SpeakerDecision
  • SPEAKERS by TYPE
    • Passive Bookshelf Speakers
    • Passive Floor-standing Speakers
    • Passive Center Channel Speakers
    • Passive In-wall Speakers
    • All Passive Speakers
    • Powered Subwoofers
    • Powered Stereo Speakers
  • AMPLIFIERS
Polk Audio Signature Elite ES55 Review
Polk Audio Signature Elite ES55

Main Features

  • 1" Soft-Dome Tweeter
  • 3 x 6.5" Mica-reinforced polypropylene Woofer
  • 34-40k Hz Frequency Response
  • 89 dB Sensitivity
  • Impedance: 8ohms
  • Power Range: 40-200watts
  • Weight:44.00 lbs / 20.00 kg
  • Dimensions(HxWxD): 41-9/16"x8-1/2"x12-3/8" / 1056.0 x 216.0 x 315.0mm
CHECK PRICE

Compare To

x
Add a Speaker for comparison
Polk ES55 Review

Polk Audio Signature Elite ES55 is a 2-way Passive Bass Reflex Floor-standing speaker by Polk Audio. It features a 1" Soft-Dome Tweeter and 3 x 6.5" Mica-reinforced polypropylene Woofer. The speaker has a frequency range of 34-40k Hz and a sensitivity of 89 dB. Polk ES55 has an MSRP of 898$ per pair but can often be found around 798$ per pair.

What size of room is the Polk ES55 speaker good for?

The size of the room in which you are planning to use the Polk ES55 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-fieldBad
Small RoomPoor
Mid-size RoomGood
Large RoomGood
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 replaced the older S55 with this model. Follow the link to read our detailed comparison of these models:
Compare Polk ES55 vs Polk S55

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

ES55 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
34-40k Hz 89 dB8Ω 3 x 6.5"
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.

What is the Frequency Response of the Polk ES55 speaker?

Polk ES55 has a Frequency response range of 34-40k Hz at ±3dB and Power Range of 40-200 watts. At a minimum frequency of 34 Hz, ES55 will provide a deep bass that will probably satisfy majority of listeners, especially for music. Movie lovers and music listeners who like to experience a full range response will still benefit from the use of a subwooofer though.

To focus on the subwoofers that are in a similar price range with Polk ES55, check out the Powered Subwoofers under $1000. Alternatively, find the Full list of Powered Subwoofers regardless of the price.
Here we have a comparison of how ES55's Low and High frequency values compare with the average, max and min Low and High frequency values in its class.
Low Frequency
Floor-standing Speakers
Polk ES55
Min
Average
Max
High Frequency
Floor-standing Speakers
Polk ES55
Min
Average
Max


What is the Crossover frequency of Polk ES55?

The Crossover frequency of the ES55 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.

What are the Impedance and Sensitivity of the Polk ES55? Is it an easy-to-drive speaker?

Polk ES55's nominal impedance level is 8 ohms and has a sensitivity of 89 dB.

Sensitivity
Floor-standing Speakers
Polk ES55
Min
Average
Max

8 Ohms is pretty much the standard nominal impedance amongst stereo speakers and amplifiers so Polk Audio Signature Elite ES55 is not considered a difficult to drive speaker from nominal Impedance perspective.

Sensitivity

89dB of Polk Audio Signature Elite ES55 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 ES55:

  • Integrated Amps under 750 USD
  • Integrated Amps under 1000 USD
  • Integrated Amps under 1500 USD
  • All Integrated Amplifiers

Input Type

ES55 has 5-Way post type connectors and lets bi-amping/bi-wiring. Bi-wiring can provide improvements in the overall transparency of your loudspeakers by running separate speaker wires to the low & high frequency drivers from a single amplifier. Bi-amping allows the use of separate amplifiers for the high & low frequency drivers of your loudspeaker which may result in greater dynamic range & lower distortion.

Polk ES55 External Dimensions and Weight

Polk ES55 has external dimensions of (Height x Width x Depth) 41-9/16 x 8-1/2 x 12-3/8inch (1056.0 x 216.0 x 315.0mm ).

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 ES55 is approximately 680.4cm2 / 105.5inch2.

To get a better perspective on the real life size of Polk ES55, let's compare it with a standard size Compact Disc which has a diameter of 4.7inch (120mm).

Polk ES55 Real Life Body Size Comparison
Polk ES55 Speaker Size Compared to a Compact Disc

Here we place the Polk ES55 virtually next to a standard width amplifier and turntable on a media center to get a better idea about the size.

Polk ES55 placed next to a Media Stand
Polk ES55 Floor-standing Speaker next to a Media Stand

Weight

The Polk ES55 weighs 20.00kg / 44lbs per piece. Here is a comparison of how ES55's weight compares with the average, max and min weights in its class.

Weight
All Floor-standing Speakers
Polk ES55
Min
Average
Max
Weight
Floor-standing Speakers under $1000
Polk ES55
Min
Average
Max

How does the Polk ES55 compare to the Polk Audio Signature Elite ES60?

One of the natural alternative to the Polk ES55 is the ES60 which is located one step higher in Polk Audio's Passive Floor-standing selection.

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

Polk ES55 vs Polk ES60 Size Comparison - Front View
Comparison image of Polk ES55 and Polk ES60 Size and External Dimensions

Check the Detailed Comparison of Polk ES55 vs ES60 for more details.

Cabinet type and Materials

Polk ES55 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 ES55 comes with 4 Feet (pre-installed) 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 ES55 is a bottom-firing port speaker

Available colors

Polk ES55 is available in Black.

Does the Polk ES55 come with a Grille?

ES55 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.

What's in the Box of Polk ES55?

Here are the items that are included inside the box of ES55:
  • Floorstanding loudspeaker
  • Grille (attached)
  • 4 Feet (pre-installed)
  • Owners Manual
  • Online Product Registration
  • Official Product Page

    Official manufacturer's product page for the Polk Audio Signature Elite ES55 speaker can be found below:
    Official Product Page for Polk ES55

    Warranty

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

    Polk Audio Signature Elite ES55 Alternatives in Passive Floor-standing Speakers
    Model Type Sensitivity Impedance Frequency
    Klipsch R-620F
    Compare
    2-way 96 dB 8 ohms 38-21k Hz
    Triangle Borea BR07
    Compare
    3-way 91 dB 8 ohms 44 - 22k Hz
    Klipsch R-820F
    Compare
    2-way 97 dB 8 ohms 35-21k Hz
    Polk S60
    Compare
    2-way 90 dB 8 ohms 26-40k Hz
    Klipsch R-610F
    Compare
    2-way 94 dB 8 ohms 45-21k Hz
    Klipsch RP-6000F
    Compare
    2-way 97 dB 8 ohms 34-25k Hz
    Jamo S 809
    Compare
    2-way 90 dB 8 ohms 37-26k Hz
    Polk ES60
    Compare
    2-way 90 dB 8 ohms 32-40k Hz
    Jamo C 95 II
    Compare
    2-way 89 dB 6 ohms 37-24k Hz
    Jamo C 97 II
    Compare
    3-way 89 dB 6 ohms 32-24k Hz
    Frequently Asked Questions about Polk Audio Signature Elite ES55
    What is the External Dimensions of Polk Audio Signature Elite ES55
    What is the Speaker Sensitivity of Polk Audio Signature Elite ES55
    is the Polk Audio Signature Elite ES55 an easy to drive speaker?



    Polk ES55 Detailed Specifications

    General
    BrandPolk Audio
    Full Model NamePolk Audio Signature Elite ES55
    Speaker Type2-way Floor-standing
    Power Range40-200 watts
    Sensitivity89 dB
    Impedance8 ohms
    Frequency Response34-40k Hz
    DRIVERS
    Woofer Size6.5-inch
    Woofer CompositionMica-reinforced polypropylene
    Woofer SurroundButyl rubber
    Tweeter Size1-inch
    Tweeter TypeSoft-Dome
    Crossover freq2500Hz
    Port Positionbottom

    CONNECTIONS
    Connector Type5-Way post
    Biamp InputsYes
    Port Positionbottom
    PHYSICAL SPECS
    Height1056.0mm ( 41-9/16-inch)
    Width216.0mm ( 8-1/2-inch)
    Depth315.0mm ( 12-3/8-inch)
    Height1056.0mm ( 41-9/16-inch)
    Weight20.00kg ( 44.00 lbs)
    EnclosureBass Reflex
    FinishMDF, Wood-grain vinyl
    Available ColorsBlack
    Mounting BracketNo
    GrilleYes
    Moisture ResistanceNo
    OTHER
    Handheld RemoteNo
    Parts Warranty5 Years
    Labor Warranty5 Years
    LATEST BLOG POSTS

    In-wall Speakers Added to Our Reviews and Comparisons
    Cambridge Audio CXA61 and CXA81 Amps now available in Black 
    Klipsch Unveils New Reference Premiere Subwoofers
    ELAC Varro Series of Subwoofers are here!
    KEF R7 Meta Review by Steve Guttenberg
    Top 10 Powered Stereo Speakers with HDMI Input for your TV in 2023


    Latest Passive Floor-standing Speakers
    Focal Kanta No.3
    Focal Kanta No.3
    3-way Floor-standing | 91 dB | 8 ohms
    Focal Kanta No.2
    Focal Kanta No.2
    3-way Floor-standing | 91 dB | 8 ohms
    Definitive Technology Dymension DM80
    Definitive Dymension DM80
    3-way Floor-standing | 90 dB | 4 ohms
    Definitive Technology Dymension DM40
    Definitive Dymension DM40
    2-way Floor-standing | 87 dB | 4 ohms
    Definitive Technology Dymension DM60
    Definitive Dymension DM60
    3-way Floor-standing | 88 dB | 4 ohms
    Definitive Technology Dymension DM70
    Definitive Dymension DM70
    3-way Floor-standing | 90 dB | 4 ohms
    KEF Reference 5 Meta
    KEF Reference 5 Meta
    3-way Floor-standing | 88 dB | 4 ohms
    KEF Reference 3 Meta
    KEF Reference 3 Meta
    3-way Floor-standing | 86 dB | 4 ohms
    Focal Vestia No4
    Focal Vestia No4
    3-way Floor-standing | 92 dB | 8 ohms
    Focal Vestia No3
    Focal Vestia No3
    3-way Floor-standing | 92 dB | 8 ohms


    Copyright © 2023 by SpeakerDecision
    About Privacy Camera Decision