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Polk Audio ES15 Review
Polk Audio Signature Elite ES15

Main Features

  • 1" Soft-Dome Tweeter
  • 5.25" Mica-reinforced polypropylene Woofer
  • 44-40k Hz Frequency Response
  • 85 dB Sensitivity
  • Impedance: 8ohms
  • Power Range: 20-100watts
  • Weight:13.00 lbs / 5.91 kg
  • Dimensions(HxWxD): 12-1/16"x7-9/16"x10-3/16" / 307.0 x 193.0 x 259.0mm
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Polk ES15 Review
Polk ES15 Polk ES15
See at AMAZON

Polk Audio Signature Elite ES15 is a 2-way Passive Bass Reflex Bookshelf speaker by Polk Audio. It features a 1" Soft-Dome Tweeter and 1 x 5.25" Mica-reinforced polypropylene Woofer. The speaker has a frequency range of 44-40k Hz and a sensitivity of 85 dB. Polk ES15 has an MSRP of 299$ per pair but can often be found around 269$ per pair.

Room Size Suitability

The size of the room where you plan to use the Polk ES15 is a crucial factor in your decision. We have assessed its suitability for various room sizes based on its dimensions and maximum power output:

Listening Environment* Suitability
Near-fieldAverage
Small RoomGood
Mid-size RoomAverage
Large RoomPoor
Very Large RoomBad

(* 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.)

Polk Audio replaced the older S15 with this model. Follow the link to read our detailed comparison of these models:
Compare Polk ES15 vs Polk S15

Polk Audio's Signature Elite Series of Loudspeakers

ES15 is a member of Polk Audio's Signature Elite series of Passive speakers. Below you can see the main specs of these speakers.

Polk Audio Signature Elite Series Speakers
Model Frequency SensitivityImpedance Woofer
Polk ES60
Compare
32-40k Hz 90 dB8Ω 3 x 6.5"
Polk ES35
Compare
66-40k Hz 89 dB8Ω 6 x 3"
Polk ES20
Compare
41-40k Hz 86 dB8Ω 1 x 6.5"
Polk ES10
Compare
78-40k Hz 84 dB8Ω 1 x 4"
Polk ES15
44-40k Hz 85 dB8Ω 1 x 5.25"
Polk ES55
Compare
34-40k Hz 89 dB8Ω 3 x 6.5"
Polk ES50
Compare
38-40k Hz 88 dB8Ω 2 x 5.25"
Polk ES30
Compare
55-40k Hz 89 dB8Ω 2 x 5.5"
Polk Audio Signature Elite Series Speakers
Polk Audio Signature Elite Series Speakers


**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.

Frequency Response of the Polk ES15 Speaker

Polk ES15 has a Frequency response range of 44-40k Hz at ±3dB and Power Range of 20-100 watts. With a minimum frequency of 44 Hz, ES15 delivers deep bass that will likely satisfy most listeners, especially those who enjoy music. However, movie enthusiasts and music fans who prefer a full range of sound may still benefit from adding a subwoofer.

To focus on the subwoofers that are in a similar price range with Polk ES15, check out the Powered Subwoofers under $300. Alternatively, find the Full list of Powered Subwoofers regardless of the price.
Here we have a comparison of how ES15's Low and High frequency values compare with the average, max and min Low and High frequency values in its class.
Low Frequency
Bookshelf Speakers
Polk ES15
Min
Average
Max
High Frequency
Bookshelf Speakers
Polk ES15
Min
Average
Max

Crossover frequency of the Polk ES15?

The Crossover frequency of the ES15 is set to 2500Hz. This is the threshold frequency where the higher frequency signals over this level are sent to the tweeter and the lower-frequency signals are sent to the woofer by the crossover component.

Impedance and Sensitivity

Polk ES15's nominal impedance level is 8 ohms and has a sensitivity of 85 dB.

Sensitivity
Bookshelf Speakers
Polk ES15
Min
Average
Max

8 Ohms is pretty much the standard nominal impedance amongst stereo speakers and amplifiers so Polk Audio Signature Elite ES15 is not considered a difficult to drive speaker from nominal Impedance perspective.

Sensitivity

With a sensitivity level of only 85 dB, Polk Audio Signature Elite ES15 is a difficult to drive speaker from Sensitivity perspective, make sure to choose an amplifier with a high output if you like listening to your music at high volume levels. You may especially have a hard time using Tube amplifiers which are traditionally very low power compared to Class A/B or Class D amps.

Check the amplifiers that are in a similar price range to the Polk ES15:

  • All Integrated Amplifiers

Input Type

ES15 features 5-Way post type connectors. Bi-amping and Bi-wiring are not possible.
Polk ES15 Back View
Polk ES15 Back View

Polk ES15 External Dimensions and Weight

Polk ES15 has external dimensions of (Height x Width x Depth) 12-1/16 x 7-9/16 x 10-3/16inch (307.0 x 193.0 x 259.0mm ).

Base Surface Area
Base surface area of a loudspeaker may become a determining factor when the space in your room or desk is limited. The base area of Polk ES15 is approximately 499.9cm2 / 77.5inch2.

To get a better perspective on the real life size of Polk ES15, let's compare it with a standard size Compact Disc which has a diameter of 4.7inch (120mm).

Polk ES15 Real Life Body Size Comparison
Polk ES15 Speaker Size Compared to a Compact Disc

Here we place the Polk ES15 virtually next to a standard width amplifier and turntable on a BDI Octave Media Cabinet to get a better idea about the size.

Polk ES15 placed next to an amplifier and turntable
Polk ES15 Speaker next to an amplifier and turntable

Weight

The Polk ES15 weighs 5.91kg / 13lbs per piece. Here is a comparison of how ES15's weight compares with the average, max and min weights in its class.

Weight
All Bookshelf Speakers
Polk ES15
Min
Average
Max
Weight
Bookshelf Speakers under $300
Polk ES15
Min
Average
Max

How does the Polk ES15 compare to the Polk Audio Signature Elite ES20?

One of the natural alternative to the Polk ES15 is the ES20 which is located one step higher in Polk Audio's Passive Bookshelf selection.

Here is a scaled size comparison of these two speakers to give you an idea how their external dimensions compare:

Polk ES15 vs Polk ES20 Size Comparison - Front View
Comparison image of Polk ES15 and Polk ES20 Size and External Dimensions

Check the Detailed Comparison of Polk ES15 vs ES20 for more details.

Cabinet type and Materials

Polk ES15 has a Bass Reflex type cabinet and a MDF, Wood-grain vinyl finish. Bass Reflex type loudspeakers (aka Ported, Vented or Reflex Port) have enclosures that uses a port, hole or vent cut into the cabinet. Ported designs are generally more efficient than the Sealed designs.

Speaker Feet

Polk ES15 comes with 8 Self-adhesive rubber feet which you can use to secure your loudspeaker on the surface that you are putting on.

It is always recommended to use some kind of feet under all types of speakers. Besides limiting the movement of the speakers, it also compensates for non-flat surfaces and limits the contact surface area of the speaker. Rubber based feet also help isolating the vibrations within certain frequency ranges.

Port Position

Polk ES15 is a rear-firing port speaker so you have to make sure you leave enough space between the back of the speaker and wall or bookshelf so that it has room to breathe.

Polk ES15  Port
Polk ES15 Power Port Port

Available colors

Polk ES15 is available in Black, White and Walnut.

Wall Mounting

ES15 has Keyhole mounting bracket that makes it possible to mount on walls and similar surfaces easily.

Does the Polk ES15 come with a Grille?

ES15 comes with grilles. The purpose of the grille is to protect the delicate driver elements from external impacts while still allowing the sound to pass as clearly as possible.

Polk ES15  with Grille
Polk ES15 with Grille

What's in the Box of Polk ES15?

Here are the items that are included inside the box of ES15:
  • 2 Bookshelf loudspeakers
  • 2 Grille (attached)
  • 8 Self-adhesive rubber feet
  • Wall-mount template
  • Owners Manual
  • Online Product Registration
  • Recommended Accessories

    Here is a list of accessories that we think you may need for the Polk Audio Signature Elite ES15.

    • Speaker Cable and Connectors
      • Speaker Cables with Banana Plugs: If you know the lenght of the cable you need, this is the easier option to connect your speakers with your amp.
      • Speaker Cables without Connectors: If you are not sure about the lenght or need longer than standard cables with plugs, choose this option.
      • Banana Connectors and Plugs: If you chose the cables without connectors option or already have some cable around, pick the banana plugs separately.
    • Vibration Isolators: IsoAcoustics isolators more affordable options too.
    • Acoustic Panels and Treatments: Your room is as important as your stereo equipment so acoustic treatments goes a long way in improving the overall performance.
    • Speaker Stands: Stands bring your bookshelf speakers to ideal height (rule of thumb is to have the tweeter level with your ear in your listening position), helps stability and acoustical isolation.

    Official Product Page

    Official manufacturer's product page for the Polk Audio Signature Elite ES15 speaker can be found below:
    Official Product Page for Polk ES15

    Warranty

    5 Years of parts warranty and 5 Years of labor warranty is generally provided by the manufacturer.

    Polk Audio Signature Elite ES15 Alternatives in Passive Bookshelf Speakers
    Model Type Sensitivity Impedance Frequency
    Polk ES10
    Compare
    2-way 84 dB 8 ohms 78-40k Hz
    Polk ES20
    Compare
    2-way 86 dB 8 ohms 41-40k Hz
    Polk S15
    Compare
    2-way 88 dB 8 ohms 50-40k Hz
    Polk XT15
    Compare
    2-way 86 dB 8 ohms 48-40k Hz
    Polk XT20
    Compare
    2-way 87 dB 8 ohms 38-40k Hz
    Sony SS-CS5
    Compare
    3-way 87 dB 6 ohms 53-50k Hz
    KEF Q150
    Compare
    2-way 86 dB 8 ohms 51-28k Hz
    Klipsch R-51M
    Compare
    2-way 93 dB 8 ohms 62-21k Hz
    Frequently Asked Questions about Polk Audio Signature Elite ES15
    What is the External Dimensions of Polk Audio Signature Elite ES15
    What is the Speaker Sensitivity of Polk Audio Signature Elite ES15
    is the Polk Audio Signature Elite ES15 an easy to drive speaker?

    Polk ES15 Detailed Specifications

    General
    BrandPolk Audio
    Full Model NamePolk Audio Signature Elite ES15
    Speaker Type2-way Bookshelf
    Power Range20-100 watts
    Sensitivity85 dB
    Impedance8 ohms
    Frequency Response44-40k Hz
    DRIVERS
    Woofer Size5.25-inch
    Woofer CompositionMica-reinforced polypropylene
    Woofer SurroundButyl rubber
    Tweeter Size1-inch
    Tweeter TypeSoft-Dome
    Crossover freq2500Hz
    Port Positionrear

    CONNECTIONS
    Connector Type5-Way post
    Biamp InputsNo
    Port Positionrear
    PHYSICAL SPECS
    Height307.0mm ( 12-1/16-inch)
    Width193.0mm ( 7-9/16-inch)
    Depth259.0mm ( 10-3/16-inch)
    Height307.0mm ( 12-1/16-inch)
    Weight5.91kg ( 13.00 lbs)
    EnclosureBass Reflex
    FinishMDF, Wood-grain vinyl
    Available ColorsBlack,White,Walnut
    Mounting BracketKeyhole
    Recommended Stand Height24-28
    GrilleYes
    Moisture ResistanceNo
    OTHER
    Handheld RemoteNo
    Parts Warranty5 Years
    Labor Warranty5 Years
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