Short answer: the Polk Audio XT70. It ranks #58 of 73 floorstanding speakers by sound quality, rated 3.6/5, at $698. The Polk Signature Elite ES60 ranks #62, rated 3.4/5, at $599, $99 cheaper, not enough of a saving to outweigh the sound-quality gap.
Why pick the Polk Audio XT70: The flagship tower in Polk’s current Monitor XT lineup, sitting above the XT60 and XT15 in the same series, adding a second 6.5” woofer and dual 8” passive radiators for more low-end output. The catch: On-axis smoothness (0.274) and listening-window smoothness (0.303) are unremarkable for a tower this size, with a pronounced +0.28dB per octave upward tonal tilt giving it a brighter-leaning balance and a predicted in-room smoothness of just 0.31.
Why pick the Polk Signature Elite ES60: Three 6.5-inch woofers deliver strong output, 39Hz measured extension and about 89.5dB measured sensitivity. The catch: The measured data show enough directivity and response unevenness to keep it below the strongest neutral towers, and its large cabinet needs room.
Buy the Polk Audio XT70. It is rated higher for sound quality, and the $99 saving on the Polk Signature Elite ES60 is not enough to make up the difference.
Want more options? Browse the full Passive Home rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| Polk Audio XT70 | Polk Signature Elite ES60 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $698 per pair | $599 per pair |
| Ranked | #58 of 73 in Large Size Floorstanding Speakers | #62 of 73 in Large Size Floorstanding Speakers |
| Enclosure | Ported, critically-braced MDF | 2-way floorstander with Power Port |
| Drivers | 1” Terylene dome tweeter, 2x 6.5” Dynamic Balance woofers, 2x 8” passive radiators | 1” Terylene tweeter, three 6.5” woofers |
| Dimensions | 40.4H x 9.25W x 12.5D in | 44.5H x 8.5W x 15.7D in |
| Weight | 35.1 lbs (15.9 kg) each | 52 lbs (23.6 kg) each |
| Sensitivity | 89dB @ 1W/1m | 90dB specified; 89.5dB measured |
| Impedance | 4/8 ohm compatible | 8 ohms compatible |
| Country | China | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 5.16 | 3.69 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.10 | 5.57 |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 43.9Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner via spinorama.org) | 51.3Hz (measured, ASR via spinorama.org) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 37.7Hz (derived, sustained-crossing interpolation, Erin’s Audio Corner via spinorama.org) | 37.1Hz (derived, log-interpolated between spinorama.org -9dB/-12dB points) |
| DIY Kit | No | No |
| Frequency Response | - | 32Hz-40kHz (manufacturer) |
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- Polk T50 vs Polk Signature Elite ES60
Prices on this page were last checked September 29, 2026 at 3:43 PM UTC. Product prices and availability are accurate as of that date/time and are subject to change; the price and availability shown on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
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The Two Speakers In Full
Polk Audio XT70: $698 per pair Amazon eBay
Pros: The flagship tower in Polk’s current Monitor XT lineup, sitting above the XT60 and XT15 in the same series, adding a second 6.5” woofer and dual 8” passive radiators for more low-end output. Rated for both 4 and 8 ohm operation. Measured bass extension of 43.9Hz (-3dB).
Cons: On-axis smoothness (0.274) and listening-window smoothness (0.303) are unremarkable for a tower this size, with a pronounced +0.28dB per octave upward tonal tilt giving it a brighter-leaning balance and a predicted in-room smoothness of just 0.31. Directivity-index standard deviation of 3.33 is unremarkable either way.
Full Polk Audio XT70 review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 37.7Hz (derived, sustained-crossing interpolation, Erin’s Audio Corner via spinorama.org) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 43.9Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner via spinorama.org) |
| Country | China |
| DIY Kit | No |
| Dimensions | 40.4H x 9.25W x 12.5D in |
| Drivers | 1” Terylene dome tweeter, 2x 6.5” Dynamic Balance woofers, 2x 8” passive radiators |
| Enclosure | Ported, critically-braced MDF |
| Impedance | 4/8 ohm compatible |
| Sensitivity | 89dB @ 1W/1m |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 5.16 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.10 |
| Weight | 35.1 lbs (15.9 kg) each |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
Polk Signature Elite ES60: $599 per pair Crutchfield eBay
Pros: Three 6.5-inch woofers deliver strong output, 39Hz measured extension and about 89.5dB measured sensitivity. Its local Spinorama scores of 3.69 raw and 5.57 with subwoofer are respectable for a large value-oriented tower, with reasonably smooth listening-window behavior. Measured bass extension of 51.3Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 90dB.
Cons: The measured data show enough directivity and response unevenness to keep it below the strongest neutral towers, and its large cabinet needs room. Polk’s 32Hz lower-limit claim is optimistic relative to the independent anechoic result.
Full Polk Signature Elite ES60 review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 37.1Hz (derived, log-interpolated between spinorama.org -9dB/-12dB points) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 51.3Hz (measured, ASR via spinorama.org) |
| DIY Kit | No |
| Dimensions | 44.5H x 8.5W x 15.7D in |
| Drivers | 1” Terylene tweeter, three 6.5” woofers |
| Enclosure | 2-way floorstander with Power Port |
| Frequency Response | 32Hz-40kHz (manufacturer) |
| Impedance | 8 ohms compatible |
| Sensitivity | 90dB specified; 89.5dB measured |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 3.69 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 5.57 |
| Weight | 52 lbs (23.6 kg) each |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons