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  1. Home
  2. Polk Audio Speakers
  3. Passive Bookshelf Speakers
  4. Polk Audio Signature S10
Polk Audio S10 Review
Polk S10 - Front View

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Main Features

  • 1" Soft-Dome Tweeter
  • 4" Mica-reinforced polypropylene Woofer
  • 67-40k Hz Frequency Response
  • 87 dB Sensitivity
  • Impedance: 8ohms
  • Power Range: 20-100 watts
  • Weight: 6.01 lbs / 2.73 kg
  • Dimensions(HxWxD): 8.4"x5.0"x6.1" / 214.0 x 127.0 x 155.0mm
MSRP: $199 (list price)
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Polk S10 Review
Polk S10 Polk S10
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Made by Polk Audio · United States · since 1972 · sold through dealers

Polk Audio Signature S10 is a 2-way Passive Bass Reflex Bookshelf speaker by Polk Audio. It was released in September 2016. It features a 1" Soft-Dome Tweeter and 1 x 4" Mica-reinforced polypropylene Woofer. The speaker has a frequency range of 67-40k Hz and a sensitivity of 87 dB. Polk S10 has an MSRP of 199$ per pair.

Room Size Suitability

The size of the room where you plan to use the Polk S10 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 later replaced S10 with ES10. Follow the link to read our in-depth comparison of these speakers:
Compare Polk S10 vs Polk ES10

Polk Audio's Signature S Series of Loudspeakers

S10 is a member of Polk Audio's Signature S series of Passive speakers. The Signature S range was Polk Audio's affordable line of home-theatre and hi-fi speakers. Below you can see the main specs of these speakers.

See all 6 Polk Audio Signature S models compared »

Polk Audio Signature S Series Speakers
Model Frequency SensitivityImpedance Woofer
Polk S60
Compare
26-40k Hz 90 dB8Ω 3 x 6.5"
Polk S20
Compare
39-40k Hz 88 dB8Ω 1 x 6.5"
Polk S15
Compare
50-40k Hz 88 dB8Ω 1 x 5.25"
Polk S55
Compare
32-40k Hz 90 dB8Ω 2 x 6.5"
Polk S10
67-40k Hz 87 dB8Ω 1 x 4"
Polk S50
Compare
33-40k Hz 89 dB8Ω 2 x 5.25"
Polk Audio Signature S Series Speakers
Polk Audio Signature S Series Speakers

Frequency Response of the Polk S10 Speaker

Polk S10 has a Frequency response range of 67-40k Hz and Power Range of 20-100 watts. With a minimum frequency of 67 Hz, it is hard to expect a strong bass response from S10 so depending on your use case, using a subwoofer will significantly help to widen the response range.

Here we have a comparison of how S10's Low frequency value compares with the average, max and min Low frequency values in its class.
Low Frequency
Bookshelf Speakers
Polk S10
Min
Average
Median
Thinking about a subwoofer for the Polk S10?
  • Work out the crossover setting - it follows from this speaker's 67 Hz low end
  • Powered subwoofers under $300 - a similar price range to these speakers
  • Every powered subwoofer we cover, whatever the budget

Crossover frequency of the Polk S10?

The crossover frequency of the S10 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.

Polk S10 driver frequency bands67-2.5kWoofer 4"2.5k-40kTweeter 1"20501002005001k2k5k10k20k40kHz, log scale

Impedance and Sensitivity

Polk S10's nominal impedance level is 8 ohms and has a sensitivity of 87 dB.

Sensitivity
Bookshelf Speakers
Polk S10
Min
Average
Median

8 Ohms is pretty much the standard nominal impedance amongst stereo speakers and amplifiers so Polk Audio Signature S10 is not considered a difficult to drive speaker from nominal Impedance perspective.

Sensitivity

With a sensitivity level of only 87 dB, Polk Audio Signature S10 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 S10 plays in your room →

What amplifier does the Polk S10 need?

At normal listening levels in a medium room, about 15–100 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

S10 features 5-way post type connectors. Bi-amping and Bi-wiring are not possible.

Work out what gauge speaker cable this run needs →

Polk S10 Back View
Polk S10 Back View

Polk S10 Terminals
Polk S10's 5-way post terminals

Polk S10 External Dimensions and Weight

Polk S10 has external dimensions of (Height x Width x Depth) 8.4 x 5.0 x 6.1inch (214.0 x 127.0 x 155.0mm ).

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 S10 is approximately 196.9cm2 / 30.5inch2.

Find speakers that fit your shelf or alcove →  ·  Work out where they should sit in the room →

Weight

The Polk S10 weighs 2.73kg / 6lbs per piece. Here is a comparison of how S10's weight compares with the average, max and min weights in its class.

Weight
All Bookshelf Speakers
Polk S10
Min
Average
Median
Weight
Bookshelf Speakers under $300
Polk S10
Min
Average
Max
Polk S10  - Top View
Polk S10 - Top View

Cabinet type and Materials

Polk S10 has a Bass Reflex type cabinet and a Meddite MDF 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 S10 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 S10 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.

Available colors

Polk S10 is available in Black.

Wall Mounting

S10 has Keyhole mounting bracket that makes it possible to mount on walls and similar surfaces easily.

Does the Polk S10 come with a Grille?

S10 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 S10?

Here are the items that are included inside the box of S10:
  • 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 S10.

  • 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.
  • 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.

User's Manual

For more information about how to setup, use and maintain the Polk Audio Signature S10, use the direct link below to download the official manual document:
Download User Manual for Polk S10

Official Brochure

Here is a link to download the official brochure for the Polk Audio Signature S10 speaker:
Official Brochure for Polk S10

Official Product Page

Official manufacturer's product page for the Polk Audio Signature S10 speaker can be found below:
Official Product Page for Polk S10

Warranty

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

Polk Audio Signature S10 Alternatives in Passive Bookshelf Speakers
Model Type Sensitivity Impedance Frequency
Polk ES10
Compare
2-way 84 dB 8 ohms 78-40k Hz
Polk S15
Compare
2-way 88 dB 8 ohms 50-40k Hz
Polk S20
Compare
2-way 88 dB 8 ohms 39-40k Hz
Q Acoustics 3020i
Compare
2-way 88 dB 6 ohms 64-30k Hz
Klipsch R-41M
Compare
2-way 90 dB 8 ohms 68-21k Hz
PSB P3
Compare
2-way 87 dB 8 ohms 57-21k Hz
Polk S60
Compare
2-way 90 dB 8 ohms 26-40k Hz
SVS Prime Bookshelf
Compare
2-way 87 dB 8 ohms 48-25k Hz
Frequently Asked Questions about Polk Audio Signature S10

What amplifier do you need for the Polk S10?

Polk Audio rates the Polk S10 for 20-100 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 S10 easy to drive?

The Polk S10 has a sensitivity of 87 dB. That is about average for a home speaker, so it is neither hard nor especially easy to drive.

Does the Polk S10 need a subwoofer?

The Polk S10 reaches down to 67Hz (full range 67-40k 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 S10 use?

The Polk S10 is a 2-way design using a 1" Soft-Dome tweeter and a 4" Mica-reinforced polypropylene woofer.

Is the Polk S10 sealed or ported?

The Polk S10 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 S10 be bi-wired or bi-amped?

No. The Polk S10 has a single pair of terminals, so bi-wiring and bi-amping are not possible. It uses 5-way post terminals.

Can the Polk S10 be wall mounted?

Yes. The Polk S10 has a Keyhole for wall mounting.

Does the Polk S10 come with grilles?

Yes. The Polk S10 comes with removable grilles.

How big and heavy is the Polk S10?

The Polk S10 weighs 2.73kg / 6lbs each and measures 8.4 x 5.0 x 6.1inch (HxWxD).

How much does the Polk S10 cost?

The Polk S10 has a manufacturer's list price (MSRP) of $199 per pair.


Polk S10 Detailed Specifications

General
BrandPolk Audio
Full Model NamePolk Audio Signature S10
Speaker Type2-way Bookshelf
Power Range20-100 watts
Sensitivity87 dB
Impedance8 ohms
Frequency Response67-40k Hz
Release DateSeptember 2016
DRIVERS
Woofer Size4-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
Height214.0mm ( 8.4-inch)
Width127.0mm ( 5.0-inch)
Depth155.0mm ( 6.1-inch)
Height214.0mm ( 8.4-inch)
Weight2.73 kg (6 lbs)
EnclosureBass Reflex
FinishMeddite MDF
Available ColorsBlack
Mounting BracketKeyhole
Recommended Stand Height28-31
GrilleYes
Moisture ResistanceNo
OTHER
Handheld RemoteNo
Parts Warranty5 Years
Labor Warranty5 Years
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