Polk Audio Introduces New DSW MicroPRO™ Powered Subwoofers

New models feature small size, stunning styling and exclusive technologies to offer “The Best Bass Anywhere”

January 16, 2007

Today at Consumer Electronics Show booth 21240 in the South Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center, Polk Audio announced a new line of compact, ultra high performance powered subwoofers for 2007. The four DSW MicroPRO™ Series models are Polk’s best powered subwoofers and join six other new powered subwoofers from Polk Audio being introduced at CES 2007; the largest subwoofer introduction in Polk Audio’s history. The four DSW MicroPRO models range in price from $950 to $1780 and feature proprietary digital engines for spectacular performance and convenience as well as unprecedented optimization for room acoustic and placement conditions by means of the Polk Room Optimizer™ (PRO) and Automatic Polk Room Optimizer™ (AutoPRO™) systems. Polk’s consumer research confirms what CE retailers have known for years—consumers want small subwoofers with the performance of big units. All DSW MicroPRO models are compact designs, considerably smaller than traditional subwoofers of similar performance. Special attention was lavished on the cosmetics of the active drivers, allowing a grille-free design. Three of the models sport high gloss black lacquer finish for the ultimate in home theater elegance. The DSW1000 is finished in satin black and may be painted to match room décor. All four models are powered by a Twelve Hundred Watt hybrid BASH™ amplifier with an integrated proprietary Digital Signal Processing engine. The DSP engine features three proprietary Polk Audio technologies that provide the listener with dramatic benefits. The first is Feed Forward™ distortion suppression technology that maximizes acoustic output while vastly reducing audible distortion. Some woofer correction and control systems focus on optimizing the ability of the woofer to reproduce steady state signals but do little to improve the dynamic performance. Feed Forward distortion suppression technology is a proprietary zero latency system that maximizes dynamic output of the woofer system and which does not rely on slow responding feedback techniques. Feed Forward distortion suppression technology delivers massive, yet quick and precise bass output with minimal audible distortion. “The Best Bass Anywhere” The second Polk innovation is the AutoPRO (Automatic Polk Room Optimizer) in-room optimization system which measures (by means of a supplied microphone) the response peaks created by standing waves (room modes) and flattens in-room response in a novel way. Unlike most room correction systems that use simple response equalization the AutoPRO in-room optimization system preserves the dynamics and transient response of the woofer system by optimizing the in-room time response of the system rather than simply equalizing the steady state response. Polk’s unique method effectively eliminates boomy room response problems while preserving dynamics and transient response for bass performance that is tight, musical and punchy. The DSW MicroPRO remote control offers PRO™, four push-button room equalization preset choices that correct for room boundary effects in typical rooms. Subwoofer placement near walls and corners change a woofer’s response. Polk Room Optimizer adjusts frequency balance for four typical in-room placements: “long wall,” “short wall,” “in corner” and “mid-room.” The four PRO presets introduce frequency equalization to correct for boundary effects for quick and easy bass performance optimization. The DSW MicroPRO1000 features the push-button PRO equalization presets but does not offer the AutoPRO in-room optimization system. All four models feature a credit card-sized remote control that allows the user to adjust subwoofer volume and phase (0, 90, 180 and 270 degree settings), mute, select the PRO presets, and engage the “Night” function. The Night function employs digital signal processing to compress the dynamic range of the woofer’s output so that listeners will hear all the low-level bass detail on the program material without resorting to loud listening. A “reset” button on the remote restores the woofer’s settings to factory presets. A blue LED behind the woofer’s logo badge blinks to confirm the subwoofer has received and responded to the remote’s instructions. Central to the big-woofer performance of the DSW MicroPRO subs are the beefy active subwoofer drivers with massive die-cast aluminum baskets and 13 pound motor structures. A 2.5 inch glass/epoxy voice coil former wound with four layers of heavy gauge Aluminum wire provides the highest power handling and reliability of any home subwoofer driver in Polk’s history. Dual progressive roll spiders tightly control cone motion for the ultimate in “tight,” detailed and musical bass. Like all Polk drivers designed in the past few years, the DSW MicroPRO’s subwoofer drivers were tuned with the help of a Klippel Distortion Analyzer, an advanced tool that uses laser technology to measure and optimize driver behavior under high output conditions. With the Klippel tool Polk engineers were able to maximize linearity, minimize distortion, flatten and extend frequency response. DSW MicroPRO woofers employ bottom-mounted Sub-bass Radiators to augment deep bass response and output. The radiators’ square shape takes full advantage of the area available on the compact enclosure. For example, a 12” woofer’s radiating area is 80 square inches while a square diaphragm that would fit on the same cabinet face has a surface area of nearly 130 square inches, more than 60% larger for higher efficiency, higher output and lower distortion. Dual progressive roll spiders exert precise control over the sub-bass radiator’s excursion for tight, highly detailed performance. Additional DSW MicroPRO features include inert 1” thick MDF enclosure panels, carpet spike feet for ideal mechanical stability, 12V trigger (except DSW1000), IR input (except DSW1000), and universal voltage operation (120V and 220V). All models will be available in July 2007 at specialty consumer electronics retailers worldwide. 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 visit the www.polkaudio.com or call us at 1-800-377-7655 (USA and Canada). Outside of North America call +1 (410) 358-3600.

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