Polk Your Way to the Atrium for Some Intriguing Outdoor Speakers

The first gear to really catch my attention out here in Denver at CEDIA Expo 2008 was the new lineup of outdoor speakers from Polk Audio. Their Atrium outdoor speaker system has a look that is at once funky and versatile, able to fit into a wide range of pool/patio/yard designs, without compromising on sound quality.

The Atrium Sat 30 satellite speaker at first glance looks like an outdoor lighting fixture, and installs directly in the ground with the included security ground spike, on an exterior wall, or suspended from the ceiling of a porch or gazebo with the pendant hanger.

The Atrium Sub 10 subwoofer meanwhile is cleverly disguised as a mild-mannered terra cotta plant stand/pedestal table, but like the satellite is actually constructed with a sealed weatherproof shell and stainless steel/brass hardware. The sub's 10-inch long-throw driver provides strong bass response to 50 Hz, and the acoustically-matched two-way sats use a 3 1/2” midrange and 3/4” dome tweeter.

For us in the Northeast it's a little late in the summer to start tricking out the back deck, but the new speakers will begin shipping in January 2009, at $179 per satellite and $329 for the subwoofer, so it's not too soon to start thinking about next season.

More information at: www.polkaudio.com