Polk Audio OWM5 or OWM3 - Multi-Function Loudspeaker - Demo

2456

Comments

  • Serendipity
    Serendipity Posts: 6,975
    edited December 2009
    I'd like to try this too.

    Never heard the OWM5 or OWM3 before and would like to hear it.

    Thanks!
    polkaudio RT35 Bookshelves
    polkaudio 255c-RT Inwalls
    polkaudio DSWPro550WI
    polkaudio XRT12 XM Tuner
    polkaudio RM6750 5.1

    Front projection, 2 channel, car audio... life is good!
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • dorokusai
    dorokusai Posts: 25,577
    edited December 2009
    Kevin and Leroy, are you guys wrapped up with this?
    CTC BBQ Amplifier, Sonic Frontiers Line3 Pre-Amplifier and Wadia 581 SACD player. Speakers? Always changing but for now, Mission Argonauts I picked up for $50 bucks, mint.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • leroyjr1
    leroyjr1 Posts: 8,785
    edited December 2009
    dorokusai wrote: »
    Kevin and Leroy, are you guys wrapped up with this?

    Yes, it has been boxed up and ready to ship for two weeks now. Just waiting on the word.


    Review also submitted

    Thanks
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • dorokusai
    dorokusai Posts: 25,577
    edited December 2009
    Jimmy - I need your email address.

    Lasareath - I have nothing on file for you....send it please.
    CTC BBQ Amplifier, Sonic Frontiers Line3 Pre-Amplifier and Wadia 581 SACD player. Speakers? Always changing but for now, Mission Argonauts I picked up for $50 bucks, mint.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • nebborjk
    nebborjk Posts: 425
    edited January 2010
    Doro - I'll be ready to ship them out on Monday (01/04/2010).

    Kevin
    Proud SOPA Member since 2005!
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • mufsoman
    mufsoman Posts: 632
    edited January 2010
    dorosukai - sign me up also. I'll email my info again. Thanks
    Parasound HCA-2003A & 2205A
    Front: Rti12's
    Center: Csi A6
    Side surrounds: Polk Rti A1's
    Atmos: Mirage Nanosats
    APC H15
    Power cords by Pepster, Morrow MA4 IC's, AQ Midnight, AQ Chocolate HDMI's[/SIZE]
    The rest is TBD.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • dorokusai
    dorokusai Posts: 25,577
    edited January 2010
    I'm sending labels for Sal and Jimmy...that way you guys can shuttle either pair for demos to one another. If there's anyone else close to you, on the list, feel free to do hand-offs.
    CTC BBQ Amplifier, Sonic Frontiers Line3 Pre-Amplifier and Wadia 581 SACD player. Speakers? Always changing but for now, Mission Argonauts I picked up for $50 bucks, mint.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • dorokusai
    dorokusai Posts: 25,577
    edited January 2010
    Excellent.
    CTC BBQ Amplifier, Sonic Frontiers Line3 Pre-Amplifier and Wadia 581 SACD player. Speakers? Always changing but for now, Mission Argonauts I picked up for $50 bucks, mint.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Pauly
    Pauly Posts: 4,519
    edited January 2010
    I'll get in on this when its my time....


    PAuly
    Life without music would♭
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Rodeo0530
    Rodeo0530 Posts: 797
    edited January 2010
    Can I be moved to the bottom of this list as well please? Just can't do it right now.


    Front - Polk Audio Monitor 70
    Center - Polk Audio CS2
    Rear - Polk Audio TSi 100
    Sub - Klipsch rw-10d
    AVR - Onkyo ht-rc180
    Main Amp- Parasound HCA-2003
    Surround Amp- Sonance Sonamp 260
    Tuner- Parasound tdq-1600
    Turntable- Pro-ject Debut III USB w/upgraded platter
    IPod dock - Pure i20
    TV - Panasonic Viera tc-p46g10
    Sony Playstation 3(250GB)
    Nintendo Wii
    Power Conditioner- Panamax 5100

    Not in use-
    Polk Audio Monitor 60
    Polk Audio PSW10
    Parasound p/sp-1000
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • mrbofus
    mrbofus Posts: 297
    edited January 2010
    Mark,
    I am very interested in trying these out, but no where ready for them. I see that I am on the list but could you move me to the bottom or remove me?
    I thought my "system" would be further along by now. Budget restraints in the household
    Thanks
    ---Greg
    Sharp Aqous 40" LCD
    Onkyo TX SR-507 AVR
    Onkyo DX-C390 CD Changer
    POLK RTI8 Mains--Cherry
    the rest...in process...slowly!!
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Pauly
    Pauly Posts: 4,519
    edited January 2010
    Cool... I should get them ALOT faster than i thought..

    Thanks guys


    Pauly
    Life without music would♭
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • leroyjr1
    leroyjr1 Posts: 8,785
    edited January 2010
    OWM5 shipped out
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Big Dawg
    Big Dawg Posts: 2,005
    edited January 2010
    Can I get in on this too? Sal suggested that I just jump into the NJ loop with Lou, Jimmy, and him. Does that work?
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • dorokusai
    dorokusai Posts: 25,577
    edited January 2010
    Yes.
    CTC BBQ Amplifier, Sonic Frontiers Line3 Pre-Amplifier and Wadia 581 SACD player. Speakers? Always changing but for now, Mission Argonauts I picked up for $50 bucks, mint.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • jimmydep
    jimmydep Posts: 1,305
    edited January 2010
    Mark, I just received the OWM-5's, Thanks

    What do you want me to do with the Atrium 5's, I think Sal wanted to give them a try, or I could drop them off to anyone in Northern NJ.

    Jimmy
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • dorokusai
    dorokusai Posts: 25,577
    edited January 2010
    You may pass them to Sal.
    CTC BBQ Amplifier, Sonic Frontiers Line3 Pre-Amplifier and Wadia 581 SACD player. Speakers? Always changing but for now, Mission Argonauts I picked up for $50 bucks, mint.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • dorokusai
    dorokusai Posts: 25,577
    edited January 2010
    Jimmy & Sal - How you two doing with demos and swapping OWM? Are you about ready to move them along to others?
    CTC BBQ Amplifier, Sonic Frontiers Line3 Pre-Amplifier and Wadia 581 SACD player. Speakers? Always changing but for now, Mission Argonauts I picked up for $50 bucks, mint.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • jimmydep
    jimmydep Posts: 1,305
    edited January 2010
    dorokusai wrote: »
    Jimmy & Sal - How you two doing with demos and swapping OWM? Are you about ready to move them along to others?

    I'm almost done, just giving the Atrium 5's one last listen after leaving it out in the weather for awhile. I'll contact Sal and move them this week.

    Jimmy
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • dorokusai
    dorokusai Posts: 25,577
    edited January 2010
    Excellent. I may go ahead and send you guys labels for shipping by Feb 5, 2010. That work ok?
    CTC BBQ Amplifier, Sonic Frontiers Line3 Pre-Amplifier and Wadia 581 SACD player. Speakers? Always changing but for now, Mission Argonauts I picked up for $50 bucks, mint.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • dorokusai
    dorokusai Posts: 25,577
    edited January 2010
    I'm sending shipping labels to Jimmy and Sal for Mantis and Disc Jockey. They will expire on Feb 5, 2010.

    I need the OWM5 to go to Mantis(Dan).

    Dan - Can you verify your address with me(Croydon)? and I need a phone number.

    DJ - I believe I have your most up to date information.
    CTC BBQ Amplifier, Sonic Frontiers Line3 Pre-Amplifier and Wadia 581 SACD player. Speakers? Always changing but for now, Mission Argonauts I picked up for $50 bucks, mint.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • mantis
    mantis Posts: 17,201
    edited January 2010
    PM send to Dorokusai for my address.
    Dan
    My personal quest is to save to world of bad audio, one thread at a time.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • jimmydep
    jimmydep Posts: 1,305
    edited January 2010
    PM sent to Ohskigod about handoff.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • jimmydep
    jimmydep Posts: 1,305
    edited February 2010
    Mark would it be ok to handoff the OWM5's to ohskigod before mailing them to Mantis?

    Jimmy
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • jimmydep
    jimmydep Posts: 1,305
    edited February 2010
    Dan, the OWM5's have been shipped out to you.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • mantis
    mantis Posts: 17,201
    edited February 2010
    jimmydep wrote: »
    Dan, the OWM5's have been shipped out to you.
    Got them Friday well packed.
    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: 17,201
    edited February 2010
    What's up all?
    I kinda finished my review of the OWM5 speakers . I plan on keeping here for a few more days before I send them to the next person which I will need the shipping label or address of where they are going.

    Ok enough with all that lets get into my review shall we?

    It snowed here in Lower Bucks County just North of Philadelphia and I had nothing better to do then connect up the OWM5's and give them a serious listening. Ok so thats not a bad thing to resort to reviewing speakers. It's what I do and love.
    I have a few systems around the house and decided to use my house system to test these flat guys out. it consists of a Sony receiver , Jamo speaker selector box , Onkyo Tape deck , zone 2 feed from the theater system for anything I want which in this case I used the Apple TV in Apple lossless recording quality. I use Audioquest cables in the system.
    So I have a workout room in the basement where I currently have a pair of Atrium 45's . They cover the space well and I enjoy them. I decided to disconnect them and replace them with the OWM5's. At first when I did the swap I hated the OWM5's right off the bat. They sounded like a really cheap speaker. I was shocked that they sounded so terrible. I figured as they have been used by other members they would be fully broken in. So I left them play and I went on with my workout. I use my iphone to control the apple tv. I have a workout playlist that I had running for about 45 minutes. I changed it up and put on some Minnie Driver "Hungry Heart" to hear some female voice. I had to stop working out and sit and listen to the OWM5's so I could judge them more accurately.
    My Speaker selector box is a Jamo as I noted and I reconnected the Atriums back in for a A B vs demo with Minnie Driver singing for me. I noticed the mid range on the OWM5's where more pronounced . The Atrium 45's mid range lacks clarity and punch the OWM5's have. Kinda cool. I also noticed the tweeter sounded more blended on the OWM5's over the Atrium 45's. Another shocker.

    Ok so they don't have good low end , understandable as they have limited cabinet space and are flat. I have a older polk psw300 that just sits around so I decided to connect it via left and right preouts for a pure stereo integration. I found that 100hz seemed to blend pretty nicely. Under that and they seem to have a hole in the low bass above that they tend to bloat.
    Onward to more and more musical selection I threw everything I had at them from Jazz to crushing death metal. What I noticed is they are a pretty balanced speaker. They played everything I gave them and didn't really shine or fall on any one given music genre. Thats pretty assuring as one who might use such a speaker might have many different tastes.

    To make this review slighty short I'll wrap up with some thoughts. First off these are not high end speakers. They don't have a high end clarity to them. They lack detail and control. They also try to dig a little deeper then maybe they should. They also tend to be on the bright side. All this is perfectly fine due to there price point. They also have excellent mounting options. You basically can mount them any way you want or where you want. I have not ran them as theater speakers but judging from there musical abilities they will make most very happy. I would use them in a nice budget system with a good quality sub. I liked the older PSw300 with them. It really made them sound pretty damn good considering what they are and how they are shaped.
    Fit and finish is average to good. I'd say for the money they are well built. Anyone who is looking for a nice cheap yet musical speaker that can go just about anywhere needs to check these out. I was thinking my bedroom doesn't have a surround system in there. I just have a pair of in walls(polk) for house music. I would like to add a full 5 speaker package with these and my psw300 sub in there and a nice Pioneer ELite vsx21 receiver. This would make a nice well balanced bedroom system.
    Dan
    My personal quest is to save to world of bad audio, one thread at a time.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • dorokusai
    dorokusai Posts: 25,577
    edited February 2010
    OWM5 ready to roll....what about the OWM3 Sal?
    CTC BBQ Amplifier, Sonic Frontiers Line3 Pre-Amplifier and Wadia 581 SACD player. Speakers? Always changing but for now, Mission Argonauts I picked up for $50 bucks, mint.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • dorokusai
    dorokusai Posts: 25,577
    edited February 2010
    This demo is a couple people from ending and once they end, they're done. If you haven't spoken up yet, do so now.
    CTC BBQ Amplifier, Sonic Frontiers Line3 Pre-Amplifier and Wadia 581 SACD player. Speakers? Always changing but for now, Mission Argonauts I picked up for $50 bucks, mint.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • comfortablycurt
    comfortablycurt Posts: 6,745
    edited February 2010
    Hmm...I'll jump in on this one.

    I'm doing away with my HT right now...but when I get back into it, I may end up going with smaller speakers. Something like this might work well. I'm also trying to talk my mom into upgrading the crappy Sony satellites in her HT. These are small enough that they might be acceptable for her...lol

    You should already have my shipping info for a few other demo's...I can send it again if you need me to though.
    The nirvana inducer-
    APC H10 Power Conditioner
    Marantz UD5005 universal player
    Parasound Halo P5 preamp
    Parasound HCA-1200II power amp
    PolkAudio LSi9's/PolkAudio SDA 2A's/PolkAudio Monitor 7A's
    Audioquest Speaker Cables and IC's
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter