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Polk Signature Elite ES20 Bookshelf Speakers Review

Initial Impressions and Reason for Purchase

When I recently moved into a new home, the configuration of my living room no longer allowed space for my previous tower speakers, and thus, I needed a good set of bookshelf speakers. My research, comparisons, and budget eventually led me to the Polk Signature Elite ES20 Bookshelf Speakers. I’ve been familiar with Polk Audio products over the years and have always been impressed with their performance-to-cost ratio, so it felt like a sensible choice. I bought these speakers for approximately $220 for the pair, which comfortably fit my budget of $500, leaving room for further audio equipment in the future.

Design and Build Quality

The first thing you’ll notice about the Polk Signature Elite ES20 Bookshelf Speakers is their substantial size and weight. These are large bookshelf speakers, standing 15 inches high and 14 inches deep. Be mindful of their dimensions if you plan to place them on traditional bookshelves, as they may not fit. I found that they fit perfectly on my 16″ deep shelves but only when angled towards the listening area, coming right up to the edge of the shelf.

In terms of aesthetic appeal, these speakers truly shine. The glossy piano black baffle and classy magnetic grills lend them a dignified look that you might expect from high-end, megabuck speakers. The overall build quality is exceptional, with sturdy cabinets and connectors that feel well-designed and functional. Despite being made affordable through a vinyl finish and plastic power port in the rear, the Polk S20s look and feel much more premium.

Sound Quality

When it comes to audio performance, the Polk Signature Elite ES20 Bookshelf Speakers deliver in spades. The fullness and articulate sound one gets from these speakers are comparable to what you might find in speakers that cost significantly more. Initially, I had anticipated a modest improvement over the Polk S15s, but the sound quality upgrade was more substantial than expected.

These speakers excel at producing crisp and detailed highs thanks to their tweeters, while their woofers deliver clear mids and lows. What’s most surprising is the bass response. The S20s generate a level of bass that could easily make you believe there’s a subwoofer hidden in the room. For many casual listeners, this might eliminate the need for an additional subwoofer.

I found the speakers well-suited for both music and movies. They produce a seamless sound that immerses you in your content, making it hard to pick out specific sound sources. This characteristic is particularly advantageous in a home theater setup, where the goal is usually to create an encompassing soundstage.

Setting Up and Compatibility

As noted, the size of the Polk Signature Elite ES20 Bookshelf Speakers makes them less ideal for wall-mounting. I initially placed them on metal stands about 30 inches high, which provided a good listening experience. A tabletop placement also works well if that aligns better with your room configuration. In my setup, I used them as front speakers alongside other Polk Signature Series speakers such as the S35 center channel and S15s for the rear channels. This combination created an impressive 5-speaker surround setup.

It’s worth mentioning that while these speakers fit well into my existing setup, you will need a decent amplifier to bring out their full potential. Once properly powered, they’ll significantly elevate the audio quality of your home theater or music system.

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Value for Money

In the realm of mid-priced speakers, the Polk Signature Elite ES20 Bookshelf Speakers offer excellent value for money. Compared to other speakers in the same price range, they stand out for their audio performance, build quality, and aesthetic appeal. Even when compared to much pricier alternatives, they hold their own quite well.

Many users, including myself, have noted that these speakers outperform other models that cost considerably more. Polk’s focus on quality components like the crossover and drivers pays off in a big way, delivering sound quality that belies the speakers’ mid-range pricing.

Considerations and Downsides

Of course, no product is without its drawbacks. One considerable factor to keep in mind is their size. These are not your traditional compact bookshelf speakers; they are quite large, so space considerations are essential. Additionally, while the overall build quality is high, some elements like the plastic power port and vinyl finish are indicative of cost-saving measures. Though these don’t affect performance, they may be less appealing to those prioritizing luxury finishes.

Also, it’s worth noting that Amazon does not offer price protection on these speakers. If the price drops shortly after your purchase, you might end up feeling shortchanged unless you return and rebuy them, which can be inconvenient.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

    • High-quality sound comparable to more expensive speakers
    • Excellent build quality and aesthetic appeal
    • Great bass response, potentially eliminating the need for a subwoofer
    • Good value for money

Cons:

    • Large sizes may not fit on traditional bookshelves
    • Limited by vinyl finish and plastic power port
    • Amazon does not offer price protection

Uniqueness and Final Thoughts

In a crowded market of mid-range bookshelf speakers, the Polk Signature Elite ES20 stands out for its impressive sound quality and build at a reasonable price. Many speakers in this category focus either on audio quality or aesthetics but rarely manage to balance both as well as Polk does with the S20s. Although there are other excellent competitors out there, few manage to offer the same level of performance without significantly upping the price.

Ultimately, if you’re looking for a substantial upgrade in sound without breaking the bank, the Polk Signature Elite ES20 Bookshelf Speakers make for a highly commendable option. Whether you are upgrading your home theater or looking to enhance your music listening experience, these speakers deliver strong performance and value.

Summary

The Polk Signature Elite ES20 Bookshelf Speakers offer impressive sound quality and build for a reasonable price. While their large size may not fit traditional bookshelves and some elements reveal cost-saving measures, they deliver a balanced sound that’s comparable to much pricier models. They’re ideal for both music and home theater setups, providing robust bass and crisp highs. Overall, these speakers are a noteworthy option for anyone looking to upgrade their audio experience without breaking the bank.

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Bass Response
8.7
The bass response of the ES20 is pretty impressive. Many users felt like they had a small subwoofer in the room, which is high praise for bookshelf speakers. The lows and mids come through strong, making these speakers a good choice even without an additional subwoofer. But keep in mind, for the ultimate bass-heads, a dedicated subwoofer might still be necessary.
Treble Detail
8.5
The high-frequency audio performance doesn't disappoint. These speakers offer crisp and detailed highs that contribute to a well-rounded soundstage. You can expect clear vocals and instrumentals, making these ideal for both home theater and music listening.
Midrange Clarity
8.8
Midrange clarity is another strong suit for the ES20. Whether you're listening to dialogues in movies or vocals in music, everything sounds clear and natural. The speakers are well balanced in this regard, and they seamlessly blend with other speakers in the Polk Signature Series.
Design
8
The design of the ES20 is both a pro and a con. Aesthetically, they are very appealing with a glossy piano black baffle and classy magnetic grilles. However, their large size means they may not fit well on all bookshelves and certainly aren't suitable for wall mounting. Plan on giving these speakers some space to breathe.
Sound Quality
8.9
Overall sound quality is excellent. From expansive lows to crisp highs, the ES20 offers a balanced and dynamic sound profile. Users have found these to be capable of handling a wide array of genres and audio formats, making them a versatile component of any audio setup.
Value for Money
9
The Polk Signature Elite ES20 shines in the value-for-money department. At around $220 for a pair, these speakers offer sound quality close to models that are double or even triple the price. They provide a robust sound profile suitable for both music and movies, making them a cost-effective option for most people.
8.7
Total Score
Rating Summary
The Polk Signature Elite ES20 offers tremendous value for money, excelling in almost all critical aspects of audio performance. At their price point, the sound quality you get is quite impressive. The bass response is robust enough that many feel a subwoofer is almost unnecessary, and the high-frequency detail ensures crisp and clear audio for everything from movie dialogues to musical instrumentals. Midrange clarity is another standout feature, lending itself well to varied audio content. While the overall sound quality is balanced and dynamic, making these speakers a great choice for a versatile audio setup, the design does come with a caveat. The large size of these 'bookshelf' speakers may not make them suitable for all spaces, necessitating careful planning for placement. Despite that, the build quality and aesthetics are top-notch, adding a touch of elegance to any room setup. So, while they may not fit perfectly on every shelf or table, they certainly make a compelling case for those looking to upgrade their home audio system without breaking the bank.