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Polk Audio R700 Review
Polk Audio Reserve R700

Main Features

  • 1" Pinnacle Ring Radiator Tweeter
  • 6.5" Turbine Cone Midrange
  • 2 x 8" Polypropylene Woofer
  • 38-38k Hz Frequency Response
  • 88 dB Sensitivity
  • Impedance: 8ohms
  • Power Range: 50-300watts
  • Weight:78.98 lbs / 35.90 kg
  • Dimensions(HxWxD): 45"x12.6"x16.9" / 1143.8 x 320.7 x 428.3mm
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Polk R700 Review
Polk R700 Polk R700
See at AMAZON

Polk Audio Reserve R700 is a 3-way Passive Bass Reflex Floor-standing speaker by Polk Audio. It features a 1" Pinnacle Ring Radiator Tweeter, 1 x 6.5" Midrange and 2 x 8" Polypropylene Woofer. The speaker has a frequency range of 38-38k Hz and a sensitivity of 88 dB. Polk R700 has an MSRP of 2198$ per pair.

Room Size Suitability

The size of the room where you plan to use the Polk R700 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-fieldBad
Small RoomPoor
Mid-size RoomAverage
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.)

Polk Audio's Reserve Series of Loudspeakers

R700 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
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
Compare
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 R700 Speaker

Polk R700 has a Frequency response range of 38-38k Hz at ±3dB and Power Range of 50-300 watts. With a minimum frequency of 38 Hz, R700 delivers deep bass that will likely satisfy most listeners, especially those who enjoy music. However, movie enthusiasts and music fans who prefer a full range of sound may still benefit from adding a subwoofer.

To focus on the subwoofers that are in a similar price range with Polk R700, check out the Powered Subwoofers under $3000. Alternatively, find the Full list of Powered Subwoofers regardless of the price.
Here we have a comparison of how R700's Low and High frequency values compare with the average, max and min Low and High frequency values in its class.
Low Frequency
Floor-standing Speakers
Polk R700
Min
Average
Max
High Frequency
Floor-standing Speakers
Polk R700
Min
Average
Max
Polk R700 Woofer
Polk R700's Polypropylene Woofer

Among the speakers in our database with a max MSRP price of 3000$ (Pair), these are the 5 Passive Floor-standing speakers that have the deeper bass levels than the Polk R700's 38Hz:

  • KLH Kendall with Low Frequency of 25 Hz (Compare w/ R700)
  • GoldenEar Triton Five with Low Frequency of 26 Hz (Compare w/ R700)
  • KLH Concord with Low Frequency of 28 Hz (Compare w/ R700)
  • SVS Ultra Tower with Low Frequency of 28 Hz (Compare w/ R700)
  • GoldenEar Triton Seven with Low Frequency of 29 Hz (Compare w/ R700)

Polk R700 Tweeter
Polk R700's Pinnacle Ring Radiator Tweeter

Crossover frequency of the Polk R700?

R700 is a 3-way speaker and its crossover frequency between the woofer and the midrange set to 350Hz and the Crossover frequency between the midrange and the tweeter is set to 2700Hz.

Impedance and Sensitivity

Polk R700's nominal impedance level is 8 ohms but can go down to as low as 3.6 ohms, and has a sensitivity of 88 dB.

Sensitivity
Floor-standing Speakers
Polk R700
Min
Average
Max

8 Ohms is pretty much the standard nominal impedance amongst stereo speakers and amplifiers so Polk Audio Reserve R700 is not considered a difficult to drive speaker from nominal Impedance perspective.

Sensitivity

88dB of the Polk Audio Reserve R700 is an average sensitivity for stereo speaker so it is neither easy nor difficult to drive Sensitivity wise.

Minimum Impedance of the Polk R700

Even though the nominal impedance of the R700 is 8 ohms, the minimum impedance level of this speaker according to Polk Audio is 3.6 ohms Polk Audio Reserve R700 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 R700:

  • Integrated Amps under 2000 USD
  • Integrated Amps under 3000 USD
  • Integrated Amps under 5000 USD
  • All Integrated Amplifiers

Input Type

R700 has Post type connectors and lets bi-amping/bi-wiring. Bi-wiring can enhance the overall transparency of your loudspeakers by using separate speaker wires for the low and high-frequency drivers from a single amplifier. Bi-amping, on the other hand, involves using separate amplifiers for the high and low-frequency drivers, potentially resulting in a greater dynamic range and reduced distortion.

Polk R700 Back View
Polk R700 Back View

Polk R700 External Dimensions and Weight

Polk R700 has external dimensions of (Height x Width x Depth) 45 x 12.6 x 16.9inch (1143.8 x 320.7 x 428.3mm ).

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 R700 is approximately 1373.6cm2 / 212.9inch2.

To get a better perspective on the real life size of Polk R700, let's compare it with a standard size Compact Disc which has a diameter of 4.7inch (120mm).

Polk R700 Real Life Body Size Comparison
Polk R700 Speaker Size Compared to a Compact Disc

Here we place the Polk R700 virtually next to a standard width amplifier and turntable on a media center to get a better idea about the size.

Polk R700 placed next to a Media Stand
Polk R700 Floor-standing Speaker next to a Media Stand

Weight

The Polk R700 weighs 35.90kg / 79lbs per piece. Here is a comparison of how R700's weight compares with the average, max and min weights in its class.

Weight
All Floor-standing Speakers
Polk R700
Min
Average
Max
Weight
Floor-standing Speakers under $3000
Polk R700
Min
Average
Max

Cabinet type and Materials

Polk R700 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 R700 comes with the parts below which you can use to secure your loudspeaker on the surface that you are putting on:
  • 4 Outrigger feet (pre-installed)
  • 4 Rubber feet (pre-installed)
  • 4 Spike feet (pre-installed)
  • 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 R700 is a bottom-firing port speaker

    Polk R700  Port
    Polk R700 Port

    Available colors

    Polk R700 is available in Black, Walnut and White.

    Does the Polk R700 come with a Grille?

    R700 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 R700 is magnetic type, it is very easy to put it on and off.

    Polk R700  with Grille
    Polk R700 with Grille

    What's in the Box of Polk R700?

    Here are the items that are included inside the box of R700:
  • Floorstanding loudspeaker
  • 4 Outrigger feet (pre-installed)
  • 4 Rubber feet (pre-installed)
  • 4 Spike feet (pre-installed)
  • Grille
  • Hex-key
  • Owner's Manual
  • Online Registration
  • Recommended Accessories

    Here is a list of accessories that we think you may need for the Polk Audio Reserve R700.

    • 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.

    User's Manual

    For more information about how to setup, use and maintain the Polk Audio Reserve R700, use the direct link below to download the official manual document:
    Download User Manual for Polk R700

    Official Brochure

    Here is a link to download the official brochure for the Polk Audio Reserve R700 speaker:
    Official Brochure for Polk R700

    Official Product Page

    Official manufacturer's product page for the Polk Audio Reserve R700 speaker can be found below:
    Official Product Page for Polk R700

    Warranty

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

    Polk Audio Reserve R700 Alternatives in Passive Floor-standing Speakers
    Model Type Sensitivity Impedance Frequency
    Polk R600
    Compare
    2-way 87.5 dB 8 ohms 43-38k Hz
    Klipsch RP-8000F
    Compare
    2-way 98 dB 8 ohms 32-25k Hz
    Klipsch RP-8000F II
    Compare
    2-way 98 dB 8 ohms 32-25k Hz
    KEF Q950
    Compare
    2-way 91 dB 8 ohms 44-28k Hz
    Polk L600
    Compare
    3-way 86 dB 4 ohms 34-38k Hz
    Polk RTi A9
    Compare
    3-way 90 dB 8 ohms 30-26k Hz
    Wharfedale EVO4.4
    Compare
    3-way 89 dB 8 ohms 44-22k Hz
    Polk ES60
    Compare
    2-way 90 dB 8 ohms 32-40k Hz
    Frequently Asked Questions about Polk Audio Reserve R700
    What is the External Dimensions of Polk Audio Reserve R700
    What is the Speaker Sensitivity of Polk Audio Reserve R700
    is the Polk Audio Reserve R700 an easy to drive speaker?

    Polk R700 Detailed Specifications

    General
    BrandPolk Audio
    Full Model NamePolk Audio Reserve R700
    Speaker Type3-way Floor-standing
    Power Range50-300 watts
    Sensitivity88 dB
    Impedance8 ohms
    Frequency Response38-38k Hz
    DRIVERS
    Woofer Size8-inch
    Woofer CompositionPolypropylene
    Woofer SurroundRubber
    Tweeter Size1-inch
    Tweeter TypePinnacle Ring Radiator
    Midrange Size6.5-inch
    Crossover freq350Hz and 2700Hz
    Port Positionbottom

    CONNECTIONS
    Connector TypePost
    Biamp InputsYes
    Port Positionbottom
    PHYSICAL SPECS
    Height1143.8mm ( 45-inch)
    Width320.7mm ( 12.6-inch)
    Depth428.3mm ( 16.9-inch)
    Height1143.8mm ( 45-inch)
    Weight35.90kg ( 78.98 lbs)
    EnclosureBass Reflex
    FinishMDF/Vinyl
    Available ColorsBlack, Walnut, White
    Mounting BracketNo
    GrilleYes
    Moisture ResistanceNo
    OTHER
    Handheld RemoteNo
    Parts Warranty5 Years
    Labor Warranty5 Years
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