Polk Atrium 6 vs Klipsch AW-650
Short answer: the Atrium 6 for most gardens: smaller, lighter and with deeper rated bass. The Klipsch AW-650 for long gardens, pools and parties: it plays about 5 dB louder from the same amp.
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The two speakers
Specs side by side
| Polk Atrium 6 | Klipsch AW-650 | |
|---|---|---|
| Woofer | 5.25" | 6.5" |
| Tweeter | 1" aluminium dome | 1" titanium, horn-loaded |
| Frequency response | 50 Hz – 27 kHz | 70 Hz – 20 kHz |
| Sensitivity | 90 dB | 95 dB |
| Power | 10–100 W | 85 W continuous |
| Impedance | 8 Ω | 8 Ω |
| Size (H × W × D) | 29.7 × 19.5 × 22.2 cm | 38.1 × 24.1 × 27.9 cm |
| Weight (each) | 2.45 kg | 4.1 kg |
From manufacturer specifications as listed by authorised retailers.
What's actually different
Loudness. This is the big one. At 95 dB against 90 dB, the AW-650 turns the same amplifier power into about 5 dB more sound, which is clearly louder. The Atrium 6 would need roughly three times the power to match it. In a long garden or by a pool, that headroom means the AW-650 stays clean where the Polk would be working hard.
Tweeter. Klipsch uses a horn in front of the tweeter. It aims the treble more tightly and throws it further, so voices stay clear at a distance, but it's more directional: point it at the seating. The Polk's dome spreads sound more widely and gently.
Bass. The Atrium 6 is rated deeper (50 Hz against 70 Hz), but brands measure in different ways, so treat that as a guide rather than a verdict. The AW-650's bigger woofer moves more air at high volume.
Size. The Klipsch is about 8 cm taller and weighs 4.1 kg each against 2.45 kg. Check there's room under the eave, and use fixings that suit the weight.
Not sure which you need? The calculator shows how loud each will be at the distance you sit.
Buy the Atrium 6 if…
- Your garden or patio is small to average
- You want a smaller, lighter speaker
- You mostly play music at background or lively levels
Buy the Klipsch AW-650 if…
- You sit more than 8 to 10 metres from the speakers
- It's for a pool, a long lawn or parties
- You want the most volume from a small amp
FAQ
Is the Klipsch AW-650 louder than the Polk Atrium 6?
Yes. The AW-650 is rated at 95 dB sensitivity against the Atrium 6's 90 dB, so from the same amplifier it plays about 5 dB louder. To match that, the Atrium 6 would need roughly three times the amplifier power.
Which has better bass, Atrium 6 or AW-650?
On paper the Atrium 6 goes lower (50 Hz against 70 Hz), though brands measure differently, so treat it as a guide. The AW-650 has the bigger 6.5-inch woofer and plays louder, so at high volume it can sound more forceful.
Do I need a big amp for the Klipsch AW-650?
No. Its high sensitivity means a 50-watt-per-channel amp like the Fosi Audio BT20A gets it very loud. It's rated at 85 W continuous.
Which is better for a small garden?
The Polk Atrium 6. It's smaller and lighter, and in a small garden you won't need the AW-650's extra volume.