Founded in 1972 by Matthew Polk, George Klopfer, and Sandy Gross while attending Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Polk Audio began with just $200 capital in an unheated garage. Named after Polk for pronunciation ease, the trio aimed to combine European clarity with American bass power. Operating from a ramshackle 18th-century mansion on Notre Dame Lane nicknamed 'The Addams Family house,' they achieved breakthrough success with the Monitor 7 (1974), earning their first $1 million within a year. Sandy Gross built worldwide distribution by driving cross-country in his Volvo wagon, while the company relocated to Dickeyville in 1975. Today, Polk Audio maintains Baltimore roots with their ARAD (Audio and Acoustics Research and Development) center in Owings Mills, continuing 50+ years of engineering excellence. From garage startup to global speaker manufacturer, Polk Audio represents American entrepreneurial spirit and acoustic innovation.
Founded: 1972
The Polk Audio Atrium Series introduces outdoor speakers designed for high-quality sound in outdoor environments, priced between $225 and $550.
The series features four models: Atrium 4, Atrium 5, Atrium 6, and Atrium 8SDI, each with specific enhancements like improved weather resistance and mounting options.
Key technical upgrades include anodized aluminum tweeters, injection-molded midrange cones, and patented PowerPort bass venting for enhanced bass performance.
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Polk Audio introduces the new generation of its Atrium outdoor speaker series, featuring enhanced weather resistance and improved sound quality.
The series includes four models: Atrium 4, Atrium 5, Atrium 6, and Atrium 8SDI, with prices ranging from $225 to $550.
Key features include Speed-Lock mounting for easy installation, aluminum dome tweeters, and polypropylene midrange drivers for superior outdoor sound performance.
WiiM Amp offers all-in-one streaming and amplification with support for multiple services and high-res audio for ~$299.
Sony SS-CS5 speakers deliver balanced, clear sound with a compact design for ~$150, creating a $449 high-quality setup.
Budget-friendly alternatives include Polk Audio T15 ($100), Pioneer SP-BS22-LR ($160), and Micca MB42X ($90), all with unique sound qualities and compact designs.
Dedicated Gaming Zone at High End Munich 2023, introducing high-quality audio setups for consoles.
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