Polk Audio Introduces New Bookshelf Speakers

Polk Audio announced at CES 2000 the spring í00 release of a new generation of bookshelf loudspeakers. The RT ""i"" series features the latest generation of Polkís Dynamic Balance drivers and tweeters for improved sound quality. Polkís new in-house, state-of-the-art woodworking line allows Polk to offer the new models in real wood veneers at nearly the same prices of the previous vinyl-clad models.There are 4 models in the range, all offered in either Maple, Cherry or Black wood veneer finishes. Three of the models feature a built-in wall mounting feature for greater placement and application flexibility. The RT15i will also be offered in matte white vinyl.All RTi models feature the latest generation Dynamic Balance drivers and tweeters. Dynamic Balance technology stems from a joint research project between Johns Hopkins University and Polk Audio. Using advanced laser imaging techniques, Polk engineers were able to observe and vastly reduce speaker cone resonance that is the root cause of frequency response error and distortion in speakers. The result: loudspeakers with clear, uncolored sound.The new 6-inch bass/midrange driver used in the RT55i and RT35i and the 5-inch driver used in the RT25i and RT15i use a new formula polymer/mineral composite cone that offers better performance than the previous Polk drivers. As a side benefit the new cone material is steel-blue, that adds to the modern, stylish grille-off look. A redesigned 1-inch tweeter used in the RT55i, RT35i and RT25i sports Polk's top line tweeter technology, a tri-laminate dome tweeter of soft polymer, with vapor deposited layers of Aluminum and Stainless Steel, for greater extension, detail and smooth response.As well as contributing to the striking grille-off cosmetics, the raised bezel on which the drivers and tweeter are mounted, are part of an extremely effective anti-diffraction method, for open, spacious and three dimensional soundstaging.All models feature Polk's patented Power Portô 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 Power Ports are on the rear panels of the new RT bookshelf speakers.The ports on the front baffles are Acoustic Resonance Control (ARC) ports, tuned to cancel internal enclosure standing waves that would ordinarily distort midrange reproduction. Patented ARC technology gives the RTi bookshelf models unusually clear, natural and detailed midrange performance.To reduce enclosure resonance the RTi cabinets are constructed of MDF panels. The front baffle of the top-of-the-line RT55i is one inch MDF. The RTi models are magnetically shielded to allow safe placement next to televisions or video monitors. All models feature gold plated 5-way binding posts; the RT55i has dual inputs for bi-amplification or bi-wiring.The RTi Series will be available through authorized US and Canadian dealers in March 2000.

For further information contact Paul DiComo at 410 764 5201, pdicomo@polkaudio.com.