In this review, we will be comparing Apex A40 and ES30, two Passive Center Channel speakers from Monitor Audio and Polk Audio. Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Monitor Audio Apex A40 and Polk ES30 first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
What size room are the Monitor Audio Apex A40 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 Monitor Audio Apex A40 and Polk ES30 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 Apex A40 and ES30 are 2-way speakers.
| Driver |
Monitor Audio Apex A40 |
Polk ES30 |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
2 x 5.5-inch
|
2 x 5.5-inch
|
Apex A40 features a 1" gold dome C-CAM Tweeter and 2 x 5.5" C-CAM with RST® (Rigid Surface Technology) 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
Apex A40 has a frequency range of 50-35k Hz whereas ES30 has a frequency range of 55-40k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 50Hz, the Apex A40 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
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
Apex A40 and ES30 have the same Impedance of 8 ohms but where they differ is the sensitivity levels. Apex A40 sensitivity is rated at 90 dB and the ES30's is at 89 dB. This 1 dB difference makes the Monitor Audio Apex A40 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.
Apex A40 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 Apex A40.
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
Apex A40 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 Monitor Audio Apex A40's and Polk ES30's external dimensions. Monitor Audio Apex A40 has external dimensions of 140.0 x 610.0 x 121.0mm ( 5-1/2 x 24 x 4-3/4inch) 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) .
Monitor Audio Apex A40 is 51mm shorter and 149mm less deeper than Polk ES30 but it is also 100mm 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 Monitor Audio Apex A40 is approximately 738.1cm2 / 114.4inch2 and base area of the Polk ES30 is approximately 1377.0cm2 / 213.4inch2. The Apex A40 requires 46% 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 Monitor Audio Apex A40 weighs 6.91kg / 15.2lbs and the Polk ES30 weighs 8.64kg / 19lbs. This makes the ES30 25% heavier than the Apex A40.
Here is a comparison of how Apex A40 and ES30'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 Monitor Audio Apex A40?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of Apex A40:
LCR loudspeakerGrilleBracket (pre-installed)4 Self-adhesive rubber feet2 Rubber insertsHex-keySet Up GuideImportant Safety InstructionsImportant InformationMounting Template
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 |
50 Hz
vs
55 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 Height |
140mm
vs
191mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
738cm2 (610x121mm)
vs
1377cm2 (510x270mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
 High Frequency Response |
40k Hz
vs
35k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Price per pair* |
299USD
vs
1125USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
| General |
Monitor Audio Apex A40 |
Polk Audio Signature Elite ES30 |
| Brand |
Monitor Audio |
Polk Audio |
| Speaker Type |
Center channel speaker |
Center channel speaker |
| Power Range |
50-200 watts |
20-125 watts |
| Sensitivity |
90 dB |
89 dB |
| Impedance |
8 ohms |
8 ohms |
| Frequency Response |
50-35k Hz |
55-40k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
2 |
2 |
| Woofer Size |
5.5" |
5.5" |
| Woofer Composition |
C-CAM with RST® (Rigid Surface Technology) |
mica-reinforced polypropylene Dynamic Balance |
| Tweeter Size |
1" |
1" |
| Tweeter Type |
gold dome C-CAM |
High-res dome |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
N/A" |
| Firing Direction |
n/a |
rear |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
140.0mm (5.5") |
191.0mm (7.5") |
| Width |
610.0mm (24") |
510.0mm (20.1") |
| Depth |
121.0mm (4.8") |
270.0mm (10.6") |
| Weight |
6.91kg (15.2lbs) |
8.64kg (19lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Bass Reflex |
| Finish |
n/a |
MDF, Wood-grain vinyl |
| Available Colors |
Gloss White |
Black, Walnut, White |
| Grille |
Yes |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |