Table of Contents
For movie fans, a center speaker is a crucial part of a surround sound setup. This is the speaker that does most of the work and provides up to 70% of the dialogue and clarity in the conversations. Polk has various speaker series, each having a center speaker.
Today, we will look at the Polk S30 and the Polk T30. We will compare their size and design, power, technology and value for more. For a quick review, we will add a comparison chart and some pros and cons. Finally, we will decide which is the best center speaker for your home entertainment system.
The Polk S30 and the Polk T30 have some features that are exactly the same or at least very similar. Let’s begin with these.
Polk T30 vs Polk S30 – Similarities
Quick glance
The following comparison chart shows the features of the Polk S30 and the Polk T30 side by side.
Dome Tweeters
Dome tweeters are important for the high frequencies and transmitting a clear sound. Most tweeters are 1-inch with the range being from 0.75 inches to 1.5 inches. The Polk S30 has a 1-inch terylene high-resolution tweeter. The Polk T30 also a 1-inch tweeter that is a waveguide.
The Drivers
The drivers of a speaker help to produce the deep bass sound. Again, there are similarities in size but a little different in design. The Polk S30 has 2 5.25-inch dynamic balanced drivers that are reinforced polypropylene. The 2 5.25-inch dynamic balance drivers with the Polk T30 are bi-laminate composite.
Connectors
To connect the speakers to other devices, the Polk S30 and the Polk T30 have single gold-plated 5-way binding posts. These binding posts ensure the optimal power and sound information are transmitted to the speakers.
Efficiency/Sensitivity
Listening to anything over 85dB for a long period of time can cause damage to your ears. Nevertheless, the Polk S30 and the Polk T30 have the potential to reach 89dB and 90dB respectively.
Recommended Amplifier
There is again a slight difference in the recommended amplifier, but as with the other differences, we didn’t feel this was enough to influence our decision. The recommended amplifier for the Polk S30 is from 20-125W and for the Polk T30, 20-100W.
So, now it’s time to see how the Polk S30 and the Polk T30 are different.
Differences Between Polk T30 and Polk S30
Appearance
Both of these center speakers are black with the Polk logo on the front of the grille. They differ in size and design.
Polk S30
Polk S30
This speaker is 7.5 x 20 x 10.6 inches, and it weighs 19 pounds. It has curved edges, which softens the appearance and has anti-diffraction. The grille is removable and attaches with magnets.
Polk T30
It’s a little smaller at 6.5 x 19 x 7.5 inches and weighs quite a bit less at 11.45 pounds. It is made of furniture-grade solid MDF and it is vented. The grille is also removable but there is no mention of magnets.
The Winner Is- A Tie
Read next – Polk S30 vs S35: Which Center Channel Speaker is Better?
Power Port Technology
Polk’s patented Power Port Technology produces a heart-thumping sound that minimizes. These small ports create a deeper bass response.
Polk S30
This central speaker comes with Power Port Technology.
Polk T30
There is no Power Port Technology with this speaker.
The Winner Is- The Polk S30
Read next – Polk CS10 vs T30: Which Central Speakers Are Better?
Frequency Response
The higher the frequency response doesn’t necessarily make it a better speaker. We like to consider the human ear has a frequency range of approximately 20Hz to 20KHz, much further out of this range and we will struggle to hear.
Polk S30
The frequency range is from 42Hz to 40KHz
Polk T30
Despite not having quite as wide a range, it does go a little lower from 38Hz to 24KHz.
The Winner Is- A Tie
Value for Money
Center speakers can range from $100 to $400 with some even reaching $700. Neither of the Polk center speakers is quite so much!
Polk T30
Polk S30
You are looking at the middle to the higher end of the average price range. It comes with an impressive 5-year warranty on parts and labor.
Polk T30
The warranty is the same, however, you are looking at around half the price for this speaker.
The Winner Is- The Polk T30
Pros and Cons
We have included some pros and cons of the Polk S30 and the Polk T30 to help with the final decision.
Polk S30
Pros:
- Excellent vocal accuracy
- They are very durable and well built
- Overall great sound for the price range
Cons:
- It doesn’t produce the same sound quality for music
Polk T30
- They will appeal to the audiophiles
- Full and rich sounds
- An absolute bargain for the price
Cons:
- It might lack volume for some
The Final Verdict
Because the Polk S30 and the Polk T30 are center speakers, they aren’t really designed to be used alone. That’s not to say you can’t, but you won’t be able to really appreciate the bass sound of music unless you add them to other speakers. As this would then depend on the quality of your other speakers, we made our final verdict based on them being alone.
The quality of the vocals in music and movies was excellent with both the Polk S30 and the Polk T30. They were also equally easy to set up, use and felt that they were both well built. Personally, we preferred the straight edges of the Polk T30 but what made our decision was the value for money. We may have noticed a slightly superior sound with the Polk S30 but not enough to justify the price difference.