Polk's newest design unveiled at CES

[Deleted User]

Hello,
Polk introduced this speaker system at last week's CES:
http://www.polkaudio.com/products/hampden
A tremendous amount of technology packaged in such a good looking design. Any thoughts or questions I could forward to the product's designers?
Enjoy, Ken

zingo

Looks like nice technology in a small package, and I bet they sound great for the size, but the retro style isn't my thing.

EndersShadow

I like them, however I would suggest moving if possible to binding posts from the 4 pin euro style connector. Would make switching speaker cable easier. I also am not sure if the powecord is wired in or removeable, but again I would suggest for those of us crazy enough to do it, to have a removeable powercord.

More info about the USB connection and what bitrates it can take would be nice.

I love the styling, I REALLY LOVE how simple the volume knob is, and the fact the tweeters and drivers are independently amplified.

Is polk possibly going to make a powered subwoofer to compliment these speakers? It would be nice to have a small 8" sub for nearfield listening, or even a 6.5" bass module that can go between them (like the Swan's do) to provide a bit more extension.

My only concern is that these appear to be price wise in the same bracket as the AudioEngine A5's which have the ability to charge a USB device (like an iPhone) at the same time they are playing back the music off the device via the 3.5mm jack. They also have a set of RCA inputs for someone wanting to use a high quality USB DAC (which the USB port on these units may render pointless).

That ability to charge a USB device your using would be very nice.

Otherwise look good. The A5's also do not have bluetooth abilities which is a nice added feature. The A5's also have one amp for all 4 speakers, whereas each driver in this layout has its own amp, which is my preference.

Good job Polk!

tonyb

A few things for me anyway. Desktop solutions....just so-so. It claims "near cd sound" which means it isn't, so that may be an insight to the usb connection. Also, the 5 year speaker warranty and only one year electronics is glaring. That tells me Polk doesn't have faith in the amps sourced for these speakers.

With desktop systems stepping up today to higher rez, heck....even simple cd quality, I find this offering behind the curve for Polk.

skrol

Cool. I had written Polk Audio multiple times suggesting that they consider a desktop audio solution sighting all the forum discussions. This is a nice answer and it looks promising. I assume that it has a DAC but I don't see mention of the specs. Power looks quite abundant for an office desk.

I still think they should consider a more audiophile system with a high quality DAC/Amp teamed with some mid to higher end Polk speakers designed for near-field. However, in the end they will likely sell more Hampdens with better profit margin. We can still dream though.
Stan

cnh

Interesting look! Nice sized woofer for a near-field desktop system. The tweeter looks like the standard silk polymer that Polk has been using in its entry model Monitors, TSI, etc. for years, now?

The system is very "light" for a self-powered one! What are its amps, class D?

Definitely interested in hearing a set as tonyb does have a point above?

cnh

pitdogg2

No SDA cord? ahhaa..

seabeerob213

I dont believe most of us here fit their target consumer

skrol

cnh wrote: »

I... What are its amps, class D? ...

cnh

Tubes? Likely the other T-Amp.

I have heard some Class-T amps sound far more impressive than they should for their price. One was an 20 watt SMSL off EB that my son was using with some Polk TSi100 and S4 that was great while it lasted. I tried to buy another like it but it was discontinued (reliability issues?). I replaced it with a 50 watt SMSL but it doesn't sound as good.

nguyendot

Black or black gloss please!

AsSiMiLaTeD

Hmmm, I think I'll stick with my Focal XS Book for now. They may sound fine, but can't say I'm crazy about the look, at all...

Face

Other colors should be available as most people don't own a Mac.

cnh

skrol wrote: »

Tubes? Likely the other T-Amp.

I have heard some Class-T amps sound far more impressive than they should for their price. One was an 20 watt SMSL off EB that my son was using with some Polk TSi100 and S4 that was great while it lasted. I tried to buy another like it but it was discontinued (reliability issues?). I replaced it with a 50 watt SMSL but it doesn't sound as good.

That makes sense. Some of those T-amps are pretty surprising as long as you don't push them. I've messed around with one of the cheapest available at PartsExpress, the old, costs almost nothing, Lepai 2020A+. The SMSL is even better. There is a nice youtube video on the lepai by our own Russman:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Macr8u9kTwU

Thumbs up to Russman, he convinced me!

cnh

treitz3

Hello and good evening to you. Is Polk planning a road show with a pair of these? The only comment I would make on the design would be to possibly incorporate a way to change the angle of the speakers while on the desktop.......utilizing the same type of design but with parts that won't break after a couple of angle changes. FWIW.

Tom

Conradicles

How about a demo program for Polkies? I am interested in a pair for my office but I need to hear them before I buy them.

Good job Polk!

PS: Design some new SDA's.

On3s&Z3r0s

I dig the teak veneer, serious style points there, but I agree that the number window for the volume wheel is leaning a little heavy on the retro kitsch. (Everyone's a damn critic when it comes to visual design.) I think this will definitely appeal to the target market. The amp specs are interesting, especially the dedicated amps for tweeters vs mids. Probably overkill for nearfield but I'm sure it'll all get used in dorm rooms. Definitely an awesome decision to put a USB DAC and Bluetooth all in the same package. My desktop rig is a discreet USB DAC, small integrated amp, passive bookshelf / monitors, and separate Bluetooth receiver for when I just want to stream a podcast. Now that I've found places for all the pieces and parts it would be hard to get me into active speakers, but if I was looking for convenience and portability in a solid-all-in-one solution, these are 100% precisely what I would be looking for.

polkfarmboy

I love the design of these are the really are with the times with the look and style. How about a pre show demo for us polk lovers

Edit: Just read your reply conradicles after I posted lol

F1nut

Ugh Lee.

I seriously doubt as in almost guarantee there will be no more road shows.

[Deleted User]

Hello,
Thanks for everyone's comments. I'll try and act as a conduit for your questions to the best people at Polk to answer. So, if you can give me your technical questions or product concerns I'll try and find answers.
Cheers, Ken

[Deleted User]

Hello,
So far I've distilled the following questions and concerns:
a). Why the "retro" styling?
b). Is the AC cord removable?
c). What bit rate does the USB connection support?
d). Is there a subwoofer planned?
e). Can it charge a USB device?
f). Why a one year warranty?
g). What are the specifications for the built in DAC?
h). What type of audio amplifiers are used? Class D?
i). Will there be any demos available for CP members?
j). Can the support bracket angle be changed?
Sound about right?
Ken

dkg999

The retro styling doesn't work for me, however I'm probably not the target market. I use the TL3's for my desktop speakers, love them. I would be interested in how these are differentiated from the TL3, e.g. price, sound, features, etc.

tonyb

No one can accuse Ken of not paying attention...LOL.

I would prioritize those concerns Ken. In my opinion the bracket/angle being adjustable is a biggie along with USB/bitrate. If the speakers were to sit on a desk top, that would be fine but many have desks already crowded or have a hutch which can hold speakers on top of the desk. Which in that case the angle won't work for them so your limiting customers imho. Just from viewing this forum alone, you can gather the concern many put into bit rates.....and dacs for that matter.

I think people in general are asking more and more of their home computers, and if we agree on that, the days of crappy computer audio is on the way out. People want/need better audio from their computers. I certainly have confidence in Polk handling speakers for that application, but still on the fence about them being more up to date or forward looking in the electronics. Dacs/usb's/ digital connections/bit rates/versatility is what people want. Trick is knowing what they'll pay for such benefits.

A product that can remove electronic clutter at the desk top would be a welcome thought. Powered speakers that are adjustable and can handle at least cd quality with some versatility in inputs to cover various needs and has decent dacs inside.....now that's something that would turn heads.

4xoddic

Face wrote: »

Other colors should be available as most people don't own a Mac.

Hey, do you have a graph or statistics to back that up? /sarchasm

It's my understanding that the spenders will be trending toward no desktop at all.

"4-pin Euro-style connectors" Would this be like some old B&Os I have down in the basement? Someone's selling custom B&O compatible cables on that auction site . . .

They do remind me of vintage B&O when paired with an iMac . . . . other than the cosmetics of the volume dial/slot/stand; which negates any change in angle.

IF Polk named the DAC, someone would harp about that chip sounding harsh . . . . Same goes for the amp technology. IMHO: the Hampden should do & sound well in a market that may not exist for too long.

Here's a review: http://www.destructoid.com/the-best-pc-desktop-speakers-we-found-at-ces-2014-268689.phtml

fun_dador

Saw the new speakers with my own two eyes, it looks cool though I was at the CES...

Loud & Clear

Grills?

[Deleted User]

Hello,
Here are some of the answers:

a). Is the AC power cord removable? Yes, there is a power brick with a detachable AC cord
b). What bit rate will the USB connection support? It is 16 bit, 44.1kHz the same as "redbook" CD
c). Is there a subwoofer planned? No, not at this time
d). Does it charge a connected USB device? No, it does not; the Hampden has USB type B input intended for direct connection to a PC/laptop’s USB type A audio output
e). What are the specs for the DAC? No DAC needed since we are using a PWM amp
f). What kind of audio amplifiers are used? Class D? Yes, class D (PWM type amplifier)
g). Can the supporting bracket's angle be changed? No, the angle is fixed
h). Why the one year warranty? The warranty for the electronics is actually 2 years, not 1

I'm working on the demos, guys.
Enjoy, Ken

tonyb

Dang your quick for an old dude. Thanks for the update Ken.

BTW, on Polks own product page under specs, it lists one year warranty on the electronics so they may want to change that.

[Deleted User]

It was the engineering and product development managers who were quick with answers, I'm a lowly scribe. I'll let the marketing guys know the website should be changed.

treitz3

Kenneth Swauger wrote: »

Can the supporting bracket's angle be changed? No, the angle is fixed

Hello Ken and thanks for your feedback. Perhaps on next year's model this could be incorporated. While I may be incorrect in this assumption, I think it will actually help broaden the market share of this product if this were somehow included. There are just too many computer desks throughout the world [even with laptops that are in place of desktops] that have limited to extremely limited space on a desk to place said speakers. One member above had mentioned that if the only room to place said speakers are on a shelf above the monitor, then Polk might have unknowingly just eliminated this speaker from consideration with potential customers.

Perhaps adding an additional "lower leg assembly" on the front of the speaker that would at least enable the speaker to be placed flat on a surface. Maybe placing 2 legs attached to the rear of the speaker to raise the back end at marked steps would help. If Polk still wants the clean look, have the rear leg idea incorporated within the cabinet itself making itself only visible when pulled down from a tab that acts as a rear footer. I don't know, just throwing some ideas out there for the design department.

If this would not ever be a consideration for the design department, would there be a reason as to why?

Kenneth Swauger wrote: »

I'm working on the demos, guys.

Cool, thanks Ken for at least trying! I believe this will help to get the word out and get people talking about your latest product launch. If it sounds as surprising as Polk's Surroundbar's do, people are in for a treat. I'm sure all of the technology that went into these were put in there for good reason.

Have a good evening.

Tom

F1nut

Hello xxxxx......when did you start with that? It's SO not you.

Inspector 24

That's all well and good, but what about the Polk Room at the Venetian, anything new and interesting in there?