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ENGLISH
AMPLIFIER HOOKUP
NOTE: USE WITH 2 OHM COMPATIBLE AMPLIFIERS.
NOT ALL AMPLIFIERS ARE STABLE INTO A 2 OHM LOAD
(ESPECIALLY IN BRIDGED MODE). PLEASE CONSULT
YOUR AMPLIFIER’S OWNER’S MANUAL.
GETTING STARTED
Please inspect your loudspeaker(s) carefully. Notify your
Polk Audio dealer if you notice any damage or missing items.
Keep the carton and packing material; this will do the best
job of protecting your speaker(s) if they must be transported.
SAFE LIMITS OF OPERATION
Polk Audio specifies the recommended amplification range
for each of its passive (non-amplified) loudspeakers. Typically
that specification will be expressed as a range of power such
as 20-200 W (per channel). It is important to understand
what those numbers mean when choosing a receiver or
amplifier for your Polk loudspeakers. The lower number
indicates the lowest continuous rated power that will yield
acceptable performance in a typical listening environment.
The higher number indicates the highest per channel power
that should be used with your Polk speakers. That number
should not be confused with a “Power Handling” specification
and it does not imply that the speaker will safely handle
that full amount of power on a long-term basis. We specify
a wide range of power ratings because not all electronics
manufacturers use the same method for rating power.
In fact, high quality lower-rated amplifiers sound better and
play louder than low quality units with a higher power rating.
Automobile horsepower is a good analogy. Your car probably
has far more horsepower than it needs for your daily commute
and is likely capable of going well over 120mph (190km/hr).
Having that extra power is good for on-ramp acceleration
and danger avoidance (like getting away from brain-eating
zombies) but that doesn’t mean that it is advisable to operate
your car on North American highways at full power and
maximum speed for an extended period of time. Just ask
your local state trooper if you are in doubt. Similarly, we
recommend using amplifiers and receivers with rated power
above the Power Handling limits of our speakers because
having extra power available for short term peaks is conducive
to better sound quality, maximum dynamic range and effortless
high volume output. But we strongly urge you not to use the
full power of your amplifier or receiver for daily listening.
Loudspeakers can be damaged when an amplifier, regardless
of its wattage, is made to play at higher listening levels than its
power can clearly produce. Operation at this level can result in
very high levels of audible distortion originating in the
amplifier, which can add a harsh, gritty sound to your listening
material. If you hear distortion—turn the volume down
or risk damaging your speakers. You can damage just
about any speaker, regardless of power rating, if you drive an
amplifier to or beyond the point of distortion.
