Our Visit To Polk Audio HQ
F1nut
Posts: 50,755
Tour and I just got back from a visit at Polk today. First things first, I want to thank Micah for being a great host and showing us all the COOL stuff, thank you!
Speaking for myself (Tour will do his own review), I was impressed with the people there and the cool technology. We got to meet Matt, Ken, Justin, Helen, Lauren and a bunch of other nice folks, it was a pleasure to meet them and put a face with the name. We demoed the LSi25's, RTi150's with a psw650 sub and the RM6200(?) system, but I still like my SDA's best. Matt was fun to talk with, he kept saying he had a meeting to go to, but still took the time to talk about speakers and asked us what we wanted them to come out with. I, of course, asked for updated SDA's.....we'll see is all I can say. We did see some prototypes, but under penalty of death, can't talk about them. The two hours went by like two minutes, I wasn't ready to leave, Micah had to throw us out.....lol. Tour took some photos (he had the camera) and will post them at a later date. Man, we had fun!
This was the first time Tour and I have met and I enjoyed his company, he's a great guy and welcome here anytime.
Jesse
F1nut
Speaking for myself (Tour will do his own review), I was impressed with the people there and the cool technology. We got to meet Matt, Ken, Justin, Helen, Lauren and a bunch of other nice folks, it was a pleasure to meet them and put a face with the name. We demoed the LSi25's, RTi150's with a psw650 sub and the RM6200(?) system, but I still like my SDA's best. Matt was fun to talk with, he kept saying he had a meeting to go to, but still took the time to talk about speakers and asked us what we wanted them to come out with. I, of course, asked for updated SDA's.....we'll see is all I can say. We did see some prototypes, but under penalty of death, can't talk about them. The two hours went by like two minutes, I wasn't ready to leave, Micah had to throw us out.....lol. Tour took some photos (he had the camera) and will post them at a later date. Man, we had fun!
This was the first time Tour and I have met and I enjoyed his company, he's a great guy and welcome here anytime.
Jesse
F1nut
Political Correctness'.........defined
"A doctrine fostered by a delusional, illogical minority and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a t-u-r-d by the clean end."
President of Club Polk
"A doctrine fostered by a delusional, illogical minority and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a t-u-r-d by the clean end."
President of Club Polk
Post edited by RyanC_Masimo on
Comments
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Originally posted by F1nut
I, of course, asked for updated SDA's.....we'll see is all I can say.
I would consider this upgrade. An Alternative to lsi.....
Good Suggestion.
H***WAREMTAE*** -
That's explain why Tour has been MIA for several days....I am sorry, I have no opinion on the matter. I am sure you do. So, don't mind me, I just want to talk audio and pie.
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Signed by Matthew Polk........ain't it cool:DPolitical Correctness'.........defined
"A doctrine fostered by a delusional, illogical minority and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a t-u-r-d by the clean end."
President of Club Polk -
emailed by Jesse(f1nut):
Polk has a hallway with all the speakers that Polk ever made in it, but they are not hooked up to play, so no demo on the SDA's or SRT's. I really wanted to hear the SRT's, guess I'll have to come up to visit you for a demo on those. Yes, Bruce and I both thought the SDA's were better than the LSi's or everything else we heard
Jesse,
You are welcome to demo the SRT's anytime. The LSi's is good,
The 1.2TL's is better and The SRT's is the best!
cuz don't forget the rubbing out info.
Har -
In the interest of truth in advertising, I should probably say, "possibly ever made."Political Correctness'.........defined
"A doctrine fostered by a delusional, illogical minority and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a t-u-r-d by the clean end."
President of Club Polk -
F1 - That's really interesting that you hooked up a tour, I am looking forward to the pics. Do they know we exist? Club Polk I mean? Granted they have moderators, but you figure, if you post regularly on this site, with all the trash thats out there, do they know they have a large almost cultish following? Do they acknowledge it?
I wander other sites also, but I like to visit sites that I know some good information can be obtained and/or offered, and that makes me come back. AND speakers make me giggle, I just love audio equipment, and in some strange way, tires....I just love new tires on a vehicle. I am a tire nut. Ok, the doctor says I have had enough "casual" time, so I must get back in restraints.
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. -
Yes, they are painfully aware that we exist.;) Not only did I hook up a tour, but I hooked it up with a Tour.
Strange thing, but I like tires too, especially the racing kind. Maybe you should move over, looks like I'll be joining you and the good doctor......Political Correctness'.........defined
"A doctrine fostered by a delusional, illogical minority and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a t-u-r-d by the clean end."
President of Club Polk -
Which Dr.?
Tires also! Shite, you definetly my fave person now. I sleep in a Dunlop D40 M2! I wash in a rain siped BFG COMP T/A! Now aside from how small I am, email me, I am having a moral issue with deciding on a new tire for the Audi. I need a second opinion, Do you really like tires also? <---looks into sky and dreams of siping> 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. -
You know, the Doc with the pills that help me feel nUrMail... Political Correctness'.........defined
"A doctrine fostered by a delusional, illogical minority and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a t-u-r-d by the clean end."
President of Club Polk -
See, I knew it was that SOB!!!
You tell him that its all his fault, and I hold a grudge. <-shakes head in approval>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. -
Alright, getting back on track.....
Did I mention all the cool technology? These guys/gals at Polk are serious about giving us the lastest and greatest along with good old fashion customer service. It's a combo that can't be beat.Political Correctness'.........defined
"A doctrine fostered by a delusional, illogical minority and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a t-u-r-d by the clean end."
President of Club Polk -
Originally posted by dorokusai
Which Dr.?
Tires also! Shite, you definetly my fave person now. I sleep in a Dunlop D40 M2! I wash in a rain siped BFG COMP T/A! Now aside from how small I am, email me, I am having a moral issue with deciding on a new tire for the Audi. I need a second opinion, Do you really like tires also? <---looks into sky and dreams of siping>
Falken Azenis if you don't mind sacraficing some wet traction. They stick like a freaking race tire, without the price. I am really happy with my Yokohama AVS ES100s as well, good summer/wet tire.LSi 9/C/FX
Arcam AVR-200 -
F1,
Sounds like you had a GREAT time....indeed, it was a treat when the lovely Wendi and I got to tour HQ Polk. Micah is a GREAT guy as are all the other wonderful Polk folk...
Can't wait to see the pics..
BDTI plan for the future. - F1Nut -
man, i want to take that tour of the polk plant, f1nut you lucky dog. you cant give us a little hint of the new stuff can you.. rt-7 mains
rt-20p surounds
cs-400i front center
cs-350 ls rear center
2 energy take 5, efects
2- psw-650 , subs
1- 15" audiosource sub
lets all go to the next ces. -
You know, it was great to meet Jesse and Bruce, and I have to admit I'm wiping my brow that they didn't mention how effing spaced I was about the whole thing. I totally forgot they were coming, even tho it was on my calender for weeks, and I had just gotten out of a long long meeting (we are Polk Audio, "The Meeting Specialists"!), and then there they were!
Jesse's sig file reads: "Piss poor planning leads to a piss poor performance!" and I am afraid that it is directed right at me. I wasn't ready, the demo room wasn't ready, nuthin was ready! I forgot to show them the car install bay, they didn't get to meet Polk Paul, I blew it totally and feel bad they sort of got a **** tour. When Troy came, the demo room was all LSi'd up, and Bruce and Jesse got some mess the engineers left behind, all wires and open Xovers and crappy settings...
I feel bad about it. (But Matt was nice, to take the time to talk even tho he was racing around between meetings. I think he's a sucker for that kind of thing. We couldn't get him to shut up and go to his meeting already!)
Anyway, with the right notice (and the correct behavior on my part), it's always great to meet Polk people. Matt really does know you're "out there," as evidenced by the time he spent talking with Jesse & Bruce. Everyone here is always happy to meet people from over the wall who use and enjoy our product.
Oh well, it was GREAT to meet you guys, I really appreciate that you came up. I hope you had fun!
Micah! -
BTW, in the demo room we listened to a DS7200 Compact Home Theater System, featuring the Polk DS preamp/processor and DP1 DVD Player. Then we listened to some stuff on a system of RTi150s and PSW650. Then we attempted to get some sound from the LSi25s sitting up front. They were not configured correctly (we had to fiddle with the engineer's setup between the LSi's and a pair of prototype RTi's), and sounded sort of muddy. We couldn't find the right bass setting.
And some bozo misconnected and uncalibrated the plasma screen, so the colors were reversed -- Salieri's blood was BLUE in the opening of AMADEUS!
What a dork I am, not to have this stuff ready for you guys!
MC -
One thing I was dying to know, what kind of amplifications do Polk used? It would be very interesting to hear what Polk unofficially tested and endorsed the LSi with....Jesse and Bruce, comments?I am sorry, I have no opinion on the matter. I am sure you do. So, don't mind me, I just want to talk audio and pie.
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Polkatese,
When I was there, they had a Theta pre/pro and CJ amplification with a Marantz DVD player if I remember correctly. The demo room is VERY cool. The car install bay, while I'm not a car audio guy was neat as well. The lovely Wendi LOVED the cool car stuff.
The really great thing about Polk though, is the people. A nicer bunch you'd be hard pressed to find.
BDTI plan for the future. - F1Nut -
Thanks, that's the one thing I couldn't remember.Originally posted by Micah
BTW, in the demo room we listened to a DS7200 Compact Home Theater System, featuring the Polk DS preamp/processor and DP1 DVD Player.
That was kinda cool.....And some bozo misconnected and uncalibrated the plasma screen, so the colors were reversed -- Salieri's blood was BLUE in the opening of AMADEUS!
Troy has it right about the people (real nice) and the gear, Theta pre/pro, CJ amp, Marantz DVD, Marantz SACD (wouldn't work), Pioneer DVD/CD and Onyko receiver.
Micah, I had a blast, but since you feel so badly......(best Arnold voice), "I'll be back!" Seriously, it was great and a real pleasure to meet you and all the other folks, THANKS!
JessePolitical Correctness'.........defined
"A doctrine fostered by a delusional, illogical minority and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a t-u-r-d by the clean end."
President of Club Polk -
Troy,
thanks for the info. That's cool, in terms of their gears. I bet it sounds great!I am sorry, I have no opinion on the matter. I am sure you do. So, don't mind me, I just want to talk audio and pie. -
It was good meeting you as well Jesse. Thanks for your hospitality and introducing me to Sunshine burgers. Glad we hooked up and did the tour. Y'all need to see the work this man has done restoring antiques. Some of it is phenomenal.
Micah, don't be so hard on yourself. We should not have scheduled a Monday visit. We appreciate the time you gave us and as F1 indicated we are willing to give you another chance... maybe in August.
It was great getting to put faces to several of the Polk folk we get to deal with both in CS and in the Club, and meet others that work behinds the scenes. Plus getting the chance to chat with Mathew was an unexpected bonus.
I should have the pix up Wed., but I have a hunch that before then another "poster" in this thread will have a couple words to add.More later,
Tour...
Vox Copuli
Better to remain silent and be thought a fool, than to open your mouth and remove all doubt. - Old English Proverb
"Death doesn't come with a Uhaul." - Dennis Gardner
"It's easy to get lost in price vs performance vs ego vs illusion." - doro
"There is a certain entertainment value in ripping the occaisonal (sic) buttmunch..." - TroyD -
Bruce,
Your back home in Texas? post some pic in Polk HQ...we want to
see.
Thanks in advance.
Regards,
har -
WOW! What a great time you guys had. Hope to do that myself one day. Would love to get Matt's signature on my 1.2's Owner's Manual! Main System: Polk SDA SRS 1.2 Speakers, Sunfire Signature 600~two Amp, Carver C-16 Preamp, Carver TX-11b Tuner, Marantz 6350Q TT, Philips CDR-775 Recorder, Teac V-707RX Cassette Deck, Signal Cable Double Run Speaker Cable
Upstairs Den: Marantz 2325 Receiver, Marantz 5220 Cassette Deck, Marantz HD-880 Speakers, Marantz 6370Q TT
Exercise (Kabuki speaker) Room: Kenwood KR-9600 Receiver, Pioneer CS-99a Speakers, Sansui SP-X9000 Speakers (not pretty, but LOUD! ) -
Har,
Still on the road at present. I'll be home and pix will be up Wed.
BTW... you're the right poster, but the wrong words....
(WTH could I be talking about???? :rolleyes: ).
SDA,
Fantastic idea... next time I'll have manual(s) in tow...More later,
Tour...
Vox Copuli
Better to remain silent and be thought a fool, than to open your mouth and remove all doubt. - Old English Proverb
"Death doesn't come with a Uhaul." - Dennis Gardner
"It's easy to get lost in price vs performance vs ego vs illusion." - doro
"There is a certain entertainment value in ripping the occaisonal (sic) buttmunch..." - TroyD -
Yeah man, what are you talking about? Political Correctness'.........defined
"A doctrine fostered by a delusional, illogical minority and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a t-u-r-d by the clean end."
President of Club Polk -
I thought you have some pictures taken in the Polk HQ that
you can post it here.
Sorry if you don't have one...:o
I just wanna see how Polk HQ look like... -
Har,
He took pics and will post them when he returns to his home, patience.
JessePolitical Correctness'.........defined
"A doctrine fostered by a delusional, illogical minority and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a t-u-r-d by the clean end."
President of Club Polk -
After overcoming some tech issues, I finally have three pix of F1's and my visit. First up, the two of us with some fellow named Matt that Micah introduced as his assistant. That's me on the left and F1 on the right.
Seriously as I said earlier Matthew was great. In spite of running late to a meeting, he spent about 20 minutes talking speakers with us. We talked ribbons and new drivers and, of course, about when the next generation of SDA's will make an appearance. Sorry we could not get a firm commitment on the latter, but he told a great story about stacking SRS's at a party he threw.More later,
Tour...
Vox Copuli
Better to remain silent and be thought a fool, than to open your mouth and remove all doubt. - Old English Proverb
"Death doesn't come with a Uhaul." - Dennis Gardner
"It's easy to get lost in price vs performance vs ego vs illusion." - doro
"There is a certain entertainment value in ripping the occaisonal (sic) buttmunch..." - TroyD -
Next up Micah screening a new model prototype out of this shot in the demo room. You can catch a glimpse of its base, but that's it.
In addition to the main HT behind Micah, on the left hand wall is one of the 2 ch rigs we gave a listen.More later,
Tour...
Vox Copuli
Better to remain silent and be thought a fool, than to open your mouth and remove all doubt. - Old English Proverb
"Death doesn't come with a Uhaul." - Dennis Gardner
"It's easy to get lost in price vs performance vs ego vs illusion." - doro
"There is a certain entertainment value in ripping the occaisonal (sic) buttmunch..." - TroyD -
Last we have F1 sitting in the sweet spot of the room's main HT and Micah firing up the Conrad Johnson.
Saw a lot more that could not be photo'd and have a couple of near duplicates of the above, but these three carry the essense of the visit.
Once again I'd like to thank Micah for hosting us for a very fun afternoon, Mathew for the time he gave us, and Ken, Lauren, Helen and Justin for breaking from their busy Monday to say hello.
If you plan to visit the DC area, try to work a stop at Polk into your plans.More later,
Tour...
Vox Copuli
Better to remain silent and be thought a fool, than to open your mouth and remove all doubt. - Old English Proverb
"Death doesn't come with a Uhaul." - Dennis Gardner
"It's easy to get lost in price vs performance vs ego vs illusion." - doro
"There is a certain entertainment value in ripping the occaisonal (sic) buttmunch..." - TroyD
