk R100?

The Crossover frequency of the R100 is set to 2700Hz. This is the threshold frequency where the higher frequency signals over this level are sent to the tweeter and the lower-frequency signals are sent to the woofer by the crossover component.

Impedance and Sensitivity

Polk R100's nominal impedance level is 8 ohms but can go down to as low as 3.6 ohms, and has a sensitivity of 86 dB.

Sensitivity
Bookshelf Speakers
Polk R100
Min
Average
Max

8 Ohms is pretty much the standard nominal impedance amongst stereo speakers and amplifiers so Polk Audio Reserve R100 is not considered a difficult to drive speaker from nominal Impedance perspective.

Sensitivity

With a sensitivity level of only 86 dB, Polk Audio Reserve R100 is a difficult to drive speaker from Sensitivity perspective, make sure to choose an amplifier with a high output if you like listening to your music at high volume levels. You may especially have a hard time using Tube amplifiers which are traditionally very low power compared to Class A/B or Class D amps.

Minimum Impedance of the Polk R100

Even though the nominal impedance of the R100 is 8 ohms, the minimum impedance level of this speaker according to Polk Audio is 3.6 ohms Polk Audio Reserve R100 so while choosing an amplifier, you should ideally check if the unit you are considering can provide this impedance level.

Check the amplifiers that are in a similar price range to the Polk R100:

  • Integrated Amps under 500 USD
  • Integrated Amps under 750 USD
  • Integrated Amps under 1000 USD
  • All Integrated Amplifiers

Input Type

R100 features Binding post type connectors. Bi-amping and Bi-wiring are not possible.
Polk R100 Back View
Polk R100 Back View

Polk R100 Terminals
Polk R100's Binding post terminals

Polk R100 External Dimensions and Weight

Polk R100 has external dimensions of (Height x Width x Depth) 12-13/16 x 6-9/16 x 10-3/16inch (326.0 x 167.0 x 259.0mm ).

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 R100 is approximately 432.5cm2 / 67.0inch2.

To get a better perspective on the real life size of Polk R100, let's compare it with a standard size Compact Disc which has a diameter of 4.7inch (120mm).

Polk R100 Real Life Body Size Comparison
Polk R100 Speaker Size Compared to a Compact Disc

Here we place the Polk R100 virtually next to a standard width amplifier and turntable on a BDI Octave Media Cabinet to get a better idea about the size.

Polk R100 placed next to an amplifier and turntable
Polk R100 Speaker next to an amplifier and turntable

Weight

The Polk R100 weighs 5.55kg / 12.2lbs per piece. Here is a comparison of how R100's weight compares with the average, max and min weights in its class.

Weight
All Bookshelf Speakers
Polk R100
Min
Average
Max
Weight
Bookshelf Speakers under $750
Polk R100
Min
Average
Max

How does the Polk R100 compare to the Polk Audio Reserve R200?

One of the natural alternative to the Polk R100 is the R200 which is located one step higher in Polk Audio's Passive Bookshelf selection.

Here is a scaled size comparison of these two speakers to give you an idea how their external dimensions compare:

Polk R100 vs Polk R200 Size Comparison - Front View
Comparison image of Polk R100 and Polk R200 Size and External Dimensions

Check the Detailed Comparison of Polk R100 vs R200 for more details.

Cabinet type and Materials

Polk R100 has a Bass Reflex type cabinet and a MDF/Vinyl finish. 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.

Speaker Feet

Polk R100 comes with Rubber Pads which you can use to secure your loudspeaker on the surface that you are putting on.

It is always recommended to use some kind of feet under all types of speakers. Besides limiting the movement of the speakers, it also compensates for non-flat surfaces and limits the contact surface area of the speaker. Rubber based feet also help isolating the vibrations within certain frequency ranges.

Port Position

Polk R100 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.

Polk R100  Port
Polk R100 Port

Available colors

Polk R100 is available in Black, Walnut and White.

Polk R100  Colors
Polk R100 Colors

Wall Mounting

R100 doesn't sport any built-in mounting bracket, so you need an external structure to mount it on walls.

Does the Polk R100 come with a Grille?

R100 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 R100 is magnetic type, it is very easy to put it on and off.

Polk R100  with Grille
Polk R100 with Grille

What's in the Box of Polk R100?

Here are the items that are included inside the box of R100:
  • 2 Bookshelf loudspeakers
  • 2 Grilles
  • Owners Manual
  • Online Registration
  • Recommended Accessories

    Here is a list of accessories that we think you may need for the Polk Audio Reserve R100.

    • 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.
    • Speaker Stands: Stands bring your bookshelf speakers to ideal height (rule of thumb is to have the tweeter level with your ear in your listening position), helps stability and acoustical isolation.

    User's Manual

    For more information about how to setup, use and maintain the Polk Audio Reserve R100, use the direct link below to download the official manual document:
    Download User Manual for Polk R100

    Official Brochure

    Here is a link to download the official brochure for the Polk Audio Reserve R100 speaker:
    Official Brochure for Polk R100

    Official Product Page

    Official manufacturer's product page for the Polk Audio Reserve R100 speaker can be found below:
    Official Product Page for Polk R100

    Warranty

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

    Polk Audio Reserve R100 Alternatives in Passive Bookshelf Speakers
    Model Type Sensitivity Impedance Frequency
    Polk R200
    Compare
    2-way 86 dB 8 ohms 51-38k Hz
    Polk ES20
    Compare
    2-way 86 dB 8 ohms 41-40k Hz
    KEF Q150
    Compare
    2-way 86 dB 8 ohms 51-28k Hz
    Polk ES15
    Compare
    2-way 85 dB 8 ohms 44-40k Hz
    Klipsch RP-500M
    Compare
    2-way 93 dB 8 ohms 48-25k Hz
    Wharfedale EVO4.1
    Compare
    2-way 87 dB 8 ohms 64-22k Hz
    ELAC Debut 2.0 B6.2
    Compare
    2-way 87 dB 6 ohms 44-35k Hz
    Polk XT20
    Compare
    2-way 87 dB 8 ohms 38-40k Hz
    Frequently Asked Questions about Polk Audio Reserve R100
    What is the External Dimensions of Polk Audio Reserve R100
    What is the Speaker Sensitivity of Polk Audio Reserve R100
    is the Polk Audio Reserve R100 an easy to drive speaker?

    Polk R100 Detailed Specifications

    General
    BrandPolk Audio
    Full Model NamePolk Audio Reserve R100
    Speaker Type2-way Bookshelf
    Power Range30-150 watts
    Sensitivity86 dB
    Impedance8 ohms
    Frequency Response58-39k Hz
    DRIVERS
    Woofer Size5.25-inch
    Woofer CompositionPolypropylene Turbine Cone
    Woofer SurroundRubber
    Tweeter Size1-inch
    Tweeter TypePinnacle Ring Radiator
    Crossover freq2700Hz
    Port Positionrear

    CONNECTIONS
    Connector TypeBinding post
    Biamp InputsNo
    Port Positionrear
    PHYSICAL SPECS
    Height326.0mm ( 12-13/16-inch)
    Width167.0mm ( 6-9/16-inch)
    Depth259.0mm ( 10-3/16-inch)
    Height326.0mm ( 12-13/16-inch)
    Weight5.55kg ( 12.21 lbs)
    EnclosureBass Reflex
    FinishMDF/Vinyl
    Available ColorsBlack, Walnut, White
    Mounting BracketNo
    Recommended Stand Height24-28
    GrilleYes
    Moisture ResistanceNo
    OTHER
    Handheld RemoteNo
    Parts Warranty5 Years
    Labor Warranty5 Years
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