Short answer: the Infinity Reference 253. It ranks #60 of 71 floorstanding speakers by sound quality at $400; the Polk Signature Elite ES60 ranks #61 and costs $539, so there is not much of a tradeoff to weigh.
What the Polk Signature Elite ES60 offers: Three 6.5-inch woofers deliver strong output, 39Hz measured extension and about 89.5dB measured sensitivity. Its local Spinorama scores of 2.98 raw and 4.86 with subwoofer are respectable for a large value-oriented tower, with reasonably smooth listening-window behavior. Watch for: 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.
What the Infinity Reference 253 offers: Horizontal beamwidth of about ±60 degrees is fairly smooth and well controlled. Really amazing value for the performance. Watch for: CEA2034 spinorama and predicted in-room response both show elevated treble above 4kHz (“too hot”), a dip around 2kHz, and bass shelved down relative to the midrange. Vertical directivity requires staying at or below the tweeter axis for accurate tonal balance. Distortion at 96dB SPL/1m is broadly elevated above the reviewer’s audibility threshold across much of the midrange. Minimum impedance dips to 4.2 ohms.
Buy the Infinity Reference 253. It ranks higher for sound quality than the Polk Signature Elite ES60 and costs less, which settles it without a real tradeoff to make.
If sound quality matters at all to you, skip both of these and look higher up the 71 floorstanding speakers instead.
Specifications Side By Side
| Polk Signature Elite ES60 | Infinity Reference 253 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $539 each | $400 used, Discontinued |
| Ranked | #61 of 71 in Large Size Floorstanding Speakers | #60 of 71 in Large Size Floorstanding Speakers |
| Enclosure | 2-way floorstander with Power Port | - |
| Drivers | 1" Terylene tweeter, three 6.5" woofers | Dual 5.25" (130mm) CMMD™ woofers, 5.25" (130mm) flat-piston CMMD™ midrange, 1" (25mm) CMMD™ tweeter |
| Frequency Response | 32Hz-40kHz (manufacturer) | - |
| Sensitivity | 90dB specified; 89.5dB measured | 86.9dB (measured by Audio Science Review; 88dB manufacturer specified) |
| Impedance | 8 ohms compatible | 6 ohms |
| Dimensions | 44.5H x 8.5W x 15.7D in | 40.3"H x 6.8"W x 12.4"D (1023.6 x 172.7 x 315 mm) |
| Weight | 52 lbs each | 39.2 lbs / 17.8 kg each |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | - | 38Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | - | 78Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Woofer Cabinet | - | ported, rear |
| Discontinued | - | Yes |
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The Two Speakers In Full
Polk Signature Elite ES60: $539 each 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 2.98 raw and 4.86 with subwoofer are respectable for a large value-oriented tower, with reasonably smooth listening-window behavior.
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 →
| 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 |
| Weight | 52 lbs each |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
Infinity Reference 253: $400 used, Discontinued eBay
Pros: Horizontal beamwidth of about ±60 degrees is fairly smooth and well controlled. Really amazing value for the performance.
Cons: CEA2034 spinorama and predicted in-room response both show elevated treble above 4kHz (“too hot”), a dip around 2kHz, and bass shelved down relative to the midrange. Vertical directivity requires staying at or below the tweeter axis for accurate tonal balance. Distortion at 96dB SPL/1m is broadly elevated above the reviewer’s audibility threshold across much of the midrange. Minimum impedance dips to 4.2 ohms. Discontinued.
Full Infinity Reference 253 review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 38Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 78Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Dimensions | 40.3"H x 6.8"W x 12.4"D (1023.6 x 172.7 x 315 mm) |
| Discontinued | Yes |
| Drivers | Dual 5.25" (130mm) CMMD™ woofers, 5.25" (130mm) flat-piston CMMD™ midrange, 1" (25mm) CMMD™ tweeter |
| Impedance | 6 ohms |
| Sensitivity | 86.9dB (measured by Audio Science Review; 88dB manufacturer specified) |
| Weight | 39.2 lbs / 17.8 kg each |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, rear |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
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