Dayton Audio B652-AIR vs. Polk Audio TSi200

Speaker Comparison

When it comes to upgrading your home audio experience, bookshelf speakers are a popular choice for their blend of size, performance, and value. Today we're taking a close look at two contenders in the affordable speaker arena – the Dayton Audio B652-AIR and the Polk Audio TSi200. Both promise an engaging listening experience, but they cater to slightly different audiences within the budget-conscious segment of the audio market.

Design and Build Quality

The Dayton Audio B652-AIR has a straightforward, no-frills design that's all about functionality. The black ebony pica vinyl cabinet isn't going to turn heads, but it's well-built and sturdy. On the other hand, the Polk Audio TSi200 boasts a more refined aesthetic, with a real wood veneer finish available in black or cherry. The TSi200's cabinet is also more sophisticated, with its small footprint and flared port, which not only looks good but also helps to reduce port noise and delivers deeper bass response.

Sound Signature and Performance

The B652-AIR features Dayton Audio's signature AMT tweeter, which delivers an extended treble response that is crisp and detailed. This can be quite a revelation if you're coming from a traditional dome tweeter design. However, the bass response is modest, which is understandable given the speaker's size and price point. The Polk TSi200, with its larger 5.25-inch dynamic balance drivers, provides a warmer and more robust bass response. The TSi200 also employs a 1-inch silk/polymer composite dome tweeter, which offers a smooth, refined high-frequency sound that is less fatiguing over long listening sessions.

What's interesting about the B652-AIR is that its soundstage tends to be quite wide and spacious, a characteristic not often found in speakers at this price point. The AIR aspect of the tweeter design seems to contribute to an airy top end that gives a sense of space and dimension to music. In comparison, the TSi200 speakers have a more focused soundstage with precise imaging, making them superb for critical listening, where the position of instruments and vocalists within the stereo field is important.

Power Handling and Sensitivity

When it comes to power handling, the B652-AIR is relatively modest, with a recommended amplifier power of 40-75 watts. Its sensitivity rating is also average at 87dB, which means they require a decent amount of power to get loud. The TSi200 is more demanding with recommended amplifier power of 20-150 watts and a sensitivity of 89dB, which allows them to play louder with the same amount of power. This makes the TSi200 a better match for those with more powerful amplifiers or who desire higher volumes from their listening sessions.

One cannot discuss speakers without touching on the topic of room integration. The B652-AIR, being smaller and less bass-heavy, tends to be more forgiving in placement. They work well in small to medium-sized rooms and don't require a lot of tweaking to achieve a good sound. The TSi200, with their larger cabinets and more substantial bass, may benefit from more careful placement and possibly some room treatment to control bass reflections and standing waves for optimal performance.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Dayton Audio B652-AIR and Polk Audio TSi200 bookshelf speakers offer distinct experiences for the budget-conscious audiophile. The B652-AIR is a great entry point for those interested in experiencing the clarity of an AMT tweeter, and its soundstage may surprise you. The Polk Audio TSi200, while a bit pricier, offers a more sophisticated design, better bass response, and higher power handling, suitable for more demanding listeners. Ultimately, your choice will depend on your listening preferences, room size, and the type of amplifier you plan on pairing with the speakers. Both are solid choices, and either would be a considerable step up from run-of-the-mill multimedia speakers.