In this review, we will be comparing Alpha C10 and ES30, two Passive Center Channel speakers from PSB and Polk Audio.
Let's have a brief look at the main features
of PSB Alpha C10 and Polk ES30 first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
PSB Alpha C10 Key Specs
- 2-way Design
- 3/4" dome with front waveguide Tweeter
- 2 x 5.25" textured polypropylene Woofer
- 55-21k Hz Frequency Response
- 90 dB Sensitivity
- Impedance: 8ohms
- Power Range:15-120watts
- Weight:7.73kg
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 172.0" x 17-3/4" x 10"( 172.0 x 451.0 x 254.0mm )
Polk ES30 Key Specs
- 2-way Design
- 1" High-res dome Tweeter
- 2 x 5.5" mica-reinforced polypropylene Dynamic Balance Woofer
- 55-40k Hz Frequency Response
- 89 dB Sensitivity
- Impedance: 8ohms
- Power Range:20-125watts
- Weight:8.64kg
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 191.0" x 20-1/16" x 10-5/8"( 191.0 x 510.0 x 270.0mm )
What size room are the PSB Alpha C10 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:
| Listening Environment* |
PSB Alpha C10 |
Polk ES30 |
| 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 PSB Alpha C10 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 Alpha C10 and ES30 are 2-way speakers.
| Driver |
PSB Alpha C10 |
Polk ES30 |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
3/4-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
2 x 5.25-inch
|
2 x 5.5-inch
|
Alpha C10 features a 3/4" anodized aluminum dome with front waveguide Tweeter and 2 x 5.25" textured polypropylene 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
Alpha C10 has a frequency range of 55-21k Hz whereas ES30 has a frequency range of 55-40k 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
Alpha C10 and ES30 have the same Impedance of 8 ohms but where they differ is the sensitivity levels. Alpha C10 sensitivity is rated at 90 dB and the ES30's is at 89 dB. This 1 dB difference makes the PSB Alpha C10 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.
Alpha C10 can handle a max power of 125 watts RMS from the amp the whereas Alpha C10 has a max power handling value of 120 watts RMS , 5 watts less than the ES30.
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
Alpha C10 features 5-Way post type posts and ES30 has a 5-Way post type posts. None of these speakers feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
PSB Alpha C10's 5-Way post terminals
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 PSB Alpha C10's and Polk ES30's external dimensions. PSB Alpha C10 has external dimensions of 172.0 x 451.0 x 254.0mm ( 6-3/4 x 17-3/4 x 10inch) 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 59mm wider, 19mm taller and 16mm deeper than PSB Alpha C10.
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 PSB Alpha C10 is approximately 1145.5cm2 / 177.6inch2 and base area of the Polk ES30 is approximately 1377.0cm2 / 213.4inch2. The Alpha C10 requires 17% 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 PSB Alpha C10 weighs 7.73kg / 17lbs and the Polk ES30 weighs 8.64kg / 19lbs. This makes the ES30 12% heavier than the Alpha C10.
Here is a comparison of how Alpha C10 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 PSB Alpha C10?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of Alpha C10:
Center-channel loudspeakerGrille4 Self-adhesive rubber feetQuick Start GuideWarranty 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
 Sensitivity |
90 dB
vs
89 dB
|
Play louder with same amount of amplification power |
 Height |
172mm
vs
191mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
1145cm2
vs
1377cm2
|
Takes less floor space |
 Max Input Power |
125 watts
vs
120 watts
|
Handle more power from your amplifier |
 Woofer Size |
5.5 inches
vs
5.25 inches
|
Larger woofer |
 High Frequency Response |
40k Hz
vs
21k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Price per pair* |
299USD
vs
449USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
| General |
PSB Alpha C10 |
Polk Audio Signature Elite ES30 |
| Brand |
PSB |
Polk Audio |
| Speaker Type |
Center channel speaker |
Center channel speaker |
| Power Range |
15-120 watts |
20-125 watts |
| Sensitivity |
90 dB |
89 dB |
| Impedance |
8 ohms |
8 ohms |
| Frequency Response |
55-21k Hz |
55-40k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
2 |
2 |
| Woofer Size |
5.25" |
5.5" |
| Woofer Composition |
textured polypropylene |
mica-reinforced polypropylene Dynamic Balance |
| Woofer Surround Material |
rubber |
n/a |
| Tweeter Size |
3/4" |
1" |
| Tweeter Type |
dome with front waveguide |
High-res dome |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
N/A" |
| Firing Direction |
n/a |
rear |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
172.0mm (6.8") |
191.0mm (7.5") |
| Width |
451.0mm (17.8") |
510.0mm (20.1") |
| Depth |
254.0mm (10") |
270.0mm (10.6") |
| Weight |
7.73kg (17lbs) |
8.64kg (19lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Bass Reflex |
| Finish |
n/a |
MDF, Wood-grain vinyl |
| Available Colors |
Walnut |
Black, Walnut, White |
| Grille |
Yes |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |