Polk Audio Reserve R700 Tower Speaker Review: Specs, Pros and Cons
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This polk audio reserve series r700 tower review focuses on the specs that define its performance. The R700 is a floorstanding speaker designed for home theater systems. It features a 1-inch Pinnacle Ring Radiator Tweeter and dual 6.5-inch Turbine Cone Woofers. These drivers aim to deliver crisp highs and rich bass. The cabinet uses a bass reflex design with a down-firing port. It also includes Polk’s Patented Power Port 2.0 technology to reduce distortion. At 45 inches tall, it offers substantial presence. This speaker supports Hi-Res audio formats and Dolby Atmos for immersive sound.
What stands out
- 1-inch Pinnacle Ring Radiator Tweeter for detailed highs
- Dual 6.5-inch Turbine Cone Woofers for smooth midrange
- Bass reflex cabinet with down-firing Power Port 2.0
- Hi-Res Certification supporting DSD, FLAC, and WAV
- Adjustable rubber or spike feet for various floors
Who it fits
Good fit for
You should consider this speaker if you want a floorstanding option that supports modern home theater formats like Dolby Atmos and IMAX Enhanced. The dual 6.5-inch woofers and bass reflex design suit listeners who want room-filling bass without external subwoofers. It fits well in medium to large rooms. The adjustable feet allow precise placement on hardwood or carpet. If you plan to build a multi-channel system, it pairs easily with other Reserve series models for surrounds or center channels.
Who should skip it
Skip this model if you have limited floor space. At 45 inches tall and weighing 79.1 pounds, it requires a sturdy floor and significant footprint. The bass reflex port is down-firing, so you cannot place it flush against a wall without risking muffled sound. You might need a separate subwoofer if you want deeper bass extension than the dual 6.5-inch drivers provide. Also, the R900 Height Module is sold separately, so you cannot achieve full vertical Atmos coverage with just these towers.
Verdict: The Polk Audio Reserve R700 is a spec-heavy floorstanding speaker built for immersive home theater setups. Its dual woofers and Hi-Res support make it a strong choice for listeners prioritizing detailed audio performance.
Polk Audio Reserve R700 Key Specs
Speaker Type: floorstanding
This design stands on the floor rather than sitting on a shelf or wall. You gain more internal volume for larger drivers, which typically improves bass response. It requires floor space but often delivers a fuller sound than smaller bookshelf models. Consider this if you have the room for a taller unit that anchors your home theater setup.
Woofer Size: 6.5
These dual 6.5-inch drivers handle low-frequency sounds. Larger woofers generally move more air, producing deeper and more powerful bass. This size is common in floorstanding towers, offering a balance between compactness and low-end performance. You will notice better impact in movies and music compared to speakers with smaller drivers.
Tweeter Type: 1" Pinnacle Ring Radiator
This specific tweeter design aims to provide crisp, detailed highs. It covers a wide dispersion pattern, helping you hear clear treble from various seating positions. This type of driver is often used in high-fidelity systems to deliver precise sound. You benefit from clear vocals and instrument separation without harshness.
Enclosure Type: bass reflex
A bass reflex cabinet uses a port to enhance low-frequency output. This design allows the speaker to produce deeper bass more efficiently than sealed boxes. You get more volume and punch from the same amplifier power. This is a standard choice for home theater speakers seeking robust low-end performance.
Height: 45 inches
This height positions the drivers at ear level when seated. It ensures sound travels directly to your listening position without excessive bouncing. You avoid the need for stands or mounting brackets. This dimension is typical for floorstanding towers, providing a natural listening angle for home theater environments.
Polk Audio Reserve R700 Design Details
The Polk Audio Reserve R700 is a floorstanding speaker with a cabinet height of 45 inches. Its width is 12.6 inches and its length is 16.9 inches. The unit weighs 79.1 pounds. These dimensions require dedicated floor space. You need a sturdy surface that can support the weight. The large enclosure volume supports the dual 6.5-inch woofers and the bass reflex design. This layout helps produce deeper bass without external amplification.
The listing notes that the cabinets are cross-braced to minimize interior resonances. This structural choice aims to keep sound clean by reducing cabinet vibration. The finish is available in Black or Brown. Acoustically inert anti-diffraction magnetic grilles are included. These grilles protect the drivers while maintaining a modern aesthetic. You can attach or remove them without affecting the sound quality significantly.
Placement flexibility is a key feature. The speaker comes with rubber feet for hard floors like hardwood or laminate. It also includes spike feet for carpeted surfaces. The feet are adjustable. You can level or angle the speaker to suit your room. This allows you to optimize the soundstage. The bass reflex cabinet has a down-firing opening. This design works well with the Power Port 2.0 technology to reduce distortion. You can position the speaker near walls or in open spaces, depending on your preference.
Polk Audio Reserve R700 Setup and Use
Setting up the Polk Audio Reserve R700 begins with placement. The speaker includes rubber feet for hard floors like hardwood, vinyl, or laminate. It also provides spike feet for carpeted surfaces. These feet are adjustable, allowing you to level the cabinet or angle it toward your listening position. This flexibility helps you optimize the acoustic path in your room.
The R700 is a floorstanding unit with a bass reflex enclosure. It features a down-firing port and dual 8-inch long-throw drivers. This configuration requires some clearance behind the speaker for the port to function correctly. The cabinet is cross-braced to minimize internal resonances, which supports cleaner sound during daily use. Magnetic grilles are included for a clean aesthetic, but they can be removed if you prefer the exposed driver layout.
In terms of compatibility, the R700 complements any multichannel home theater system. You can use it as a front, side, or rear surround speaker. For a complete five-channel setup, you can pair it with other Reserve models like the R200 bookshelf speakers or the R400 center channel. If your system supports Dolby Atmos or IMAX Enhanced, you can add the Reserve R900 Height Module separately to add vertical sound depth. The speaker supports hi-res audio formats such as DSD, FLAC, WAV, ALAC, and MQA. This ensures it works well with high-quality digital audio sources. The design is versatile, fitting into various home theater configurations without dominating the visual space.
Before You Buy The R700
Owning this tower speaker requires planning for your entire system. You must check amplifier compatibility, as the R700 needs adequate power to drive its dual 6.5-inch woofers and 1-inch tweeter effectively. Verify your receiver supports Dolby Atmos and IMAX Enhanced if you plan to use those formats. The cabinet is heavy at 79.1 pounds, so ensure your floor can support the load. You will also need to manage cable routing, as the bass reflex port requires space behind the unit. For a complete experience, consider adding matching center channels or surround speakers from the same Reserve series. This ensures tonal consistency across your setup. Regularly dust the magnetic grilles to maintain the clean aesthetic. The adjustable feet help stabilize the speaker on various floor types, reducing unwanted vibrations. This approach keeps the audio clear and the cabinet looking sharp over time.
Check before you buy
- Verify your receiver supports Dolby Atmos and IMAX Enhanced
- Ensure your amplifier can power dual 6.5-inch woofers
- Check floor weight capacity for the 79.1-pound unit
- Measure space behind the cabinet for the bass port
The product at a glance
Polk Audio Reserve R700 Tower Speaker
Best for: Dedicated home theater setups requiring high-resolution audio
- Speaker Type
- floorstanding
- Woofer Size
- 6.5"
- Tweeter Type
- Pinnacle Ring Radiator
- Enclosure Type
- bass reflex
- Application
- Home Theater
- Dimensions
- 16.9 × 12.6 × 45 inches
View on Amazon: Polk Audio Reserve R700 Tower Speaker Affiliate link
The Polk Audio Reserve R700 is a floorstanding speaker designed for home theater systems. It features a 1-inch Pinnacle Ring Radiator Tweeter and dual 6.5-inch Turbine Cone Woofers. The bass reflex cabinet includes a down-firing port and dual 8-inch long-throw drivers for room-filling sound. It supports Hi-Res audio formats and Dolby Atmos. Weighing 79.1 pounds and standing 45 inches tall, it suits those seeking detailed highs and rich bass.
Pros
- 1-inch Pinnacle Ring Radiator Tweeter for crisp highs
- Dual 6.5-inch Turbine Cone Woofers for smooth midrange
- Dual 8-inch long-throw drivers with Power Port 2.0 for distortion-free bass
- Hi-Res Certification supporting DSD, FLAC, and WAV formats
Cons
- Heavy at 79.1 pounds, making repositioning difficult
- Tall 45-inch height requires significant vertical space
- Height module sold separately for Dolby Atmos performance
Good fit if
- You want a floorstanding speaker for a primary home theater setup
- You need detailed high-frequency response for music and movies
- You have the floor space for a 45-inch tall cabinet
Skip if
- You need a compact bookshelf speaker for small rooms
- You require integrated Dolby Atmos height channels without extra purchases
- You prefer lightweight speakers for easy mobility
Verdict: Polk Audio Reserve R700 Tower Speaker delivers high-resolution audio and deep bass through its dual 8-inch drivers and ring radiator tweeter, making it an ideal fit for dedicated home theater enthusiasts with space for large floorstanding cabinets.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | Polk Audio Reserve R700 Tower Speaker |
|---|---|
| Speaker Type | floorstanding |
| Woofer Size | 6.5" |
| Tweeter Type | Pinnacle Ring Radiator |
| Enclosure Type | bass reflex |
| Application | Home Theater |
| Dimensions | 16.9 × 12.6 × 45 inches |
| Weight | 79.1 pounds |
| Color | Black |
| Model | 300035-01-00-005 |
Frequently asked questions
What is the Polk Audio Reserve R700 best used for?
The Polk Audio Reserve R700 is best for dedicated home theater setups requiring high-resolution audio. Its design supports immersive soundscapes suitable for movies and music. You get a floorstanding unit that integrates into a serious audio environment rather than a casual listening space.
How big is the Polk Audio Reserve R700 tower speaker?
The Polk Audio Reserve R700 measures 45 inches in height, 12.6 inches in width, and 16.9 inches in length. These dimensions require significant floor space. You must ensure your room has enough room to accommodate this large cabinet without obstructing pathways or furniture.
How much does the Polk Audio Reserve R700 weigh?
The Polk Audio Reserve R700 weighs 79.1 pounds. This substantial weight ensures stability during operation. You do not need to worry about the speaker tipping over easily, but you should plan for careful moving and placement due to its heavy construction.
What color is the Polk Audio Reserve R700?
The Polk Audio Reserve R700 comes in a black finish. This color helps the speaker blend into most home theater environments. You can place it in living rooms or dedicated media rooms without it clashing with typical interior decor schemes.
Is the Polk Audio Reserve R700 a floorstanding speaker?
Yes, the Polk Audio Reserve R700 is a floorstanding speaker. This type of speaker sits directly on the floor rather than on a shelf or wall mount. You gain the benefit of a larger cabinet volume, which typically enhances bass response and overall sound depth.
What is the model number for the Polk Audio Reserve R700?
The model number for the Polk Audio Reserve R700 is 300035-01-00-005. You can use this number to verify compatibility with accessories or to find specific replacement parts. It ensures you are referencing the exact unit when checking specifications or manuals.