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  1. Home
  2. Polk Audio Speakers
  3. Passive Center Channel Speakers
  4. Polk Audio Signature Elite ES30
Polk Audio ES30 Review
Polk ES30 - Front View

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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: 20-125 watts
  • 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
MSRP: $299 (list price)
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Polk ES30 Review
Polk ES30 Polk ES30
Check price atAmazon›

Made by Polk Audio · United States · since 1972 · sold through dealers

Polk Audio Signature Elite ES30 is a 2-way Passive Bass Reflex Center Channel speaker by Polk Audio. It was released in August 2021. 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.

Room Size Suitability

The size of the room where you plan to use the Polk ES30 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-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.)

Polk Audio's Signature Elite Series of Loudspeakers

ES30 is a member of Polk Audio's Signature Elite series of Passive speakers. Signature Elite (ES) is Polk Audio's affordable modern range of bookshelf, tower and center speakers. Below you can see the main specs of these speakers.

See all 9 Polk Audio Signature Elite models compared »

Polk Audio Signature Elite Series Speakers
Model Frequency SensitivityImpedance Woofer
Polk ES60
Compare
32-40k Hz 90 dB8Ω 3 x 6.5"
Polk ES20
Compare
41-40k Hz 86 dB8Ω 1 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 ES90
Compare
142-26k Hz 85 dB8Ω 1 x 5.25"
Polk Audio Signature Elite Series Speakers
Polk Audio Signature Elite Series Speakers

Frequency Response of the Polk ES30 Speaker

Polk ES30 has a Frequency response range of 55-40k Hz and Power Range of 20-125 watts.

Here we have a comparison of how ES30's Low frequency value compares with the average, max and min Low frequency values in its class.
Low Frequency
Center Channel Speakers
Polk ES30
Min
Average
Median

Impedance and Sensitivity

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

Sensitivity
Center Channel Speakers
Polk ES30
Min
Average
Median

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 the Polk Audio Signature Elite ES30 is an average sensitivity for stereo speaker so it is neither easy nor difficult to drive Sensitivity wise. Work out how loud the Polk ES30 plays in your room →

What amplifier does the Polk ES30 need?

At normal listening levels in a medium room, about 9.5–125 W per channel into 8 ohms. Set your own conditions and we will rank every amplifier we cover.

We check power, impedance safety and current delivery - not just watts.

Prefer to browse? Integrated amplifiers under $300, or every amplifier we cover.

Input Type

ES30 features 5-Way post type connectors.

Work out what gauge speaker cable this run needs →

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.

Find speakers that fit your shelf or alcove →

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
Median
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

Recommended Accessories

Here is a list of accessories that we think you may need for the Polk Audio Signature Elite ES30.

  • 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 are our favorite isolators but you may find 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.

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
Polk XT30
Compare
2-way 89 dB 8 ohms 55-40k Hz
Polk R300
Compare
2-way 86.5 dB 8 ohms 65-38k Hz
Polk XT35
Compare
2-way 87 dB 8 ohms 57-40k Hz
Polk TSi CS10
Compare
2-way 91 dB 8 ohms 63-24k Hz
SVS Prime Center
Compare
3-way 86 dB 8 ohms 48-25k Hz
Polk R400
Compare
2-way 89 dB 8 ohms 48-39K Hz
Klipsch R-52C
Compare
2-way 95 dB 8 ohms 89-21k Hz
Frequently Asked Questions about Polk Audio Signature Elite ES30

What amplifier do you need for the Polk ES30?

Polk Audio rates the Polk ES30 for 20-125 watts of amplifier power. It is an 8-ohm speaker, the usual nominal load, so almost any amplifier or receiver can drive it.

Is the Polk ES30 easy to drive?

The Polk ES30 has a sensitivity of 89 dB. That is about average for a home speaker, so it is neither hard nor especially easy to drive.

Does the Polk ES30 need a subwoofer?

The Polk ES30 reaches down to 55Hz (full range 55-40k Hz). That covers most music, though a subwoofer still adds the bottom octave for home theatre.

What drivers does the Polk ES30 use?

The Polk ES30 is a 2-way design using a 1" High-res dome tweeter and 2 x 5.5" mica-reinforced polypropylene Dynamic Balance woofers.

Is the Polk ES30 sealed or ported?

The Polk ES30 uses a Ported enclosure. A ported design uses a tuned vent to get more low-end output from the same driver, but it wants some breathing room behind it.

Can the Polk ES30 be wall mounted?

The Polk ES30 does not include a wall-mount bracket or keyhole, so it is designed to sit on a stand, shelf or the floor.

Does the Polk ES30 come with grilles?

Yes. The Polk ES30 comes with removable grilles.

How big and heavy is the Polk ES30?

The Polk ES30 weighs 8.64kg / 19lbs each and measures 7-1/2 x 20-1/16 x 10-5/8inch (HxWxD).

How much does the Polk ES30 cost?

The Polk ES30 has a manufacturer's list price (MSRP) of $299 per pair.


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
Release DateAugust 2021
DRIVERS
Woofer Size5.5-inch
Woofer Compositionmica-reinforced polypropylene Dynamic Balance
Tweeter Size1-inch
Tweeter TypeHigh-res dome
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)
Weight8.64 kg (19 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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