In this review, we will be comparing Elite ES10 and Elite ES8, two Powered Subwoofer speakers by Polk Audio. Being Powered subwoofers, they both have built-in amplifiers so you don't need an external power amp or an integrated amp to power them. Let's have a brief look at the main features of Polk Signature Elite ES10 and Polk Signature Elite ES8 first before getting into our more detailed comparison.
The sections below take each area in turn: driver and amplifier, frequency response, physical size and connectivity.
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Drivers
The efficiency of a subwoofer is directly proportional to the total radiating are squared hence the woofer quantity and diameter.Both Polk Signature Elite ES10and Polk Signature Elite ES8 have a single woofer setup however the Polk Signature Elite ES10's woofer is 10-inch whereas the Polk Signature Elite ES8 features a 8-inch woofer.
Frequency Response
Elite ES10 has a frequency range of 28-250 Hz whereas Elite ES8 has a frequency range of 32-180 Hz. With a minimum frequency of 28Hz, the Elite ES10 can go slightly deeper then the Elite ES8's min frequency of 32Hz.
Below graphs depict how these two speakers compare with the max, min and average values of the Min and Max Frequencies of other speakers in the Subwoofer class in our database.
Low Frequency
Subwoofer Speakers
Polk Signature Elite ES10
High Frequency
Subwoofer Speakers
Polk Signature Elite ES10
Cabinet Type
Both Polk Signature Elite ES10 and Polk Signature Elite ES8 have Bass Reflex type cabinets. Bass Reflex type subwoofers (aka Ported, Vented or Reflex Port) have enclosures that uses a port, hole or vent cut into the cabinet. Ported designs are generally more efficient than the Sealed designs.
Polk Signature Elite ES10 double Port
Polk Signature Elite ES8 Port
Physical Specs
The size of a speaker can sometimes be an important decision factor due to space constraints or in some cases purely for esthetic reasons. In this section, we are going to compare Polk Signature Elite ES10's and Polk Signature Elite ES8's external dimensions. Polk Signature Elite ES10 has external dimensions of 439.0 x 332.0 x 469.0mm (17-1/4inch x 13-1/16inch x 18-7/16inch) whereas Polk Signature Elite ES8 has external dimensions of 385.0 x 326.0 x 437.0mm (15-1/8inch x 12-13/16inch x 17-3/16inch).
Polk Signature Elite ES10 is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 6mm wider, 54mm taller and 32mm deeper than Polk Signature Elite ES8.
Base Surface Area Comparison
Base surface area of a loudspeaker may become a determining factor when the space in your room or desk is limited.
The base surface area of the Polk Signature Elite ES10 is approximately 1557.1cm2 / 241.4inch2 and base area of the Polk Signature Elite ES8 is approximately 1424.6cm2 / 220.8inch2. The Elite ES10 requires 9% more surface area than the Elite ES8 which gives it a small disadvantage on placement in tight spaces.
Weight Comparison The weight of a subwoofer may become an important factor if you need to move and reposition the unit often to find the optimal positioning, also known as 'Subwoofer Crawling'. The Polk Signature Elite ES10 weighs 17.73kg / 39lbs and the Polk Signature Elite ES8 weighs 17.73kg / 39lbs.
Here is a comparison of how Elite ES10 and Elite ES8's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Powered Subwoofer class.
Weight
All Subwoofer Speakers
Polk Signature Elite ES10
What's in the Box of Polk Signature Elite ES10?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of Elite ES10:
- Powered subwoofer
- Grille
- 6-feet AC power cord
- Owners Manual
- Online Product Registration sheet
What's in the Box of Polk Signature Elite ES8?
Here are the items that come with the Elite ES8:
- Powered subwoofer
- Grille
- 6-feet AC power cord
- Owners Manual
- Online Product Registration sheet
 Woofer Size |
10 inches
vs
8 inches
|
Larger woofer |
| Low Frequency Response |
28 Hz
vs
32 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 High Frequency Response |
250k Hz
vs
180k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Height |
385mm
vs
439mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
1424cm2
vs
1557cm2
|
Takes less floor space |
 Price per pair* |
449USD
vs
649USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
| General |
Polk Signature Elite ES10 |
Polk Signature Elite ES8 |
| Brand |
Polk Audio |
Polk Audio |
| Speaker Type |
Powered Subwoofer |
Powered Subwoofer |
| Max Amplifier Output |
200 watts |
100 watts |
| Frequency Response |
28-250 Hz |
32-180 Hz |
Amplifier |
|
|
| Watts RMS (Continuous) |
200-watt RMS |
100-watt RMS |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
10" |
8" |
| Woofer Composition |
Mineral-filled polypropylene |
Mineral-filled polypropylene |
| Tweeter Size |
- |
- |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Firing Direction |
front |
front |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
439.0mm (17.3") |
385.0mm (15.2") |
| Width |
332.0mm (13.1") |
326.0mm (12.8") |
| Depth |
469.0mm (18.5") |
437.0mm (17.2") |
| Weight |
17.73kg (39lbs) |
17.73kg (39lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Bass Reflex |
| Grille |
Yes |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
3 Years |
3 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
3 Years |
3 Years |