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Polk Audio Announces Three Built-in Subwoofers with Matching Amplifier

The least visually intrusive built-in subwoofers on the market

Today loudspeaker manufacturer Polk Audio announced the introduction of three new built-in subwoofers and a dedicated power amplifier for custom home installation audio systems. One model is sized for in-wall placement while the others are sized for in-ceiling/in-floor installation. Two models boast small grille sizes making them the least visually intrusive built-in subwoofers on the market. Suggested retail prices (with amplifier) range from $1200 through $1400. These are the first built-in subwoofers from Polk Audio since the AB900 bandpass model offered between 1989 and 1991.

The CSW88 in-wall model features dual 8-inch long-throw, shallow basket woofers mounted behind a metal pressure plate in a sealed enclosure. The robust enclosure is fabricated of MDF wood and 1/8" aluminum panels for resonance-free high performance. At 60" L x 13.5" W x 3.5" D, the CSW88 easily fits in standard stud walls without any protrusion into the room. Bass frequencies are launched into the room through a vent measuring a standard 10" x 4". Once installed the CSW88 will look like an air vent, not a subwoofer. To ease wiring, the CSW88 has inputs on both the top and bottom sides of the enclosure.

The CSW100 is an in-ceiling/in-floor design that can also be placed in entertainment cabinets and other types of furniture. The CSW100 uses a single 10-inch woofer in a bandpass style enclosure fabricated entirely of low-resonance MDF. A patented Polk Audio technology, High Velocity Compression Drive® bandpass produce exceptional bass output unmatched by similarly sized built-in models. Measuring 26-1/4" L x 13" W and 9" D, the CSW100 comfortably fits in standard joist spacing and even in Quiet Floor™ and wooden I-beam joist spacing. Bass frequencies exit the enclosure via an unobtrusive 2" x 12" vent.

The CSW200 is another in-ceiling/floor model with a direct radiating 10" driver in a 1.5 cubic foot slot load vented MDF enclosure. Its large size (33" L x 13.75" W x 9.25" D) and long-throw woofer driver enable the CSW200 to produce robust bass down to the lowest audible frequencies yet it can fit between in the tighter joist-spacing of QuietFloor™ construction. With a 12" x 12" grille opening the CSW200 is best used in situations where ultimate performance is paramount and where small size and unobtrusive grille are not as critical.

All three Polk built-in subwoofers are powered by an external Class D amplifier, the SWA500. Producing 250 Watts Continuous into 8 Ohms and 500 Watts Continuous into 4 Ohms, the SWA400 easily powers up to two woofers to rafter shaking levels. The amplifier features a Digital Signal Processor that adjusts the amplifier's response to maximize the built-in subwoofers' performance.

Plug-in data cards are pre-programmed to the equalization and infrasonic filter characteristics that best match the woofer being used. A full array of features include: front panel Level and Variable Low-Pass Filter controls, Overload Protection circuitry, low-level and high-level Inputs, 2 sets of outputs (for daisy-chain connection to additional amplifiers), Phase Switch and Auto On/Off.

Polk Audio's new built-in subwoofers and matching amplifier will be available in North America in June 2005.

Model	Driver Complement	Enclosure Type	Size	Grille Size	MSRP (USD)
CSW88	2 each 8" Poly-composite	Sealed	60" L x 13.5" W x 3.5" D	4" x 10"	$650
CSW100	10" Poly-composite	HVCD™ Bandpass with Slot-load Port	26.75" L x 13" W and 9" D	9" x 16"	$450
CSW200	10" Poly-composite	Slot-load port	33" L x 13.75" W x 9.25" D	12" x 12"	$550
SWA400 Class D amplifier	250W Continuous into 8 Ohms, 500 Watts Continuous into 4 Ohms	N/A	17" W x  4.5" H x 12" D	N/A	$750

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Polk Audio is an international manufacturer of home and car loudspeakers, with headquarters in Baltimore, Maryland. Polk Audio is The Speaker Specialists®, designers and manufacturers of loudspeakers for home, car and office. Founded by Matthew Polk and George Klopfer in 1972, Polk Audio holds over 45 patents for advances in loudspeaker design and technology. Polk products are distributed the US and Canada and in over 50 countries. Consumers can reach Polk Audio by phone (800) 377-7655, by email polkcs@polkaudio.com and on the web www.polkaudio.com.