Short answer: the Polk T50. It ranks #152 of 228 floorstanding speakers by sound quality, rated 3.8/5, at $498; the Polk Signature Elite ES60 ranks #187, rated 3.4/5, and costs $1,198, which makes this an easy call rather than a real tradeoff.
The Polk T50 is the better-sounding pick. A budget tower with twin woofers and passive radiators that gives pretty deep bass for very little money. The catch: 5dB peak at 1kHz, 4dB bright top end from 11kHz on up.
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 tradeoff: 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 T50. 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.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Passive Home rankings.
Measured Differences
- Tonal accuracy above the bass: with a subwoofer taking the low end, the Polk T50 scores 6.2 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.
- Efficiency: the Polk Signature Elite ES60 is rated at 90 dB sensitivity against 86.3 dB for the Polk T50, so it plays as loud with roughly half the amplifier power.
- Close enough not to matter: bass extension (47 Hz vs 51.3 Hz, 3 dB down).
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Specifications Side By Side
| Polk T50 | Polk Signature Elite ES60 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $498 per pair | $1,198 per pair |
| Ranked | #152 of 228 in Large Size Floorstanding Speakers | #187 of 228 in Large Size Floorstanding Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 38Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 37.1Hz (derived, log-interpolated between spinorama.org -9dB/-12dB points) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 47Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 51.3Hz (measured, ASR via spinorama.org) |
| Impedance | 4 ohms nominal (4.2 ohms minimum, measured by Audio Science Review) | 8 ohms compatible |
| Drivers | 2x 6.5” bi-laminate paper cone woofers, 1x 1” Terylene dome tweeter + 2x 8” passive bass radiators | 1” Terylene tweeter, three 6.5” woofers |
| Weight | 75.4 lbs (34.2 kg) | 52 lbs (23.6 kg) each |
| Sensitivity | 86.3dB (2.83V/1m, measured by Audio Science Review) | 90dB specified; 89.5dB measured |
| Dimensions | 40.4”H x 9.3”W x 12.5”D (1026.2 x 235.0 x 317.5 mm) | 44.5H x 8.5W x 15.7D in |
| Woofer Cabinet | passive radiator | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 4.14 | 3.69 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.15 | 5.57 |
| DIY Kit | No | No |
| Enclosure | - | 2-way floorstander with Power Port |
| Frequency Response | - | 32Hz-40kHz (manufacturer) |
Where the Ratings Come From
- Polk T50: Spinorama.org measurements and reviews by Audio Science Review.
- 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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