Press Releases

Polk Audio Introduces New Center & Surround Speakers

New models feature bold new cosmetics and improved performance

Las Vegas, NV—January 8, 2007— Today at Consumer Electronics Show booth 21240 in the South Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center, Polk Audio announced the complete re-design of their CSi center channel and FXi surround loudspeakers for 2007. These new products were specifically designed to match Polk's new RTi Series of floor-standing and bookshelf loudspeakers. These new products feature all-new drivers and tweeters and striking new contemporary cosmetics.

There are two new CSi center channel models and two new FXi bipole/dipole surround models, all of which replace existing CSi and FXi models. The two center channel models will be available in Black Oak and Cherry real wood veneers. The two FXi surround models will be offered in Black and White laminate finishes.

These new models feature the latest generation Dynamic Balance drivers and tweeters. The bass/midrange drivers used throughout the range are the same used throughout the new RTi A Series “front” models and use polymer/mineral composite cones. The redesigned 1-inch tweeter is the same used in the latest generation RTi Series: a silk/polymer composite dome for smoother response and better detail than the tweeter used in previous Polk center and surround models. It features a neodymium magnet, low-viscosity Ferrofluid cooling and a finned heat sink on the back of the magnet for better power handling and reliability.

CSi Center Channel Models
The CSi models are magnetically shielded to allow safe placement next to televisions or video monitors. Both models feature gold plated 5-way binding posts. The CSi6 offers dual inputs for bi-amplification or bi-wiring. Computer designed tweeter faceplates, stand-off grille and baffle-edge radii all contribute to minimizing diffraction for more open and spacious imaging. The CSi models are available in either Black Oak or Cherry real wood veneer.

The top-line CSi A6 center speaker features Polk's patented Power Port™ technology that reduces turbulence at the mouth of the port. Power Port vastly reduces “chuffing” or “port noise” and provides deeper, more powerful bass than could be achieved with conventional ported or sealed designs of comparable size. The CSi6 also It also features a second port on the front baffle, an Acoustic Resonance Control (ARC) port that is tuned to cancel internal standing waves that would ordinarily distort midrange reproduction. Patented ARC technology gives the CSi6 unusually clear, natural and detailed midrange performance.

The CSi A6 uses a cascade tapered array - that is, one driver plays only bass frequencies, and the other driver covers the bass and the midrange. This technique avoids the "lobing" effects that plague other horizontal oriented, multi-driver center speakers. The result is broad, even sound coverage for off-axis listeners.

The CSi A6 comes with an adjustable “kickstand” on the rear of the cabinet that allows the deep center speaker to sit securely atop TVs with shallow top surfaces.

CSi Feature/Price Comparison Chart

Center Channel Model	CSi A4	CSi A6
Drivers	(2) 5.25" polymer composite	(2) 6.5" polymer composite
Tweeter	1"silk/polymer composite	1"silk/polymer composite
Enclosure finish	Black Oak or Cherry real wood veneer	Black Oak or Cherry real wood veneer
Venting	front-mounted flared port	dual rear-mounted Power Ports
Dimensions H x W x D	6.875" x 20" x 8.75"	7.75" x 24" x 14"
MSRP (US$)	$290 ea.	$480 ea.

FXi Surround Models
In order to meet the demands of the new high definition multi-channel music formats such as SACD and DVD-Audio, the FXi are wide bandwidth loudspeakers with excellent fundamental sound quality that matches Polk RTi front channel models. For enveloping and non-localizable surround effects the FXi models feature components mounted on opposing baffles set at a 45º angle. This arrangement provides the listener with an ideal balance of direct and indirect sound.

One baffle contains a Dynamic Balance mid/bass driver and 1" dome tweeter, identical to the components used in Polk’s RTi front and CSi center speaker models, for smooth effects panning without tonal shift. The other panel has an additional 1" dome tweeter and a switch that allows the speaker to be switched between Bipolar and Dipolar radiation patterns. This feature, pioneered by Polk Audio in 1994, enables the user to select the polar pattern that gives the best performance for the chosen room placement. A Dipolar pattern is preferable with side-wall, in-line with the listener, placement. For rear wall placement, the Bipolar setting provides better performance.

FXi Feature/Price Comparison Chart

Surround Model	FXi A4	FXi A6
Driver	5.25" polymer composite	6.5" polymer composite
Tweeter	(2) 1" silk/polymer composite dome	(2) 1" silk/polymer composite dome
Enclosure finish	Black or White laminate	Black or White laminate
Dimensions H x W x D	12" x 11.375" x 7.4"	14.75" x 13.375" x 8.625"
MSRP (US$)	$470 pair	$600 pair

The new CSi and FXi models will be available in authorized US and Canadian retailers in May 2007.

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About Polk Audio
Polk Audio is an award-winning designer and manufacturer of high performance audio products and the largest audio brand of Directed Electronics, Inc. (NASDAQ, DEIX). Founded in 1972 by three Johns Hopkins University graduates, Polk Audio holds over 50 patents for advances in loudspeaker design and technology. Polk's products include loudspeakers and electronic components for home, auto and marine applications, the first satellite radio home component tuner, the world's first audiophile-grade active IP-addressable loudspeaker, the first THX Ultra2 Certified in-ceiling loudspeaker, and I-Sonic—the first entertainment system to include HD radio, XM Connect & Play capability and a DVD player. Polk products are available through authorized specialist consumer electronics retailers worldwide. For more information and the location of a Polk retailer or distributor in your area please visit www.polkaudio.com or call us at 1-800-377-7655 (USA and Canada). Outside of North America call +1 (410) 358-3600.