Polk Signature Elite ES15 Bookshelf Speaker
Pros
- Solid Sounding Performer
- Good Sound Dispersion
- Affordably Priced
- Great Looking
Cons
- May Struggle in Large Rooms
- Mid-range Not as Full as More Expensive Speakers
Polk Signature ES15 Build
The ES15s come in three color choices black, walnut and white. The body of the Polk Signature ES15s which measure 7.5″ wide x 12″ high x 10.2″ deep, are made of medite MDF, or Medium Density Fiberboard. This is a type of engineered wood that is known for its strength and stability. It’s made by bonding together small wood fibers under high pressure and heat, which creates a material that is much denser and stronger than regular wood. This makes the ES15’s cabinet incredibly durable and resistant to warping or cracking over time.
But the Medite MDF isn’t the only thing that makes the ES15’s cabinet so sturdy. The laser optimized bracing is also a key player in this game. This unique bracing system is specifically designed to reinforce the cabinet and provide additional support to the Medite MDF. This makes the speaker’s cabinet even more resistant to warping and cracking, and ensures that the speaker will maintain its shape and integrity over time.
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The combination of the Medite MDF and laser-optimized bracing not only makes the ES15’s cabinet extremely durable, but it also has a positive impact on the sound quality. The stiff and stable cabinet helps to minimize any unwanted vibrations or distortions, which results in a cleaner and more accurate sound.
The ES15s have a frequency response of 48 Hz → 40,000 Hz with a sensitiviy of about 88db. The sensitivity is something you’ll want to keep in mind. If you use an under powered amp, then these speakers won’t have an opportunity to really open up.
ES15 Terylene Dome Tweeter
The Polk Audio ES15 incorporates a 1″ Hi-Res Audio Certified terylene dome tweeter, which means it can play audio with a frequency response of up to 40kHz. That’s fancy talk for it can play music and sound loud and clear.
Polk Signature Elite ES15 Woofer with Power Port
The 5.25″ woofer is the heart of the Polk Signature ES15 and is responsible for producing deep, rich bass that will make you want to get up and dance. The power port technology allows for even more bass output, making the ES15 a great option for those who love a little bit of boom in their music.
The ES15’s woofer is made from a specially formulated polymer material that is both lightweight and strong. This allows the woofer to move quickly and efficiently, producing clear and accurate bass. The woofer’s rubber surround also helps to dampen any unwanted vibrations, ensuring that the sound you hear is clean and distortion-free.
The power port technology is a patented design that allows for even more airflow to the woofer, resulting in more powerful and dynamic bass. This is achieved by creating a port that is flared at the end, which increases the amount of air that can be pushed through the port. This helps to reduce turbulence and distortion, making the bass sound even cleaner and more accurate.
Polk ES15 Performance
The ES15’s sounded exceptionally well considering their price point. The ES15s do an excellent job of picking up the subtle details in the music that you might miss with other speakers. For example, if you’re listening to Ariana Grande’s “7 rings”, you’ll be able to hear the crispness and clarity of the vocals, making the whole track sound even more enjoyable.
Led Zepplin’s “Kashmir” has frequent changes in volume and tempo, and the Polk Signature ES15’s were able to keep up with it nearly flawlessly. The speakers handled the loud parts without distortion and the soft parts without losing clarity. The ES15’s also handle mid-range frequencies well. When comparing the ES15’s mid-range to more expensive speakers I have to say that the Polk ES15s lack the fullness of more expensive speakers, but it does all it can with its 5.25″ woofer.
The Polk Signature Elite ES15’s have powerful and punchy bass that will make you feel like you’re at a concert. The bass is tight and controlled, meaning that it never overpowers the rest of the music. For example, with Kendrick Lamar’s “HUMBLE.”, I could feel the bass in my chest, making the track sound even more intense.
Most people will use the Signature ES15’s in a home theater arrangement. The nice thing about the 15s is that their compact size makes their placement in your home theater relatively easy.
When watching action movies like “Avengers” or “Jurassic Park”, I could really hear the explosions and sound effects come to life with these speakers. They provided a truly immersive experience that made me feel right in the middle of the action. The sound dispersion is wide which makes them ideal for surround sound.
Horror movies like “Halloween” or “The Silence of the Lambs” the Polk Signature ES15 bookshelf speakers do a great job of creating a suspenseful and immersive atmosphere with their crystal clear sound.
Conclusion
The Polk Signature ES15’s are a great choice for anyone looking to enhance their listening experience. Whether you’re a fan of pop, rock, or hip hop, these speakers will deliver the goods with their impressive sound quality. The treble, mid-range, and bass are all well-balanced and provide a great listening experience. Their sound isn’t as full as more expensive speakers, however, at their current price point they’re an excellent value.
