Will the RX500A damage the Signature Elite ES20?

No. The RX500A is rated for the Signature Elite ES20's 8 Ω load as it comes.

What impedance setting should I use for the Signature Elite ES20 on the RX500A?

None: the Signature Elite ES20 is 8 Ω, and the RX500A needs no change for it.

Is the RX500A powerful enough for the Signature Elite ES20?

More than you need. From a seat 2 m away, loud 95 dB movie peaks take about 21 W per speaker, and the RX500A is rated 70 W per channel. Cinema reference level, 105 dB peaks, takes about 201 W.

Does the Polk Signature Elite ES20 work with the Yamaha RX500A?

Verdict

Yes

The Signature Elite ES20 is 8 Ω, and the RX500A is rated for speakers down to 4 Ω, so it drives them as is.

Speaker load

8 Ω speaker, rated down to 4 Ω

Power

70 W

More than you need. About 21 W gives 95 dB peaks at 2 m

How to connect them

Connect the Signature Elite ES20 speakers to the RX500A's front terminals with speaker wire.
Run Room Correction with its microphone at your seat.

Plan the Signature Elite ES20 and RX500A in your own room.

Draw your room in 3D, place both, and see every connection checked and how loud they play at your seat. Designing is free.

Build it in your room

The specs that decide it

Polk Signature Elite ES20

Impedance: 8 Ω
Sensitivity: 88 dB
Recommended amplifier power: 20–150 W
MSRP: $399 a pair (MSRP, September 2026)

All Signature Elite ES20 specs and pairings

Yamaha RX500A

Amplifier channels: 7
Height formats: Dolby Atmos, DTS:X
Lowest speaker impedance: 4 Ω
MSRP: $600 each (MSRP, May 2026)

All RX500A specs and pairings

Questions about the Signature Elite ES20 and RX500A

Does the Signature Elite ES20 work with the RX500A?: Yes. The Signature Elite ES20 is 8 Ω, and the RX500A is rated for speakers down to 4 Ω, so it drives them as is.
Will the RX500A damage the Signature Elite ES20?: No. The RX500A is rated for the Signature Elite ES20's 8 Ω load as it comes.
What impedance setting should I use for the Signature Elite ES20 on the RX500A?: None: the Signature Elite ES20 is 8 Ω, and the RX500A needs no change for it.
Is the RX500A powerful enough for the Signature Elite ES20?: More than you need. From a seat 2 m away, loud 95 dB movie peaks take about 21 W per speaker, and the RX500A is rated 70 W per channel. Cinema reference level, 105 dB peaks, takes about 201 W.

Swap one of them

References

Specs verified against the manufacturer's published data. Last checked September 15, 2026.

Brand names are trademarks of their owners. Not affiliated with or endorsed by any manufacturer. 3D models are our approximations. Prices are manufacturer list prices (MSRP) as of the month shown. How we earn from buy links: affiliate disclosure.