Polk Audio has updated its Signature E line of home theater speakers. The new products are certified for audio playback in Hi-Res formats. The Signature E series is built on the basis of the regular Signature, but has technologies borrowed from the brand’s top lines. The series includes three floor-standing models, three bookshelf models and two models of central channel acoustics. To improve bass performance, the design uses Polk’s proprietary Power Port, increasing bass response by 3 dB and expanding the low end of the bass due to a larger area.
The Signature E Series speakers were designed with aesthetics in mind, and the new speakers feature beautiful contours and gold accents to enhance their bold, stylish appearance. Available in Black or Winter White finishes, all speakers in the series will easily match the style of your home. Thanks to patented Dynamic Balance technology, Polk Audio engineers were able to use the most appropriate, carefully selected materials and the most efficient driver geometries, analyzing the entire electroacoustic and mechanical system of each driver. By doing so, they eliminated many of the problems and allowed all speakers to produce the best and most accurate sound that will please even the most discerning audiophile.
Description of the Polk Audio Signature S55e Speaker System
The Polk Audio Signature S55e ranks second among the floor-standing speakers that are part of the Signature E line, released specifically for the European market. The speaker is somewhat different from its American counterpart S55. First of all, this concerns the optimization of crossover filter circuits, thanks to which it was possible to correct the character of the sound, making it more accurate and natural. The design of the 6.5″ midrange/bass drivers has also changed slightly, which are now equipped with a soft dust cap painted black. The drivers use Dynamic Balance technology, which eliminates unwanted resonances of the speaker membranes through the precise selection of their design elements and materials, as well as thanks to the selection of the most efficient geometric shape.
The model has a tweeter with a lightweight, durable terylene dome and a ceramic magnetic system. The lower limit of the frequency range of such a high-frequency emitter falls into the midrange zone, which allows you to obtain a solid, clean and detailed sound, and the upper limit reaches 40,000 Hz. This figure is ideal for recording Hi-Res formats, and the 19mm front panel of the Polk Audio Signature S55e has a matte finish rather than the glossy finish of the S55. The speaker sports a nice design with rounded edges that goes well with modern interiors.
The Polk Audio Signature S55e features a pair of mid/bass drivers with butyl rubber surrounds, ceramic magnets, 4-layer wound coils and cones made from mineral-reinforced polypropylene. The drivers have centering washers made of Conex material that can withstand high temperatures. These drivers provide clear sound with excellent linearity and dynamics. The Polk Audio S55e has a proprietary bass reflex port with a conical splitter built into the bottom of the Polk Audio S55e body, which allows you to get rid of the overtones of the exhaust air and improve the bass response.
Reconfigured and upgraded, the signature Cascading Tapered Crossover guarantees seamless, seamless sound and an expanded polar pattern, and there are four screw terminals on board for bi-wiring or bi-amping connections. The speaker body is made of MDF, has excellent damping and is mounted on stand legs. The speakers are protected by a magnetic grille and good anti-diffraction characteristics.
Characteristics of Polk Audio Signature S55e
Number of bands 2
Number of speakers 3
Housing type bass reflex, Power Port with a conical “splitter” is built into the bottom of the housing Housing
material MDF
Tweeter 1″ (25.4 mm) tweeter with a terylene dome membrane, ceramic
midrange magnetic system /LF drivers 2 x 6.5″ (165.1 mm) MF/LF drivers with mica-reinforced polypropylene diffusers, Conex centering washers, butyl rubber surrounds, ceramic magnetic system
Overall frequency response 32 Hz – 40 kHz
Crossover frequency 2500 Hz
Impedance 8 Ohm
Sensitivity 90 dB
Recommended amplifier power 20-200 W
Input connectors 4 gold-plated screw terminals
Anti-diffraction grill with magnetic mount yes
Dimensions (WxHxD) 297x1054x318 mm
Weight 20 kg
Share your thoughts on this product
Do you own this product or maybe have questions about it? Feel free to share your comments below.