Polk Audio T15 Black
Score: 78/100
Polk Audio T30 Black
Score: 77/100Rankings
The Polk Audio T15 is an entry-level bookshelf speaker pair with high sensitivity and magnetic shielding, delivering clear mids and bright highs. Its trade-offs include modest bass extension and potential impedance dips on low-power amps. Ideal for budget-conscious listeners in small rooms who need wall-mountable speakers.
The Polk Audio T30 is a budget-friendly center channel speaker with high sensitivity and dual woofers that provide clear dialogue. Its limitations include a two-way design and no magnetic shielding details. Ideal for small-to-medium home-theater setups using standard receivers.
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
89 dB | 90 dBbest | |
— | 50 Wbest | |
8 Ωbest | 8 Ωbest | |
| ↓ lower better | 3.74 kgbest | 5.19 kg |
2best | 1 | |
5 yearsbest | 5 yearsbest | |
1.905 cm | 2.54 cmbest | |
13.335 cmbest | 13.335 cmbest |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
Audio(4) | ||
Frequency Response (kHz) | 0.045-24 kHz | 0.055-24 kHz |
Sensitivity (dB) | 89 dB | 90 dB |
Channels | 2 | 1 |
Driver Size (cm) | 1.905 cm | 2.54 cm |
Build & Design(2) | ||
Weight (kg) | 3.74 kg | 5.19 kg |
Dimensions (H×W×D) (cm³) | 8320 cm³ | 17202 cm³ |
Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).
Professional reviewers commend the T15's vented enclosure, Dynamic Balance drivers, and high sensitivity, noting that it delivers solid performance for its price and size. However, they also point out measurable bass roll-off and impedance dips that could challenge low-power or less robust amplifiers, and they caution that the ported design may introduce some low-frequency resonance.
Everyday users love the T15 for its surprising bass, clear mids, and easy wall-mounting, often describing it as a budget winner for small rooms. Common complaints focus on the need for a subwoofer to get deep bass, occasional mids muddiness at high volumes, and a preference for speaker stands over shelf placement.
Professional reviewers commend the T30 for its natural, well-balanced sound and impressive bass response at a low price point, noting its high sensitivity makes it easy to drive with typical receivers. However, they caution that its 2-way architecture and modest power handling cannot compete with premium 3-way center speakers, and its frequency range falls short of hi-res alternatives.
Everyday users consistently praise the T30 for clear dialogue, straightforward setup, and good performance without needing a powerful amp. Common themes include appreciation for its value, compact size, and ease of wiring, while recurring concerns revolve around wall-mounting options, lack of magnetic shielding details, and occasional questions about impedance compatibility.
