Polk Audio recently released an entire line of speakers and headphones that are targeted towards the younger generation with most of the products starting at $20 or less. The most expensive model, their TSi500 Boom Box, starts at $300.
After reading this article I am convinced that these speakers were made for me and I will be sleeping on my girlfriend’s couch soon with my new Polk Audio TSi500 in-ear wireless Bluetooth speaker completely blasting music.
I was looking for a Bluetooth speaker to take to the gym and the beach because I like to listen to music while working out and I like listening to music before I go swimming. I also don’t like it when people disrupt my workout by playing loud techno music or “rap” music which they normally do.
I didn’t want a huge, heavy, bulky speaker that would weigh me down and break after a month of use.
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Table of Contents
Design & Structure
The TSi500 speaker stands at 14.5 inches tall, with a 3-inch wide-body, looking like a small cylindrical tower. The top half of the cylinder is covered in shiny black paint that reflects light well and makes it seem sleeker, while the bottom half is covered in cloth. The TSi500’s design accentuates its versatility through the combination of both modern gloss and warm material textures.
The TSi500 features a sturdy yet flexible polymer clamping device to hold your tablet while either sitting on the speaker dock or being used in portrait mode. The device’s mesh cover removes for easy access to the full touchscreen of your device. With great audio quality, you will enjoy movies, YouTube videos, music, and more!
Performance & Connections
The Polk Audio TSi500 features a dynamic balance dome tweeter and a 4-inch mid/woofer. The speaker dock will work with the most popular tablets, including the iPad Air, Air 2, Nexus 7 (both generations), 10.1, Samsung Galaxy Tabs (all generations), Amazon Kindle Fire HDX 8.9, and other popular tablets.
The TSi500 features a 3.5mm auxiliary input, which allows the unit to accept a wide range of audio sources via a simple audio cable (which is not included). The dock works with iPad Dock Connector to Lightning adapter. Additionally, the dock can be used while charging your tablet while listening to music or watching a movie through the use of the included power supply’s USB port.
Specifications
- Frequency response: 38Hz – 22kHz
- Drivers: 1″ tweeter, 5.25″ woofer
- Continuous power handling: 100 watts
- Peak power handling: 500 watts
- Impedance: 6 ohms
- Sensitivity: 94dB/W/m @ 2.83 volts/meter
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 9.5″ x 12.875″ x 8.25″ (w/o stand) 13.5 lbs
- Price for TSi500 on polkaudio.
Our new flagship bookshelf speaker, Tsi500 is the culmination of decades of speaker know-how. Built on our patented 3-way, high-efficiency design that’s made us legendary, this new model sets a new benchmark for sound quality. With a deep bass response that matches or exceeds even our mighty Tx650 subwoofer and wide dispersion characteristics for more accurate stereo imaging – it will amaze you with its musicality. In fact, the only thing that will amaze you more is the price. Tsi500 is our most advanced speaker ever – and it’s also one of our most affordable.
TSi500 is a three-way, high-efficiency bookshelf speaker under $200 with a 1″ tweeter, a 5.25″ midrange driver, and a 5.25″ woofer. It has the same advanced crossover design as our flagship Tx650, which uses a sophisticated L-pads network for much smoother frequency response and phase coherency than traditional passive crossovers.
Features
A 3-way design system with a pair of separate high and low range drivers as well as a tweeter for accurate sound reproduction. This speaker is capable of producing an amazing 122 dB SPL for exceptional acoustic output. A unique feature repositioning port design is used to optimize power handling and bass reproduction.
Available in three colors: black, cherry, and white (TSi500).Available in two bright colors: arctic white and citrus yellow (TSi 500a).Customizable grills are included.Wall brackets are included for mounting.
This system is capable of placing out a very low distortion rate of 0.4% across all frequencies up to 22 kHz which means it is some of the most precise audio reproduction on the market today.A new wide network woofer offers an unparalleled bass response for its size with maximum output down to 45Hz.
Pros
- The TSi500 can produce deep, rich lows.
- Available in either satin or gloss black.
- 5.25-inch woofer.
- Handsome price tag.
Cons
- Subwoofer interference
- Disappointing mids and highs
- Only available in satin or gloss black
- 5.25inch woofer doesn’t have enough power for some users.
- Price tag is a little bit on the steep side for some people.
Conclusion
The Polk Audio TSi500 is a really great speaker, with a lot of power and very clear sound. It’s not for someone who needs a portable speaker, but it is perfect for someone who needs a big powerful speaker that can be placed in the middle of the room and fill it with sound.
Purchasing high-quality speakers is an investment in your enjoyment of music, movies, and games. The Polk Audio TSi500 speakers will translate the sound as the artists and producers intended for you to experience it.
The Polk Audio TSi500 home theater speaker system is perfect for those who want to take their movie viewing and gaming to the next level.
FAQ:
Q: What is the impedance of a Polk Audio tsi500 speaker?
A: In the case of the Polk Audio TSi500 speakers, they produce 96 dB of sound with one watt of input at a distance of 1 meter, which is quite efficient. That output is 8 ohms, which is the nominal level of impedance for these floor standing speakers.
Q: What are the best Polk Audio speakers for home theater?
A: The Polk Audio TSI500 speakers are the flagship of the TSI series, one of Polk’s best selling models. If you plan on using these speakers for your home theater, you can pair these speakers with a TSI200 for the surround speakers, CS20 centers for the center and a PSW series subwoofer to get the best cinematic sound experience at home.
Q: Are Polk RTI floorstanding speakers any good?
A: These are very average floor standing speakers and are more than bested by the Polk RTi line of floor standing speakers in both build quality and sound. These are basically just the TSi200 bookshelf speakers in a floor model version. The difference between the Tsi line and Polk’s Rti line is vast.
Q: Are tsii/i500 floorstanding speakers good?
A: And, like the rest of the TSii/i series its designed to be highly efficient and voice-matched for lifelike surround sound environments. These TSii/i500 floorstanding speakers bring warm, dynamic audio to your theater system, and the sophisticated, modern design fits in just about any room.