Floorstanding
This product is a vintage Polk model and is not available for sale, but it may still be available in some stores as a closeout or used product. The following text is taken from the original sales brochure for this product and does not reflect current availability. If you happen to have any question or concerns about this product, or any other Polk Audio product, feel free to contact our Customer Service Department at 1-800-377-7655 Monday - Friday, 9am - 5:30pm EST
VM30
Slim Floorstanding Flagship, 11 Drivers Total
Add a new dimension to your sound
It's only 4.5" wide, but it delivers big, wide sound in the most stylish modern decor. The VM30 packs a total of 11 drivers (one Aluminum Dome Tweeter, two midrange drivers, four woofers and four Planar Bass Radiators) into an tall, efficient High Velocity Array that will blow you away. Its minimalist profile looks sweet next to your big flat panel TV or as an artful addition to any listening room. It's a modern performer, with crisp, clear, warm sound with plenty of musical bass response, for music, movies, TVs and even games.
Dynamic Balance Design Technology
Dynamic Balance is our patented advanced analysis of a speaker's entire electro-acoustic and mechanical system. It helps us select better materials and more efficient geometry. With deep analysis, we can pinpoint and eliminate things that reduce performance before they become a part of the finished product. The aluminum and polypropylene driver materials in the VM Series are specially tuned to produce a flat, uncolored frequency response. This true transparency reveals a wide dynamic range, with sharp details, and no hint of strain.
Klippel Distortion Analysis
The state-of-the-art Klippel Distortion Analyzer uses a lasers and sophisticated software to do large-scale analysis of drivers in motion. We use this technology to test speaker motors (the moving parts) while they are still in the prototype stage. We can tweak voice coils and spiders for optimal motion, ensuring that a speaker will perform well at both low and high volume levels.
Aircraft-Quality Aluminum Extruded Cabinets
VM Series speakers eschew traditional wood and plastic for hand polished black or silver aluminum. VM cabinets are chambered and braced, and internally lined with closed cell foam, eliminating internal resonances and absorbing driver "back wave," for greater midrange clarity and clearer midbass response. Fine machining and curved designs complement both traditional (surprise!) and modern decors. VM30 and VM10 models feature elegant glass bases that provide stability while accenting their jewel-like quality.
Mineral Filled Polypropylene Drivers
For the flattest possible frequency response, with excellent detail and transparency, these innovative materials have been tuned with our Dynamic Balance process. Butyl Rubber Surrounds provide excellent resonance damping for better sound and high durability for a lifetime of listening enjoyment.
Aluminum Dome Tweeter
The Ferro-Magnetic fluid-cooled Aluminum Dome Tweeters of the VM Series are super-efficient, and create excellent dispersion off-axis. They reveal essential high frequency accuracy, even at lifelike volumes.
Planar Bass Radiators
The secret to rich, deep bass response in an impossibly thin (and good looking) loudspeaker is our exclusive Planar Bass Radiator design, snatched from our hugely successful DSWmicroPro Series Subwoofers. Both VM30 and VM20 models utilize the Planars, in which a non-powered "radiator" mimics a speaker cone to reinforce ultra-low-end bass frequencies. The result is deep, musical bass that blends smoothly with the speaker's overall dynamics, for surprisingly big bass impact for such a slim player.
Narrow Baffle Geometry, Small-Driver Configuration
A one-two performance punch that results in smart styling and superior sound. First, multiple smaller drivers are combined for more overall driver area with less overall driver mass, for wider range, more spacious soundstaging, and better detail. Second, these smaller drivers are arranged vertically in a slender enclosure, and tuned to project sound over a wider area, so every seat in the house hears a prime performance.
High Velocity Array
VM30 and VM20 models benefit from a special, slim speaker driver configuration that works in conjunction with the Narrow Baffle Geometry. This array widens the dispersion of the loudspeaker, creating a wide, deep soundstage with crisp, articulate sound.
Timbre-Matched Versatility
The VM Series is timbre-matched to other Polk Audio loudspeakers, so you can mix-and-match them to build or add to existing systems. And you can mix-and-match among the models in the VM Series to go from a dynamic basic 2-channel stereo setup to a full-on home theater system, 5.1 and beyond, and always experience seamless, realistic blending between speakers.
Magnetically Shielded
All models of the VM Series are engineered to be safe when placed near sensitive AV equipment like monitors or TVs.
Gold-Plated 5-Way Binding Post Connectors
Gold-plated 5-way professional binding post connectors give you maximum signal transfer and the most secure professional connections.
Famous Polk Dependability & Durability
Like all of our products, the VM Series uses only the best materials coupled with the most advanced manufacturing techniques on the planet. All Polk products must pass a battery of the most physically strenuous and exhaustive performance tests in the industry, including drop testing and extreme signal response testing. Polk Audio loudspeakers are proudly built to perform for a lifetime.
Polk Audio Customer Service: The Gold Standard
Call or email us and you'll be connected to real live human who knows just about everything there is to know about audio and performance electronics. From "how do I get started?" and "what should I buy?" to "how do I stop that hiss?" and "which tube needs replacing?" and everything in between, we know the answers you need to get back to enjoying your audio entertainment pronto. Just ask.
Driver Complement | |
|---|---|
| Tweeter | |
| Quantity | 1 |
| Diameter | 1" (2.54cm) |
| Type | Ferro-magnetic fluid-cooled aluminum dome |
| Midrange | |
| Quantity | 2 |
| Diameter | 4" (10.16cm) |
| Type | Dynamic Balance mineral filled polymer composite cone drivers |
| Mid / Woofer | |
| Quantity | 4 |
| Diameter | 4" (10.16cm) |
| Type | Dynamic Balance mineral filled polymer composite cone drivers |
| Subwoofer | |
| Quantity | 4 |
| Diameter | 4" (10.16cm) |
| Type | Planar bass radiator |
Electrical | |
|---|---|
| Total Frequency Response | 50Hz-26kHz |
| Upper -3dB Limit | 25 kHz |
| Lower -3dB Limit | 60 Hz |
| Nominal Impedance | 8 ohms |
| Efficiency | 90 dB |
| Recommended Amplifier Power | 20-225 watts per channel |
| Inputs | 5-way binding posts |
Amplifier Specs | |
|---|---|
| 220V Availability | No |
Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Cabinet Dimensions | |
| Height | 49" (124.46cm) |
| Width | 6" (15.24cm) |
| Depth | 6" (15.24cm) |
| Footprint | |
| Width | 10 1/8" (25.72cm) |
| Depth | 13" (33.02cm) |
| Product Weight (each) | 25.50 pounds |
Shipping | |
|---|---|
| Unit of Measure | each |
| Total Shipping Weight | 29.40 pounds |
Warranty | |
|---|---|
| Speaker Warranty | 5 years parts and labor (original purchaser) |
Specifications, dimensions and features subject to change without notice. For more information call us at 1-800-377-7655 (USA and Canada). Outside of North America call +1 (410) 358-3600.
Customer Reviews
5 reviews with an average of 5
Write your own reviewby Tihomir Yankov, June 3, 2008
48 out of 51 people found this review helpful.Strengths:
great investment
Weaknesses:
My hardwood floors appear to be uneven at some places towards the wall. When positioned at some places, the speakers may sway from one side to the other when touched. I wish the height of the speakers' feet could be slightly adjusted at each corner to make the VM30 more stable in these circumstances. Minor point.
Review:
I am a pianist, and I didn't know speakers of this (or any) size could sound so well until I got these. I have a pair of VM30, one VM20 as a center channel and a DSW Pro 600 powered sub, hooked up to a Denon AVR-3808CI (130 Watts per channel) with Monster m1.2s cables. My surround sound settings on the receiver are set to decode any CD recording with Dolby Pro-logic II. I set the frequency crossover on the Denon for the three VM speakers to 80 HZ, and let the sub do the heavy punches. I have enjoyed these speakers for a couple of months and have played a variety of music on them. Nothing short of impressive. The best test for speakers is jazz and classical, and these handle both exceptionally well. Nora Jones and Andrea Bocceli never sounded more real. As I am writing this review, I am listening to Rachmaninoff's symphonic dances for two pianos. Every note from both pianos is crystal clear, and so is every minor flaw in the pedalling of the pianists. I have also disabled my TV speakers and use only the VM's for ordinary cable TV viewing. Even quiet speech is reproduced accurately, as if the announcer is sitting infront of you. My 25-year-old brother, who is still a teenager at heart, has a pair of huge JBL's. He was over one day, and I played one of his favorite R&B songs. He turned up the volume to show me that my speakers couldn't play loud enough. The dog got scared and ran out. The speakers and the sub handled every beat and punch, and the center channel did the voices superbly without any distortion at high volume. He just nodded his head and just noted that he hears "too many notes" that he didn't hear before. In my book, that's a good thing. The WAF is off the charts. My fiance, who is as ignorant to sound systems as they come (e.g., she didn't believe me that I needed a receiver in order for sound to come out from the speakers, and then put a flower pot on the subwoofer, which she also thought we could use as a side table), loves how they sound. Did I mention that they look tremendous? Mine are in black. They are as noticeable as they blend in. If you can afford them, buy them. I am considering adding a couple of the VM10s for surround sound. I am now lobbying the fiance: I will try to show her that they could double as mini shelves for picture frames...
by Walter Howard, November 9, 2007
36 out of 39 people found this review helpful.Strengths:
Imaging, tonal balance
Weaknesses:
If you don't have a sub, move along.
Review:
One of the benefits in participating in Polk Audio’s online forums is getting the opportunity to meet other Polk Audio enthusiasts like myself . Another benefit is getting extended in home auditions of Polk’s latest speaker offering, the VM30. The VM30 comes clad in hand polished high-grade aluminum. The speakers are rather tall at 49” but are only 6” wide and deep. Strap on a rocket booster and I think it will make it to the moon. These speakers clearly rate a high WAF (Wife Acceptance Factor) for the architecturally inclined significant other. Weighing in at a sultry 25 pounds, they were much easier to put into place than moving my 65 pound reference floor standing speakers. The VM30 comes with no less than 11 drivers, 1” ferro-magnetic fluid-cooled aluminum dome tweeter, 2 4” shielded polymer composite cone drivers, and 2 4” planar bass radiators. Clearly Polk set out to build a speaker to be seen as well as heard. Polk recommends matching the VM30’s to a subwoofer to complement the low frequencies. Given the rated frequency response of 50HZ – 26KHZ with the lower –3DB limit coming at 60HZ, I wholeheartedly agree. Nonetheless, I sampled the VM30’s sound in 2-channel mode before adding my subwoofer. I dropped Sade into the CD player to see how the VM30’s handled the smooth bass line on “No Ordinary Love”. While the mids and highs were faithfully reproduced by the VM30’s, the low frequencies were definitely lacking punch. Needing no further encouragement I quickly added my reference sub. I adjusted my amplifier to the THX standards crossovers and slope settings (80HZ, 12 DB slope) for the rest of my listening tests. With the subwoofer engaged, the VM30’s came to life. These speakers have excellent imaging capabilities. The speakers nearly disappeared presenting a seamless front sound stage. The sound had an increased depth over my reference speakers that I attributed to the rear firing bass radiators. I dropped Donald Fagen’s, Kamakariad in the CD player next. The vocals came through with no tonal discoloration, and quite frankly, sounded like they should if you know what I mean. Even though Polk currently doesn’t have a matching center for home theater applications, I wasn’t about to miss this opportunity to put the speakers through a King Kong workout. King Kong fighting three T-Rex’s is about as good as it gets for ground thumping action. Here, the VM30’s were no slouch. They powered through every punch, kick, and bite, without breaking a sweat. Fear not, these speakers will play plenty loud.
by Mark Delzer, May 29, 2008
24 out of 27 people found this review helpful.Strengths:
Sound stage is surprisingly large and they are very good looking.
Weaknesses:
Price, sub is manditory.
Review:
I have had the speakers in my system for over a month and I am very happy with the sound. They are great to look at and have a very high wife approval factor (WAF). Not only that they are light so are not a problem to move around for placement. As mentioned you will need a sub with these speakers and found them easy to blend together, much more so than other speakers I have tried. For music they have fairly good imaging and the sound stage is much larger than I expected. I thought the aluminum tweeter might be hard to listen to. However I found they are not fatiguing and I can listen to them for long periods. I would consider them more a HT speaker and for movies they don’t disappoint. You will hear all the action and dialog clearly.
by knut riis, August 21, 2010
7 out of 7 people found this review helpful.Strengths:
Sound, looks, value.
Weaknesses:
It reveals flaws in recordings, or in your own system - it's that accurate. (not really a flaw)
Review:
It's hard to imagine getting more speaker, for less money. Looks exceptionally nice, also.
by Kenneth Bui, August 24, 2009
5 out of 6 people found this review helpful.Strengths:
Great sound and beautiful look
Weaknesses:
None
Review:
I combined these tower Polk VM30 with the Polk Monitor surround speakers and a sub. I have found the rich and deep sound I have been searching for. The sound is awsome. They are great with jazz, rock blues and classical. The sound of H/T is absolutely stunning. Try a pair out for your self. I think you will be suprised and pleased.
Vintage Product
This product is considered a "Recent" or "Vintage" Polk Audio model. It is not a part of our current product lineup. It may still be available in some stores as a "close out" or "used" product. Information provided here about this product may not reflect current realities and does not imply availability. If you happen to have a question or concern about this product, contact our Customer Service Department at 1-800-377-7655 M-F 9am - 5:30pm EST. Chances are we remember it.
VM30 Media
VM30 Literature
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