Polk Audio Signature Elite ES20 vs Q Acoustics 3020c

The Polk ES20 is the bigger, louder speaker: a 6.5-inch woofer, 41 Hz bass extension and 150 W power handling make it the pick for a large room, movies and punchy bass. The Q Acoustics 3020c is smaller and more refined, with a 4.75-inch driver, a sealed, isolated tweeter and braced cabinets that give a cleaner soundstage, but it runs out of low bass and headroom sooner. Owners of both praise build quality for the category; the Polk is the more versatile all-rounder, the Q the more delicate music speaker.

• Choose the Polk Audio Signature Elite ES20 if you have a medium-to-large room, want real bass without a subwoofer, and will drive it with a capable amp for movies and music.
• Choose the Q Acoustics 3020c if space is tight, you listen mostly to music at moderate levels, and you value a tidy, well-braced cabinet and an open soundstage over deep bass.