Pros
Clean, precise, full, and dynamic sound
Well-defined and tight bass
Smooth mids and crisp highs without being sibilant or fatigueing
Impressive build quality
Hi-Res Audio Certified
Wide soundstage and excellent imaging
Affordable and great value for money
Efficient and don't require much power to drive
Attractive design with walnut veneer finish
Excellent for both music and movies
Magnetic grills
Versatile use—good for both stereo and surround sound setups
Cons
Heavy and big, might be challenging for small spaces
Bass might not be ground shaking for some users
Prospective buyers might be confused by mixed reviews for different models
Main Product Advantages
10 Sound Quality
Reviewers highlight the sound quality as 'clean, precise, full, and dynamic' with 'excellent imaging and soundstage'. Highs are noted to be 'clean and crisp without being sibilant or fatiguing', mids are 'smooth and natural', and bass is 'deep and powerful'.
10 Build Quality
The speakers are frequently praised for being 'big, heavy, sturdy', and constructed of 'very high-quality materials'. Cabinets are very well made and heavier than anticipated.
9 Performance Versatility
These speakers are praised for their versatility, performing well with 'vinyl, CDs, and digital copies/streaming'. They 'work very well for both Dolby Atmos movies and Atmos music'.
9 Value for Money
Multiple users describe the speakers as offering 'great value for money', stating they 'punch well above their price' and 'don't break the bank' while delivering excellent performance.
8 Design and Appearance
Reviewers complement the design stating they 'look kick ass' and pass the 'wife test', with a 'nice walnut veneer finish' and available in white which is considered 'a masterpiece'.
7 Ease of Setup and Use
The speakers are 'not hard to drive', with correct sensitivity at 88db, making them accessible for users without powerful amps. Some users noted the ease of setup especially in apartments and smaller spaces.
7 Power Requirements
The speakers are described as 'very efficient' and users appreciated that they 'don't require a lot of power to drive'. However, one review mentions a need for higher power to unleash full potential.
Polk Signature Elite ES20 Bookshelf Speaker Review
Enjoy movies, gaming, and multi-channel music in high-resolution cinematic sound with Polk’s full-range ES20 wall-mountable, compact surround loudspeaker. This speaker is perfect for anyone looking to enhance their audio experience without taking up too much space.
Design and Build Quality
The design of the Polk Signature Elite ES20 is sleek and contemporary, finished in a stylish walnut that seamlessly blends into any home decor. The compact size makes it easy to wall-mount, giving you more flexibility in your setup.
Audio Performance
Featuring a Dynamically Balanced acoustic array, the ES20 includes a 1” High-Resolution Terylene Tweeter and a 6.5” Mica-Fortified Polypropylene Woofer. These components, along with Precision Crossovers, work together to deliver crystal-clear, highly detailed sound. Whether you're listening to live music or watching an intense movie scene, the audio remains vibrant and clear no matter where you are in the room.
Bass Performance
Polk’s Patented Power Port Bass Enhancing Technology is a standout feature. It extends the overall bass port and provides a greater surface area for distortion-free and louder bass. This makes the bass impact more pronounced and enjoyable, especially for those who love feeling the energy of live music.
Compatibility
The ES20 is Hi-Res Audio Certified and offers accurate sound reproduction even from the latest Dolby Atmos and DTS:X surround sound AVRs and amplifiers. This makes it a versatile choice, adaptable to various high-tech setups.
System Integration
The Signature Elite Series is designed with quality, timbre-matched Polk components, allowing you to mix and match models. You can pair the ES20 with the Signature Elite ES50 tower pair, ES30 center channel, and any subwoofer for a complete 5.1 surround sound setup, creating your dream home theater or music listening environment.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Polk Signature Elite ES20 Bookshelf Speaker stands out for its high-resolution sound, versatile design, and bass performance. It's a great addition to any home audio system, offering the flexibility to expand and adapt over time. Whether you're a movie buff, a gaming enthusiast, or a music lover, the ES20 delivers exceptional audio quality that elevates your listening experience.
