(March 23, 2021) Polk Audio's lineup refresh continues with the announcement of an entirely new series of speakers designed for budget-conscious buyers yearning for advanced performance. The Reserve Series comprises nine new models backed by IMAX Enhanced and Hi-Res Audio Certification and the ability to deliver an immersive audio experience.
The Reserve Series offers buyers flexibility across the board, from pricing to versatility. Models include three tower designs, three center channels, two bookshelf speakers, and a height model that can be used as an immersive module or a wall-mounted height speaker. Thanks to trickle-down technology, the series features the same components employed in its Legend Series, with a few tweaks to keep pricing in check.
Polk's Pinnacle ring radiator tweeter, a driver worthy of being displayed, is designed to eliminate internal resonance at 2.5kHz for reduced ringing and crisp high frequencies. Key features include center and edge waveguides to control dispersion, a ring radiator that eliminates the need for a central dome, a copper cap to reduce distortion, and a sealed/damped cavity.
The equally eye-catching Turbine Cone is a foam-core injection-molded midrange driver with a unique turbine-like geometry. Its stiffness and damping properties are achieved without added mass, and its surface geometry combats resonance in the 5.5-6kHz range by promoting a unified "piston" movement of the cone.
Bass is delivered by large drivers benefiting from dual spiders and a tall voice coil for controlled linear movement. Polk's patented X-Port technology with an Eigentone Filter (ETF) and Power Port 2.0 technology help to extend frequencies for a honed deep-bass output experience. The ETF, designed to benefit lower-midrange frequencies, is positioned within a port in two locations, canceling unwanted resonances. And Power Port 2.0 (found on the Reserve Series R600 and R700 tower models) aids in bass extension through the use of X-Port, ETF, and a newly designed port tube with an aluminum base. The entire system is engineered to sit closer to the floor than past iterations, adding to its performance and visual appeal.
The flagship R700 tower speaker bolsters performance through point-to-point cabinet bracing and individual enclosures for mid- and low-frequency drivers. This bracing improves the cabinet system's overall rigidity, leading to a cleaner and more accurate sound.
The Reserve R900 height module (available in black, brown, and white) adds an exciting twist of flexibility to the series. It features a toggle switch that tunes to the speaker for two positions: wall-mounted or module placement on top of a speaker. Thus, owners can enjoy the convenience of an immersive sound module or a more accurate Atmos/DTS:X reproduction by deploying a true height channel. Polk's PR literature doesn't mention ceiling mount capabilities for the R900, which somewhat limits the versatility of the speaker.
The Reserve Series is available for purchase now through Polk Audio and authorized Polk sellers. For full specifications and pricing, see the images below.
