Note that this is a discontinued product. You may want to visit the brand's page here to browse their newer products.
What reviewers think
Bloggers and YouTubers have tried this product—so we've summarized their strongest opinions below. Links to full reviews follow.
Product Strengths
- Well-made and solid speaker, weighing almost 80 pounds, indicating quality construction
- Very evenly balanced speaker with a uniform and consistent sound, creating a 'wall of sound'
- The tweeter sounds nice, clear, and not harsh, and responds well to equalizer adjustments
- Produces nice bass due to the port on the bottom and the long throw woofers
- Voices sound excellent and clear, as do acoustic and bass guitars
Product Considerations
- A heavy speaker at nearly 80 pounds, assistance is needed to move it, which can be difficult if you have back problems
- The tweeter is pointy, so caution is needed when handling the speaker to avoid injury
- Requires a good amount of power to drive effectively, suggesting more than 120 watts per channel
- Needs a break-in period of at least five hours for the mid-range and treble to open up and become more clear
- Sounds best when facing it directly, as sound quality diminishes when listening at an angle
Takeaway: The Polk Audio Reserve R700 is a well-balanced speaker with great sound quality, especially for its price range. With its nice bass and clear tweeter, it is a good speaker to listen to music and movies.
What are hifi reviews useful for? (1) Identifying products you should demo in person at a dealer. (2) Learning which products reviewers unanimously praise as the best they've heard (this means they probably are legitimately great). (3) Identifying a product's attributes that satisfy your idiosyncratic needs and tastes. Beyond that, we often discount what reviewers say because they heap praise on most products—and are often apprehensive about publishing strong criticism or comparisons between products. Further, they seldom have more than a few products on-hand, often relying on their memories to compare past products. Always listen for yourself.
All
700-LS
reviews
[{"title":"Polk Audio Reserve R700, Imax Certified Flagship Speaker Review | Home Theater Movies and Music","link":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rT7dnYdl1RU","source":"Audio Experience","datePublished":"2025"}]
An excellent review of a great product
/
Publisher
/
3/1/2022
An excellent review of a great product
Publisher
/
3/1/2022
Video Review
Manufacturer details
Features
Specifications
- Total Frequency Response: 32 Hz → 33,000 Hz
- Lower and Upper -3dB Limits: 45 Hz → 29,000 Hz
- Nominal Impedance: 8 ohms
- Sensitivity: 90 dB (1 watt @ 1 meter)
- Recommended Amplifier Power Per Channel: 10 watts → 150 watts
- Driver Complement: (1) 2.5" (6.35 cm) Dynamic Balance driver with aerated polypropylene cone - Midrange, (1) 7" (17.78 cm) Dynamic Balance woofer with mineral-filled polypropylene cone - Subwoofer, (1) 0.75" (1.91 cm) Ring radiator - Tweeter
- Depth: 8.5" (21.59 cm)
- Grille Dimensions: 8.13" (20.65 cm) diameter
Description
Stacking the woofer behind the driver unit is an innovation so extreme you won't believe the performance that results! Full-size speaker dynamics and a small-diameter cut-out built-in that virtually disappears into your decor. The Vanishing Series puts high performance stealth audio at your fingertips.
Release Timeline
Manufacturer Site
Brand highlights
Taking a step back to look at reviewers' thoughts of the brand's entire lineup—not just this product—what stands out most is the following:
- They stand out for incorporating technologies typically found in their higher-end lines, such as ring radiator tweeters and Power Port designs, into more accessible product lines like the Monitor and Signature Elite series.
- Polk specifically designs many of their speakers, especially in-wall and outdoor models, to be versatile and weather-resistant, making them suitable for a variety of listening environments beyond traditional living rooms.
Select products
Select product comparisons
Monitor XT70
- Positioning: The highest performing loudspeaker in the Monitor XT line.
- Description: Offers powerful, high-resolution sound with dual 6.5" Dynamic Balance woofers and 8" passive bass radiators, making it ideal for larger rooms. Compared to the Signature Elite series, focuses on delivering impactful bass and clear highs, suitable for those who want a high-value option for music and movies without the need for advanced features like Dolby Atmos compatibility.
Signature Elite ES55
- Positioning: A high-quality floor-standing tower speaker in the Signature Elite series.
- Description: Provides high-resolution, room-filling sound with dual 6.5" Dynamic Balance woofers and Terylene dome tweeter. Unlike the Monitor XT70, offers a more refined sound with Hi-Res Audio certification, appealing to those who prioritize audio detail and clarity over sheer power.
Signature Elite ES60
- Positioning: The highest-performing loudspeaker in the Signature Elite series.
- Description: Delivers cinematic sound with three 6.5" Dynamic Balance woofers and Hi-Res Audio certified tweeter. Offers a more immersive experience compared to the ES55, with enhanced bass and a broader soundstage.
Reserve R700
- Positioning: A premium large floor-standing tower speaker in the Reserve series.
- Description: Combines dual 8" woofers and a 6.5" Turbine Cone woofer for massive impact and clarity. Stands out from the Signature Elite series with its advanced Power Port 2.0 and X-Port technology, providing cleaner bass and more defined midrange.
Legend L600
- Positioning: A flagship floor-standing tower speaker in the Legend series.
- Description: Features dual 7" drivers and a 5.25" Turbine Cone woofer, offering exceptional imaging and detail for medium-to-large rooms. Surpasses the Reserve R700 with its Pinnacle Ring Radiator tweeter and enhanced Power Port, providing ultra-clear highs and better bass.
Legend L800
- Positioning: The true flagship large floor-standing tower speaker in the Legend series.
- Description: Uses SDA-PRO technology for lifelike stereo imaging, making it the most revealing speaker Polk has ever made. Offers a more immersive experience than the L600, with dual 10" drivers and advanced stereo separation.
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Avg. Product Price
$500
Used For Sale
299
Available (Scroll Down)
Brand Popularity
16
of 900+
Badges
Top 50 Brand
Top 250 Brand
Products Listed
76
Founding Year
1972
Our take on the brand
Polk’s been a major player in the audio world since the ’70s, though they don’t always get the same attention from hi-fi reviewers as some other brands. But they know their niche—mass-market, entry-level products that perform way better than you’d expect for the price. Their R200 model, for example, gets called one of the best under $1,000. If you’re looking for solid performance without spending a fortune, Polk’s stuff is hard to beat.
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Our interview with the brand
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Polk
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What if you spend more?
M&K Sound
IC95
799
799
/
2
Reviews
The new compact IC95 integrated loudspeaker system is based on the well proven proprietary 6,5-inch mid-woofer, also used in Miller & Kreisel studio monitor system MPS1620P and in-wall system IW95. The mid-woofer in IC95 is a long time accepted key component in the Miller & Kreisel signature sound history, now appearing as the key component for the smallest and most compact format ever – to provide the real Miller & Kreisel sound. IC95 present a new developed axial mounted 1” soft fabric dome tweeter, designed with swivel function to angle and optimize the on-axis response to the listening positions.
M&K Sound invented the world's first subwoofer in 1973 and is widely used in Hollywood studios for mixing and mastering film soundtracks. Their push-pull subwoofer design cancels out harmonic distortion, and their speakers deliver professional studio monitor neutrality, making them a top choice for high-end audio production.
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Product Strengths
- The IC95 is built with high-quality materials, including rigid push-button speaker terminals
- Sound field height, envelopment, and directionality are improved
- Speaker localization tends to disappear in the sound field
Product Considerations
- The cutout template included is slightly larger than the Revel c263, which may require some ceiling modification
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The IC95 improves sound field height, envelopment, and directionality over the Revel c263
Takeaway: The MK Sound IC95 is a phenomenal in-ceiling speaker that will give a lot for the money and is especially good as Atmos speakers. The improvements in sound quality are substantial and make it a worthwhile upgrade.
Video review
Our take on the brand
M&K Sound invented the world's first subwoofer in 1973 and is widely used in Hollywood studios for mixing and mastering film soundtracks. Their push-pull subwoofer design cancels out harmonic distortion, and their speakers deliver professional studio monitor neutrality, making them a top choice for high-end audio production.
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Focal
300 ICA6
599
599
/
2
Reviews
Inheriting Focal innovations and adapting to Dolby Atmosâ technology, the 300 ICA6 in-wall speaker offers pure hi-fi sound and sound immersion in 3 Dimensions. Its 35°-tilted driver allows precise adjustment to the listening position, while adapting to the acoustics of your room. The "shower effect" is a thing of the past, and the sound is evenly distributed, perfect for a home cinema installation.
Focal is a French hifi brand that makes their own drivers in-house, including their highly-regarded beryllium tweeters and unique slatefiber mid/bass drivers made from recycled carbon fiber. Their speakers and headphones feature distinctive technologies like their "W" sandwich cone design for optimal driver performance and Mimi Sound Personalization that adapts audio to individual hearing profiles.
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Product Strengths
- Crystal clear highs are provided due to the aluminum magnesium inverted dome tweeter
- It's versatile, aimable, and allows directional audio optimization
- Easy installation with a convenient two-piece quick install bracket system
- The flax woofer is rigid and improves excursion, providing a good price-to-performance ratio
- Offers both square and circular paintable magnetic grills
Product Considerations
- Requires a mounting depth of at least five and three-quarter inches
- An amplifier with at least 25 to 130 watts is recommended
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Focal 100 series—the 300 Series has a more enveloping soundstage
- Vs Focal 100 series—the 300 Series offers more ambiance, with crisp articulation of vocals
- Vs Focal 100 series—installation is superior
Takeaway: The Focal 300 Series provides optimized audio and easy installation with a sleek design. It's versatile for home theater or distributed audio, making it a great choice for anyone looking for quality sound.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Focal is a French hifi brand that makes their own drivers in-house, including their highly-regarded beryllium tweeters and unique slatefiber mid/bass drivers made from recycled carbon fiber. Their speakers and headphones feature distinctive technologies like their "W" sandwich cone design for optimal driver performance and Mimi Sound Personalization that adapts audio to individual hearing profiles.
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Totem
KIN IC82
850
850
/
1
Reviews
The IC82 is Totem’s premium 8” in-ceiling speaker in the KIN Architectural IC series.
Totem Acoustic is known for its unique approach to speaker design, using crossoverless woofers for more natural sound reproduction and producing an immersive soundstage despite compact speaker sizes. The Canadian-made speakers feature distinctive materials like borosilicate damping in their cabinets and CNC-machined driver components, appealing to audiophiles who prefer a unique voicing over neutral-sounding speakers.
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Product Strengths
- High-quality construction with mhex cone material and aluminum tweeter
- A low volume intelligibility switch boosts vocal clarity and bass at lower volumes
- A cast aluminum frame basket allows for a larger spider and suspension system, enabling the speaker to handle more power
- Wide dispersion (75 degrees) provides a good soundstage for every seat
- Weather-resistant materials (impermeable drivers, stainless steel hardware/grills) make it suitable for use in humid environments
- Custom-fit back boxes create a sealed enclosure, reducing sound transmission and protecting the driver
- Pre-construction bracket provides even pressure on the drywall for better support
Product Considerations
- The low volume intelligibility switch should be off when playing at reference levels
- 12 gauge is the max gauge for the binding posts
Takeaway: The KIN IC 82 is a high-quality in-ceiling speaker with unique features and durable construction, making it a great choice for a home theater or other applications. The speaker's ability to deliver clear sound and withstand various environmental conditions adds to its value.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Totem Acoustic is known for its unique approach to speaker design, using crossoverless woofers for more natural sound reproduction and producing an immersive soundstage despite compact speaker sizes. The Canadian-made speakers feature distinctive materials like borosilicate damping in their cabinets and CNC-machined driver components, appealing to audiophiles who prefer a unique voicing over neutral-sounding speakers.
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KEF
Ci200RR-THX
999
999
/
2
Reviews
With a 38mm(1.5inch) tweeter voice coil coupled to a vented aluminium dome with tangerine waveguide, and a woofer with absolutely massive magnet and Z-flex surround, the KEF Ci200RR-THX is an in-ceiling LCR capable of delivering a magical musical theatre experience even in the largest of rooms.
KEF's signature Uni-Q technology places the tweeter in the center of the woofer to create a single point source for sound, while their Metamaterial Absorption Technology absorbs 99% of unwanted sound from the rear of the driver. Their Music Integrity Engine corrects timing errors in the speaker crossover, and their Shadow Flare technology reduces diffraction for improved detail and clarity in sound reproduction.
Expand Details
Product Strengths
- Delivers cinema-quality sound for home Atmos or DTS:X systems
- Has crisp highs, mid tones, and vocal reproduction
- Is terrific for multi-zone or MusicCast audio options
Product Considerations
- May require a subwoofer for deep bass tones
- Sound levels drop significantly when walking too far to the side of the speakers
Takeaway: The KEF Ci200RR-THX in-ceiling speakers offer excellent sound replication across various frequencies and can play loud without distortion. They would be a great addition to a Dolby Atmos home theater.
Video review
Our take on the brand
KEF's signature Uni-Q technology places the tweeter in the center of the woofer to create a single point source for sound, while their Metamaterial Absorption Technology absorbs 99% of unwanted sound from the rear of the driver. Their Music Integrity Engine corrects timing errors in the speaker crossover, and their Shadow Flare technology reduces diffraction for improved detail and clarity in sound reproduction.
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What competes at this price?
Polk
VT60
189
/
Released
Enables flush installation and is acoustically inert to promote uniform sound coverage in large rooms. The speaker can also be painted to match your existing décor.
Polk’s been a major player in the audio world since the ’70s, though they don’t always get the same attention from hi-fi reviewers as some other brands. But they know their niche—mass-market, entry-level products that perform way better than you’d expect for the price. Their R200 model, for example, gets called one of the best under $1,000. If you’re looking for solid performance without spending a fortune, Polk’s stuff is hard to beat.
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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Timber matched to the RTi and TSi range
- Improved bass over the RC80i
- Moisture resistance allows installation in any room, including kitchens and bathrooms
Product Considerations
- Branding text is a little intrusive when the grille is removed
- Lacks brightness
- Needs to be paired with an amplifier to function
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Polk RC80i: VT60 has broader timber matching support and wider frequency response range, giving it more bass
Takeaway: The VT60 ceiling speaker is a versatile and affordable option that improves upon previous models with enhanced bass and timber matching. Its moisture resistance makes it a great choice for any room in the house.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Polk’s been a major player in the audio world since the ’70s, though they don’t always get the same attention from hi-fi reviewers as some other brands. But they know their niche—mass-market, entry-level products that perform way better than you’d expect for the price. Their R200 model, for example, gets called one of the best under $1,000. If you’re looking for solid performance without spending a fortune, Polk’s stuff is hard to beat.
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Polk
RC60I
199
/
Released
Want music around the house without the bulk of free-standing speakers? How about dynamic overhead sound effects in your home theater? Polk Audio's RC60i in-ceiling speakers do an awesome job in either application. These popular speakers feature an aimable tweeter so you can direct sound towards you. They also come with a lifetime warranty, so you'll enjoy great sound for years to come.
Polk’s been a major player in the audio world since the ’70s, though they don’t always get the same attention from hi-fi reviewers as some other brands. But they know their niche—mass-market, entry-level products that perform way better than you’d expect for the price. Their R200 model, for example, gets called one of the best under $1,000. If you’re looking for solid performance without spending a fortune, Polk’s stuff is hard to beat.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Low cost makes them an easy choice for in-wall/in-ceiling speakers
- Swivel tweeter design allows them to be used in small to large rooms
- Easy to install
- Can be used in bathrooms or saunas
- Large dispersion design makes them an easy choice for in-wall/in-ceiling speakers
Product Considerations
- Pairing with a sub is recommended for those seeking super deep rumble
- Reported to not perform as well with staging and precision as bookshelf or floorstanding speakers for surround sound audio or stereo fronts
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- RC60i is voiced to match with the RTi series from Polk
Takeaway: The Polk Audio RC60i speakers are a good option for in-wall/in-ceiling use because they are low cost, easy to install, and have a swivel tweeter that works in different sized rooms. Their infinite baffle tuning enhances the bass response.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Polk’s been a major player in the audio world since the ’70s, though they don’t always get the same attention from hi-fi reviewers as some other brands. But they know their niche—mass-market, entry-level products that perform way better than you’d expect for the price. Their R200 model, for example, gets called one of the best under $1,000. If you’re looking for solid performance without spending a fortune, Polk’s stuff is hard to beat.
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Polk
MC60
149
/
Released
2023
Take practically invisible in-ceiling sound practically anywhere in your home, including the bathroom and transitional spaces like porches and sunrooms, with the MC60. Easy to install, the compact, basic MC60 delivers surprising performance without costing a bundle.
Polk’s been a major player in the audio world since the ’70s, though they don’t always get the same attention from hi-fi reviewers as some other brands. But they know their niche—mass-market, entry-level products that perform way better than you’d expect for the price. Their R200 model, for example, gets called one of the best under $1,000. If you’re looking for solid performance without spending a fortune, Polk’s stuff is hard to beat.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Sound is extremely well balanced
- Pure, unobtrusive persona is very close to Dynaudio
- Tweeter, woofer, and crossover network are placed in one unit, minimizing manual labor and simplifying design
- Alignment of tweeter and woofer is close enough to approximate coaxial or dual-concentric speakers, which should benefit imaging
- Untapped potential exists for two-way drivers
Product Considerations
- Officially retired from the Polk catalogue, but may be available at some retailers
- Low frequency extension falls slightly short and appears to gently roll off around 55Hz
- Bass inadequacy could easily be compensated with a pair of subwoofers
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Apogee Centaur Minor: The layering of orchestral ensembles is as good as the Apogee Centaur Minor, except due to the limitation of a small enclosure—low frequency extension falls slightly short
Takeaway: The Polk Audio MC60 opens a new chapter in hifi and enhances overall ambience. It has exceptionally spacious soundstaging and is great for DIY projects.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Polk’s been a major player in the audio world since the ’70s, though they don’t always get the same attention from hi-fi reviewers as some other brands. But they know their niche—mass-market, entry-level products that perform way better than you’d expect for the price. Their R200 model, for example, gets called one of the best under $1,000. If you’re looking for solid performance without spending a fortune, Polk’s stuff is hard to beat.
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KEF
Ci160TR
349
/
Released
Boasting the latest incarnation of our formidable 4.5in. mid/bass T Series driver and powerful 1in. tweeter, the ultra-slim Ci-T Series speakers open up new possibilities for enjoying KEF's uncompromised sound quality where space above the ceiling is at a premium.
KEF's signature Uni-Q technology places the tweeter in the center of the woofer to create a single point source for sound, while their Metamaterial Absorption Technology absorbs 99% of unwanted sound from the rear of the driver. Their Music Integrity Engine corrects timing errors in the speaker crossover, and their Shadow Flare technology reduces diffraction for improved detail and clarity in sound reproduction.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- The KEF Ci160TR is a great solution for those looking for ultra-slim flush ceiling speakers for shallow ceiling voids
- The slim and compact design does not compromise on sound quality
- The grilles can be painted
- It makes life easy if you have a very limited space in which to install the speakers since they require a mounting depth of just 36mm
Product Considerations
- It needs accompanying speakers or a subwoofer to deliver the bass
- It requires bass from elsewhere, such as a subwoofer
- It has a recessed mid and upper bass, eventually settling on 150Hz as providing a good balance
- It doesn't claim anything much in the way of bass performance
Takeaway: The Ci160TR is a great speaker if you need something that fits in a small space but still sounds good. It is especially useful when paired with other speakers to help with the bass.
Video review
Our take on the brand
KEF's signature Uni-Q technology places the tweeter in the center of the woofer to create a single point source for sound, while their Metamaterial Absorption Technology absorbs 99% of unwanted sound from the rear of the driver. Their Music Integrity Engine corrects timing errors in the speaker crossover, and their Shadow Flare technology reduces diffraction for improved detail and clarity in sound reproduction.
Product Page
Product Page
Gallo Acoustics
Droplet A'Diva
439
/
Released
The A'Diva version of Droplet provides half an octave of extra bass, allowing it to be used without a subwoofer for some applications.
Gallo Acoustics is known for its spherical speaker design that eliminates resonance and internal diffraction, along with their patented S2 fill technology that statically charges to enhance low frequencies from small speakers. Their speakers use a proprietary flat speaker cone and unique CDT3 tweeter with 300-degree dispersion, while their modular design and viscoelastic speaker bases set them apart from traditional speaker manufacturers.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Quite nice packaging, straightforward and simple, with a clean design
- Speakers give a very clear, very crisp sound
- The casing is one seamless metal casing with no joins and looks amazing
Product Considerations
- With thick speaker cables, there can be a balancing act to keep the speaker from rolling off a table
- The Profile sub, when set to auto, can take 5-10 seconds to detect a signal and kick into life
- Bass performance is limited if used alone and should be paired with bass/sub-woofers, especially the Nucleus Micro
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Compared to the Emotiva Airmotiv B1+, the A'Diva Ti is outperformed in sound quality by the less expensive Emotiva Airmotiv B1+
Takeaway: The Gallo Acoustics A'Diva speakers are well-designed and manufactured, offering a stylish look and clear sound. They provide a treat for the ears and provide consistent sound when watching TV.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Gallo Acoustics is known for its spherical speaker design that eliminates resonance and internal diffraction, along with their patented S2 fill technology that statically charges to enhance low frequencies from small speakers. Their speakers use a proprietary flat speaker cone and unique CDT3 tweeter with 300-degree dispersion, while their modular design and viscoelastic speaker bases set them apart from traditional speaker manufacturers.
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