Polk's Signature S20 bookshelf speakers are an excellent choice for high-impact surround sound and detailed high-resolution stereo music. Their curved edges and sleek black or walnut finish make them an attractive addition to any room.
The S20s are made with high-quality materials for natural, low-distortion sound. Each cabinet houses a 1" high-resolution Terylene dome tweeter for clear, detailed highs and realistic reproduction of instruments and vocals. The highly efficient 6-1/2" Dynamic Balance® woofer is made of lightweight yet durable mica-reinforced polypropylene. Non-resonant MDF (Medium Density Fiberboard) cabinets and anti-diffraction magnetic grilles provide an acoustically inert structure for reduced sonic interference. Polk's exclusive Power Port technology adds bass impact.
AMAZING SOUND QUALITY especially when you consider the price for this pair of Good looking and Great Sound Quality. Although I'm using them for surround sound I've tested them on a 2.0 stereo amp and they sound Very good. Good Low and high frequencies.
Dynamic Balance Drivers: Dynamic Balance is a proprietary Polk Audio technology using laser imaging to determine what combination of speaker materials create the least amount of resonance. Eliminating resonance in speakers results in a wide, smooth response and low distortion. Using just the right materials enables Polk to eliminate issues that reduce speaker performance and tune out performance-robbing resonances before they occur. Dynamic Balance ensures a rich, clean, full-range sound no matter what you're listening to. The Polk Signature S20 bookshelf loudspeaker incorporates a Dynamic Balance two-way driver array with one 1" tweeter and one 6.5" woofer.
Hi-Res 1" Terylene Tweeter: The Signature S20 bookshelf loudspeaker utilizes Polk's newly designed 1" Terylene tweeter to deliver clear and detailed high-end response for realistic reproduction of vocals and instruments. It will support high frequencies up to 40kHz to perfectly reproduce the latest high-resolution audio files with improved audio extension, earning Hi-Res Audio Certification.
6.5" Mica-Reinforced Polypropylene Woofer: The Signature S20 bookshelf speaker employs one 6.5" Dynamic Balance low distortion mica-reinforced polypropylene cone woofer for clean, clear bass, better linearity, and increased dynamic midrange and midbass. This mica-reinforced polypropylene woofer features a butyl rubber surround, massive ceramic motor structure, and a high-temperature Conex fiber spider that combine to create a driver of exceptionally high efficiency, for clean, clear bass, better linearity, lower distortion, and greater durability.
Power Port Technology: The Signature S20 bookshelf incorporates Polk's Power Port technology with a specially designed rear-firing port. Power Port technology smoothly transition air flow from inside the speaker into your listening area for deep, extended bass impact while minimizing turbulence and distortion. Polk's patented Power Port technology delivers 3dB more bass response than a traditional ported speaker.
Anti-Diffraction Magnetic Grille: The Signature S20 includes an anti-diffraction magnetic grille for unaltered sound. The integrated magnets make it easy to attach and remove the grille from the bookshelf speaker.
Applications & Placement: The Signature S20 bookshelf speakers can be used as front and/or surround speakers in a home theater setup. They can also be used in a simple stereo application. If your AV receiver offers built-in bass management, the S20 should be set to "Small" to filter out low bass frequencies.
Placement for Surround Speakers: As surround speakers, the S20 should be placed on a side wall slightly behind and above the listening position. If you cannot place the speakers on the side walls, position them on the rear wall above the listening area.
Mounting Options: The S20 bookshelf loudspeakers come with self-adhesive rubber feet so they will sit safely and securely on your speaker stands or shelf. The included rubber feet add approximately 0.125" to the height of the speaker. The bookshelf speaker does not include any type of provisions for wall-mounting.
How to mount s20 on wall to use it as a rear high speaker in 7.1 setup. Any accessories?
The specs show that the Polk Audio S20 has a broad frequency response. Are they full range sounding? At 30,000-40,000 hz is the tweeter sharp or fatiguing? For a 2ch stereo setup, since the bass on these can go down to 40hz, I shouldn't need a subwoofer for most music? Hows the bass at certain frequencies, is it muddy or distorted any?
Yes, you won't need a sub for music. In fact I feel like it muddies the sound by adding a subwoofer. Not so sure about the tweeter question. I feel like it's a little harsh but not overwhelming. These sound incredible for the money.
I can only give you my opinion. I bought these for my home office, to be behind me while I am on the computer, playing music but sort of elevator music. I wanted reasonable good sound but my attention was on the computer. They did the job. Then I moved and had to rearrange the way I live. I started using the speakers to actually listen to the music and I am not liking them. I compare them to my Klipsch RP-160M (double the price) which sound much better. Hope this helps.
I found the tweeters to be quite crisp and clean. The bass is solid but not huge. I intended to add a sub woofer but found I didn't need it. I listen to classical, blues, classic rock and jazz so I don't know if the bass would be adequate for something that had heavy driving bass. The bass is also clean and well defined. A very nice set of speakers for most music.
They do quite well at the high end range for high res music, the lows drop off significantly though on the lower end. I own the S60's as well, full range with zero fatigue. I also own Definitive Technology Pro Monitor 800's 1000's SM55 and SM65, they 55 & 65's are no longer available but I know how well the def tech line produces lows....If it were me I might actually get the SM45's or Pro Monitor 1000's both of those will have less drop off on the lower end. Plus it really depends on what you are powering them with...a higher end 2 channel separate amp, or higher end integrated 2 channel amp, with those (vs a receiver) it will dramatically improve the sound quality as well. No sub...again depends on a lot of factors, in particular what type of music and quality, you will be listening to. Hope that helps in some way, if not feel free to ask me another question.
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