It is sad to admit, but you remind me of me. I want to know now only what is better, but why, and what you base your opinion on. Thirst for knowledge is good. Occasionally too much analysis leads to paralysis, it’s an expression. Sometimes people drown in the sea of information and are unable to make a decision. I believe that even a bad decision is better than no decision.
Now, back to your question, Comparing Kenwood (KW) to Polk.
Design: KW is 3-way vs Polk 2 way.
All things being equal, how can a more complicated 3-way design sell for less than less complicated 2-way design? If parts are of the same quality level, it is impossible. Thus, KW uses cheap, probably leftover parts, to assemble their speaker. And this shows as you will see.
KW uses urethane foam surround vs Polk’s Butyl Rubber
Butyl rubber is many times more durable than urethane foam. Foam is material filled with air bubbles, it’s not a solid material. Butyl rubber is thin, flexible solid material that costs more and lasts longer.
KW claims that their midrange cone is water resistant vs Polk is Marine use certified.
Not just one little part that is water resistant, Polk’s speakers can stay under the sun for years, in the rain, in the snow, and ice. Not only material have to be of much better quality, the design of all parts has to be superior to withstand the extreme temperatures, UV light from the sun, and the elements.
KW rates its speaker 2-70 rms watts vs Polk 100 rms watts
KW rates the sensitivity of it speaker at 88db vs Polk’s 92 db (this is one point away from being perceived as 50% louder. An increase of 10 db points is perceived by the human ear as being twice as loud.)
KW has ½” ceramic flat tweeter vs Polk’s 3/4" Liquid-Cooled Silk-Polymer Composite Dome.
Hard surface of the tweeter adds sharp shrill to the highs and can cause headache. Nobody is using flat tweeters.
The cone of a tweeter is usually in the shape of a dome.
Silk is the best cover for tweeter dome.
KW has states its lowest frequency response at 80hz vs. Polk’s 35hz
I feel I should be the spokesperson fro Polk Audio. I like most of their products. If you test speakers in stores, keep in mind that you are testing car speakers in open air. They will sound very different once they are inside the car. Bring your own store-purchased CD with your familiar music and have them play your cd through the same head unit, and switching between different speakers. You will see that Polk will sound closer to what the composer wanted you to hear.
If you don’t send me a bottle of nice champagne, at least show some pictures from your installation and your notes, although champagne would be nice too.