Polk Audio HTS 12 vs. Polk Audio TSi200

Polk Audio HTS 12 Powered Subwoofer Polk Audio TSi200 Bookshelf Speakers
MSRP
$550 $300
Dimensions (H × W × D)
18.50” × 17.13” × 18.11”
470mm × 435mm × 460mm
15.44” × 8.00” × 11.75”
392mm × 203mm × 298mm
Power Type
Powered Passive
Frequency Response
22-180 Hz 50-24,000 Hz
Amazon.com
Amazon.com

Speaker Comparison

When embarking on the journey to enhance your audio experience, it's essential to understand the role each component plays in the symphony of sound that fills your room. The Polk Audio HTS 12 Powered Subwoofer is an offering that promises to lay the foundation with its deep rumble, while the Polk Audio TSi200 Bookshelf Speakers aim to deliver clarity and detail. One is a specialist in the low-end frequencies, the other a maestro of the mids and highs. Together, they can create an audio landscape that is both powerful and refined.

Low Frequency Expertise: Polk HTS 12

The HTS 12 is a powerhouse designed to handle the depths of bass that many speakers struggle with. Featuring a 12-inch driver powered by a robust 200W amplifier, it's engineered to deliver the kind of ground-shaking bass that brings movies to life and gives music a fuller body. The HTS 12 isn't just about power; it's about precision. With its patented Power Port technology, the subwoofer ensures a smoother transition of air from the speaker to your listening space, minimizing turbulence and distortion. This results in a clear, impactful bass performance that's as true to the source as it is enthralling.

Polk Audio HTS 12 Powered Subwoofer
Polk Audio HTS 12 arrow (at Amazon.com)

Clarity and Detail: Polk TSi200

On the flip side, the TSi200 bookshelf speakers are designed to complement a system by delivering crisp, detailed mids, and sparkling highs. With a pair of 5.25-inch bi-laminate organic fiber cone drivers and a 1-inch silk/polymer composite dome tweeter, the TSi200s are acutely adept at reproducing vocals, instruments, and effects with pinpoint accuracy. They are well-suited for listeners who appreciate the nuances in music or the clarity of dialogue in film. While the TSi200s can certainly hold their own in the lower frequencies, they shine when paired with a subwoofer like the HTS 12 that can handle the extreme lows.

Design and Construction: Aesthetic Harmony

The aesthetics of the HTS 12 and TSi200 are a testament to Polk Audio's commitment to crafting speakers that not only sound good but look the part as well. The HTS 12's curved edges and sleek, rounded enclosure allow it to blend subtly into any room, while the TSi200s, with their slender, tall profile and wood-grain finishes, offer a classic look that's at home in a variety of decors. Both are built with quality components and a close eye on design that exudes both modernity and timelessness, ensuring they'll be a perfect match not just sonically but visually within your space.

Polk Audio TSi200 Bookshelf Speakers
Polk Audio TSi200 arrow (at Amazon.com)

When it comes to connectivity and integration, both subwoofer and bookshelf speakers maintain Polk Audio's user-friendly approach. The HTS 12 offers easy connection to your existing home theater or stereo system with its line-level inputs and LFE input. The TSi200s, with their traditional binding posts, ensure a secure and straightforward connection to any receiver or amplifier. This ease of set-up means you can spend less time fussing with wires and more time immersing yourself in the audio experience.

In evaluating their performance, one cannot ignore the impressive dynamic range the HTS 12 subwoofer brings to the table. It can go from a whisper to a roar without breaking a sweat, providing an expansive soundstage that feels bigger than its physical size. The TSi200s, while impressive in their right, are more about finesse and precision. Together, they provide a well-rounded audio experience, with the HTS 12 offering the muscle and the TSi200s bringing the dexterity.

Ultimately, choosing between the Polk Audio HTS 12 Powered Subwoofer and the Polk Audio TSi200 Bookshelf Speakers comes down to your personal audio needs and preferences. If you crave that visceral, cinematic low-end, the HTS 12 is the go-to choice. For listeners who prioritize crystal-clear mids and sparkling highs, the TSi200s stand out. And for those who want a balanced, full-spectrum sound, combining these two Polk Audio offerings could very well be the key to achieving your desired soundscape.


Check Current Prices:

Polk Audio HTS 12 Powered Subwoofer
Polk Audio HTS 12 Powered Subwoofer
Polk Audio TSi200 Bookshelf Speakers
Polk Audio TSi200 Bookshelf Speakers
Amazon.com
Amazon.com

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Disclaimer: the speaker data listed on this website are correct to the best of our knowledge, but we do not guarantee the accuracy of the data. Please double-check any measurements with the manufacturer before making a final purchasing decision.