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Cameron Oatley
ExtremeHiFi
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi

Note that this is a discontinued product. You may want to visit the brand's page here to browse their newer products.

What reviewers think

Bloggers and YouTubers have tried this product—so we've summarized their strongest opinions below. Links to full reviews follow.

What are hifi reviews useful for? (1) Identifying products you should demo in person at a dealer. (2) Learning which products reviewers unanimously praise as the best they've heard (this means they probably are legitimately great). (3) Identifying a product's attributes that satisfy your idiosyncratic needs and tastes. Beyond that, we often discount what reviewers say because they heap praise on most products—and are often apprehensive about publishing strong criticism or comparisons between products. Further, they seldom have more than a few products on-hand, often relying on their memories to compare past products. Always listen for yourself.

Manufacturer details

  • Speaker Type: Performance Center Channel
  • Tweeter: 1" Pinnacle Ring Radiator
  • Woofers: Two 6 ½" Turbine Cone
  • Overall Frequency Response: 36Hz - 50kHz
  • Frequency Response (-3dB limits): 48Hz - 39kHz
  • Recommended Amplifier Power: 20 - 200W
  • Minimum Impedance: 4.1Ω
  • Sensitivity: 89dB (2.83V/1m)
  • Tweeter/Mid-range Crossover Frequency: 2500
  • Dimensions (W x H x D): 615 x 196.6 x 350mm (24.2 x 7.8 x 13.8 in)
  • Product Weight: 32.8 lbs (14.9 kg)
  • Shipping Weight: 39.5 lbs (17.9 kg)
  • Enclosure Type: Dual Rear X-Ports
  • Available Finishes: Black / Walnut
  • Wall-Mountable: No
  • Binding Posts: Nickel-plated 5-Way Single
The R400 offers unrivalled power and clarity from a center channel speaker. The addition of two 6.5" turbine cone woofers and Polk's unique X-Port technology means it delivers enormous yet balanced sound, ideal for the ultimate home theater system.
Manufacturer Site

Brand highlights

Taking a step back to look at reviewers' thoughts of the brand's entire lineup—not just this product—what stands out most is the following:

  • They stand out for incorporating technologies typically found in their higher-end lines, such as ring radiator tweeters and Power Port designs, into more accessible product lines like the Monitor and Signature Elite series.
  • Polk specifically designs many of their speakers, especially in-wall and outdoor models, to be versatile and weather-resistant, making them suitable for a variety of listening environments beyond traditional living rooms.

Monitor XT70

  • Positioning: The highest performing loudspeaker in the Monitor XT line.
  • Description: Offers powerful, high-resolution sound with dual 6.5" Dynamic Balance woofers and 8" passive bass radiators, making it ideal for larger rooms. Compared to the Signature Elite series, focuses on delivering impactful bass and clear highs, suitable for those who want a high-value option for music and movies without the need for advanced features like Dolby Atmos compatibility.

Signature Elite ES55

  • Positioning: A high-quality floor-standing tower speaker in the Signature Elite series.
  • Description: Provides high-resolution, room-filling sound with dual 6.5" Dynamic Balance woofers and Terylene dome tweeter. Unlike the Monitor XT70, offers a more refined sound with Hi-Res Audio certification, appealing to those who prioritize audio detail and clarity over sheer power.

Signature Elite ES60

  • Positioning: The highest-performing loudspeaker in the Signature Elite series.
  • Description: Delivers cinematic sound with three 6.5" Dynamic Balance woofers and Hi-Res Audio certified tweeter. Offers a more immersive experience compared to the ES55, with enhanced bass and a broader soundstage.

Reserve R700

  • Positioning: A premium large floor-standing tower speaker in the Reserve series.
  • Description: Combines dual 8" woofers and a 6.5" Turbine Cone woofer for massive impact and clarity. Stands out from the Signature Elite series with its advanced Power Port 2.0 and X-Port technology, providing cleaner bass and more defined midrange.

Legend L600

  • Positioning: A flagship floor-standing tower speaker in the Legend series.
  • Description: Features dual 7" drivers and a 5.25" Turbine Cone woofer, offering exceptional imaging and detail for medium-to-large rooms. Surpasses the Reserve R700 with its Pinnacle Ring Radiator tweeter and enhanced Power Port, providing ultra-clear highs and better bass.

Legend L800

  • Positioning: The true flagship large floor-standing tower speaker in the Legend series.
  • Description: Uses SDA-PRO technology for lifelike stereo imaging, making it the most revealing speaker Polk has ever made. Offers a more immersive experience than the L600, with dual 10" drivers and advanced stereo separation.
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Avg. Product Price
$500
Used For Sale
299
 Available (Scroll Down)
Brand Popularity
16
 of 900+
Badges
Top 50 Brand
Top 250 Brand
Products Listed
76
Founding Year
1972

Our take on the brand

Polk’s been a major player in the audio world since the ’70s, though they don’t always get the same attention from hi-fi reviewers as some other brands. But they know their niche—mass-market, entry-level products that perform way better than you’d expect for the price. Their R200 model, for example, gets called one of the best under $1,000. If you’re looking for solid performance without spending a fortune, Polk’s stuff is hard to beat.

Look inside the brand

Brand Page

Our interview with the brand

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From our interview with
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Brand Page

What if you spend more?

Product image
Focal
Theva Center
649
649
/
8
Reviews
Focal is a French hifi brand that makes their own drivers in-house, including their highly-regarded beryllium tweeters and unique slatefiber mid/bass drivers made from recycled carbon fiber. Their speakers and headphones feature distinctive technologies like their "W" sandwich cone design for optimal driver performance and Mimi Sound Personalization that adapts audio to individual hearing profiles.
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Expand Details

Product Strengths

  • Sweet and smooth sound profile
  • Excellent detail for the price
  • Great balance and fluidity across registers
  • Impressive dynamics and a wide, dimensional stereo imaging, as it can deliver a stunning soundstage
  • Overall balanced tonality
  • The tweeter is made from quality materials with great care
  • Elegant, minimalist design that seamlessly integrates into any audio setup, with a sleek aesthetic and multiple color options

Product Considerations

  • Does not feel as substantial as some other speakers in their price class
  • Laid-back sound occasionally obscures some definition
  • Deep bass may require a subwoofer
  • The tweeter is exposed and needs to be handled with care
  • Some reviewers would prefer a solid painted color rather than an imitation wood vinyl veneer

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Offers a lot of what makes the Vestia No. 1 great while saving money, but the Vestia No. 1 has more sparkling detail and pristine treble extension
  • More compact and easier to place, though the Bowers & Wilkins 606 S3 looks more premium
  • The L100 presented a more precise center image for vocals and dialog, but the Theva's more laid-back sound profile made them a better listen in most cases
  • Stepped in pretty seamlessly for KEF LSX 2.1, which includes SVS's 3000 Micro subwoofer, showing impressive sonic skills, though they don't offer the same thunderous bass
  • The rear-ported design is a change from the previous entry-level line, Chora, where the port was front-mounted

Takeaway: The Focal Theva No.1 is a well-rounded bookshelf speaker that offers excellent audio performance and detail for its price, with a sleek design that fits into any space. It's a great option for those looking for a hifi experience.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Focal is a French hifi brand that makes their own drivers in-house, including their highly-regarded beryllium tweeters and unique slatefiber mid/bass drivers made from recycled carbon fiber. Their speakers and headphones feature distinctive technologies like their "W" sandwich cone design for optimal driver performance and Mimi Sound Personalization that adapts audio to individual hearing profiles.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
Product image
ADAM Audio
A44H
699
699
/
5
Reviews

With a 19-inch width, the horizontally oriented A44H can sit on a standard rack shelf or be mounted above or below a display. The completely new design also enables the A44H to serve as a center speaker in immersive and 3D speaker configurations. Dual 4-inch long-throw woofers and the X-ART tweeter deliver a wide frequency range, while onboard DSP-based tuning capabilities enable you to tweak the sound easily.

ADAM Audio is renowned for its innovative ART tweeters, which enhance the Air Motion Transformer concept by moving air four times faster than their folds for high-definition sound. Their monitors, especially the S Series, are favored by sound engineers for their accurate and transparent sound, advanced engineering, and reduced distortion, while the T Series offers affordable, high-performance studio monitors.
Check Amazon
Expand Details

Product Strengths

  • Compact, comfortable, and easy to place, with a lower profile.
  • Delivers a powerful, dynamic, and precise sound that delivers an enjoyable experience.
  • A rotatable tweeter allows for both horizontal and vertical placement, providing flexibility in different setups.
  • On-board DSP-based room correction options, and integration with Sonarworks SoundID Reference for refined tuning.
  • A wide sweet spot that is immersive and enjoyable to listen to.

Product Considerations

  • The bass response may not be as present or suitable for music production with many sub-bass frequencies.
  • The dial for input level adjustment is not stepped, which may make precise matching more difficult.
  • Some reviewers suggest a sub may be needed depending on the material being worked with, to supplement the 4-inch woofers.

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Compared to the ADAM Audio A7X model, the A44H offers a similar response curve.

Takeaway: The A44H monitors offer a unique form factor, versatile placement options, and a detailed sound, making them a great option for smaller spaces or immersive setups. The built-in DSP and integration with Sonarworks provide extensive room correction and customization capabilities.

Video review

Our take on the brand

ADAM Audio is renowned for its innovative ART tweeters, which enhance the Air Motion Transformer concept by moving air four times faster than their folds for high-definition sound. Their monitors, especially the S Series, are favored by sound engineers for their accurate and transparent sound, advanced engineering, and reduced distortion, while the T Series offers affordable, high-performance studio monitors.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
Product image
Klipsch
RP-504C II
699
699
/
5
Reviews
Klipsch is renowned for its pioneering use of horn-loaded technology in speakers, which enhances efficiency and reduces distortion through their signature Tractrix Horn design. The brand's distinctive "Klipsch sound" is characterized by a bright, dynamic audio profile that some find exhilarating.
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Expand Details

Product Strengths

  • The RP-504C II is a solid center channel option, especially within a surround sound setup
  • It is sonically better, more refined in the midrange and top end than previous generations, offering a balanced and open sound that can improve intelligibility
  • The speaker provides good output levels with low distortion and compression, and is capable of handling power well

Product Considerations

  • The RP-504C II has poor directivity in the horizontal region, which can lead to speech intelligibility issues for listeners sitting more than ±10° off-axis
  • It has an elevated treble response, rising to about +3dB above average sensitivity levels above 2kHz, which may impact linearity

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Vs RP504C (Gen 1)—the Gen 2 has a different crossover point (650 and 1950 Hz vs 500 and 1500 Hz), refined mids and highs, and the Gen 1 has a gap that's more similar to the gap in the floor standings
  • To Klipsch THX—RP-504C II sounds warmer and more natural

Takeaway: The Klipsch RP-504C II center channel speaker is a capable speaker that may increase the sonic intelligibility of a sound system. It could be a great choice for a home theater setup if clear dialogue and sound reproduction are priorities, and it has good output levels with low distortion and compression.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Klipsch is renowned for its pioneering use of horn-loaded technology in speakers, which enhances efficiency and reduces distortion through their signature Tractrix Horn design. The brand's distinctive "Klipsch sound" is characterized by a bright, dynamic audio profile that some find exhilarating.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
Product image
Paradigm
Premier 600C
879
879
/
3
Reviews

6-driver, 3-way passive radiator bass reflex center channel*Stand not included

Paradigm is a Canadian hifi speaker brand that designs and builds their products locally, using advanced materials like beryllium in their drivers and their proprietary PPA lens technology for better sound dispersion. Their speakers are favored by audiophiles seeking high-end sound at relatively lower prices, and they integrate Anthem Room Correction technology to optimize performance in modern open-concept homes with challenging acoustics.
Check Amazon
Expand Details

Product Strengths

  • Attractive style and are not overly large, making them easy to implement into various home theater or living room setups
  • Magnetic grills make removing them easy and convenient, giving the speaker a cleaner and more premium look
  • The Paradigm Premier 600C delivers dialogue with presence and strength, presenting the front stage smoothly
  • The Paradigm Premier 200B and 600C offer a neutral sound signature without added coloration, providing detailed and smooth mids and highs
  • The Paradigm Premier 200B and 600C feature technology trickled down from Paradigm's higher-end speakers

Product Considerations

  • The center channel (600C) is pretty massive, requiring a lot of space
  • The speaker grills are very thin and require careful handling to avoid damage
  • Cracking sounds were experienced from the speaker cabinet when picking up the center channel and tower speakers, suggesting a potential issue with the laminate quality
  • Low-frequency punch may be insufficient without a subwoofer
  • The rubber feet on the Paradigm Premier 200B's kept falling off

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Paradigm Premier were slightly underwhelming compared to the 'wow factor' of the SVS Ultra Towers and Klipsch RF7's for music

Takeaway:

The Paradigm Premier speakers offer a blend of attractive design, good sound quality, and trickle-down technology from Paradigm's higher-end models, especially when paired with a subwoofer. If the Paradigm sound and aesthetic is appealing, the Premier series is worth considering for an immersive home theater experience.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Paradigm is a Canadian hifi speaker brand that designs and builds their products locally, using advanced materials like beryllium in their drivers and their proprietary PPA lens technology for better sound dispersion. Their speakers are favored by audiophiles seeking high-end sound at relatively lower prices, and they integrate Anthem Room Correction technology to optimize performance in modern open-concept homes with challenging acoustics.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page

What competes at this price?

Polk
255C-RT
199
/
Released
Experience high quality designs with superior sound when choosing 255c-RT Vanishing RT Series Two-Way In-Wall Center Channel Speaker speakers.

Check Amazon
Polk’s been a major player in the audio world since the ’70s, though they don’t always get the same attention from hi-fi reviewers as some other brands. But they know their niche—mass-market, entry-level products that perform way better than you’d expect for the price. Their R200 model, for example, gets called one of the best under $1,000. If you’re looking for solid performance without spending a fortune, Polk’s stuff is hard to beat.
Expand Details

Our Summary

Product Strengths

  • Designed to be minimally invasive and slip easily and undetected into any environment
  • Polk has minimized the thickness, making it easy to install in most homes
  • Build quality is good and the weight has been kept nice and low
  • When set up correctly, it projects well and directly forward and has a slight lean to a warmer tone, but nonetheless has great clarity

Product Considerations

  • Installing in-wall speakers is not easy, and professional installation is recommended
  • Requires a separate amplifier and a way to connect sound to it
  • Installation is not recommended if there is no space behind drywall or on solid surfaces like concrete or stone
  • Polk's logo on the grill might be a minor aesthetic issue for some who want it to be inconspicuous
  • Sound is not really relevant when evaluating the speaker on its own, as it's designed to be used as part of a full system

Takeaway: The Polk Audio 255c-RT is a great addition to a home theatre sound system, especially when paired with other speakers from the Polk Audio RT line. It has good build quality, and its unobtrusive design makes it a solid choice for creating a multi-directional audio experience for watching movies.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Polk’s been a major player in the audio world since the ’70s, though they don’t always get the same attention from hi-fi reviewers as some other brands. But they know their niche—mass-market, entry-level products that perform way better than you’d expect for the price. Their R200 model, for example, gets called one of the best under $1,000. If you’re looking for solid performance without spending a fortune, Polk’s stuff is hard to beat.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
Polk
CS1 II
129
/
Released
The name Monitor is special to Polk. The original Monitor Series is the line that made Polk famous with its simple, sturdy construction, clear, accurate sound, powerful bass and superior imaging all at a price that made great sound available to everyone. The reborn Monitor Series is classic Polk: a quality built, affordable line of high-performance loudspeakers for music and home theater.
Check Amazon
Polk’s been a major player in the audio world since the ’70s, though they don’t always get the same attention from hi-fi reviewers as some other brands. But they know their niche—mass-market, entry-level products that perform way better than you’d expect for the price. Their R200 model, for example, gets called one of the best under $1,000. If you’re looking for solid performance without spending a fortune, Polk’s stuff is hard to beat.
Expand Details

Our Summary

Video review

Our take on the brand

Polk’s been a major player in the audio world since the ’70s, though they don’t always get the same attention from hi-fi reviewers as some other brands. But they know their niche—mass-market, entry-level products that perform way better than you’d expect for the price. Their R200 model, for example, gets called one of the best under $1,000. If you’re looking for solid performance without spending a fortune, Polk’s stuff is hard to beat.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
Polk
Signature Elite ES30
299
/
Released
2021
Enjoy movies, gaming and multichannel music with crystal-clear dialogue and high-resolution, cinematic sound. Polk's high-performance center channel loudspeaker features a Dynamically Balanced acoustic array, precision crossovers and Power Port bass enhancing technology. Hi-Res Audio Certified, Dolby Atmos and DTS:X compatible, and accessibly priced, the ES30 fulfills the Polk promise of great sound for all.
Check Amazon
Polk’s been a major player in the audio world since the ’70s, though they don’t always get the same attention from hi-fi reviewers as some other brands. But they know their niche—mass-market, entry-level products that perform way better than you’d expect for the price. Their R200 model, for example, gets called one of the best under $1,000. If you’re looking for solid performance without spending a fortune, Polk’s stuff is hard to beat.
Expand Details

Our Summary

Product Strengths

  • Stellar design with a black and gold aesthetic, including gold woofers and tweeter
  • Impressive bass response, exceeding expectations for a center channel speaker
  • Delivers clear dialogue in movies and shows, enhancing the viewing experience
  • Expansive soundstage that creates an immersive listening experience
  • RCA binding port caps are difficult to remove

Product Considerations

  • The MDF veneer is sensitive and easily chipped
  • Large size (20 inches wide) requires sufficient space in an entertainment unit

Takeaway: The Polk Signature Elite ES30 is a high-quality center channel speaker with great sound and a stellar design. It's a worthwhile addition to a home theater setup, especially for those seeking clear dialogue and an immersive soundstage.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Polk’s been a major player in the audio world since the ’70s, though they don’t always get the same attention from hi-fi reviewers as some other brands. But they know their niche—mass-market, entry-level products that perform way better than you’d expect for the price. Their R200 model, for example, gets called one of the best under $1,000. If you’re looking for solid performance without spending a fortune, Polk’s stuff is hard to beat.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
Polk
XT35
299
/
Released
2021
Low-profile, wall-mountable, and affordable, Monitor XT35 maximizes the enjoyment of high-resolution movie and game sound without blocking your TV or remote.
Check Amazon
Polk’s been a major player in the audio world since the ’70s, though they don’t always get the same attention from hi-fi reviewers as some other brands. But they know their niche—mass-market, entry-level products that perform way better than you’d expect for the price. Their R200 model, for example, gets called one of the best under $1,000. If you’re looking for solid performance without spending a fortune, Polk’s stuff is hard to beat.
Expand Details

Our Summary

Video review

Our take on the brand

Polk’s been a major player in the audio world since the ’70s, though they don’t always get the same attention from hi-fi reviewers as some other brands. But they know their niche—mass-market, entry-level products that perform way better than you’d expect for the price. Their R200 model, for example, gets called one of the best under $1,000. If you’re looking for solid performance without spending a fortune, Polk’s stuff is hard to beat.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
Polk
Signature Elite ES35
399
/
Released
2021
With the Signature Elite ES35 high-performance, low-profile center channel loudspeaker you'll enjoy movies, gaming and multi-channel music with crystal-clear dialog and powerful cinematic sound—without blocking your TV. Hi-Res Certified, Dolby Atmos and DTS:X compatible, and accessibly priced, Signature Elite ES35 fulfills the Polk promise of great sound for all.
Check Amazon
Polk’s been a major player in the audio world since the ’70s, though they don’t always get the same attention from hi-fi reviewers as some other brands. But they know their niche—mass-market, entry-level products that perform way better than you’d expect for the price. Their R200 model, for example, gets called one of the best under $1,000. If you’re looking for solid performance without spending a fortune, Polk’s stuff is hard to beat.
Expand Details

Our Summary

Product Strengths

  • Excellent resolution and detail retrieval
  • Strong bass performance
  • Wide soundstage
  • Good imaging capabilities
  • Natural and balanced sound signature

Product Considerations

  • May not be ideal for those seeking a very warm sound
  • Can be revealing of poor recordings

Takeaway: The product offers a balanced and detailed sound that is well-suited for a variety of music genres. Careful attention to associated equipment and recording quality is advised.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Polk’s been a major player in the audio world since the ’70s, though they don’t always get the same attention from hi-fi reviewers as some other brands. But they know their niche—mass-market, entry-level products that perform way better than you’d expect for the price. Their R200 model, for example, gets called one of the best under $1,000. If you’re looking for solid performance without spending a fortune, Polk’s stuff is hard to beat.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page

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