Polk Audio announces an all-new line of in-wall/ceiling loudspeakers called the LCi Series. The four new models (2 rectangular and 2 round) feature technologies used in Polk's critically acclaimed LSi Series floor and bookshelf loudspeakers to deliver the performance of stand-alone models. The rectangular models feature Polk's patented Power Port technology and available Performance Enclosures for consistent, high performance bass response

"It used to be that in-wall and ceiling speaker just had to be good enough to serve up decent sound for background music," said Polk's Product Line Manager Al Baron. "But now consumers expect true high performance from built-in speakers, often opting to go with in-walls for every speaker in multi-channel systems. There are a lot of expensive in-walls on the market but the vast majority of them do not come close to the performance of similarly priced standalone speakers," continued Baron. "It takes more than just throwing expensive drivers into a frame. We took a holistic design approach and considered the effects of the walls themselves, the room and listening positions to produce flush mount speakers with highly accurate sound."

All models feature Polk's LSi Series ring radiator tweeter that has been widely praised for its high frequency extension, clarity and detail. The tweeter is housed in a cup that allows it to swivel up to 15º for the best possible tonal balance and imaging. The rectangular models employ drivers with aerated polypropylene cones, the same material used in the award-winning LSi Series drivers, for the kind of clear, detailed midrange response usually found only in freestanding audiophile speakers. All models are timbre matched to Polk LSi Series freestanding models for seamless integration in multi-channel systems.

A common problem with in-wall loudspeakers is inconsistent and usually poor bass response due to the inconsistency of air volume in walls. The LC65i and LC265i models feature Polk Audio's patented Power Port venting technology that when used with the available Performance Enclosure delivers startling bass response in any wall. Power Port technology vastly reduces air turbulence at the mouth of the port, thereby lowering distortion and increasing bass efficiency. Performance Enclosures are also available for the LC60i and LC80i round in-ceiling models for uniform bass response and improved sound isolation from adjoining rooms.

All models feature toggle switches that allow the installer or user to optimize the loudspeaker response when the speakers are placed in less than ideal locations.

When flush mount speakers are installed too close to adjacent room surfaces, the bass becomes "boomy" and voices sound too heavy and thick. Polk's exclusive "Wall Distance" switch lowers output only in the low-midrange/upper bass area to correct for this problem. Competitive in-wall speakers attempt to solve this phenomenon by using a simple high pass filter. That cures the "boom" problem but at the sacrifice of deep bass response. Polk uses a more complex low Q pass-band filter to attenuate only the "boom" region without lowering deep bass output. The user hears flatter, more accurate sound and deep bass even when the speakers are located in less-than-ideal locations by necessity or for decorating reasons.

The bass/midrange drivers in LC60i and LC80i round in-ceiling speakers are angled at a 15º offset for superior midrange clarity and imaging. An "Off Axis Expansion" switch shapes the response curve so that listeners can be as much as 30º off axis and still hear balanced sound.

All models feature Polk's Rotating Cam mounting system for easy installation and rust resistant hardware for safe placement in bathrooms, saunas, kitchens, even under outdoor eaves.

The LCi Series will be available in the USA and Canada in September, 2003.

LCi Series Feature Comparison Chart
 

Polk Audio also announces the complete re-design of their CSi center channel and FXi surround loudspeakers. These new products were specifically designed to match Polk's new RTi Series of floor-standing and bookshelf loudspeakers. These new products feature all-new drivers and tweeters and striking new contemporary cosmetics.

There are two new CSi center channel models and two new FXi bipole/dipole surround models. The two center channel models will be available in Black Oak and Cherry real wood veneers. This marks the first time that Polk center speakers in this price range will be offered in a choice of real wood veneers. The two FXi surround models will be offered in Black and White laminate finishes.

These new models feature the latest generation Dynamic Balance drivers and tweeters. The bass/midrange drivers used throughout the range are the same used throughout the new RTi Series "front" models and use polymer/mineral composite cones. The redesigned 1-inch tweeter is the same used in the latest generation RTi Series: a silk/polymer composite dome for smoother response and better detail than the tweeter used in previous Polk center and surround models. It features a neodymium magnet, low-viscosity Ferrofluid cooling and a finned heat sink on the back of the magnet for better power handling and reliability.

CSi Center Channel Models

The CSi models are magnetically shielded to allow safe placement next to televisions or video monitors. Both models feature gold plated 5-way binding posts. The CSi5 offers dual inputs for bi-amplification or bi-wiring. Computer designed tweeter faceplates, stand-off grille and baffle-edge radii all contribute to minimizing diffraction for more open and spacious imaging. The CSi models are available in either Black Oak or Cherry real wood veneer.

The top-line CSi5 center speaker features Polk's patented Power Port(tm) 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 CSi5 also It also features a second port on the front baffle, an Acoustic Resonance Control (ARC) port that is tuned to cancel internal standing waves that would ordinarily distort midrange reproduction. Patented ARC technology gives the CSi5 unusually clear, natural and detailed midrange performance.

The CSi5 uses a cascade tapered array - that is, one driver plays only bass frequencies, and the other driver covers the bass and the midrange. This technique avoids the "lobing" effects that plague other horizontal oriented, multi-driver center speakers. The result is broad, even sound coverage for off-axis listeners.

The CSi5 comes with an adjustable "kickstand" on the rear of the cabinet that allows the deep center speaker to sit securely atop TVs with shallow top surfaces.

FXi Surround Models

In order to meet the demands of the new high definition multi-channel music formats such as SACD and DVD-Audio, the FXi are wide bandwidth loudspeakers with excellent fundamental sound quality that matches Polk RTi front channel models. For enveloping and non-localizable surround effects the FXi models feature components mounted on opposing baffles set at a 45º angle. This arrangement provides the listener with an ideal balance of direct and indirect sound.

One baffle contains a Dynamic Balance mid/bass driver and 1" dome tweeter, identical to the components used in Polk's RTi front and CSi center speaker models, for smooth effects panning without tonal shift. The other panel has an additional 1" dome tweeter and a switch that allows the speaker to be switched between Bipolar and Dipolar radiation patterns. This feature, pioneered by Polk Audio in 1994, enables the user to select the polar pattern that gives the best performance for the chosen room placement. A Dipolar pattern is preferable with side-wall, in-line with the listener, placement. For rear wall placement, the Bipolar setting provides better performance.

The new CSi and FXi models will be available in authorized US and Canadian retailers in October, 2003.

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