Polk Audio T50
Score: 76/100
Yamaha R-S202
Score: 79/100Rankings
The Yamaha R-S202BL is a compact stereo receiver delivering 100 W RMS, low distortion, and Bluetooth streaming in a brushed-aluminum chassis. Its feature set is limited by the absence of Wi-Fi, phono input, and advanced digital connections. Best suited for beginners or secondary audio setups needing solid power and simple wireless playback.
The Polk Audio T50 is a budget-friendly floor-standing tower speaker offering deep bass and clear mids/highs with Dynamic Balance technology. Its low-impedance requirement and basic finish may limit appeal for audiophiles seeking premium build quality. Ideal for small-to-medium rooms where strong bass without a subwoofer is desired.
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
40 kHz | 100 kHzbest | |
89 dBbest | — | |
150 Wbest | 100 W | |
8 Ωbest | 8 Ωbest | |
| ↓ lower better | 9.23 kg | 6.697 kgbest |
1 | 2best | |
— | 100 dBbest | |
| ↓ lower better | — | 0.2 %best |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
General(1) | ||
Warranty (years) | 5 years | 1 years |
Audio(3) | ||
Frequency Response (kHz) | 40 kHz | 100 kHz |
Channels | 1 | 2 |
RMS Power (W) | 150 W | 100 W |
Build & Design(2) | ||
Weight (kg) | 9.23 kg | 6.697 kg |
Dimensions (H×W×D) (cm³) | 40296 cm³ | 19493 cm³ |
Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).
Professional reviewers consistently commend the T50's value proposition, noting its Dynamic Balance technology, silk-dome tweeter, and front-firing passive radiators that together deliver flat on-axis response and deep bass at a low price point. They also appreciate the high efficiency that lets modest amplifiers drive the speakers loudly, though they caution about the 4 ohm minimum impedance and the modest measured sensitivity.
Everyday users praise the T50 for its deep, room-filling bass, ease of driving with basic AVRs, and the immersive soundstage it creates in home-theater setups. Common criticisms focus on the bulky packaging, the basic vinyl finish, and confusion caused by inconsistent spec listings across retailers.
Professional reviewers and editors commend the R-S202BL for its natural, musically-rich sound and high signal-to-noise ratio, attributing the clarity to an optimized circuit layout. They highlight its strong 100 W RMS output, 40-preset tuner, and value-oriented price, while noting the lack of Wi-Fi, on-screen display, and more advanced streaming features as drawbacks.
Everyday users generally express high satisfaction, praising the dependable Bluetooth connectivity, robust power for small spaces, and the convenient AM/FM preset tuner. Common criticisms focus on the basic spring-clip speaker terminals, absence of a phono input, and limited modern streaming options such as Wi-Fi or a dedicated app.
“largest speaker for rears”
“deep, room-filling bass from radiators even at low volumes”
