In this review, we will be comparing ES35 and Bronze C150, two Passive Center Channel speakers from Polk Audio and Monitor Audio . Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Polk ES35 and Monitor Audio Bronze C150 first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
What size room are the Polk ES35 and Monitor Audio Bronze C150 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 Polk ES35 and Monitor Audio Bronze C150 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 ES35 and Bronze C150 are 2-way speakers.
| Driver |
Polk ES35 |
Monitor Audio Bronze C150 |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
6 x 3-inch
|
1 x 5.25-inch
|
ES35 features a 1" Terylene High-res dome Tweeter and 6 x 3" mica-reinforced polypropylene Dynamic Balance Woofer . On the other hand, the Bronze C150 features a 1" aluminum vented dome with waveguide Tweeter and 1 x 5.25" aluminum Woofer .
Frequency Response
ES35 has a frequency range of 66-40k Hz whereas Bronze C150 has a frequency range of 66-30k 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
Monitor Audio Bronze C150
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
ES35 and Bronze C150 have the same Impedance of 8 ohms but where they differ is the sensitivity levels. ES35 sensitivity is rated at 89 dB and the Bronze C150's is at 88 dB. This 1 dB difference makes the Polk ES35 a more sensitive speaker compared to Monitor Audio Bronze C150, 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.
ES35 can handle a max power of 150 watts RMS from the amp the whereas Bronze C150 has a max power handling value of 120 watts RMS, 30 watts less than the ES35.
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
ES35 features Binding post type posts and Bronze C150 has a Binding post type posts. None of these speakers feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
Polk ES35's 5-Way post terminals
Monitor Audio Bronze C150's Binding post terminals
Polk ES35 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 Polk ES35's and Monitor Audio Bronze C150's external dimensions. Polk ES35 has external dimensions of 107.0 x 621.0 x 154.0mm ( 4-3/16 x 24-7/16 x 6-1/16inch) whereas Monitor Audio Bronze C150 has external dimensions of 167.0 x 453.0 x 228.0mm ( 6-9/16 x 17-13/16 x 8-15/16inch) .
Polk ES35 is 60mm shorter and 74mm less deeper than Monitor Audio Bronze C150 but it is also 168mm 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 Polk ES35 is approximately 956.3cm2 / 148.2inch2 and base area of the Monitor Audio Bronze C150 is approximately 1032.8cm2 / 160.1inch2. The ES35 requires 7% less surface area than the Bronze C150 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 Polk ES35 weighs 6.36kg / 14lbs and the Monitor Audio Bronze C150 weighs 7.01kg / 15.4lbs. This makes the Bronze C150 10% heavier than the ES35.
Here is a comparison of how ES35 and Bronze C150's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Passive Center Channel class.
Weight
All Center Channel Speakers
Monitor Audio Bronze C150
What's in the Box of Polk ES35?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of ES35:
LCR loudspeakerGrille (attached)4 Self-adhesive rubber feetWall-mount templateOwners ManualOnline Product Registration
What's in the Box of Monitor Audio Bronze C150?
Here are the items that come with the Bronze C150:
Center-channel loudspeakerGrille2 Terminal-jumpers (pre-installed)4 Self-adhesive rubber feetHex-keyQuick Start GuideImportant Safety Instructions
 Max Input Power |
150 watts
vs
120 watts
|
Handle more power from your amplifier |
 Sensitivity |
89 dB
vs
88 dB
|
Play louder with same amount of amplification power |
 Number of Woofers |
6
vs
1
|
More woofers |
 High Frequency Response |
40k Hz
vs
30k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Height |
107mm
vs
167mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
956cm2 (621x154mm)
vs
1032cm2 (453x228mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
| Woofer Size |
5.25 inches
vs
3 inches
|
Larger woofer |
 Price per pair* |
395USD
vs
399USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
| General |
Polk Audio Signature Elite ES35 |
Monitor Audio Bronze C150 |
| Brand |
Polk Audio |
Monitor Audio |
| Speaker Type |
Low-profile center channel speaker |
Center channel speaker |
| Power Range |
20-150 watts |
30-120 watts |
| Sensitivity |
89 dB |
88 dB |
| Impedance |
8 ohms |
8 ohms |
| Frequency Response |
66-40k Hz |
66-30k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
6 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
3" |
5.25" |
| Woofer Composition |
mica-reinforced polypropylene Dynamic Balance |
aluminum |
| Tweeter Size |
1" |
1" |
| Tweeter Type |
High-res dome |
vented dome with waveguide |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
N/A" |
No |
| Firing Direction |
rear |
n/a |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
107.0mm (4.2") |
167.0mm (6.6") |
| Width |
621.0mm (24.4") |
453.0mm (17.8") |
| Depth |
154.0mm (6.1") |
228.0mm (9") |
| Weight |
6.36kg (14lbs) |
7.01kg (15.4lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Acoustic Suspension |
| Finish |
MDF, Wood-grain vinyl |
n/a |
| Available Colors |
Black, Walnut, White |
Walnut |
| Grille |
Yes |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |