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Polk Audio Reserve R200 50th Anniversary Edition Review
Polk Audio Reserve R200 50th Anniversary Edition

Main Features

  • 1" Ring Radiator Tweeter
  • 6.5" Polypropylene Woofer
  • 51-38k Hz Frequency Response
  • 86 dB Sensitivity
  • Impedance: 8ohms
  • Power Range: 30-200watts
  • Weight:19.11 lbs / 8.80 kg
  • Dimensions(HxWxD): 14-1/16"x7-9/16"x13-15/16" / 358.0 x 193.0 x 355.0mm
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Polk R200 50th AE Review

Polk Audio Reserve R200 50th Anniversary Edition is a 2-way Passive Bass Reflex Bookshelf speaker by Polk Audio. It features a 1" Ring Radiator Tweeter and 1 x 6.5" Polypropylene Woofer. The speaker has a frequency range of 51-38k Hz and a sensitivity of 86 dB. Polk R200 50th AE has an MSRP of 1249$ per pair.

What size of room is the Polk R200 50th AE speaker good for?

The size of the room in which you are planning to use the Polk R200 50th AE is an important decision factor. Here we have evaluated its suitability to various sizes of environments considering its size and max power parameters:

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

(* 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.)

What are the speakers in Polk Audio's Reserve Series?

R200 50th Anniversary Edition 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 R600
Compare
43-38k Hz 87.5 dB8Ω 2 x 6.5"
Polk R500
Compare
49-36k Hz 87 dB8Ω 2 x 5.25"
Polk R200
Compare
51-38k Hz 86 dB8Ω 1 x 6.5"
Polk R100
Compare
58-39k Hz 86 dB8Ω 1 x 5.25"
Polk R400
Compare
48-39k Hz 89 dB8Ω 2 x 6.5"
Polk R300
Compare
65-38k Hz 86.5 dB8Ω 2 x 5.25"
Polk R200 50th AE
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.

What is the Frequency Response of the Polk R200 50th AE speaker?

Polk R200 50th AE has a Frequency response range of 51-38k Hz at ±3dB and Power Range of 30-200 watts. At a minimum frequency of 51 Hz, R200 50th Anniversary Edition will provide an average bass depth so depending on your use case, you may consider supplementing your system with a subwoofer.

To focus on the subwoofers that are in a similar price range with Polk R200 50th AE, check out the Powered Subwoofers under $1500. Alternatively, find the Full list of Powered Subwoofers regardless of the price.
Here we have a comparison of how R200 50th Anniversary Edition'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 R200 50th AE
Min
Average
Max
High Frequency
Bookshelf Speakers
Polk R200 50th AE
Min
Average
Max


What are the Impedance and Sensitivity of the Polk R200 50th AE? Is it an easy-to-drive speaker?

Polk R200 50th AE's nominal impedance level is 8 ohms but can go down to as low as 3.8 ohms, and has a sensitivity of 86 dB.

Sensitivity
Bookshelf Speakers
Polk R200 50th AE
Min
Average
Max

8 Ohms is pretty much the standard nominal impedance amongst stereo speakers and amplifiers so Polk Audio Reserve R200 50th Anniversary Edition is not considered a difficult to drive speaker from nominal Impedance perspective.

Sensitivity

With a sensitivity level of only 86 dB, Polk Audio Reserve R200 50th Anniversary Edition 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 speakers.

Minimum Impedance of Polk R200 50th AE

Even though the nominal impedance of the R200 50th Anniversary Edition is 8 ohms, the minimum impedance level of this speaker according to Polk Audio is 3.8 ohms Polk Audio Reserve R200 50th Anniversary Edition 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 R200 50th AE:

  • Integrated Amps under 1000 USD
  • Integrated Amps under 1500 USD
  • Integrated Amps under 2000 USD
  • All Integrated Amplifiers

Input Type

R200 50th Anniversary Edition features Binding post type connectors. Bi-amping and Bi-wiring are not possible.
Polk R200 50th AE Back View
Polk R200 50th AE Back View

Polk R200 50th AE External Dimensions and Weight

Polk R200 50th AE has external dimensions of (Height x Width x Depth) 24-28inch x 7-9/16inch x 13-15/16inch (358.0 x 193.0 x 355.0mm ).

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 R200 50th AE is approximately 685.2cm2 / 106.2inch2.

To get a better perspective on the real life size of Polk R200 50th AE, let's compare it with a standard size Compact Disc which has a diameter of 4.7inch (120mm).

Polk R200 50th AE Real Life Body Size Comparison
Polk R200 50th AE Speaker Size Compared to a Compact Disc

Here we place the Polk R200 50th AE virtually next to a standard width amplifier and turntable on a BDI Octave Media Cabinet to get a better idea about the size.

Polk R200 50th AE placed next to an amplifier and turntable
Polk R200 50th AE Speaker next to an amplifier and turntable

Weight

The Polk R200 50th AE weighs 8.80kg / 19.4lbs per piece. Here is a comparison of how R200 50th Anniversary Edition's weight compares with the average, max and min weights in its class.

Weight
All Bookshelf Speakers
Polk R200 50th AE
Min
Average
Max
Weight
Bookshelf Speakers under $1500
Polk R200 50th AE
Min
Average
Max

Cabinet type and Materials

Polk R200 50th AE has a Bass Reflex type cabinet and a MDF/Wood veneer 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 R200 50th AE 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 R200 50th AE 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 R200 50th AE is available in Cherry.

Wall Mounting

R200 50th Anniversary Edition doesn't sport any built-in mounting bracket, so you need an external structure to mount it on walls.

Does the Polk R200 50th AE come with a Grille?

R200 50th Anniversary Edition comes with 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.

Polk R200 50th AE  with Grille
Polk R200 50th AE with Grille

What's in the Box of Polk R200 50th AE?

Here are the items that are included inside the box of R200 50th Anniversary Edition:
  • 2 Bookshelf loudspeakers
  • 2 Grilles
  • Owners Manual
  • Online Registration
  • Certificate Of Aunthenticity
  • User's Manual

    For more information about how to setup, use and maintain the Polk Audio Reserve R200 50th Anniversary Edition, use the direct link below to download the official manual document:
    Download User Manual for Polk R200 50th AE

    Official Product Page

    Official manufacturer's product page for the Polk Audio Reserve R200 50th Anniversary Edition speaker can be found below:
    Official Product Page for Polk R200 50th AE

    Warranty

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

    Polk R200 50th AE  Lifestyle
    Polk R200 50th AE Lifestyle

    Polk Audio Reserve R200 50th Anniversary Edition Alternatives in Passive Bookshelf Speakers
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    Wharfedale EVO4.1
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    Wharfedale LINTON
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    B&W 706 S2
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    2-way 88 dB 8 ohms 50-28k Hz
    Wharfedale Denton 85
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    Wharfedale EVO4.2
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    3-way 88 dB 8 ohms 54-22k Hz
    Monitor Audio Silver 100 7G
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    2-way 87.5 dB 8 ohms 35-35k Hz
    Buchardt P300
    Compare
    2-way 86 dB 4 ohms 37-40k HZ
    B&W 607
    Compare
    2-way 84 dB 8 ohms 52-28k Hz
    Frequently Asked Questions about Polk Audio Reserve R200 50th Anniversary Edition
    What is the External Dimensions of Polk Audio Reserve R200 50th Anniversary Edition
    What is the Speaker Sensitivity of Polk Audio Reserve R200 50th Anniversary Edition
    is the Polk Audio Reserve R200 50th Anniversary Edition an easy to drive speaker?



    Polk R200 50th AE Detailed Specifications

    General
    BrandPolk Audio
    Full Model NamePolk Audio Reserve R200 50th Anniversary Edition
    Speaker Type2-way Bookshelf
    Power Range30-200 watts
    Sensitivity86 dB
    Impedance8 ohms
    Frequency Response51-38k Hz
    DRIVERS
    Woofer Size6.5-inch
    Woofer CompositionPolypropylene
    Woofer SurroundRubber
    Tweeter Size1-inch
    Tweeter TypeRing Radiator
    Port Positionrear

    CONNECTIONS
    Connector TypeBinding post
    Biamp InputsNo
    Port Positionrear
    PHYSICAL SPECS
    Height358.0mm ( 14-1/16-inch)
    Width193.0mm ( 7-9/16-inch)
    Depth355.0mm ( 13-15/16-inch)
    Height358.0mm ( 14-1/16-inch)
    Weight8.80kg ( 19.11 lbs)
    EnclosureBass Reflex
    FinishMDF/Wood veneer
    Available ColorsCherry
    Mounting BracketNo
    Recommended Stand Height24-28
    GrilleYes
    Moisture ResistanceNo
    OTHER
    Handheld RemoteNo
    Parts Warranty5 Years
    Labor Warranty5 Years
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