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CES 2013: Polk Audio debuts Woodbourne

by: Dan -
More On: CES 2013 Woodbourne
Polk Audio this morning took the wraps off Woodbourne, which is a new form of tabletop audio system.  At first look, it has a bit of a throwback style with a mahogany wood veneer top compliments and brass accents, which is different form the typical black speakers that are the current trend.  In addition, it features connectivity via both AirPlay and Bluetooth, as well as direct connect by analog mini jack, USB, Ethernet and Optical.  Not to be outdone by its looks, the Woodbourne sports a 180-watt amplifier powering the two 5 ¼”-inch mid-woofers (70 Watts each) and two 1” silk dome tweeters (20 watts each.)  It currently is scheduled for a Q2 2013 release.

I like the concept of the Woodbourne from a gamer’s perspective, as it can seamlessly blend into atypical gaming areas such as a living room, office or bedroom and allow for your tablet, smartphone or even TV and consoles to connect and provide upgraded audio.  We are scheduled to visit with Polk Audio on Tuesday to take a look at the Woodbourne and the other new offerings from the company.  So check back for additional images and impressions.

Polk Enters Streaming Tabletop Market
With The Woodbourne™ Premium Audio System
 
-New High Performance Tabletop System Features Legendary Polk Speaker Quality 
Plus 180-Watt Amplifier and Nearly Universal Wireless & Wired Connectivity
                                                                                                            
                                                  
LAS VEGAS, NV, January 7, 2013 – Polk Audio®, the Speaker Specialists®, is using the occasion of the 2013 International CES to introduce the Woodbourne Wireless Speaker System, the first in a new line of high performance - high connectivity streaming audio systems for today’s audio consumers. The Woodbourne’s superior sound quality is based on Polk’s renowned speaker technology combined with a powerful, ultra low-noise 180-Watt RMS amplifier (70x2 and 20 x 2), and 5 advanced input types including streaming wireless connectivity using both Apple AirPlay and Bluetooth or wired connections.
 
Focused plainly on the home and office market for desktop audio, the Woodbourne is the best performing audio system in its class.  Woodbourne is also the most stylish, and offers more connectivity options to use with practically any audio source.
 
“The Woodbourne tabletop audio system is the finest sounding and most attractive way to enjoy music from an iPod, iPad, Android, or any other audio device in a living room, office, den, kitchen or other interior space,” said Al Baron, Polk Audio’s Product Line Manager. “Our goal was to combine warm, approachable industrial design with high connectivity and superior sound quality. With five wireless and wired inputs it is truly the audio system of the future, available today.”
 
The first in a new line of lifestyle streaming audio products from Polk with superior sound, styling (created by DEI Holding’s highly respected Global Design Center) and advanced connectivity, the Woodbourne (rear panel pictured left) features five input connection types:
 
  1. Apple AirPlay wireless to Apple iPhone®, iPod® Touch, and iPad®
  2. Bluetooth wireless connections for use with other tablets, portable music players, and smartphones. The Woodbourne’s advanced engineering includes the Apt-X codec for superior Bluetooth audio quality.
  3. Digital optical connection for wired connectivity to TVs, CD/DVD players, FM tuners, etc
  4. USB port facilitates connection to iOS devices such as iPhone® and iPad®
  5. A traditional analog audio input provides connectivity to older devices.
 
All together, these five input types cover practically any audio source one could imagine, providing near-universal connection compatibility.
 
At the heart of the Woodbourne’s sound are legendary Polk speakers, including two 5 ¼”-inch mineral filled injection molded PP cone mid-woofers with rubber surrounds and two 1” silk dome tweeters. Measuring 24 inches wide by 7 inches high and 6 7/8 inches deep, the AC-powered Woodbourne weighs 17 pounds 8 ounces.  The built-in 180Watts RMS high performance audio amplifier delivers clear, detailed sonics throughout the audio spectrum with near-zero distortion, for room-filling sound that will satisfy even the most demanding audiophile.
 
The Woodbourne not only provides the finest sound available in a desktop audio system, it also boasts a design aesthetic that complements any room. Inspired by classic mid-century American furniture, it will make a sophisticated statement in a house, apartment or office. A mahogany wood veneer top compliments the brass-finished user interface. The Woodbourne’s shallow depth and elegant white cabinet enables easy placement on a table, countertop, shelf, desk, or just about anywhere else a consumer wants to enjoy great sound at home or work.
 
“The Woodbourne is right for today’s audio consumers, and will be a strong competitor in the market for tabletop audio systems, providing the convenience of streaming combined with truly high performance audiophile quality speakers and sound,” said Kevin Duffy, President of Polk Audio. “The Woodbourne is indicative of our commitment to making state of the art audio products that deliver superior sonic performance to a growing audience of music and home theater fans utilizing an ever-wider variety of connection types.”
 
The Woodbourne will be available in Q2 2013.