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Polk Audio Reserve R400 Review
Polk Audio Reserve R400

Main Features

  • 1" Pinnacle Ring Radiator Tweeter
  • 2 x 6.5" Polypropylene Turbine Cone Woofer
  • 48-39K Hz Frequency Response
  • 89 dB Sensitivity
  • Impedance: 8ohms
  • Power Range: 20-200watts
  • Weight:32.80 lbs / 14.91 kg
  • Dimensions(HxWxD): 7-13/16"x24-5/16"x14-5/8" / 199.0 x 618.0 x 372.0mm
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Polk R400 Review

Polk Audio Reserve R400 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 1" Pinnacle Ring Radiator Tweeter and 2 x 6.5" Polypropylene Turbine Cone Woofer. The speaker has a frequency range of 48-39K Hz and a sensitivity of 89 dB. Polk R400 has an MSRP of 649$.

What size of room is the Polk R400 speaker good for?

The size of the room in which you are planning to use the Polk R400 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 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.)

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

R400 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
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
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.

What is the Frequency Response of the Polk R400 speaker?

Polk R400 has a Frequency response range of 48-39K Hz at ±3dB and Power Range of 20-200 watts. Here we have a comparison of how R400'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 R400
Min
Average
Max
High Frequency
Center Channel Speakers
Polk R400
Min
Average
Max


What is the Crossover frequency of Polk R400?

The Crossover frequency of the R400 is set to 2500Hz. 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.

What are the Impedance and Sensitivity of the Polk R400? Is it an easy-to-drive speaker?

Polk R400's nominal impedance level is 8 ohms but can go down to as low as 4.1 ohms, and has a sensitivity of 89 dB.

Sensitivity
Center Channel Speakers
Polk R400
Min
Average
Max

8 Ohms is pretty much the standard nominal impedance amongst stereo speakers and amplifiers so Polk Audio Reserve R400 is not considered a difficult to drive speaker from nominal Impedance perspective.

Sensitivity

89dB of Polk Audio Reserve R400 is an average sensitivity for stereo speaker so it is neither easy nor difficult to drive Sensitivity wise.

Minimum Impedance of Polk R400

Even though the nominal impedance of the R400 is 8 ohms, the minimum impedance level of this speaker according to Polk Audio is 4.1 ohms Polk Audio Reserve R400 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 R400:

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

Input Type

R400 features Binding post type connectors. Bi-amping and Bi-wiring are not possible.
Polk R400 Back View
Polk R400 Back View

Polk R400 External Dimensions and Weight

Polk R400 has external dimensions of (Height x Width x Depth) 7-13/16 x 24-5/16 x 14-5/8inch (199.0 x 618.0 x 372.0mm ).

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 R400 is approximately 2299.0cm2 / 356.3inch2.

Weight

The Polk R400 weighs 14.91kg / 32.8lbs per piece. Here is a comparison of how R400's weight compares with the average, max and min weights in its class.

Weight
All Center Channel Speakers
Polk R400
Min
Average
Max
Weight
Center Channel Speakers under $750
Polk R400
Min
Average
Max

Cabinet type and Materials

Polk R400 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.

Speaker Feet

Polk R400 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 R400 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 R400  Port
Polk R400 dual Port

Available colors

Polk R400 is available in Black and Walnut.

Does the Polk R400 come with a Grille?

R400 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 R400 is magnetic type, it is very easy to put it on and off.

Polk R400  with Grille
Polk R400 with Grille

What's in the Box of Polk R400?

Here are the items that are included inside the box of R400:
  • Center-channel loudspeaker
  • Grille
  • Owners Manual
  • Online Registration
  • User's Manual

    For more information about how to setup, use and maintain the Polk Audio Reserve R400, use the direct link below to download the official manual document:
    Download User Manual for Polk R400

    Official Brochure

    Here is a link to download the official brochure for the Polk Audio Reserve R400 speaker:
    Official Brochure for Polk R400

    Official Product Page

    Official manufacturer's product page for the Polk Audio Reserve R400 speaker can be found below:
    Official Product Page for Polk R400

    Warranty

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

    Polk Audio Reserve R400 Alternatives in Passive Center Channel Speakers
    Model Type Sensitivity Impedance Frequency
    Polk ES35
    Compare
    2-way 89 dB 8 ohms 66-40k Hz
    Klipsch RP-504C II
    Compare
    2-way 96 dB 8 ohms 50-25k Hz
    Klipsch RP-404C II
    Compare
    2-way 94 dB 8 ohms 87-25k Hz
    Emotiva Airmotiv C3+
    Compare
    3-way 92 dB 4 ohms 40 Hz – 28 kHz
    Wharfedale Diamond 12.C
    Compare
    2-way 90 dB 8 ohms 90-20k Hz
    Emotiva Airmotiv C2+
    Compare
    3-way 92 dB 4 ohms 45 Hz – 28 kHz
    Klipsch RP-500C II
    Compare
    2-way 96 dB 8 ohms 60-25k Hz
    Klipsch RP-600C
    Compare
    2-way 97 dB 8 ohms 58-25k Hz
    KEF Q650c
    Compare
    2-way 87 dB 8 ohms 64-28k Hz
    BW HTM6 S2
    Compare
    2-way 87 dB 8 ohms 72-28k Hz
    Frequently Asked Questions about Polk Audio Reserve R400
    What is the External Dimensions of Polk Audio Reserve R400
    What is the Speaker Sensitivity of Polk Audio Reserve R400
    is the Polk Audio Reserve R400 an easy to drive speaker?



    Polk R400 Detailed Specifications

    General
    BrandPolk Audio
    Full Model NamePolk Audio Reserve R400
    Speaker Type2-way Center Channel
    Power Range20-200 watts
    Sensitivity89 dB
    Impedance8 ohms
    Frequency Response48-39K Hz
    DRIVERS
    Woofer Size6.5-inch
    Woofer CompositionPolypropylene Turbine Cone
    Woofer SurroundRubber
    Tweeter Size1-inch
    Tweeter TypePinnacle Ring Radiator
    Midrange SizeN/A-inch
    Crossover freq2500Hz
    Port Positionrear

    CONNECTIONS
    Connector TypeBinding post
    Biamp InputsNo
    Port Positionrear
    PHYSICAL SPECS
    Height199.0mm ( 7-13/16-inch)
    Width618.0mm ( 24-5/16-inch)
    Depth372.0mm ( 14-5/8-inch)
    Height199.0mm ( 7-13/16-inch)
    Weight14.91kg ( 32.80 lbs)
    EnclosureBass Reflex
    Available ColorsBlack, Walnut
    Mounting BracketNo
    GrilleYes
    Moisture ResistanceNo
    OTHER
    Handheld RemoteNo
    Parts Warranty5 Years
    Labor Warranty5 Years
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