Short answer: the Infinity Reference 253 for controlled beamwidth, the Polk T50 for bass depth. The Reference 253 holds a fairly smooth horizontal beamwidth of about +/-60 degrees, but its spinorama and predicted in-room response both show treble above 4kHz that is too hot, a dip around 2kHz, and bass shelved down relative to the midrange. The T50 at $498 has pretty deep bass but peaks 5dB at 1kHz and runs 4dB bright from 11kHz up.
Buy the Polk T50. It is rated higher for sound quality, and the Infinity Reference 253 is discontinued, so it is only available used.
Want more options? Browse the full Passive Home rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| Polk T50 | Infinity Reference 253 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $498 per pair | $400 per pair used, Discontinued |
| Ranked | #54 of 74 in Large Size Floorstanding Speakers | #60 of 74 in Large Size Floorstanding Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 38Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 38Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 47Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 78Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Impedance | 4 ohms nominal (4.2 ohms minimum, measured by Audio Science Review) | 6 ohms |
| Drivers | 2x 6.5” bi-laminate paper cone woofers, 1x 1” Terylene dome tweeter + 2x 8” passive bass radiators | Dual 5.25” (130mm) CMMD™ woofers, 5.25” (130mm) flat-piston CMMD™ midrange, 1” (25mm) CMMD™ tweeter |
| Weight | 75.4 lbs (34.2 kg) | 39.2 lbs (17.8 kg) each |
| Sensitivity | 86.3dB (2.83V/1m, measured by Audio Science Review) | 86.9dB (measured by Audio Science Review; 88dB manufacturer specified) |
| Dimensions | 40.4”H x 9.3”W x 12.5”D (1026.2 x 235.0 x 317.5 mm) | 40.3”H x 6.8”W x 12.4”D (1023.6 x 172.7 x 315 mm) |
| Woofer Cabinet | passive radiator | ported, rear |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 4.14 | 5.43 (spinorama.org) |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.15 | 7.31 (spinorama.org) |
| DIY Kit | No | No |
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Prices on this page were last checked October 2, 2026 at 10:18 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 T50: $498 per pair Amazon eBay
Pros: Pretty deep bass for the price. Distortion at 86dB SPL/1m is reasonably controlled outside a narrow spike around 250Hz. The reviewer notes performance is “not too bad for a budget speaker” once the two main tonal issues are addressed with EQ. Measured bass extension of 47Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 86.3dB.
Cons: 5dB peak at 1kHz, 4dB bright top end from 11kHz on up. Just okay vertical off axis. Impedance and phase show several resonances between 200Hz-1kHz, with a minimum impedance of 4.2 ohms. Distortion rises substantially at 96dB SPL/1m across the midrange, with repeated peaks between 100Hz-2kHz.
Full Polk T50 review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 38Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 47Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| DIY Kit | No |
| Dimensions | 40.4”H x 9.3”W x 12.5”D (1026.2 x 235.0 x 317.5 mm) |
| Drivers | 2x 6.5” bi-laminate paper cone woofers, 1x 1” Terylene dome tweeter + 2x 8” passive bass radiators |
| Impedance | 4 ohms nominal (4.2 ohms minimum, measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Sensitivity | 86.3dB (2.83V/1m, measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 4.14 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.15 |
| Weight | 75.4 lbs (34.2 kg) |
| Woofer Cabinet | passive radiator |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
Infinity Reference 253: $400 per pair used Discontinued eBay
Pros: Horizontal beamwidth of about ±60 degrees is fairly smooth and well controlled. Really amazing value for the performance. Measured bass extension of 78Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 86.9dB.
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) |
| DIY Kit | No |
| Dimensions | 40.3”H x 6.8”W x 12.4”D (1023.6 x 172.7 x 315 mm) |
| 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) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 5.43 (spinorama.org) |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.31 (spinorama.org) |
| 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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