In this review, we will be comparing ProCenter 1000 and ES30, two Passive Center Channel speakers from Definitive Technology and Polk Audio. Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Definitive ProCenter 1000 and Polk ES30 first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
What size room are the Definitive ProCenter 1000 and Polk ES30 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:
In the following sections, we will get into more detail in order to better understand how the Definitive ProCenter 1000 and Polk ES30 compare and hopefully end up with enough arguments to decide which one of these loudspeakers is the better choice for you.
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through my links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Drivers
Both ProCenter 1000 and ES30 are 2-way speakers.
| Driver |
Definitive ProCenter 1000 |
Polk ES30 |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
2 x 4.5-inch
|
2 x 5.5-inch
|
ProCenter 1000 features a 1" pure aluminum dome Tweeter and 2 x 4.5" BDSS Woofer . On the other hand, the ES30 features a 1" Terylene High-res dome Tweeter and 2 x 5.5" mica-reinforced polypropylene Dynamic Balance Woofer .
Frequency Response
ProCenter 1000 has a frequency range of 47-30k Hz whereas ES30 has a frequency range of 55-40k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 47Hz, the ProCenter 1000 can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the ES30's min frequency of 55Hz.
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
Definitive ProCenter 1000
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
ProCenter 1000 and ES30 have the same Impedance of 8 ohms but where they differ is the sensitivity levels. ProCenter 1000 sensitivity is rated at 90 dB and the ES30's is at 89 dB. This 1 dB difference makes the Definitive ProCenter 1000 a more sensitive speaker compared to Polk ES30, 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.
ProCenter 1000 can handle a max power of 200 watts RMS from the amp the whereas ES30 has a max power handling value of 125 watts RMS, 75 watts less than the ProCenter 1000.
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
ProCenter 1000 features 5-Way post type posts and ES30 has a 5-Way post type posts. None of these speakers feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
Polk ES30's 5-Way post terminals
Polk ES30 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 Definitive ProCenter 1000's and Polk ES30's external dimensions. Definitive ProCenter 1000 has external dimensions of 124.0 x 372.0 x 127.0mm ( 4-7/8 x 14-5/8 x 5inch) whereas Polk ES30 has external dimensions of 191.0 x 510.0 x 270.0mm ( 7-1/2 x 20-1/16 x 10-5/8inch) .
Polk ES30 is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 138mm wider, 67mm taller and 143mm deeper than Definitive ProCenter 1000.
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 Definitive ProCenter 1000 is approximately 472.4cm2 / 73.2inch2 and base area of the Polk ES30 is approximately 1377.0cm2 / 213.4inch2. The ProCenter 1000 requires 66% less surface area than the ES30 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 Definitive ProCenter 1000 weighs 3.64kg / 8lbs and the Polk ES30 weighs 8.64kg / 19lbs. This makes the ES30 137% heavier than the ProCenter 1000.
Here is a comparison of how ProCenter 1000 and ES30's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Passive Center Channel class.
Weight
All Center Channel Speakers
Definitive ProCenter 1000
What's in the Box of Definitive ProCenter 1000?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of ProCenter 1000:
Black center-channel speakerRemovable cloth grille (installed)2 Plastic insertsOwners ManualOnline Product Registration card
What's in the Box of Polk ES30?
Here are the items that come with the ES30:
Center-channel loudspeakerGrille (attached)4 Self-adhesive rubber feetOwners ManualOnline Product Registration
 Max Input Power |
200 watts
vs
125 watts
|
Handle more power from your amplifier |
 Sensitivity |
90 dB
vs
89 dB
|
Play louder with same amount of amplification power |
 Low Frequency Response |
47 Hz
vs
55 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 Passive Radiator |
two 4-1/2-inch
vs
None
|
Increases the bass performance |
 Height |
124mm
vs
191mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
472cm2 (372x127mm)
vs
1377cm2 (510x270mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
 Price per pair* |
249USD
vs
299USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
| Woofer Size |
5.5 inches
vs
4.5 inches
|
Larger woofer |
 High Frequency Response |
40k Hz
vs
30k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
| General |
Definitive Technology ProCenter 1000 |
Polk Audio Signature Elite ES30 |
| Brand |
Definitive Technology |
Polk Audio |
| Speaker Type |
Center channel speaker (Black) |
Center channel speaker |
| Power Range |
10-200 watts |
20-125 watts |
| Sensitivity |
90 dB |
89 dB |
| Impedance |
8 ohms |
8 ohms |
| Frequency Response |
47-30k Hz |
55-40k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
2 |
2 |
| Woofer Size |
4.5" |
5.5" |
| Woofer Composition |
BDSS |
mica-reinforced polypropylene Dynamic Balance |
| Tweeter Size |
1" |
1" |
| Tweeter Type |
dome |
High-res dome |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
N/A" |
| Firing Direction |
n/a |
rear |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
124.0mm (4.9") |
191.0mm (7.5") |
| Width |
372.0mm (14.6") |
510.0mm (20.1") |
| Depth |
127.0mm (5") |
270.0mm (10.6") |
| Weight |
3.64kg (8lbs) |
8.64kg (19lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Passive Radiator |
Bass Reflex |
| Finish |
n/a |
MDF, Wood-grain vinyl |
| Available Colors |
Gloss Black |
Black, Walnut, White |
| Grille |
Yes |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
5 Year |
5 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |