why doesn't polk make audio receivers/amplifiers? or do they?

nadams
nadams Posts: 5,877
edited September 2002 in Electronics
The only ones I see are built into their subwoofer in the all-in-one home theatre package (in which the amp in the sub powers all the sats and the center and all). This strikes me as strange.... Unless I'm missing something, Polk makes no standalone A/V receivers. Is the amp that's built into their subs made by them, or do they put someone else's amps in there? Am I totally wrong about this whole thing? Please let me know...

DooD
Ludicrous gibs!
Post edited by nadams on
· Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Comments

  • mantis
    mantis Posts: 17,197
    edited September 2002
    Strange and funny question.I wonder who makes the internal amps?
    Polk is a speaker company,not a amp/receiver company....but who knows,things can change/grow.
    Dan
    My personal quest is to save to world of bad audio, one thread at a time.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • nadams
    nadams Posts: 5,877
    edited September 2002
    I just sorta figured that they would make amps that sounded best with their speakers. People are always talking about what amps sound best w/ their polks....

    I wonder if there's a market out there for Polk receivers and/or what they might cost?

    DooD
    Ludicrous gibs!
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • goingganzo
    goingganzo Posts: 2,793
    edited September 2002
    it cost alot and takes a li=ong time to get a good amp design most amps use standard componets unless it is a high end amp then the transistors are usaly made to their specks would want to uy a average amp for your polks or would you want some good ones form a company that has been makeing amps for years
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • nadams
    nadams Posts: 5,877
    edited September 2002
    Originally posted by goingganzo
    it cost alot and takes a li=ong time to get a good amp design most amps use standard componets unless it is a high end amp then the transistors are usaly made to their specks would want to uy a average amp for your polks or would you want some good ones form a company that has been makeing amps for years

    Provided that Polk put some of their researchers on the task, I don't think it would take too long for them to develop something. Then again, I admittedly know very little about the process of designing an amp. You did make some good points in your post, though. I have 1970's Pioneer SX-450 that beats the pants off my 2yr old JVC amp in a size to power ratio. Unfortunately, it only has 3 inputs :lol: (it needs a little cleaning as well). Sometimes I think that the technology behind the actual power output part of amps hasn't changed much at all. Sure, we've got Dolby Digital Surround, THX, and all the rest... but when it comes down to pure power output.... I'd rather have my SX-450!

    DooD
    Ludicrous gibs!
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • HBombToo
    HBombToo Posts: 5,256
    edited September 2002
    Polk would be better off making a business case and applying capital toward the acquisition of a failing or less profitable company! They could probably fund it over a 10 year business plan but my guess the unit should be profitable in 3 to 5 if HT continues to grow. The research I have done would suggest HT is the way to go but of course they would want to continue 2 channel as well.

    Just a rant and remember I'm a pro at turing a dollar into 40 cents!

    HBomb
    ***WAREMTAE***
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • TroyD
    TroyD Posts: 13,077
    edited September 2002
    My personal opinion is that George and Matt should stick to what they know best, speakers.....


    BDT
    I plan for the future. - F1Nut
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • fireshoes
    fireshoes Posts: 3,167
    edited September 2002
    I had heard that the pre-amp and dvd in the DS7200 were designed by Marantz, but that's unconfirmed.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • mantis
    mantis Posts: 17,197
    edited September 2002
    They could call in Bob Carver to help make there amps.
    Dan
    My personal quest is to save to world of bad audio, one thread at a time.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • TroyD
    TroyD Posts: 13,077
    edited September 2002
    If you got something to say, Dan, spit it out. Now that you've owned separates for a couple of months, jump right in and tell us all about Carver amps.

    BDT
    I plan for the future. - F1Nut
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • RuSsMaN
    RuSsMaN Posts: 17,987
    edited September 2002
    Dan, on a side note, I still never got to see the pic of that Rotel you have, when you get a chance could you post it? I'm interested in how it looks, compared to the Rotels I'm familar with.

    Thanks.
    Check your lips at the door woman. Shake your hips like battleships. Yeah, all the white girls trip when I sing at Sunday service.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • nascarmann
    nascarmann Posts: 1,464
    edited September 2002
    Is the amp that's built into their subs made by them, or do they put someone else's amps in there?

    nadams

    Polk contracts out there amps. Triad Speakers Inc. did there sub amps for a while. Not sure who does them now....
    Oh, the bottle has been to me, my closes friend, my worse enemy!
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • mantis
    mantis Posts: 17,197
    edited September 2002
    Troy,
    whats wrong now dude.....??????I have nothing to say about your love carver other then I don't care for them myself.I own seperates........so what.There not carver for a reason.Not your reasons, but myown.I'm not going down that road with you.You want to debate in a civil fashion..fine......start crap,and I won't reply.

    Russman,
    The Rotel was sitting ontop of the HTS5000 power center at the bottom of my Bello rack.The pre amp is sitting ontop of the Denon avr3801.
    Dan
    My personal quest is to save to world of bad audio, one thread at a time.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • TroyD
    TroyD Posts: 13,077
    edited September 2002
    Nothings 'wrong' Dan, but you seemed to be kicking gear that a lot of other folks own. Remember the tizzy you were in when you though that I was 'kicking your LSi15's?'

    If you don't like how Carver sounds, no worries, but if you are dismissing Carver products as crap, well, that's different.

    Also, and this just strikes me as funny not a commentary on anything in particular but a couple weeks ago you are commenting on how amazed you are in the differences in sound between separates and a receiver. For one that seems as well versed in the nuances of different gear, it just seems that you would have nailed that down many moons ago.

    It's all good though, no biggie. Let's press on.

    BDT
    I plan for the future. - F1Nut
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • mantis
    mantis Posts: 17,197
    edited September 2002
    Russ,
    it's a **** pic but you can see the amp and the preamp.
    It's wired together with Transparent Musiclinks,the Pioneer Elite PDF-19 is my cd source also wired to the preamp with Transparent Musiclinks.The Lsi 15's are wired with Monstercable M1.4s bi wires.They will be replaced with Transparent Musicwave supers after I built the theater room.:)
    Dan
    My personal quest is to save to world of bad audio, one thread at a time.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • mantis
    mantis Posts: 17,197
    edited September 2002
    here's on of my pics.I'll post more if you like
    Dan
    My personal quest is to save to world of bad audio, one thread at a time.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • mantis
    mantis Posts: 17,197
    edited September 2002
    Damn I hate when it posts so big.
    Dan
    My personal quest is to save to world of bad audio, one thread at a time.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • RuSsMaN
    RuSsMaN Posts: 17,987
    edited September 2002
    Ah, don't sweat it, big is detailed.

    Looks good man.

    Cheers,
    Rooster
    Check your lips at the door woman. Shake your hips like battleships. Yeah, all the white girls trip when I sing at Sunday service.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • mantis
    mantis Posts: 17,197
    edited September 2002
    it's a older peice but a good sounding one........I just love that little amp.
    Dan
    My personal quest is to save to world of bad audio, one thread at a time.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • jdavy
    jdavy Posts: 380
    edited September 2002
    Polk is the speaker specialist. They make great speakers and I want them to keep making great speakers and let another company make quality electronics.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Ceruleance
    Ceruleance Posts: 991
    edited September 2002
    doesn't bob carver make his own line of subwoofers? (sunfire?) wouldnt it be a conflict of interest theoretically if polk did hire him?
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • mantis
    mantis Posts: 17,197
    edited September 2002
    The Bob carver comment was a joke ...... alot of talk around here about his stuff....I don't know why......ask the others this.
    Dan
    My personal quest is to save to world of bad audio, one thread at a time.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • TroyD
    TroyD Posts: 13,077
    edited September 2002
    why would it be a conflict of interest? Actually, AR's Hi-Res Series powered towers (very well reviewed) featured Sunfire components.

    There is generally a lot of talk about Bob Carver around here because a lot of us own Carver gear and like it. In general, a lot of folks bash Carver because his designs aren't industry standards. Stereophile doesn't like Bob because he embarassed them. He proved they couldn't tell the difference between his M1.0t amp and a pair of Conrad Johnson monoblocks. Many scoff at him because he believes that rediculously low THD ratings are not important because at that point no one can tell the difference between .5% and .009%. Generally, though, I think you will find the Carver-bashers are folks who really have little practical experience with his gear.

    BDT
    I plan for the future. - F1Nut
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • mantis
    mantis Posts: 17,197
    edited September 2002
    I don't recall any carver bashers in here.Including myself.

    If you like it go with it.If you don't then don't.I like to make my own opnions of what is good and what isn't so good for my personally.

    Carver is one of those companies I just haven't been thrilled with.The Sunfire lines are nice,the Sub's are real nice.But I perfer other brands.

    As far as experience with anything, I totally agree, without experience your kinda left out in the cold.Read all you want but it just isn't the same.Like spec's.......without hearing it, whats the point.

    Reviews are also an opnion.Some praise gear and some bash it.But at the end of the day it's a matter of what works with your personally built system.What piece works?

    I personally Don't have anytime to argue what's good and whats bad.I think reading the posts in here is a nice way to gather up some good opnions and some facts.But again at the end of the day , it's experience that carries you down the path.It's finding the right one.Which wire works and why.Why this amps sounds great on these speakers but sounds awefull driving another pair.

    Again with the reviews..........thats all they are.Is it good for you???
    Dan
    My personal quest is to save to world of bad audio, one thread at a time.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • mantis
    mantis Posts: 17,197
    edited September 2002
    If opnions are worth it for the carver stuff,I know a bunch of audiophiles that can't stand the sound of carver amps and even there amasing speakers of past.Alot of opnions that I respect have voiced there feeling towards carver for all of there different reasons.All of them have sold carvewr in the past.And have alot of experience with all of there products.I only have limited experience with the carver amasing's.A customer of mine owns a pair of those big things in his livingroom.But still even then my opnion stands by itself.I don't hate or bash carver.I just don't use it.I don't like the way there stuff that I have heard sounds.I don't think there seperates are any better then some receiver's I have heard.But thats just me......lets let the carver thing rest.like it ...hate it.......leave well enough alone for the sake of the people who like it.
    Dan
    My personal quest is to save to world of bad audio, one thread at a time.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • TroyD
    TroyD Posts: 13,077
    edited September 2002
    Dan, I wasn't specifically refering to you. I'm saying that in general, Bob Carver has been a controversial figure. I apologize if it seemed I was singling you out, not my intention compadre.

    If you check out the audioasylum, there is some good debate on the relative merits of Carver.

    BDT
    I plan for the future. - F1Nut
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • mantis
    mantis Posts: 17,197
    edited September 2002
    TroyD,
    I'll get my read on.You know it's all relative to how you want your rig to sound.

    It's all good Big fella!
    Dan
    My personal quest is to save to world of bad audio, one thread at a time.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter