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Polk Audio Signature Elite ES30 Review
Polk Audio Signature Elite ES30

Main Features

  • 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:19.00 lbs / 8.64 kg
  • Dimensions(HxWxD): 7-1/2"x20-1/16"x10-5/8" / 191.0 x 510.0 x 270.0mm
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Polk ES30 Review

Polk Audio Signature Elite ES30 is a 2-way Passive Bass Reflex Center Channel speaker by Polk Audio. Center channel speaker is an important component of a home theater system set-up as it delivers the listener significant part of the on-screen dialogue from your television. It features a 1" High-res dome Tweeter and 2 x 5.5" mica-reinforced polypropylene Dynamic Balance Woofer. The speaker has a frequency range of 55-40k Hz and a sensitivity of 89 dB. Polk ES30 has an MSRP of 299$ but can often be found around 239$ per pair.

What size of room is the Polk ES30 speaker good for?

The size of the room in which you are planning to use the Polk ES30 is an important decision factor. Here we have evaluated its suitability to various sizes of environments considering its size and max power parameters:

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

(* 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.)

What are the speakers in Polk Audio's Signature Elite Series?

ES30 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 ES20
Compare
41-40k Hz 86 dB8Ω 1 x 6.5"
Polk ES60
Compare
32-40k Hz 90 dB8Ω 3 x 6.5"
Polk ES35
Compare
66-40k Hz 89 dB8Ω 6 x 3"
Polk ES15
Compare
44-40k Hz 85 dB8Ω 1 x 5.25"
Polk ES50
Compare
38-40k Hz 88 dB8Ω 2 x 5.25"
Polk ES10
Compare
78-40k Hz 84 dB8Ω 1 x 4"
Polk ES55
Compare
34-40k Hz 89 dB8Ω 3 x 6.5"
Polk ES30
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.

What is the Frequency Response of the Polk ES30 speaker?

Polk ES30 has a Frequency response range of 55-40k Hz at ±3dB and Power Range of 20-125 watts. Here we have a comparison of how ES30's Low and High frequency values compare with the average, max and min Low and High frequency values in its class.

Low Frequency
Center Channel Speakers
Polk ES30
Min
Average
Max
High Frequency
Center Channel Speakers
Polk ES30
Min
Average
Max


What are the Impedance and Sensitivity of the Polk ES30? Is it an easy-to-drive speaker?

Polk ES30's nominal impedance level is 8 ohms and has a sensitivity of 89 dB.

Sensitivity
Center Channel Speakers
Polk ES30
Min
Average
Max

8 Ohms is pretty much the standard nominal impedance amongst stereo speakers and amplifiers so Polk Audio Signature Elite ES30 is not considered a difficult to drive speaker from nominal Impedance perspective.

Sensitivity

89dB of Polk Audio Signature Elite ES30 is an average sensitivity for stereo speaker so it is neither easy nor difficult to drive Sensitivity wise.

Check the amplifiers that are in a similar price range to the Polk ES30:

  • All Integrated Amplifiers

Input Type

ES30 features 5-Way post type connectors. Bi-amping and Bi-wiring are not possible.
Polk ES30 Back View
Polk ES30 Back View

Polk ES30 External Dimensions and Weight

Polk ES30 has external dimensions of (Height x Width x Depth) 7-1/2 x 20-1/16 x 10-5/8inch (191.0 x 510.0 x 270.0mm ).

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 ES30 is approximately 1377.0cm2 / 213.4inch2.

Weight

The Polk ES30 weighs 8.64kg / 19lbs per piece. Here is a comparison of how ES30's weight compares with the average, max and min weights in its class.

Weight
All Center Channel Speakers
Polk ES30
Min
Average
Max
Weight
Center Channel Speakers under $300
Polk ES30
Min
Average
Max

Cabinet type and Materials

Polk ES30 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 ES30 comes with 4 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 ES30 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 ES30  Port
Polk ES30 Port

Available colors

Polk ES30 is available in Black, Walnut and White.

Does the Polk ES30 come with a Grille?

ES30 comes with magnetic 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. Since the included grille of the ES30 is magnetic type, it is very easy to put it on and off.

Polk ES30  with Grille
Polk ES30 with Grille

What's in the Box of Polk ES30?

Here are the items that are included inside the box of ES30:
  • Center-channel loudspeaker
  • Grille (attached)
  • 4 Self-adhesive rubber feet
  • Owners Manual
  • Online Product Registration
  • Warranty

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

    Polk Audio Signature Elite ES30 Alternatives in Passive Center Channel Speakers
    Model Type Sensitivity Impedance Frequency
    Polk ES35
    Compare
    2-way 89 dB 8 ohms 66-40k Hz
    Sony SS-CS8
    Compare
    2-way 86 dB 6 ohms 55-25k Hz
    Polk XT35
    Compare
    2-way 87 dB 8 ohms 57-40k Hz
    Emotiva Airmotiv C1+
    Compare
    3-way 89 dB 4 ohms 50 Hz – 28 kHz
    Wharfedale Diamond 12.C
    Compare
    2-way 90 dB 8 ohms 90-20k Hz
    Emotiva Airmotiv C2+
    Compare
    3-way 92 dB 4 ohms 45 Hz – 28 kHz
    Klipsch RP-500C II
    Compare
    2-way 96 dB 8 ohms 60-25k Hz
    Klipsch RP-600C
    Compare
    2-way 97 dB 8 ohms 58-25k Hz
    JBL Stage A135C
    Compare
    2-way 90 dB 6 ohms 75-40k Hz
    Polk XT30
    Compare
    2-way 89 dB 8 ohms 55-40k Hz
    Frequently Asked Questions about Polk Audio Signature Elite ES30
    What is the External Dimensions of Polk Audio Signature Elite ES30
    What is the Speaker Sensitivity of Polk Audio Signature Elite ES30
    is the Polk Audio Signature Elite ES30 an easy to drive speaker?



    Polk ES30 Detailed Specifications

    General
    BrandPolk Audio
    Full Model NamePolk Audio Signature Elite ES30
    Speaker Type2-way Center Channel
    Power Range20-125 watts
    Sensitivity89 dB
    Impedance8 ohms
    Frequency Response55-40k Hz
    DRIVERS
    Woofer Size5.5-inch
    Woofer Compositionmica-reinforced polypropylene Dynamic Balance
    Tweeter Size1-inch
    Tweeter TypeHigh-res dome
    Midrange SizeN/A-inch
    Port Positionrear

    CONNECTIONS
    Connector Type5-Way post
    Port Positionrear
    PHYSICAL SPECS
    Height191.0mm ( 7-1/2-inch)
    Width510.0mm ( 20-1/16-inch)
    Depth270.0mm ( 10-5/8-inch)
    Height191.0mm ( 7-1/2-inch)
    Weight8.64kg ( 19.00 lbs)
    EnclosureBass Reflex
    FinishMDF, Wood-grain vinyl
    Available ColorsBlack, Walnut, White
    Mounting BracketNo
    GrilleYes
    Moisture ResistanceNo
    OTHER
    Handheld RemoteNo
    Parts Warranty5 Years
    Labor Warranty5 Years
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