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Polk Audio Polk Signature Elite ES8 Subwoofer Review
Polk Signature Elite ES8 - Image 1

Main Features

  • 8" Mineral-filled polypropylene Woofer
  • 100 watts RMS Output
  • 32-180 Hz Frequency Response
  • Weight: 39.00 lbs / 17.73kg
  • Dimensions (H x W x D): 15-1/8" x 12-13/16" x 17-3/16"
MSRP: $449 (list price)
Check price atAmazon›

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Polk Signature Elite ES8 Subwoofer Review
Polk Signature Elite ES8 Polk Signature Elite...
Check price atAmazon›

Elite ES8 is a Ported type Powered Subwoofer by Polk Audio with a frequency range of 32-180 Hz. It was released in August 2024. It features 1 x 8" Mineral-filled polypropylene Woofer, and powered by a Class D 100 watts amplifier.

Polk Signature Elite ES8  Lifestyle
Polk Signature Elite ES8 Lifestyle

Elite ES8 is a member of Polk Audio's Signature Elite series of Powered subwoofers. 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 subwoofers as well as review and comparison links.

Polk Audio Signature Elite Series Subwoofers
Model Frequency Woofer Amp Power Weight
Polk Signature Elite ES12
Compare
22-250k Hz 12" 300 watts 21.64kg
Polk Signature Elite ES10
Compare
28-250k Hz 10" 200 watts 17.73kg
Polk Signature Elite ES8
32-180k Hz 8" 100 watts 17.73kg
Polk Audio Signature Elite Series Speakers
Polk Audio Signature Elite Series Speakers


**This post contains affiliate links, and we will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking through our links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Frequency Response

Where should the crossover go? →  ·  What will your room do to this bass? →

Polk Signature Elite ES8 has a Frequency response range of 32-180 Hz.

Here we have a comparison of how Elite ES8's Low and High frequency values compare with the average, max and min Low and High frequency values in its class.
Low Frequency
Powered Subwoofers
Polk Signature Elite ES8
Min
Average
Max
High Frequency
Subwoofer Speakers
Polk Signature Elite ES8
Min
Average
Max
Polk Signature Elite ES8 Woofer
Polk Signature Elite ES8's Mineral-filled polypropylene Woofer

Among all subwoofers in our database with a max MSRP price of 500$, these are the 5 Powered Subwoofer models that can reach deeper bass levels than the Polk Signature Elite ES8's 32Hz:

  • OSD Nero DueVoce DualX8 with Low Frequency of 17 Hz (Compare w/ Elite ES8)
  • SVS PB-1000 with Low Frequency of 19 Hz (Compare w/ Elite ES8)
  • Klipsch SPL-120 with Low Frequency of 24 Hz (Compare w/ Elite ES8)
  • Klipsch R-112SW with Low Frequency of 24 Hz (Compare w/ Elite ES8)
  • Polk Monitor XT12 with Low Frequency of 24 Hz (Compare w/ Elite ES8)

Low-Pass Crossover

Polk Signature Elite ES8 has a variable Low-pass filter (LFP) which lets you choose a frequency level between 50-160 Hz in order to block any frequencies above that point from reaching the amplifier.

Polk Signature Elite ES8 Back View
Polk Signature Elite ES8 Back View

Inputs and Outputs

  • PreampLevel Inputs: LFE, Stereo RCA
  • SpeakerLevel Inputs: No
  • SpeakerLevel Outputs: No
  • Wireless: No

Polk Signature Elite ES8 Connections
Polk Signature Elite ES8 Connections

Polk Signature Elite ES8 External Dimensions and Weight

Polk Signature Elite ES8 has external dimensions of (Height x Width x Depth) 15-1/8inch x 12-13/16inch x 17-3/16inch (385.0 x 326.0 x 437.0mm ).

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 Signature Elite ES8 is approximately 1424.6cm2 / 220.8inch2.

Find speakers that fit your shelf or alcove →

Weight

The Polk Signature Elite ES8 weighs 17.73kg / 39lbs. Weight of a subwoofer is an important factor when you need to move and reposition the unit often to find the optimal positioning, also known as 'Subwoofer Crawling'. Here is a comparison of how Elite ES8's weight compares with the average, max and min weights in its class.

Weight
All Subwoofer Speakers
Polk Signature Elite ES8
Min
Average
Median
Weight
Subwoofer Speakers under $500
Polk Signature Elite ES8
Min
Average
Max

How does the Polk Signature Elite ES8 compare to the Polk Signature Elite ES10?

One of the natural alternative to the Polk Signature Elite ES8 is the Elite ES10 which is located one step higher in Polk Audio's Powered Subwoofer selection.

Check the Detailed Comparison of Polk Signature Elite ES8 vs Elite ES10 for more details.

Cabinet type and Materials

Polk Signature Elite ES8 has a Bass Reflex type cabinet. Ported subwoofers are generally accepted to be more suitable for home theatre systems whereas the sealed designs are preferred for music oriented systems.

Port Position

Polk Signature Elite ES8 is a front-firing port speaker, which gives you more flexibility compared to rear firing speakers when you need to place it close against a wall or other surfaces.

Polk Signature Elite ES8  Port
Polk Signature Elite ES8 Port

Does the Polk Signature Elite ES8 come with a Grille?

Elite ES8 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.

Polk Signature Elite ES8  with Grille
Polk Signature Elite ES8 with Grille

What's in the Box of Polk Signature Elite ES8?

Here are the items that are included inside the box of Elite ES8:
  • Powered subwoofer
  • Grille
  • 6-feet AC power cord
  • Owners Manual
  • Online Product Registration sheet

Recommended Accessories

Here is a list of accessories that we think you may need for the Polk Signature Elite ES8.

  • 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.

User's Manual

For more information about how to setup, use and maintain the Polk Signature Elite ES8, use the direct link below to download the official manual document:
Download User Manual for Polk Signature Elite ES8

Official Brochure

Here is a link to download the official brochure for the Polk Signature Elite ES8 speaker:
Official Brochure for Polk Signature Elite ES8

Official Product Page

Official manufacturer's product page for the Polk Signature Elite ES8 speaker can be found below:
Official Product Page for Polk Signature Elite ES8

Warranty

3 Years of parts warranty and 3 Years of labor warranty is generally provided by the manufacturer.

Polk Signature Elite ES8  Lifestyle
Polk Signature Elite ES8 Lifestyle

Polk Signature Elite ES8 Detailed Specifications

General
BrandPolk Audio
Full Model NamePolk Signature Elite ES8
TypePowered Subwoofer
Release DateAugust 2024
Frequency Response32-180 Hz
Enclosure TypePorted
EnclosureBass Reflex
Firing DirectionFront
Port Positionfront
Amplifier & Driver
Power (RMS)100 watts
Amplifier TypeClass D
Woofer8-inch Mineral-filled polypropylene

Controls & Connections
Low-pass Crossover50-160 Hz
Phase ControlYes
WirelessNo
Line-level InputsLFE, Stereo RCA
Speaker-level InputsNo
Speaker-level OutputsNo
Physical
Dimensions (HxWxD)15-1/8" x 12-13/16" x 17-3/16" (385.0 x 326.0 x 437.0mm)
Weight17.73 kg (39 lbs)
GrilleYes
Mounting BracketNo
Parts Warranty3 Years
Labor Warranty3 Years
Polk Signature Elite ES8 Alternatives in Powered Subwoofer Speakers
Model Frequency Woofer Amp Power Dimensions
Polk Monitor XT12
Compare
24-160k Hz 12" 50 watts 16-7/16inch x 16-1/16inch x 19-1/16inch"
SVS SB-1000 Pro
Compare
20-270k Hz 12" 325 watts 13-1/2inch x 13inch x 15-13/16inch"
B&W DB4S
Compare
10-350k Hz 10" 1000 watts 14-3/4 x 14-1/4 x 17-1/16inch"
Klipsch R-121SW
Compare
28-120k Hz 12" 200 watts 16-5/8inch x 16inch x 20-15/16inch"
Klipsch R-101SW
Compare
30-160k Hz 10" 150 watts 14-9/16inch x 14-1/16inch x 20-13/16inch"
Klipsch RP-1200SW
Compare
17-138k Hz 12" 400 watts 18-15/16inch x 17inch x 25-15/16inch"
KEF KC62
Compare
11-200k Hz 6.5" 1000 watts 9-5/8inch x 10-1/8inch x 11-1/16inch"
Klipsch R-100SW
Compare
32-120k Hz 10" 150 watts 14-5/8 x 12-9/16 x 18-1/16inch"
Wharfedale SW-15
Compare
30-120k Hz 15" 400 watts 22-7/16inch x 19-3/8inch x 24-3/16inch"
Klipsch SPL-100
Compare
27-125k Hz 10" 200 watts 16-7/16 x 14-1/16 x 18-13/16inch"
B&W ASW610
Compare
27-140k Hz 10" 200 watts 12-5/8 x 12-1/4 x 15-1/2inch"
KEF KUBE 8b
Compare
34-140k Hz 8" 300 watts 11-9/16 x 11-5/8 x 13-5/16inch"
KEF KUBE 10b
Compare
24-140k Hz 10" 300 watts 14-5/8 x 14 x 15-5/8inch"
B&W ASW608
Compare
32-140k Hz 8" 200 watts 10-11/16 x 10-1/4 x 13-3/4inch"
JBL Stage A120P
Compare
32-150k Hz 12" 250 watts 16-5/16 x 15-7/16 x 18-11/16inch"
Klipsch SPL-120
Compare
24-125k Hz 12" 300 watts 17-11/16 x 14-3/4 x 21-1/4inch"
Frequently Asked Questions about Polk Signature Elite ES8

How low can the Polk Signature Elite ES8 go?

The Polk Signature Elite ES8 has a frequency response of 32-180 Hz. Its low-end extends to 32Hz.

How much power does the Polk Signature Elite ES8 have?

The Polk Signature Elite ES8 has a built-in 100-watt RMS Class D amplifier.

Is the Polk Signature Elite ES8 sealed or ported?

The Polk Signature Elite ES8 uses a Ported enclosure. Ported (bass-reflex) designs use a tuned vent to move more air, giving deeper, louder output for the same driver, which suits home theater.

What driver does the Polk Signature Elite ES8 use?

The Polk Signature Elite ES8 has a 8-inch Mineral-filled polypropylene driver.

Does the Polk Signature Elite ES8 have app control or room correction?

Yes. The Polk Signature Elite ES8 offers an adjustable low-pass crossover (50-160 Hz) and phase control, letting you dial the sub into your room and blend it with your speakers.

How do you connect the Polk Signature Elite ES8?

The Polk Signature Elite ES8 connects via line-level LFE, Stereo RCA inputs.

How big and heavy is the Polk Signature Elite ES8?

The Polk Signature Elite ES8 weighs 17.73kg / 39lbs and measures 15-1/8" x 12-13/16" x 17-3/16" (HxWxD).

How much does the Polk Signature Elite ES8 cost?

The Polk Signature Elite ES8 has a manufacturer's list price (MSRP) of $449.

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