I'm on a budget and went with the Polk XT series, but the XT35 is not rated well at all by many people (*very* narrow horizontal dispersion pattern). I'm thinking about spending a few extra $ on the ES35 as it has a bit better performance and I think the extra money worth it on a center. I would look at a 3-way, but it will not fit in my 5.1.4 AV setup... they are too high to fit under the TV on my console. The attractive feature of the XT35 and ES35 is their very low profile and ability to fit under a TV with little space. In my case, I'm going to place it on a hanger bracket off my adjustable TV wall mount, under the TV. That way it remains at 0 degrees relative to the TV position when I adjust the TV angle (me vs. having company over). I wholeheartedly agree with your recommendation to set the crossover high with these small driver speakers. In my case I can set any channel cross-over between 40-200 Hz and will be testing the center at a range between 80-200 Hz to see what it can get away with before minor distortion sets in. Yah, small speakers tend to lack base, but that can be filled in with a sub. I desire good mid-to-upper-range and clear dialog in a center.
I have both the S30 and the S35. I was going from a Polk CS1 and the S35 sound awful. I could tell the dialog had no depth and was not happen. As soon as I bought the S30, I finally got a clearer center channel sound.
I was looking to replace a Jamo s83 center. Ok speaker but dialogue sometimes difficult to understand. I ordered all three of the reviewed speakers and compared them. The S30 did not seem to be much better than the Jamo I despite costing almost 3 times as much. The AVS Prime was an improvement but sounded much too bright. Tried many different settings but just didn't work for me. Decided to keep the S35. Seems to provide the best, most realistic dialogue. Also had the highest spousal approval.
I have 2 Polk Audio S60e and want to get a center speaker now, because im constantly adjusting the volume between dialogues and explosions. What should i get? S35e / S30e / ES35 / ES30 ?
The S35 gets a lot of bad rep even from Polk-guys (50% without hearing it ever). I got it to complete my Signature 5.1 set and I needed the low profile, the S30's size just didn't work for me. I am satisfied with what I get in movies (listen to music only in stereo) and didn't regret buying it at all.
I auditioned both and I choose the S35. I felt that S35 is more forward and clearer dialogue. On the other hand I felt the S30 is more in leanback sound for me.
Same setup as mine, I think it depends o your cutt off frequency settings. Mine is crossed over at 80hz, and the dialogue is pretty decent. I enjoy the baratone & raspiness in male voices especially. But someone suggested that I cross it over at 60hz. 🤔
Hey man loved your review and i need your little help I am building a 5.1.2 setup from elite signature series and got es55 towers and everything is done but i really don't like the es 30 and 35 as center i only have little budget left so i can upgrade center to reserve 400 but everything else is signature series. Will the tonal frequencies of this match with elite signature 55 towers Or is is not such a big deal to match them perfectly as i really crave for better center speakers for dialogues in entire movie. Untill it's gonna mess my entire audio so you think i should go ahead with the purchase of r400 instead of es30. Thank tou
Would you mix brands? Like I have the paradigms 8000Fs for towers. Would you mix brand center / subs etc or stick within same family? Any added benefit of either option?
I have been mixing all my systems for my whole life. Different manufactures make speakers with strong points. For example I have definitive bipolar towers as mains 9060 and SVS Ultra center fxo.co/CilZ . Some polks on rear and definitive bipolar surround backs. The important thing is the speakers have a similar tonal balance and projection . I reviewed the 8000f fxo.co/Cilg . I think the SVS Ultra may be a good match for center, its excellent with vocals and impact sounds or Polk Reserve series based on the tweeter. I have some links in my description.
@@OldtradesReviews you should advertise your channel more if you can on the home theater sub reddit on reddit. You make some quality videos and are super interactive. As you get more popular I hope you can keep up that sam energy! Enjoy your channel!
I have not listened to it personally. But it does use the same tweeter as these speakers. I think its worth a try as long as the store offers 30 day + returns, based on the specs and 3, 6.5 inch drivers.
@@OldtradesReviews my friend polk audio signature s60s is considered a favorite speaker for everyone, it sounds perfect for everyone who asks, you say it doesn't sound clean ??
The S30 I had problems hearing voices with many movies/shows. Maybe I revived a bad one..... The s35 Did much better with voices and had a wider soundstage but no bass impact. The SvS Ultra I settled on great for large room, strong bass and clear voices.
@@OldtradesReviews I'm considering the SVS Prime center, the Def tech pro 2000, and the ELAC debut 2.0 c6.2 (possibly the 5.2). Do you have experience with all three? Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!
I have not listened to the Elac. The SVS Ultra Center is amazing. Its everything I wished the SVS prime center was. The Ultra has Clear dialogue with everything, and great highs and bass. I suggest purchasing the speakers at a location that has at least a 30day+ return policy, to really test it out.
More Links and Information in the description section above. SVS fxo.co/CilZ
I'm on a budget and went with the Polk XT series, but the XT35 is not rated well at all by many people (*very* narrow horizontal dispersion pattern). I'm thinking about spending a few extra $ on the ES35 as it has a bit better performance and I think the extra money worth it on a center. I would look at a 3-way, but it will not fit in my 5.1.4 AV setup... they are too high to fit under the TV on my console.
The attractive feature of the XT35 and ES35 is their very low profile and ability to fit under a TV with little space. In my case, I'm going to place it on a hanger bracket off my adjustable TV wall mount, under the TV. That way it remains at 0 degrees relative to the TV position when I adjust the TV angle (me vs. having company over).
I wholeheartedly agree with your recommendation to set the crossover high with these small driver speakers. In my case I can set any channel cross-over between 40-200 Hz and will be testing the center at a range between 80-200 Hz to see what it can get away with before minor distortion sets in. Yah, small speakers tend to lack base, but that can be filled in with a sub. I desire good mid-to-upper-range and clear dialog in a center.
Great home cinema room...fantastic listening experience
I have both the S30 and the S35. I was going from a Polk CS1 and the S35 sound awful. I could tell the dialog had no depth and was not happen. As soon as I bought the S30, I finally got a clearer center channel sound.
Thanks for sharing that.
I've got the S35 centre and it sounds great!🤷♂️
I like your videos, so relaxing. And i don't why is that... that's just great))
I was looking to replace a Jamo s83 center. Ok speaker but dialogue sometimes difficult to understand. I ordered all three of the reviewed speakers and compared them. The S30 did not seem to be much better than the Jamo I despite costing almost 3 times as much. The AVS Prime was an improvement but sounded much too bright. Tried many different settings but just didn't work for me. Decided to keep the S35. Seems to provide the best, most realistic dialogue. Also had the highest spousal approval.
Can you review and do a comparison of the Polk Signature “Elite” versions
Hi, I The 3, 6.5 inch version tower is arriving next week. So probably 2 weeks to review.
I have 2 Polk Audio S60e and want to get a center speaker now, because im constantly adjusting the volume between dialogues and explosions. What should i get? S35e / S30e / ES35 / ES30 ?
The S35 gets a lot of bad rep even from Polk-guys (50% without hearing it ever). I got it to complete my Signature 5.1 set and I needed the low profile, the S30's size just didn't work for me.
I am satisfied with what I get in movies (listen to music only in stereo) and didn't regret buying it at all.
Exactly my situation... ability to fit under the TV is critical. See my comment above.
I auditioned both and I choose the S35. I felt that S35 is more forward and clearer dialogue. On the other hand I felt the S30 is more in leanback sound for me.
Thanks for sharing your experience.
Would a subwoofer fill in the shortcomings of the S35 such as deep male voices sounding shallow? I have it paired with the S55 towers.
Same setup as mine, I think it depends o your cutt off frequency settings. Mine is crossed over at 80hz, and the dialogue is pretty decent. I enjoy the baratone & raspiness in male voices especially. But someone suggested that I cross it over at 60hz. 🤔
Hey man loved your review and i need your little help
I am building a 5.1.2 setup from elite signature series and got es55 towers and everything is done but i really don't like the es 30 and 35 as center i only have little budget left so i can upgrade center to reserve 400 but everything else is signature series.
Will the tonal frequencies of this match with elite signature 55 towers
Or is is not such a big deal to match them perfectly as i really crave for better center speakers for dialogues in entire movie.
Untill it's gonna mess my entire audio so you think i should go ahead with the purchase of r400 instead of es30.
Thank tou
I mix and match all my systems. I buy what sounds best for its speaker location.
what did you go with? I'm looking
I believe the S35 should be set to 80hz
What do you think Polk audio Lsim 705 still worth buying?
I have never listened to that Polk series. But if it has a return policy of 30 days or so. id say give it a try.
Hi, if I’m correct , I see an Elac debut center? Honestly I’m between the s35 and the Elac. Which do you prefer? Thanks
I have never listed to a Elac center. My favorite so far is the SVS Ultra Center
Would you mix brands? Like I have the paradigms 8000Fs for towers. Would you mix brand center / subs etc or stick within same family? Any added benefit of either option?
I have been mixing all my systems for my whole life. Different manufactures make speakers with strong points. For example I have definitive bipolar towers as mains 9060 and SVS Ultra center fxo.co/CilZ . Some polks on rear and definitive bipolar surround backs. The important thing is the speakers have a similar tonal balance and projection . I reviewed the 8000f fxo.co/Cilg . I think the SVS Ultra may be a good match for center, its excellent with vocals and impact sounds or Polk Reserve series based on the tweeter. I have some links in my description.
@@OldtradesReviews you should advertise your channel more if you can on the home theater sub reddit on reddit. You make some quality videos and are super interactive. As you get more popular I hope you can keep up that sam energy! Enjoy your channel!
Thanks for the tip. I never thought of reddit or anywhere else. Maybe I should look into it.
What do you think polk audio s60s?
I have not listened to it personally. But it does use the same tweeter as these speakers. I think its worth a try as long as the store offers 30 day + returns, based on the specs and 3, 6.5 inch drivers.
@@OldtradesReviews What is the reason for my friend to say that the speakers turn out to be defective?
Hi, I found the sound to be not clear with many movies and tv shows. I could not here the voices. So I wonder if the speaker was defective.
@@OldtradesReviews my friend polk audio signature s60s is considered a favorite speaker for everyone, it sounds perfect for everyone who asks, you say it doesn't sound clean ??
@@OldtradesReviews Dude, don't get me wrong, but you criticize the brand, and I'll try it myself, to see if it sounds as bad as you say.
Which one do you suggest between polk s30 and s35 cause I do have a large room
The S30 I had problems hearing voices with many movies/shows. Maybe I revived a bad one..... The s35 Did much better with voices and had a wider soundstage but no bass impact. The SvS Ultra I settled on great for large room, strong bass and clear voices.
@@OldtradesReviews Polk sounds great with Yamaha, what did you use with the s30?
Denon probabilmente @@leatijoseph828
Who is the wins? I bought s30s
How does the 30 sound? I liked the 35 better because it was more clear to hear voices.
Did I miss the part about the SVS?
Its in there.
@@OldtradesReviews I'm considering the SVS Prime center, the Def tech pro 2000, and the ELAC debut 2.0 c6.2 (possibly the 5.2). Do you have experience with all three? Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!
I have not listened to the Elac. The SVS Ultra Center is amazing. Its everything I wished the SVS prime center was. The Ultra has Clear dialogue with everything, and great highs and bass. I suggest purchasing the speakers at a location that has at least a 30day+ return policy, to really test it out.
@@OldtradesReviews thanks for the quick replies!
Polk changed the crossover on the elite line that replaced these. So maybe the S30 will be clearer.
I have venere 3.0 towers. I hope this s35 matches.
Never know until you try.
I had the s30. I dont recommend it. Voices arent clear. Bad speakers.
Thanks for sharing that. I wonder if some of them are not made well or its all of them.
My S30 sounds decent except that men with low voices get boomy
Not sure what source you are feeding them. My S30 is excellent. Hearing kratos speak in god of war on playstation is insanely good.
Does anybody have a tldr on this? Have an s35 and looking at upgrading to a prime center but dont have 24 minutes to watch