PolkAudio AMR90 Speakers

Polk is throwing themselves into the multichannel multimedia market with the introduction of their AMR90 model. Touting 4 channels and a subwoofer, this space saving design has an adjustable bass control and a front/rear balance control in addition to the mandatory volume control. If space is at a premium, the tiny satellites may fit right in as they are the smallest things I've seen to date. Though they are helpfully angled upwards, placing them directly on your desktop will send you scrambling for "angling" material or at least one pair of 4"-6" stands.

Factory Specifications

The Unit

Power Output: 30W total
Frequency Response: 40Hz-18KHz
AC Adapter: 30 VA
S/N Ratio: >90dB
Output: 100dB SPL @ 0.5m
Warranty: 1 year
Tentative price: $109.95 USD

http://www.polkaudio.com

4/10 Rating

The satellite units were impossible to open without damaging, so please excuse the lack of "baffle-less" sat pics. Somewhat to that end, the subwoofer was more or less fixed to the grille via wood goop from the inside. I could ascertain the typical impedance measurements; however, the usual woofer amp output power could not be directly measured.

The AC adapter has a strange "lip" on its top that protrudes directly in the ground pin path of some power strips. As there is no screw hole in it, I must question why it's there. Rated to deliver 30 VA (12VAC x 2.5Amps), it might not be required to supply that amount of power due to the stranger input level requirements, but I get ahead of myself.

The power button is located on the subwoofer. The second power button is located on the right-hand satellite as pictured to the left. It's like having two keys to start a car. Insert and turn the first one, then insert and turn on the second one. Different, but I suppose there are weirder things in life.

The sat's rear has a port in addition to the subwoofer. You can have bragging rights: "Hey Joe, my system has five holes! How many you got?" At least the sat's holes do aid in lower midrange output so they are fully functional. Don't stuff anything in there like used Kleenex. ;-)

At the time of this writing, I had to contact PolkAudio's PR department to request a price as the AMR90's aren't listed on their website and a PriceWatch search came up dry. The list of $109.95 may end up hovering around the $95-$99 mark by the time dealers are stocked so keep an eye out for possible large price swings.

Data acquired and reported of this type is done without any opinion or bias whatsoever. For a quickie brush up course on audio terminology and measurements, point your browser to the Audio Reproduction Systems article.