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  1. Home
  2. Polk Audio Speakers
  3. Passive Surround Speakers
  4. Polk Audio Signature Elite ES90
Polk Audio Signature Elite ES90 Review
Polk Audio Signature Elite ES90 - Front View

Compare To

Main Features

  • 1" Soft-Dome Tweeter
  • 5.25" Woofer
  • 142-26k Hz Frequency Response
  • 85 dB Sensitivity
  • Impedance: 8ohms
  • Weight: 8.30 lbs / 3.76 kg
  • Dimensions(HxWxD): 7-7/16"x7-1/2"x12-1/8" / 188.9 x 190.5 x 308.0mm
MSRP: $405 (list price)
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Polk Audio Signature Elite ES90 Review
Polk Audio Signature Elite ES90 Polk Audio Signature...
Check price atAmazon›

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

Polk Audio Signature Elite ES90 is a 2-way Passive Surround speaker by Polk Audio. It was released in August 2021. It features a 1" Soft-Dome Tweeter and 1 x 5.25" Woofer. The speaker has a frequency range of 142-26k Hz and a sensitivity of 85 dB. Polk Audio Signature Elite ES90 has an MSRP of 405$ per pair but can often be found around 0$ per pair.

Polk Audio's Signature Elite Series of Loudspeakers

Signature Elite ES90 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
Compare
55-40k Hz 89 dB8Ω 2 x 5.5"
Polk Audio Signature Elite ES90
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 Audio Signature Elite ES90 Speaker

Polk Audio Signature Elite ES90 has a Frequency response range of 142-26k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 142 Hz, it is hard to expect a strong bass response from Signature Elite ES90 so depending on your use case, using a subwoofer will significantly help to widen the response range.

Here we have a comparison of how Signature Elite ES90's Low frequency value compares with the average, max and min Low frequency values in its class.
Low Frequency
Surround Speakers
Polk Audio Signature Elite ES90
Min
Average
Median
Thinking about a subwoofer for the Polk Audio Signature Elite ES90?
  • Work out the crossover setting - it follows from this speaker's 142 Hz low end
  • Powered subwoofers under $500 - a similar price range to these speakers
  • Every powered subwoofer we cover, whatever the budget

Impedance and Sensitivity

Polk Audio Signature Elite ES90's nominal impedance level is 8 ohms and has a sensitivity of 85 dB.

Sensitivity
Surround Speakers
Polk Audio Signature Elite ES90
Min
Average
Median

8 Ohms is pretty much the standard nominal impedance amongst stereo speakers and amplifiers so Polk Audio Signature Elite ES90 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 ES90 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. Work out how loud the Polk Audio Signature Elite ES90 plays in your room →

What amplifier does the Polk Audio Signature Elite ES90 need?

At normal listening levels in a medium room, about 24–375 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 $500, or every amplifier we cover.

Input Type

Signature Elite ES90 features 5-Way post type connectors.

Work out what gauge speaker cable this run needs →

Polk Audio Signature Elite ES90 External Dimensions and Weight

Polk Audio Signature Elite ES90 has external dimensions of (Height x Width x Depth) (188.9 x 190.5 x 308.0mm ).

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 Audio Signature Elite ES90 is approximately 586.7cm2 / 90.9inch2.

Find speakers that fit your shelf or alcove →

Weight

The Polk Audio Signature Elite ES90 weighs 3.76kg / 8.3lbs per piece. Here is a comparison of how Signature Elite ES90's weight compares with the average, max and min weights in its class.

Weight
All Surround Speakers
Polk Audio Signature Elite ES90
Min
Average
Median
Weight
Surround Speakers under $500
Polk Audio Signature Elite ES90
Min
Average
Max

Available colors

Polk Audio Signature Elite ES90 is available in Black.

Recommended Accessories

Here is a list of accessories that we think you may need for the Polk Audio Signature Elite ES90.

  • 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 ES90 Alternatives in Passive Surround Speakers
Model Type Sensitivity Impedance Frequency
Polk ES20
Compare
2-way 86 dB 8 ohms 41-40k Hz
Polk ES15
Compare
2-way 85 dB 8 ohms 44-40k Hz
Polk ES50
Compare
2-way 88 dB 8 ohms 38-40k Hz
Polk ES35
Compare
2-way 89 dB 8 ohms 66-40k Hz
Polk ES55
Compare
2-way 89 dB 8 ohms 34-40k Hz
Polk ES10
Compare
2-way 84 dB 8 ohms 78-40k Hz
Polk ES30
Compare
2-way 89 dB 8 ohms 55-40k Hz
Polk ES60
Compare
2-way 90 dB 8 ohms 32-40k Hz
Frequently Asked Questions about Polk Audio Signature Elite ES90

What amplifier do you need for the Polk Audio Signature Elite ES90?

The Polk Audio Signature Elite ES90 is an 8-ohm speaker, the usual nominal load, so almost any amplifier or receiver can drive it.

Is the Polk Audio Signature Elite ES90 easy to drive?

The Polk Audio Signature Elite ES90 has a sensitivity of 85 dB. That is on the low side, so it needs more amplifier power than average to reach the same volume.

Does the Polk Audio Signature Elite ES90 need a subwoofer?

The Polk Audio Signature Elite ES90 reaches down to 142Hz (full range 142-26k Hz). That leaves the lowest octaves out, so a subwoofer will make a clear difference for films and bass-heavy music.

What drivers does the Polk Audio Signature Elite ES90 use?

The Polk Audio Signature Elite ES90 is a 2-way design using a 1" Soft-Dome tweeter and a 5.25" woofer.

Is the Polk Audio Signature Elite ES90 sealed or ported?

The Polk Audio Signature Elite ES90 uses a Sealed enclosure. A sealed box trades some output for tighter, more even bass and is the more forgiving choice close to a wall.

How big and heavy is the Polk Audio Signature Elite ES90?

The Polk Audio Signature Elite ES90 weighs 3.76kg / 8.3lbs each.

How much does the Polk Audio Signature Elite ES90 cost?

The Polk Audio Signature Elite ES90 has a manufacturer's list price (MSRP) of $405 per pair.


Polk Audio Signature Elite ES90 Detailed Specifications

General
BrandPolk Audio
Full Model NamePolk Audio Signature Elite ES90
Speaker Type2-way Surround
Sensitivity85 dB
Impedance8 ohms
Frequency Response142-26k Hz
Release DateAugust 2021
DRIVERS
Woofer Size5.25-inch
Woofer Composition
Tweeter Size1-inch
Tweeter TypeSoft-Dome

CONNECTIONS
Connector Type5-Way post
PHYSICAL SPECS
Height188.9mm ( 7-7/16-inch)
Width190.5mm ( 7-1/2-inch)
Depth308.0mm ( 12-1/8-inch)
Height188.9mm ( 7-7/16-inch)
Weight3.76 kg (8.3 lbs)
Enclosure
FinishMDF, Wood-grain vinyl
Available ColorsBlack
Moisture ResistanceNo
OTHER
Handheld RemoteNo
Parts Warranty5 Years
Labor Warranty5 Years
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