AMR150

by Ron Walden, June 24, 2003

Strengths:

Great sound, clarity, look, and volume.

Weaknesses:

*None

Review:

GREAT SOUND! I use a very old 1998 E-Machines 366i2, and the computer isn't all that great, but the sound of these speakers deserves a full 5 stars!

by Trevor Storey, July 11, 2003

Strengths:

They produce music! Master volume and treble controls are conveniently located on the right satellite (subwoofer shouldn't normally require adjustment after setup completion).

Weaknesses:

Given the price, none that I'm aware of!

Review:

I'm into high end audio and was very concerned with having computer speakers that treated music seriously. I had searched through various reviews on the web and found that PC speakers are generally oriented towards gaming, and pay modest to no attention to the needs of the music appreciator. I actually didn't see all that much info on the Polks, but they appeared most promising so I crossed my fingers and placed my order. The speakers arrived two days ago. I'm now sitting here listening to "Taj" by Taj Mahal (analog inputs) and finally feel I've got the settings optimally tweaked (sonic balance similar to my serious system). The AMR150 produces honest to goodness music and is astounding for a PC sound system. In case this helps others, here are my settings. Satellite treble at 2/3, bass at 0 (no, the 3" driver is not shut off), and subwoofer volume barely above 1/2. The sub is positioned sideways against the wall behind my desk. The front speakers tuck against the front of the PC monitor and are toed a little inwards. Result -- realistic top-to-bottom balance, excellent virtual center, excellent stereo spread, and solid foundation (when appropriate)! Great work Polk, love them!

LucidBreed.com, May 2001

—Rob Waters

"...the best 4.1 home multimedia speaker set to date...this is the absolute best bang for the buck I've seen yet. If you're an avid gamer or an individual interested in designing that perfect new computer set for yourself, then don't leave out the AMR150's - you'll thank yourself, and me, later. If no headphone jack is something you can overlook, then by all other means this set is near perfect."

[ Open Review ]

NeoSeeker.com, March 2001

—Anthony Roberts

"[The AMR150s] look and perform just as a flagship product should...produce music with clear highs and very supportive mids. The muffled sound that plagues most 4.1 speakers is deliciously absent. The soundstage is solid and smooth straight across, and the subwoofer, when set properly, merges excellently with the rest of the audio...the subwoofer rates superbly and can produce some damned impressive bass...[I] found them to be near perfect for home movies...[With games the] higher frequency clarity, in particular, helped to create an increased sense of detail and crispness to many effects, such as bullet casings hitting the floor and even something as simple as the reloading of a gun clip. Games with ambient music (like Oni, and Giants: Citizen Kabuto) literally sang with energy... I rarely get to sit down to a pair of speakers that are as thoroughly impressive as the Polk AMR150... With the AMR150, Polk aimed to provide an all round winner that could satisfy the games lover and still grab the elusive music enthusiast market by the tail. All this while trying to appeal to the cash strapped student and the movie hobbyist as well. I think they succeeded, and now the Polk brand has made its way into the hallowed halls of multimedia speaker celebrity, and to my "A" list ;)."

[ Open Review ]

PC Review (UK), March 2001

—Ian Cunnigham

"These speakers from Polk are exceptional value, they perform admirably in all uses and tests thrown at them, with only minor drawbacks. Digital and Analogue connections are a great feature, as well as good high-end sound range reproduction. These speakers would be most appealing to someone who is looking for a good value, yet still fairly high end speaker system - providing clear and well reproduced surround sound."

[ Open Review ]

HardwareMasters.com, March 2001

—Bian Torelli

"So, are these speakers recommended? You bet...So to put it simply, if you want a great sounding 4.1 system and don't want to break the bank give the Polk AMR150's a long hard look, err, listen."

[ Open Review ]

3D Audio Immersion.net, March 2001

—Steve Tellman

"The AMR150s retail for about $150(US), which is not bad considering what you are getting. Bottom line, if you are casual gamer and DVD enthusiast, but listen to music most of the time at your PC, definitely consider the Polk AMR150s."
9.3/10 Points

[ Open Review ]

3dRetreat.com, March 2001

—Kyle Kniffin

"Well, it seems that Polk Audio has pulled it off again with another great set of speakers at a very reasonable price...If you, or someone that you know, is looking for a great set of mid-range speakers that won't take a huge chunk out of the bank account, I would urge you to have them checkout the new Polk Audio AMR 150 4.1 Surround Sound Speakers."

[ Open Review ]

ZDNet Reviews, May 16, 2001

—Gene Steinberg

"Polk Audio's top-of-the-line AMR150 is an outstanding four-channel multimedia speaker system with terrific sound, especially considering its reasonably low purchase price. Whether you listen to audio CDs, play computer action games, or watch DVDs on your PC, this $169.95 system will greatly enhance your listening pleasure...[it] is a first-class piece of work that will deliver an extraordinarily satisfying listening experience."

[ Open Review ]

3dSoundsurge.com

"...I have put the Polk Audio AMR-150 on my short list when making recommendations to our readers, to friends and to family. The Polk Audio AMR-150 clearly delivers the goods in a manner that earns our Silver Medal of Excellence to go along with our 3DsoundSurge Surge of Approval."

[ Open Review ]