ELAC ARB51 Navis vs. Polk Audio HTS 12

ELAC ARB51 Navis Powered Bookshelf Speakers Polk Audio HTS 12 Powered Subwoofer
MSRP
$2000 $550
Dimensions (H × W × D)
13.58” × 7.44” × 9.45”
345mm × 189mm × 240mm
18.50” × 17.13” × 18.11”
470mm × 435mm × 460mm
Power Type
Powered Powered
Frequency Response
44-28,000 Hz 22-180 Hz
Amazon.com
Amazon.com

Speaker Comparison

Welcome to the intriguing world of high-fidelity audio, where the quest for the perfect home sound system can lead you down a rabbit hole of specs, design philosophies, and brand legacies. Today, we're pitting two respected audio components against each other: the ELAC ARB51 Navis Powered Bookshelf Speakers and the Polk Audio HTS 12 Powered Subwoofer. Both are formidable in their own right, yet they cater to different aspects of the sonic spectrum and user needs.

The ELAC ARB51 Navis: A Symphony in a Box

The ELAC ARB51 Navis isn't your average bookshelf speaker; it's a self-contained audio ecosystem. With its built-in amplification, the ARB51 offers a level of convenience and performance that's hard to match. Each speaker comes with a trio of dedicated amplifiers—one for the tweeter, one for the midrange driver, and one for the woofer. This tri-amped approach ensures that each driver is powered optimally, resulting in a cleaner, more accurate sound. The ARB51's soundstage is impressively wide and detailed, making it ideal for critical listening sessions.

ELAC ARB51 Navis Powered Bookshelf Speakers
ELAC ARB51 Navis arrow (at Amazon.com)

Polk Audio HTS 12: Bass That Moves You

On the other end of the audio spectrum, the Polk Audio HTS 12 Powered Subwoofer is a beast dedicated to bringing the low-end rumble to life. With its 12-inch long-throw dynamic balance driver, the HTS 12 delivers deep, impactful bass that can be felt as much as it's heard. It's equipped with a 200W Class D amplifier, which provides ample power to shake the room during those explosive movie scenes or to add the necessary punch to bass-heavy music genres. The HTS 12 also features Polk’s patented Power Port technology for deeper bass response and reduced port noise.

Integration and Performance

When comparing the two, it's important to note that the ARB51s are full-range speakers designed to perform across the entire frequency spectrum, albeit with a focus on the mid and high frequencies. In contrast, the Polk Audio HTS 12 is a specialist, honed to enhance the lower frequencies that bookshelf speakers like the ARB51s can struggle to reproduce on their own. Integrating the HTS 12 with the ARB51s can create a more full-bodied audio experience, ensuring that no part of the music is left behind.

Polk Audio HTS 12 Powered Subwoofer
Polk Audio HTS 12 arrow (at Amazon.com)

However, this integration requires careful calibration to ensure a seamless sonic blend. The ARB51s can stand alone confidently, offering a balanced sound with commendable bass for their size. But for those who crave that extra oomph in the lower registers, supplementing them with the HTS 12 subwoofer could be a game-changer. It's all about personal preference and the types of media you consume the most.

Aesthetic and Build Quality

Let's not overlook aesthetics and build quality. The ELAC ARB51 Navis sports a sleek, contemporary design that would blend well with modern decor. The high-quality MDF cabinet is meticulously crafted, and the custom-designed drivers exude a premium feel. In contrast, the Polk Audio HTS 12 has a more traditional subwoofer appearance with its large, rounded edges and a sizeable footprint. It's built to last, with a robust MDF cabinet that's designed to handle the vibrations and energy of its powerful driver.

In conclusion, the ELAC ARB51 Navis and Polk Audio HTS 12 occupy different niches within the audio landscape. The ARB51s offer a refined, all-in-one solution for audiophiles who prioritize clarity and detail, while the HTS 12 serves up the raw power and depth that bass enthusiasts and home theater aficionados desire. Ultimately, choosing between them—or combining them—boils down to your listening habits, space constraints, and the emotional response you're seeking from your audio setup.


Check Current Prices:

ELAC ARB51 Navis Powered Bookshelf Speakers
ELAC ARB51 Navis Powered Bookshelf Speakers
Polk Audio HTS 12 Powered Subwoofer
Polk Audio HTS 12 Powered Subwoofer
Amazon.com
Amazon.com

Affiliate Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Disclaimer: the speaker data listed on this website are correct to the best of our knowledge, but we do not guarantee the accuracy of the data. Please double-check any measurements with the manufacturer before making a final purchasing decision.