In this review, we will be comparing DALI Spektor Vokal and ES35, two Passive Center Channel speakers from DALI and Polk Audio.
Let's have a brief look at the main features
of DALI Spektor Vokal and Polk ES35 first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
DALI Spektor Vokal Key Specs
- 2-way Design
- 1" Soft-Dome Tweeter
- 2 x 4.5" Wood Fiber Woofer
- 66-26k Hz Frequency Response
- 87 dB Sensitivity
- Impedance: 6ohms
- Power Range:40-120watts
- Weight:5.30kg
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 152.0" x 17.1" x 8"( 152.0 x 435.0 x 204.0mm )
Polk ES35 Key Specs
- 2-way Design
- 1" High-res dome Tweeter
- 6 x 3" mica-reinforced polypropylene Dynamic Balance Woofer
- 66-40k Hz Frequency Response
- 89 dB Sensitivity
- Impedance: 8ohms
- Power Range:20-150watts
- Weight:6.36kg
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 107.0" x 24-7/16" x 6-1/16"( 107.0 x 621.0 x 154.0mm )
What size room are the DALI Spektor Vokal and Polk ES35 speakers good for?
The size of the room in which you are planning to use these loudspeakers is an important decision
factor. Here we have compared their suitability to various sizes of environments considering their size
and max power parameters:
| Listening Environment* |
DALI Spektor Vokal |
Polk ES35 |
| Near-field |
Poor |
Poor |
| Small Room |
Average |
Average |
| Mid-size Room |
Good |
Good |
| Large Room |
Average |
Average |
| Very Large Room |
Poor |
Poor |
(* Approximate Room sizes: Small < 100sq. ft / 9 m2,
Mid-size: 100-220 sq. ft / 9-20 m2, Large 220-400 sq. ft / 20-36 m2, Very Large: >
400 sq. ft / 36 m2.
Average Floor Height: 9" / 2.7m. Typical room sizes differ from country to country, and the actual
listening experience changes depending on floor height, room shape, surface materials, listening
position, speaker locations, etc.)
In the following sections, we will get into more detail in order to better understand how the DALI Spektor Vokal and Polk ES35 compare and hopefully end up with enough arguments to decide which one of these loudspeakers is the better choice for you.
**This post contains affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking
through my links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Drivers
Both DALI Spektor Vokal and ES35 are 2-way speakers.
| Driver |
DALI Spektor Vokal |
Polk ES35 |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
2 x 4.5-inch
|
6 x 3-inch
|
DALI Spektor Vokal features a 1" Soft-Dome Tweeter and 2 x 4.5" Wood Fiber Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 2100Hz. On the other hand, the ES35 features a 1" Terylene High-res dome Tweeter and 6 x 3" mica-reinforced polypropylene Dynamic Balance Woofer .
Frequency Response
DALI Spektor Vokal has a frequency range of 66-26k Hz whereas ES35 has a frequency range of 66-40k Hz.
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 Center Channel class in our database.
Low Frequency
Center Channel Speakers
High Frequency
Center Channel Speakers
None of these speakers achieves full range experience which is commonly agreed as 20Hz-20kHz. In order to achieve lower lows / deeper bass, we recommend you pair these with a subwoofer. Visit our Powered Subwoofers section to find out more about the available options.
Impedance and Sensitivity
DALI Spektor Vokal is a 6 ohms speaker compared to the ES35 which has a nominal impedance of 8 ohms.
These two speakers also have different sensitivity levels. DALI Spektor Vokal sensitivity is rated at 87 dB and the ES35's is rated at 89 dB. This 2 dB difference makes the Polk ES35 a more sensitive speaker compared to DALI Spektor Vokal, hence will play louder with the same amount of watts.
Sensitivity
Center Channel Speakers
Power Range
Power
range is the range of input power in watts RMS that a loudspeaker is designed to handle. While using
an amplifier within this range ensures the nominal performance , inputting a power that is higher than the
max wattage can result in a damaged speaker.
DALI Spektor Vokal can handle a max power of 150 watts RMS from the amp the whereas DALI Spektor Vokal has a max power handling value of 120 watts RMS , 30 watts less than the ES35.
Keep in mind that a higher max power handling value doesn't necessarily make that a louder speaker
compared to a lower max handling speaker. Loudness or the sound level is also impacted by parameters
such as Impedance, sensitivity and system efficiencies.
Input Type and Bi-Amping / Bi-Wiring
DALI Spektor Vokal features 5-Way post type posts and ES35 has a 5-Way post type posts. None of these speakers feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
Polk ES35's 5-Way post terminals
Cabinet Type and Port Position
Both DALI Spektor Vokal and ES35 have rear firing ports. Rear ported speakers generally need more room between the backside of the speaker and the wall compared to sealed and front/bottom ported speakers. Placing the speakers too close to the walls may cause the bass to sound boomy.
If you are limited in space and can't get the speakers away from the backwall, check our Speakers with Front Firing Ports page.
Polk ES35 Port
Physical Specs
Size of a speaker can sometimes become an important decision factor due to space constraints or in some cases purely for esthetic reasons. In this section, we are going to compare DALI Spektor Vokal's and Polk ES35's external dimensions. DALI Spektor Vokal has external dimensions of 152.0 x 435.0 x 204.0mm ( 6 x 17.1 x 8inch) whereas Polk ES35 has external dimensions of 107.0 x 621.0 x 154.0mm ( 4-3/16 x 24-7/16 x 6-1/16inch) .
Polk ES35 is 45mm shorter and 50mm less deeper than DALI Spektor Vokal but it is also 186mm wider.
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 DALI Spektor Vokal is approximately 887.4cm2 / 137.5inch2 and base area of the Polk ES35 is approximately 956.3cm2 / 148.2inch2. The DALI Spektor Vokal requires 7% less surface area than the ES35 which gives it a small advantage on placement in tight spaces.
Weight Comparison The weight of a loudspeaker can become an important factor if you need to move and reposition the unit often. Weight of a speaker can also "sometimes" be an indicator of the rigidity of the enclosure and the quality of the internal components used. The DALI Spektor Vokal weighs 5.30kg / 11.7lbs and the Polk ES35 weighs 6.36kg / 14lbs. This makes the ES35 20% heavier than the DALI Spektor Vokal.
Here is a comparison of how DALI Spektor Vokal and ES35's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Passive Center Channel class.
Weight
All Center Channel Speakers
What's in the Box of DALI Spektor Vokal?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of DALI Spektor Vokal:
Floorstanding loudspeaker GrilleRubber FeetManual
What's in the Box of Polk ES35?
Here are the items that come with the ES35:
LCR loudspeakerGrille (attached)4 Self-adhesive rubber feetWall-mount templateOwners ManualOnline Product Registration
 Woofer Size |
4.5 inches
vs
3 inches
|
Larger woofer |
 Base Surface Area |
887cm2
vs
956cm2
|
Takes less floor space |
 Max Input Power |
150 watts
vs
120 watts
|
Handle more power from your amplifier |
 Sensitivity |
89 dB
vs
87 dB
|
Play louder with same amount of amplification power |
 Nominal Impedance |
8 ohms
vs
6 ohms
|
Less selective with amplifiers |
|
Number of Woofers |
6
vs
2
|
More woofers |
 High Frequency Response |
40k Hz
vs
26k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Height |
107mm
vs
152mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
| General |
DALI Spektor Vokal |
Polk Audio Signature Elite ES35 |
| Brand |
DALI |
Polk Audio |
| Speaker Type |
Center channel speaker |
Low-profile center channel speaker |
| Power Range |
40-120 watts |
20-150 watts |
| Sensitivity |
87 dB |
89 dB |
| Impedance |
6 ohms |
8 ohms |
| Frequency Response |
66-26k Hz |
66-40k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
2 |
6 |
| Woofer Size |
4.5" |
3" |
| Woofer Composition |
Wood Fiber |
mica-reinforced polypropylene Dynamic Balance |
| Woofer Surround Material |
Rubber |
n/a |
| Tweeter Size |
1" |
1" |
| Tweeter Type |
Soft-Dome |
High-res dome |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
N/A" |
| Crossover Frequency |
2100Hz |
n/a |
| Firing Direction |
rear |
rear |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
152.0mm (6") |
107.0mm (4.2") |
| Width |
435.0mm (17.1") |
621.0mm (24.4") |
| Depth |
204.0mm (8") |
154.0mm (6.1") |
| Weight |
5.30kg (11.7lbs) |
6.36kg (14lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Bass Reflex |
| Finish |
MDF/Wood-grain vinyl |
MDF, Wood-grain vinyl |
| Available Colors |
Black Ash, Walnut, White |
Black, Walnut, White |
| Grille |
Yes |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
| Biamp Inputs |
No |
n/a |
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |