Short answer: the Polk Audio XT70. It ranks #170 of 228 floorstanding speakers by sound quality, rated 3.6/5, at $698; the Polk Signature Elite ES60 ranks #187, rated 3.4/5, and costs $1,198, so there is not much of a tradeoff to weigh.
The Polk Audio XT70 is the more accurate, deeper-bass pick. A budget tower with twin woofers and two passive radiators for extra bass, working with 4 or 8 ohm amplifiers. Its measured preference score, a predictor of how neutral it sounds, is 5.16 against 3.69 for the Polk Signature Elite ES60. Its bass reaches about 43.9Hz before falling 3dB, against 51.3Hz for the Polk Signature Elite ES60. The tradeoff: 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: A value tower with three 6.5 inch woofers for strong output and deep bass, easy to drive. 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 than the Polk Signature Elite ES60 and costs less, so it is the default pick unless a specific strength of the other one matters more to you.
Want more options? Browse the full Passive Home rankings.
Measured Differences
- Bass depth: the Polk Audio XT70 reaches 43.9 Hz (3 dB down) against 51.3 Hz for the Polk Signature Elite ES60, about half an octave deeper. You hear more of the lowest bass notes and kick drums.
- Tonal accuracy above the bass: with a subwoofer taking the low end, the Polk Audio XT70 scores 7.1 against 5.6 for the Polk Signature Elite ES60 on the Spinorama preference scale. Its frequency response and off-axis sound are smoother, so voices and instruments sound closer to the recording.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Polk Audio XT70 | Polk Signature Elite ES60 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $698 per pair | $1,198 per pair |
| Ranked | #170 of 228 in Large Size Floorstanding Speakers | #187 of 228 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) |
Where the Ratings Come From
- Polk Audio XT70: Spinorama.org measurements.
- Polk Signature Elite ES60: Spinorama.org measurements.
This comparison is generated from the ratings, specifications and measurements on each product’s own page, and it updates when that data changes. How we rank explains how each rating is decided.
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