Polk Audio Introduces New Floor-Standing Speakers

Polk Audio announced at CES 2000 the spring í00 release of a new generation of ""tower"" 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 towers 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. Two models are ""passive"" designs and two models are ""powered towers"" with built-in powered subwoofers.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 throughout the RTi range uses 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. The redesigned 1-inch tweeter 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 unsurpassed treble 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, guaranteeing open, spacious and three dimensional soundstaging.All models feature 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 RT1000i and RT2000i models also feature built-in powered subwoofers for enhanced performance and .space-saving convenience.The massively braced MDF cabinets are supported by adjustable leveling feet with integrated carpet spikes. To further reduce harmful cabinet resonance, the front baffles are fabricated from 1 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 RT2000i, RT1000i and RT800i have dual inputs for bi-amplification or bi-wiring.The RTi Series will be available through authorized US and Canadian dealers in March of 2000.

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