Polk Audio RC65i White
Score: 78/100
Sony STRDH190
Score: 73/100Rankings
The Polk RC65i is an in-wall speaker offering high sensitivity and a paintable grille for seamless décor integration. Its modest bass response and relatively heavy construction limit deep low-frequency performance and ease of installation. Ideal for budget-conscious homeowners seeking discreet surround or stereo speakers.
The Sony STR-DH190 is a compact 2-channel stereo receiver offering a built-in phono stage, 100 W per channel, and Bluetooth streaming. Its lack of digital inputs and manual impedance adjustments limit modern connectivity. Ideal for vinyl enthusiasts and analog-focused setups.
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
20 kHzbest | 20 kHzbest | |
89 dBbest | — | |
100 Wbest | 100 Wbest | |
8 Ωbest | — | |
| ↓ lower better | 3.629 kgbest | 7.76 kg |
— | 2best | |
— | 96 dBbest | |
| ↓ lower better | — | 0.09 %best |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
Controls(1) | ||
Remote Control | false | true |
Audio(1) | ||
Impedance (Ω) | 8 Ω | 6-16 Ω |
Connectivity(1) | ||
Bluetooth Version | false | unknown |
Build & Design(2) | ||
Weight (kg) | 3.629 kg | 7.76 kg |
Dimensions (H×W×D) (cm³) | 5021 cm³ | 15944 cm³ |
Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).
Professional reviewers consistently highlight the RC65i's balanced sound, easy rotating-cam installation, and paintable grille, while noting its modest bass roll-off at 60 Hz and budget-level build.
Everyday users praise the speaker's low-profile look, straightforward mounting, and paintable finish, but note the need for a subwoofer and weight/installation constraints.
Professional reviewers commend the STR-DH190 for its clean, detailed audio and robust analog feature set, especially the built-in phono stage and vibration-reduced chassis. While its power output and input versatility are praised, critics note the lack of digital connectivity and the inconvenience of remote-only impedance settings, positioning it as a solid analog-focused receiver rather than a modern streaming hub.
Consumers generally love the receiver's straightforward analog performance, reliable Bluetooth, and value proposition. Common praise centers on easy vinyl setup and solid sound, while recurring complaints focus on missing HDMI, occasional Bluetooth hiccups, and the need to adjust speaker impedance manually.
“amazing sound from a versatile receiver”
“very balanced”
