This summary of the video was created by an AI. It might contain some inaccuracies.
00:00:00 – 00:21:28
Randy, the reviewer, introduces his YouTube channel which focuses on high-value home theater and headphone equipment, particularly highlighting his long-standing admiration for Polk speakers. He reviews the Polk Signature Elite (ES series) 5.1 set, encompassing ES50 tower speakers, ES15 surround speakers, and the HTS 10 subwoofer. He details the technical specs and physical attributes of these speakers, noting their impressive frequency range and efficient design. Randy compares them favorably against other brands like Klipsch, Emotiva, SVS, Yamaha, and Yamo, praising their warm, clear mid-range sound and non-fatiguing listening experience.
Although the Polk speakers excel in overall build quality and sound performance, Randy critiques the subwoofer's limited features and performance, suggesting more powerful alternatives for music listening. The ES15 bookshelf speakers, with their superior bass response and wall-mountable design, and the ES series' center channel, are particularly highlighted for their practical and high-quality performance. Ultimately, Randy recommends the Polk ES15s or ES20s for front speakers in a budget-friendly setup, emphasizing the system's suitability for medium-sized rooms, especially for movie viewing. He encourages support for his channel and advocates for enjoying media with the Polk system to enhance one's auditory experience.
00:00:00
In this part of the video, Randy introduces himself and his channel, which focuses on high-value home theater and headphone equipment. He specifically talks about Polk speakers, expressing his long-time admiration for the brand. He mentions the various Polk speaker models he has used, including the RTi series in his son’s room and the S15 in his daughter’s room. Randy then explains the Polk speaker lineup, starting from the most expensive Legend series down to the affordable XT series. He reveals that Polk sent him an entire 5.1 set of the Signature Elite (ES series) speakers to review, which includes center speakers, surrounds (ES15s), and tower speakers (ES50s). He describes his testing process using a Pioneer receiver, both with and without Dirac, a sophisticated DSP engine for room calibration.
00:03:00
In this part of the video, the presenter showcases a unique center speaker which features six three-inch drivers and a one-inch soft dome terrain driver, with two ports on the back covered by wall hangers. The ports have a unique design that directs air efficiently. Additionally, all the speaker grilles are magnetic, making them easy to attach and remove.
The presenter then describes the ES50 tower speakers, which include two five-and-a-quarter-inch mica reinforced polypropylene dynamic balance cone drivers and a one-inch soft dome teraleen driver. These towers have a frequency response from 38 Hz to 40,000 Hz and a sensitivity of 88 dB, making them fairly standard and compatible with most home theater receivers due to their 8-ohm nominal impedance.
The physical dimensions of the tower speakers are 38 inches tall, 10.5 inches wide, and 11 inches deep, allowing them to fit well in various room sizes. The ES35 center speaker is highlighted for its appealing design and functional features, marking it a versatile and practical addition to a home theater setup.
00:06:00
In this part of the video, the speaker discusses the features and specifications of a sound system, highlighting that the cover of the port doubles as a wall mount, though it is heavy at 15 pounds. The frequency response ranges from 66 to 40,000 hertz, which is impressive for its small size, and it has an 89 dB sensitivity with an eight-ohm impedance. The towers can be bi-wired or bi-amped and have five-way binding posts. The ES15 speakers are individually purchased and include a five and a quarter inch polypropylene reinforced mica driver and a one-inch soft dome tweeter with power port technology. A dedicated review for the ES15s is available. The system also includes the HTS 10 subwoofer, which is a 10-inch, 100-watt RMS ported subwoofer with a frequency response of 30 to 120 hertz. Retail prices are provided for each component, and the total cost for the complete set is around $1,570 when bought together.
00:09:00
In this part of the video, the speaker discusses the pricing, sound quality, and performance of some tower speakers. The retail price for these speakers is $1800, but they often go on sale, potentially dropping below $600. Sound-wise, the speakers excel in bass extension, though they aren’t the tightest or most articulate. They have a punchy bottom end but are not particularly clear on the top end compared to brands like Klipsch. Using a high pass filter around 70 Hz can improve the bass for music. As home theater speakers, they deliver clear and natural dialogue without harsh sibilance. The speaker also compares these to the Yamo series, noting that the Polk speakers have better build quality and less resonance, with a cleaner mid-range and base.
00:12:00
In this segment, the reviewer discusses the performance and features of the Polk ES15 and ES20 bookshelf speakers compared to the Ammo S series. The ES15 speakers are praised for their impressive sound quality and capabilities for front channel duties, though they may be too large for rear surrounds. The reviewer shares a cost-effective and creative method for mounting the speakers on the wall using cheap TV mounts, making them adjustable. Additionally, the ES15s are noted for having a warmer sound signature and superior bass response compared to the S series. The subwoofer in the system, however, is considered the weak link, with only 100 watts RMS and limited features. The reviewer suggests considering other subwoofers with more power and features, especially for music listening, and mentions Polk’s PS10 subwoofer as a budget-friendly alternative with more DSP options.
00:15:00
In this segment of the video, the reviewer discusses the limited features of a subwoofer, mentioning it only has a face switch and can sometimes be found at a lower cost during holiday deals. They note that the subwoofer bottoms out easily during intense movie scenes and doesn’t perform well in the 20 to 30 Hz range. The reviewer emphasizes that it’s okay for movies but not ideal for music without significant adjustments.
The conversation then shifts to comparing different speakers. The reviewer highlights various brands such as Emotiva, SVS, Yamaha, and Klipsch, offering a detailed analysis of their sound signatures. They particularly praise the Polk Signature Elite (ES) series for its non-fatiguing, warm, and clear mid-range sound, which is pleasant for dialogue and long-term listening.
The ES series’ center channel and ES15 bookshelf speakers are singled out as exceptional, especially noting their compact size, sound output, and the fact that they can be wall-mounted (with added pads to prevent rattling). Overall, the reviewer appreciates the balanced sound signature and practical design of these speakers.
00:18:00
In this part of the video, the speaker discusses various options and recommendations for setting up a sound system. He suggests using foam, blue tack, or play-doh to stabilize speakers if needed. For a comprehensive audio setup within a budget of fifteen hundred dollars, he recommends the ES15s for fronts and possibly ES20s, highlighting the value and performance of the Polk Audio speakers. He advises against the need for tower speakers and recommends wall mounts for better positioning. He notes that the system is suitable for medium-sized rooms primarily for movie watching but suggests looking elsewhere for a subwoofer with deeply extended bass. The speaker endorses Polk’s product improvements over time and encourages support for the channel through Patreon, affiliate links, and other means.
00:21:00
In this part of the video, the speaker, Randy, mentions the option to support him financially but advises viewers not to feel obligated. He encourages viewers to use their new Polk Signature Elite Home Theater 5.1 system to enjoy media on platforms like Netflix or Hulu and to listen to music. This, he suggests, will fill their souls with happiness.