why doesn't polk make audio receivers/amplifiers? or do they?

**nadams** · 09-21-2002 09:21 PM

The only ones I see are built into their subwoofer in the all-in-one home theatre package (in which the amp in the sub powers all the sats and the center and all). This strikes me as strange.... Unless I'm missing something, Polk makes no standalone A/V receivers. Is the amp that's built into their subs made by them, or do they put someone else's amps in there? Am I totally wrong about this whole thing? Please let me know...

DooD

**mantis** · 09-21-2002 09:36 PM

Strange and funny question.I wonder who makes the internal amps?
Polk is a speaker company,not a amp/receiver company....but who knows,things can change/grow.

**nadams** · 09-21-2002 09:44 PM

I just sorta figured that they would make amps that sounded best with their speakers. People are always talking about what amps sound best w/ their polks....

I wonder if there's a market out there for Polk receivers and/or what they might cost?

DooD

**goingganzo** · 09-21-2002 09:46 PM

it cost alot and takes a li=ong time to get a good amp design most amps use standard componets unless it is a high end amp then the transistors are usaly made to their specks would want to uy a average amp for your polks or would you want some good ones form a company that has been makeing amps for years

**nadams** · 09-21-2002 09:56 PM

Originally posted by goingganzo
it cost alot and takes a li=ong time to get a good amp design most amps use standard componets unless it is a high end amp then the transistors are usaly made to their specks would want to uy a average amp for your polks or would you want some good ones form a company that has been makeing amps for years

Provided that Polk put some of their researchers on the task, I don't think it would take too long for them to develop something. Then again, I admittedly know very little about the process of designing an amp. You did make some good points in your post, though. I have 1970's Pioneer SX-450 that beats the pants off my 2yr old JVC amp in a size to power ratio. Unfortunately, it only has 3 inputs

(it needs a little cleaning as well). Sometimes I think that the technology behind the actual power output part of amps hasn't changed much at all. Sure, we've got Dolby Digital Surround, THX, and all the rest... but when it comes down to pure power output.... I'd rather have my SX-450!

DooD

**HBombToo** · 09-21-2002 10:08 PM

Polk would be better off making a business case and applying capital toward the acquisition of a failing or less profitable company! They could probably fund it over a 10 year business plan but my guess the unit should be profitable in 3 to 5 if HT continues to grow. The research I have done would suggest HT is the way to go but of course they would want to continue 2 channel as well.

Just a rant and remember I'm a pro at turing a dollar into 40 cents!

HBomb

**TroyD** · 09-21-2002 10:29 PM

My personal opinion is that George and Matt should stick to what they know best, speakers.....

BDT

**fireshoes** · 09-21-2002 11:14 PM

I had heard that the pre-amp and dvd in the DS7200 were designed by Marantz, but that's unconfirmed.

**mantis** · 09-22-2002 10:17 AM

They could call in Bob Carver to help make there amps.

**TroyD** · 09-22-2002 12:11 PM

If you got something to say, Dan, spit it out. Now that you've owned separates for a couple of months, jump right in and tell us all about Carver amps.

BDT

**RuSsMaN** · 09-22-2002 09:19 PM

Dan, on a side note, I still never got to see the pic of that Rotel you have, when you get a chance could you post it? I'm interested in how it looks, compared to the Rotels I'm familar with.

Thanks.

**nascarmann** · 09-22-2002 09:34 PM

Is the amp that's built into their subs made by them, or do they put someone else's amps in there?

nadams

Polk contracts out there amps. Triad Speakers Inc. did there sub amps for a while. Not sure who does them now....

**mantis** · 09-23-2002 08:24 PM

Troy,
whats wrong now dude.....??????I have nothing to say about your love carver other then I don't care for them myself.I own seperates........so what.There not carver for a reason.Not your reasons, but myown.I'm not going down that road with you.You want to debate in a civil fashion..fine......start crap,and I won't reply.

Russman,
The Rotel was sitting ontop of the HTS5000 power center at the bottom of my Bello rack.The pre amp is sitting ontop of the Denon avr3801.

**TroyD** · 09-23-2002 08:31 PM

Nothings 'wrong' Dan, but you seemed to be kicking gear that a lot of other folks own. Remember the tizzy you were in when you though that I was 'kicking your LSi15's?'

If you don't like how Carver sounds, no worries, but if you are dismissing Carver products as crap, well, that's different.

Also, and this just strikes me as funny not a commentary on anything in particular but a couple weeks ago you are commenting on how amazed you are in the differences in sound between separates and a receiver. For one that seems as well versed in the nuances of different gear, it just seems that you would have nailed that down many moons ago.

It's all good though, no biggie. Let's press on.

BDT

**mantis** · 09-23-2002 08:37 PM

Russ,
it's a ****ty pic but you can see the amp and the preamp.
It's wired together with Transparent Musiclinks,the Pioneer Elite PDF-19 is my cd source also wired to the preamp with Transparent Musiclinks.The Lsi 15's are wired with Monstercable M1.4s bi wires.They will be replaced with Transparent Musicwave supers after I built the theater room.:)

**mantis** · 09-23-2002 08:45 PM

here's on of my pics.I'll post more if you like

**mantis** · 09-23-2002 08:48 PM

Damn I hate when it posts so big.

**RuSsMaN** · 09-23-2002 08:51 PM

Ah, don't sweat it, big is detailed.

Looks good man.

Cheers,
Rooster

**mantis** · 09-23-2002 08:55 PM

it's a older peice but a good sounding one........I just love that little amp.

**jdavy** · 09-25-2002 05:42 PM

Polk is the speaker specialist. They make great speakers and I want them to keep making great speakers and let another company make quality electronics.

**Ceruleance** · 09-27-2002 12:04 PM

doesn't bob carver make his own line of subwoofers? (sunfire?) wouldnt it be a conflict of interest theoretically if polk did hire him?

**mantis** · 09-27-2002 08:36 PM

The Bob carver comment was a joke ...... alot of talk around here about his stuff....I don't know why......ask the others this.

**TroyD** · 09-27-2002 10:01 PM

why would it be a conflict of interest? Actually, AR's Hi-Res Series powered towers (very well reviewed) featured Sunfire components.

There is generally a lot of talk about Bob Carver around here because a lot of us own Carver gear and like it. In general, a lot of folks bash Carver because his designs aren't industry standards. Stereophile doesn't like Bob because he embarassed them. He proved they couldn't tell the difference between his M1.0t amp and a pair of Conrad Johnson monoblocks. Many scoff at him because he believes that rediculously low THD ratings are not important because at that point no one can tell the difference between .5% and .009%. Generally, though, I think you will find the Carver-bashers are folks who really have little practical experience with his gear.

BDT

**mantis** · 09-28-2002 08:43 PM

I don't recall any carver bashers in here.Including myself.

If you like it go with it.If you don't then don't.I like to make my own opnions of what is good and what isn't so good for my personally.

Carver is one of those companies I just haven't been thrilled with.The Sunfire lines are nice,the Sub's are real nice.But I perfer other brands.

As far as experience with anything, I totally agree, without experience your kinda left out in the cold.Read all you want but it just isn't the same.Like spec's.......without hearing it, whats the point.

Reviews are also an opnion.Some praise gear and some bash it.But at the end of the day it's a matter of what works with your personally built system.What piece works?

I personally Don't have anytime to argue what's good and whats bad.I think reading the posts in here is a nice way to gather up some good opnions and some facts.But again at the end of the day , it's experience that carries you down the path.It's finding the right one.Which wire works and why.Why this amps sounds great on these speakers but sounds awefull driving another pair.

Again with the reviews..........thats all they are.Is it good for you???

**mantis** · 09-28-2002 08:47 PM

If opnions are worth it for the carver stuff,I know a bunch of audiophiles that can't stand the sound of carver amps and even there amasing speakers of past.Alot of opnions that I respect have voiced there feeling towards carver for all of there different reasons.All of them have sold carvewr in the past.And have alot of experience with all of there products.I only have limited experience with the carver amasing's.A customer of mine owns a pair of those big things in his livingroom.But still even then my opnion stands by itself.I don't hate or bash carver.I just don't use it.I don't like the way there stuff that I have heard sounds.I don't think there seperates are any better then some receiver's I have heard.But thats just me......lets let the carver thing rest.like it ...hate it.......leave well enough alone for the sake of the people who like it.

**TroyD** · 09-28-2002 10:25 PM

Dan, I wasn't specifically refering to you. I'm saying that in general, Bob Carver has been a controversial figure. I apologize if it seemed I was singling you out, not my intention compadre.

If you check out the audioasylum, there is some good debate on the relative merits of Carver.

BDT

**mantis** · 09-29-2002 06:47 AM

TroyD,
I'll get my read on.You know it's all relative to how you want your rig to sound.

It's all good Big fella!

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