In this review, we will be comparing Chorus 706 and S20, two Passive Bookshelf speakers from Focal and Polk Audio. Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Focal Chorus 706 and Polk S20 first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
What size room are the Focal Chorus 706 and Polk S20 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 Focal Chorus 706 and Polk S20 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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Drivers
Both Chorus 706 and S20 are 2-way speakers.
Driver |
Focal Chorus 706 |
Polk S20 |
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1-inch
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
Woofer
|
1 x 6.5-inch
|
1 x 6.5-inch
|
Chorus 706 features a 1" TNV2 AI/Mg inverted dome Tweeter and 1 x 6.5" Polyglass Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 3000Hz. On the other hand, the S20 features a 1" Terylene Soft-Dome Tweeter and 1 x 6.5" Mica-reinforced polypropylene Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 2500Hz.
Frequency Response
Chorus 706 has a frequency range of 55-28k Hz whereas S20 has a frequency range of 39-40k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 39Hz, the S20 can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the Chorus 706'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 Bookshelf class in our database.
Low Frequency
Bookshelf Speakers
High Frequency
Bookshelf 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
Chorus 706 and S20 have the same Impedance of 8 ohms but where they differ is the sensitivity levels. Chorus 706 sensitivity is rated at 90 dB and the S20's is at 88 dB. This 2 dB difference makes the Focal Chorus 706 a more sensitive speaker compared to Polk S20, hence will play louder with the same amount of watts.
Sensitivity
Bookshelf 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.
Chorus 706 can handle a max power of 125 watts RMS from the amp the whereas Chorus 706 has a max power handling value of 120 watts RMS , 5 watts less than the S20.
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
Chorus 706 features 5-way post type posts and S20 has a 5-way post type posts. None of these speakers feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
Cabinet Type and Port Position
Chorus 706 has a front firing port whereas S20 has a rear firing ports. Focal Chorus 706's front-firing port gives more flexibility in placement in regards to proximity to walls compared to Polk S20 with its rear-firing 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 Focal Chorus 706's and Polk S20's external dimensions. Focal Chorus 706 has external dimensions of 390.0 x 220.0 x 263.0mm ( 15.4 x 8.7 x 10.4inch) whereas Polk S20 has external dimensions of 376.0 x 216.0 x 350.0mm ( 14.8 x 8.5 x 13.7inch) .
Polk S20 is 4mm narrower and 14mm shorter than Focal Chorus 706 but it is also 87mm deeper.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of Focal Chorus 706 and Polk S20 in scale.
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 Focal Chorus 706 is approximately 578.6cm2 / 89.7inch2 and base area of the Polk S20 is approximately 756.0cm2 / 117.2inch2. The Chorus 706 requires 23% less surface area than the S20 which gives it a small advantage on placement in tight spaces.
Here is an another comparison that shows both speakers on a BDI Octave Media Cabinet, next to a standard size amplifier and turntable in scale:
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 Focal Chorus 706 weighs 8.20kg / 18lbs and the Polk S20 weighs 7.73kg / 17lbs. This makes the Chorus 706 6% heavier than the S20.
Here is a comparison of how Chorus 706 and S20's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Passive Bookshelf class.
Weight
All Bookshelf Speakers
What's in the Box of Focal Chorus 706?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of Chorus 706:
2 Bookshelf loudspeakers 2 Cloth grilles (attached) User manual
What's in the Box of Polk S20?
Here are the items that come with the S20:
2 Bookshelf loudspeakers2 Grilles (attached)8 Self-adhesive rubber feetOwners ManualOnline Product Registration
Sensitivity |
90 dB
vs
88 dB
|
Play louder with same amount of amplification power |
Port Position |
Front
vs
Rear
|
Gives more flexibility placing close to walls |
Base Surface Area |
578cm2 (220x263mm)
vs
756cm2 (216x350mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
Max Input Power |
125 watts
vs
120 watts
|
Handle more power from your amplifier |
Low Frequency Response |
39 Hz
vs
55 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
High Frequency Response |
40k Hz
vs
28k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
Height |
376mm
vs
390mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
General |
Focal Chorus 706 |
Polk Audio Signature S20 |
Brand |
Focal |
Polk Audio |
Speaker Type |
Bookshelf speakers |
Bookshelf speakers |
Power Range |
25 - 120 watts |
20-125 watts |
Sensitivity |
90 dB |
88 dB |
Impedance |
8 ohms |
8 ohms |
Impedance |
3.6 ohms |
n/a |
Frequency Response |
55-28k Hz |
39-40k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
Woofer Size |
6.5" |
6.5" |
Woofer Composition |
Polyglass |
Mica-reinforced polypropylene |
Woofer Surround Material |
Rubber |
Butyl rubber |
Tweeter Size |
1" |
1" |
Tweeter Type |
inverted dome |
Soft-Dome |
Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
Crossover Frequency |
3000Hz |
2500Hz |
Firing Direction |
front |
rear |
Physical Specs |
|
|
Height |
390.0mm (15.4") |
376.0mm (14.8") |
Width |
220.0mm (8.7") |
216.0mm (8.5") |
Depth |
263.0mm (10.4") |
350.0mm (13.8") |
Weight |
8.20kg (18lbs) |
7.73kg (17lbs) |
Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Bass Reflex |
Finish |
Lacquer/Leatherette |
Meddite MDF |
Available Colors |
Rosewood, Walnut, Black |
Black, Walnut, Brown Walnut |
Mounting Bracket |
No |
No |
Recommended Stand Height |
24-26" |
24-28" |
Grille |
Yes |
Yes |
Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
Biamp Inputs |
No |
No |
Other |
|
|
Parts Warranty |
5 |
5 Years |
Labor Warranty |
5 |
5 Years |