In this review, we will be comparing ES20 and Sib-T, two Passive Bookshelf speakers from Polk Audio and Focal. Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Polk ES20 and Focal Sib-T first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
In the following sections, we will get into more detail in order to better understand how the Polk ES20 and Focal Sib-T 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 ES20 and Sib-T are 2-way speakers.
| Driver |
Polk ES20 |
Focal Sib-T |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
.75-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
1 x 6.5-inch
|
1 x 5.125-inch
|
ES20 features a 1" Terylene Soft-Dome Tweeter and 1 x 6.5" Mica-reinforced polypropylene Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 2500Hz. On the other hand, the Sib-T features a .75" Dome Tweeter and 1 x 5.125" Polyflex Woofer .
Frequency Response
ES20 has a frequency range of 41-40k Hz whereas Sib-T has a frequency range of 80-20kHz. With a minimum frequency of 41Hz, the ES20 can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the Sib-T's min frequency of 80Hz.
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
ES20 is a 8 ohms speaker compared to the Sib-T which has a nominal impedance of 4 ohms. Lower impedance speakers, especially the ones that are rated at 4 ohms may put more pressure on the amplifier unit especially when played at high volume levels, so make sure the amp you pair with the Sib-T can provide this impedance level.
These two speakers also have different sensitivity levels. ES20 sensitivity is rated at 86 dB and the Sib-T's is rated at 90 dB. This 4 dB difference makes the Focal Sib-T a more sensitive speaker compared to Polk ES20, hence will play louder with the same amount of watts.
Sensitivity
Bookshelf Speakers
Input Type and Bi-Amping / Bi-Wiring
ES20 features Spring posts type posts and Sib-T has a Spring posts type posts. None of these speakers feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
Focal Sib-T's Spring posts terminals
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 Polk ES20's and Focal Sib-T's external dimensions. Polk ES20 has external dimensions of 375.0 x 218.0 x 351.0mm ( 14-3/4 x 8-9/16 x 13-13/16inch) whereas Focal Sib-T has external dimensions of 64.0 x 143.0 x 170.0mm ( 2-1/2 x 5-5/8 x 6-11/16inch) .
Polk ES20 is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 75mm wider, 311mm taller and 181mm deeper than Focal Sib-T.
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 Polk ES20 is approximately 765.2cm2 / 118.6inch2 and base area of the Focal Sib-T is approximately 243.1cm2 / 37.7inch2. The ES20 requires 215% more surface area than the Sib-T which gives it a small disadvantage 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 Polk ES20 weighs 7.73kg / 17lbs and the Focal Sib-T weighs 2.60kg / 5.7lbs. This makes the ES20 197% heavier than the Sib-T.
Here is a comparison of how ES20 and Sib-T's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Passive Bookshelf class.
Weight
All Bookshelf Speakers
What's in the Box of Polk ES20?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of ES20:
2 Bookshelf loudspeakers2 Grille (attached)8 Self-adhesive rubber feetOwners ManualOnline Product Registration
What's in the Box of Focal Sib-T?
Here are the items that come with the Sib-T:
One 100V/4-ohm commercial speakerAdjustable mounting bracket (installed)3 Drywall anchors w/ 2 screws5mm Allen key (attached to mounting bracket)User manual
 Nominal Impedance |
8 ohms
vs
4 ohms
|
Less selective with amplifiers |
 Woofer Size |
6.5 inches
vs
5.125 inches
|
Larger woofer |
| Low Frequency Response |
41 Hz
vs
80 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 High Frequency Response |
40k Hz
vs
20k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Price per pair* |
399USD
vs
698USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
 Sensitivity |
90 dB
vs
86 dB
|
Play louder with same amount of amplification power |
 Mounting Bracket |
Yes
vs
No
|
Allows mounting on walls |
 Height |
64mm
vs
375mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
243cm2 (143x170mm)
vs
765cm2 (218x351mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
| General |
Polk Audio Signature Elite ES20 |
Focal Sib-T |
| Brand |
Polk Audio |
Focal |
| Speaker Type |
Bookshelf speakers |
Bookshelf speakers |
| Sensitivity |
86 dB |
90 dB |
| Impedance |
8 ohms |
4 ohms |
| Frequency Response |
41-40k Hz |
80-20kHz |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
6.5" |
5.125" |
| Woofer Composition |
Mica-reinforced polypropylene |
Polyflex |
| Woofer Surround Material |
Butyl rubber |
Not given |
| Tweeter Size |
1" |
.75" |
| Tweeter Type |
Soft-Dome |
Dome |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Crossover Frequency |
2500Hz |
n/a |
| Firing Direction |
rear |
n/a |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
375.0mm (14.8") |
64.0mm (2.5") |
| Width |
218.0mm (8.6") |
143.0mm (5.6") |
| Depth |
351.0mm (13.8") |
170.0mm (6.7") |
| Weight |
7.73kg (17lbs) |
2.60kg (5.7lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Bass Reflex |
| Finish |
MDF, Wood-grain vinyl |
Plastic |
| Available Colors |
Black,White,Walnut |
White |
| Mounting Bracket |
No |
Yes |
| Recommended Stand Height |
22-26" |
2-1/2" |
| Grille |
Yes |
n/a |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
| Biamp Inputs |
No |
No |
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |