HiFi SPECS

A/B comparison · Speakers

Polk Audio ES20 vs Dayton Audio SUB-1000

Specs from both manufacturer datasheets Updated Dec 31, 2024 Scored with 10 + 8 Amazon reviews

Polk Audio ES20 vs Dayton Audio SUB-1000 in brief

  • Spec rows: Polk Audio ES20 wins 0, Dayton Audio SUB-1000 wins 1, 11 tied or not compared, of 12 rows.
  • Our scores: Polk Audio ES20 8.7/10, Dayton Audio SUB-1000 7.6/10.
  • Polk Audio ES20 wins: sound quality (8.9 vs 8), bass response (8.7 vs 8), midrange clarity (8.8 vs 7), treble detail (8.5 vs 6.5), design (8 vs 7.5), value for money (9 vs 8.5).
  • Who should buy which: The Polk Audio ES20 wins every aspect where the two differ.
CH A Polk Audio ES20

Polk Audio ES20

Channel A · Bookshelf · 2021

About $399 a pair

VS
CH B Dayton Audio SUB-1000

Dayton Audio SUB-1000

Channel B · Powered (Active) · 2010
Polk Audio ES20 Dayton Audio SUB-1000
20 Hz 100 1k 10k 20k
8.7/10Polk Audio 7.6/10Dayton Audio

Rows won, of 12 compared Polk Audio 0 · Dayton Audio 1 · tied or not compared 11

Datasheet · Side by side

Spec by spec

Built from both structured spec sheets. The delta chip sits on the winning side; rows with no defensible winner carry no chip.

Sound & drivers

2-way Configuration Not published
1x 1" Tweeter + 1x 6.5" Mid-woofer Drivers 10-inch high-excursion woofer
39 Hz to 40 kHz 38 Hz to 45 kHz extended Frequency responseReference not published 30 Hz to 140 Hz
109 dB Max SPL 110 dB +1 dB
Ported (Bass Reflex) Enclosure Ported (bass reflex)
49 Hz Port tuning Not published

Power, electrical, physical

87 dB 2.83 V/1 m Sensitivity Not published
8 Ω Impedance Not published
20 to 150 W Amp range 100 W
5-way binding posts Checked against the maker's own sheet, Sep 2026 Source Speaker terminals Not published
356 mm · 17 lb Checked against the maker's own sheet, Sep 2026 Source Height · weight 426 mm · 29 lb
5 yr Warranty 5 yr

A higher sensitivity figure means the same loudness from less amplifier power. Values come from each manufacturer datasheet.

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From our reviews

How it scored, paired

6 aspects, two channels

Polk Audio ES20 Dayton Audio SUB-1000
Sound quality 8.9 8.0
Bass response 8.7 8.0
Midrange clarity 8.8 7.0
Treble detail 8.5 6.5
Design 8.0 7.5
Value for money 9.0 8.5

Each aspect is scored 0 to 10 in our reviews, against the rest of the class.

Availability

Where they stand on price

Polk Audio ES20
Availability last checked Dec 31, 2024
Dayton Audio SUB-1000
Availability last checked Dec 31, 2024

We do not show live prices; price tiers are our editorial categories. As an Amazon Associate, HiFi Specs earns from qualifying purchases. Our scores and comparisons are never influenced by affiliate partners.