Polk Audio VM20 - Loudspeaker - Demo

[Demiurge]

1: You must currently own Polk Audio loudspeakers. I would like to know what you currently own and perhaps, what have you owned previously.

2: The big question.....Please explain what your expectations are for Polk in the coming years. This is an everchanging industry and I'm wondering what your thoughts are on how Polk should adapt or what products you would like to see from Polk Audio in the near future.

Part 1:

RM6000 Sat Package > RT600i > LSi15

I have a whole lot of other pairs of Polk Speakers, but that's my main progression route thus far.

Part 2:

Tough question, really, because there are so many routes a business can go. I am a pretty firm believer in standing behind your bread & butter as a company goes. I would like to see Polk Audio continute to refine their line of Home Theater/Musical and Car Audio speakers first and foremost. I think continuing to offer similar alternative packages to companies like Bose is also a good idea as well. I would, however, not like to see Polk getting into the iPod/Electronics stuff so much. I think there is a market there, but I'd rather see Polk being known as a great speaker company.

I would like to see Polk Audio continue to offer a "higher end" speaker line like the LSi series, and maybe even venture beyond that.

Other than that, a more aggressive advertising and marketing campaign for Polk would be great. I know full well that advertising costs a whole heck of a lot, but I really don't see many speaker companies trying to get themselves out there to the mainstream like Bose has. I'm sure Polk is sick of the comparision, but it is what it is. Getting yourselves into a few more chain stores & mom and pop audio shops would go a long way.

Thanks for the opportunity!

[MillerLiteScott]

Mark, I would be interested in demoing these speakers also. One question. Is this demo a LCR or just the right and left?

I like the look of the speakers and I am a big fan of the MTM or D'appolito configuration. As I have said before I am a fan of the passive radiator. I think the visual impact of a speaker has a lot to do with getting a perspective customer to listen and if they sound good it should be a home run.

My Polk Audio journey started with a pair of MM5250 car audio speakers which I still own and are installed in an car. I then got a 5.1 Satellite RM6300 ( I think) system which served me well till I got a somewhat dedicated listening area.

I bought a pair of RTi 10's and a CSi3 last a year ago which brought me to this forum. I since sold those and have gone on a vintage binge.

I now own;

SDA 2B
RTA 11t
Monitor 5
CSi 5
MMC650 installed in the cockpit of my boat.

I agree with who ever said that a reasonably price pair of great sounding headphones or earbuds with a strong advert campaign for the iPod crowd would be a great way to get that demo interested in the brand and establish brand recognition. Next step up the food chain for that crowd would be to the mini system, a HTIB or speaker satellite package. This is where the masses seem to stop. They seem to content with this level of equipment. Any further audio investment is for a educated listener or the guy with more money than interest in audio. I am basing the past two sentences on what I see when I go to friends houses.

I personally would like to see Polk Audio put out a portable iPod player with an AM/FM radio that sounds awesome. No manufacturer seems to have one of these much less one that sounds good. Being a fan of the vintage stuff I would like to see a line of new SDA's, but I know that is not what the mass market wants. I think a Signature Reference System as the premier line above the LSi line would be a great for many of the people on this forum and probably many other forums. I am not a big fan of the LSi Series looks.
I do like the looks of the RTa Series and I think they will sell well but I have been there done that.

I will ask some of my friends what they are looking for in an audio system and what they are looking for in a HT system because I don't think I represent the target market anymore. Not that I think I am better than them. But audio gear is a hobby for me and they play golf etc. I think most people are to busy to sit down and just listen to music. I was one of those people a year ago but now I make time to listen to music.

Sorry for the rambling. Hope I have been helpful.

Scott

[jwhitakr]

Sounds interesting. I'm in.

I have owned the RM6600 and PSW350 sub/sat system, and recently purchased a pair of R300's, R150's and a CSi25. I also previously had a miDock Portfolio.

There are so many directions that a company could go, but I agree with a lot of the statements already noted by others that Polk should:

1) Continue with their "bread and butter" of providing well built, great sounding and affordable speakers for both HT and 2-channel listeners
2) Continue to provide outstanding customer service

These two reasons are the most important things that keep me coming back to Polk for audio products.

For new products I would like to see

1) An improved line of subwoofers (I haven't had a chance to listen to the new DSW line, so cannot comment on those)
2) Fresh speaker designs that fit with modern styling (I think the VM20 is a step in the right direction here)
3) More portable products that don't sacrifice sound quality, such as earbuds, headphones, etc.

Cheers,
Justin

[McLoki]

Great Karma - thanks for the chance to demo in a home environment.

Order of Ownership
SDA 1b's (home theater when it was just 2 speakers... :) )

RM6600 (with the PSW-350 subwoofer - 1st 5.1 system)

LSiC
LSi7's (used as front speakers with RM660 rears)
LSi7's (Pulled the sides off and they replaced my 6600's as rear speakers)
LSi15's (replaced the LSi7 front speakers)

RTi6s (bedroom system)

Monitor 10 - Series II (forgot these, hope to use them as rears with my SDA1b's taking front duty in a basement home theater)

The Big Question?

What first got me interested in Polk was the SDA technology. They offered something that no other speaker manufacturer did - that made them appear innovative and cutting edge.

I would like them to apply a similar inovation to home theater like they did with 2 channel back in the 80's. It does not have to be SDA, but what can they offer that is lacking in home theater now??

• Subwoofer - the current polk subs on the market blow. Even on club polk, a dedicated polk fan site if ever there was one, we constantly recommend other subs if you are interested in home theater. (for music, the polk subs really aren't that bad)
• Wires - wireless speakers have been a promise by many companies for a long time. For now - it is just a pipe dream. There are no good - serious - wireless speakers available from anywhere I can think of. When going wireless, don't forget inwalls. there are many cases where it would be eaiser to run power to a speaker location in a room with existing walls than it would be to run speakers wires, hidden, to a single location.
• Steering - This is where SDA comes back into play. Not just sound coming out of 4 speakers, (front and surround) but full SDA effect between all speakers. (SDA between front right, front left and surround right - surround left front left and surround right(you get the idea). Truely make the walls dissapear in a surround environment. I dont know how to make SDA work between 3 speakers, but you have had 25 years to figure it out. If you haven't got it figured out yet - get a few more engineers working on it.
• Speakers - I like the idea you have now with great home theater speakers that are good enough to be used as 2 channel speakers. I really think there needs to be at least one set of flagship speakers in the polk line though. Something that makes the industry stand up and take notice. Put Polk back in the "makers of some of the best speakers you can get" market rather than just the "good speakers for the price" market.

These are some of the things I am going to be looking for if I ever upgrade from my LSi's. I hope Polk has options for me if and or when I decide to do that.....


Michael

[Pauly]

my buddy just ordered these last week. cant wait to demo them........

[dorokusai]

Just FYI.....They require alot of break-in according to both the Engineering department and Russman.

[McLoki]

Just FYI.....They require alot of break-in according to both the Engineering department and Russman.

In that case - should I win - can I be the second or third person they are sent to?? :D

Thanks,

Michael

[dorokusai]

This is the last week to sign up. The karma will close Friday COB.

[treitz3]

In please.

Currently running Polk RTi10's with the tweeter disabled on a tri-amped, dual speaker'd stereo system augmented with a Polk PSW1000. In the past I have had RT800's and PSW120.

What I would like to see from Polk Audio is a step forward in the audio industry. Keep the current lines [bang for the buck is awesome! :D], but add just one more to take Polk Audio to the next level, geared to 2-channel audio. No restrictions. Just what you have done extensive research on, applied to the best sound [without gimmicks] out there.

Improve your lineup of subs to match the value that your speakers have to offer, or lose the line completely. I was very disappointed in the flagship PSW1000. Looks great, but that's not why I bought it.

Keep on keepin' on with wonderful Customer Service.

Possibly look into different tweeters from other companies out there. [Focal's TNV, or pure Beryllium for example] Make them blend with the technology you have while keeping the style and construction quality the same. If you can utilize your technology to make better sound whilst producing a more efficient speaker, then sales might increase, because folks could get better Polk sound without replacing the low watt receivers/amps the mainstream public has.

Get back to basics in audio. Don't worry about marketing. Don't fall for the convenience crowd....cater to them, but don't let them lead your company into sound like crap. Get back to the sound. That's what it's all about, baby!;)

[Lowell_M]

[QUOTE=treitz3;701387]In please.

Currently running Polk RTi10's with the tweeter disabled on a tri-amped, dual speaker'd stereo system augmented with a Polk PSW1000. QUOTE]

Huh?????

[ESavinon]

Great karma. I wish i had the time to evaluate these.

[treitz3]

Huh?????

You gotta hear it man!;) :D

[Silverti]

I’m in. My Polks are listed in my sig.

I have been into AV for a long time. When I say that, I'm talking about the my older Polks like the Cs350 and RT12's that I ran for the past 10 years. I really didn’t spend much time online and such reading about different speakers, I just enjoyed my Polks. When the time came to upgrade, I stuck with what worked for me. I read now that people complain about this and that. I just don’t think Polk needs to do much more about their speakers. Specifically I’m loving the specs of the new RTI-A series speaker and I think you are going the right direction. I’m very happy with every single Polk speaker that I have. That being said, Polk needs to have more distribution channels for the higher end stuff. Sure CC and BB have the lower models and such.
So, maybe I’m not much help but I am looking for some new Polks right now. I need some newer rear speakers in my HT to replace my Polk rt12’s and I want some better “musical” speakers for 2 channel listening. I was thinking of trying the new RTI-A series. Id lover to demo the VM20.

[treitz3]

This is my rig at this year's CF. Dual amp'd with this setup, though.

I'll slide back out now so we can stay on subject........;)

[dudeinaroom]

I would love to be in, but I feel I no longer have a system with enough resolution to justify them.

I have owned many different low fi speakers, the closest to anything good would be my Infintys. Now my Polks are worth their weight in gold will never give them up(SDA 2As)

I'd like to see Polk come out with a speaker that has it all in spades, and then some. Take a look back and go through some of the old stuff and see what made them sing. See if they could get any fresh Ideas from yester-years ideas. Now I'm not saying bring back the SDAs(even though many of us would like to see it).Now something like the old monitor line would be cool, Some thing with passive radiator, and a smooth tweeter, and just gets the midrange right. I don't know, It seems wide speakers are out, but you could always do something with a couple 6.5", 7" or 8"s on the front baffle with a passive on the side, or maybe an oblong passive, or dual smaller passive radiators on the front. Sorry, I just feel Polk knows how to do passive radiator designs right. Another thing the would be cool is for Polk to do a massive home theater system. Some thing with totally matched speaker, dual 8inchers all around (f,c,l,r,rs,ls) and a sub woofer to go with (thinking dual 12" SRs from the car audio line up) Those who reallylike surround have not really experienced it until they have true full range speakers all around, it brings a lot more to the table. Now this would not be some thing you would find in a big box store(you could) but more ike aome thing a hi end audio store would carry.

[Disc Jockey]

This is the last week to sign up. The karma will close Friday COB.

Soooo, who are the lucky winners?

[dorokusai]

OOOOPPPSS! I'll post the list later tonight. Thanks Disc Jockey :D

[dorokusai]

Ok Mark, the game is up. You told me if I ever used cable lifters you'd have to smack me or some such. Looks like I'm going to have to smack you. :D

BTW, not in.

Jesse - Sorry, completely forgot to reply. They were FREE, that's the only reason they are present but I don't mind a smack or two.

[dorokusai]

WINNERS!!

Ern Dog
Disc Jockey
Jwhitakr
Treitz3
Silverti

Please PM me your shipping information.

MillerLiteScott & Jdhdiggs - Since you guys are close to me, when they make their way back to Maryland, we'll work something out.

Thanks for joining the Karma everyone! Keep on Polkin'!

[treitz3]

Hot diggity Dog! My first win on this forum! Awesome Karma! :D ;)

PM on it's way bro'.

[McLoki]

congrats everyone - let us know how they sound....

[dudeinaroom]

Congrats guys

[daboyz]

Damn, I was on vacation when this thread came up and first time I'm seeing it. Totally bummed.........................

[Disc Jockey]

Whoo Hoooo! Really looking forward to it. :D

[Ricardo]

Congrats!!!!

Ern Dog, do you have enough Pink Noise to break them in?????? ;)

[engtaz]

Congrats on the Demo's. Remember you have to return them.LOL

[jwhitakr]

Wow! This is rocking! Thanks a bunch! I am really looking forward to trying out these speakers. PM is on its way.

[fireshoes]

Damn, I was on vacation when this thread came up and first time I'm seeing it. Totally bummed.........................

I know for sure American TV will be carrying the VM30's and I think VM20's also, so you'll still be able to check them out.

[Silverti]

Going to slap them right next to my RTI12's here:

[fireshoes]

Damn, I was on vacation when this thread came up and first time I'm seeing it. Totally bummed.........................

All of the VM models are in now at American. Not sure if the one in Rockford has got them on display yet, but if you call ahead I'm sure they would.
My initial impression is...sexy, nice build. Out of the box brighter than RTi's and certainly less low end, but plays different types of music well, good for tv and movies too. Going to be very popular with wall mounted flat panel tv's.

Also got the new DSW Pro subs in. Only put the 8" on display but has definitely exceeded my expectations. A small shipment of SurroundBar50's are coming in next week. RTiA series is also in, except for towers, but at my store we are waiting to sell through the remaining older stuff before bringing them out I guess. Hopefully it won't be long!