polk Signature Series Floor Standing Speaker Owner’s Manual
- June 13, 2024
- polk
Table of Contents
EXPECT GREAT SOUND
Signature Series Owner’s Manual
S60, S55, S50, S35, S30, S20, S15, S10
Signature Series Floor Standing Speaker
Expect Great Sound
Thank you for choosing the Polk Signature Series of loudspeakers. This new
line is bold, stylish and quality-built for performance. The high efficiency
Signature Series features Polk patented Dynamic Balance ® tuned drivers and
tweeters for clearer highs and more realistic mid-range. Power Port ®
technology creates bigger, more musical, deep bass impact. The Polk Signature
Series is equipped with an expanded array of high performance state-of-the-art
audio technologies that elevate home theater and music with incredible detail.
And with their American modern styling, each speaker features gorgeous curves
and aggressive accents that fits any décor.
Pure and simple, the Polk Signature Series are American HiFi engineered and
designed with your entertainment in mind Having built our reputation as “The
Speaker Specialists” for more than 40 years, we take pride in our superior
sound and build quality, which features many patented and award winning audio
innovations. For the people of Polk, building audio products is not just a
job—it’s a passion. And if you’re going to remember one thing, remember this:
We live by the truest principle of what audio should
deliver—great sound at an affordable price for everyone!
Technical Assistance or Service
If anything is missing or damaged, or if your speaker fails to operate, notify
Polk Audio Customer Service immediately at
800-377-7655. If, after following the
hookup directions, you experience difficulty, please double-check all wire
connections.
Should you isolate the problem to the speaker, contact the authorized Polk
Audio dealer where you made your purchase, or contact Polk Audio Customer
Service 800-377-7655 (M-F, 9 a.m. -5:30
p.m. EST, US & Canada only) or via email
polkcs@polkaudio.com. Outside the US & Canada,
call +1 410-358-3600.
WARNING: Listen Carefully
Polk Audio loudspeakers and subwoofers are capable of playing at extremely
high volume levels, which could cause serious or permanent hearing damage.
Polk Audio, Inc. accepts no liability for hearing loss, bodily injury or
property damage resulting from the
misuse of its products. Keep these guidelines in mind and always use your own
good judgment when controlling volume:
- Limit prolonged exposure to volumes that exceed 85 decibels (dB). For more about safe volume levels, go to the Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) guidelines at http://www.osha.gov/.
Product Disposal
**** Certain international, national and/or local laws and/or regulations may
apply regarding the disposal of this product. For more information, please
contact the retailer where you purchased this product or the Polk
Importer/Distributor in your country. More information is also available at
www.polkaudio.com or by contacting Polk Audio at 1
Viper Way, Vista, California, 92081, USA. Phone:
1-800-377-7655.
This symbol on our electrical products or their packaging indicates that it is
forbidden in Europe to discard the product in question as domestic waste. In
order to ensure that you dispose of the products correctly, please dispose of
the products according to local laws and regulations on the disposal of
electrical and electronic equipment. In doing so you are contributing to the
retention of natural resources and to the promotion of environmental
protection by the treatment and disposal of electronic waste.
Safety Instructions
This product was designed and manufactured to meet strict quality and safety standards. Please note the following installation and operation precautions:
-
Read Instructions. All the safety and operating instructions should be read before the system is operated.
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Retain Instructions. The safety and operating instructions should be retained for future reference.
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Heed Warnings. All warnings on the products and in the operating instructions should be adhered to.
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Follow Instructions. All operating and use instructions should be followed.
-
Damage Requiring Service. Unplug this product from the amplifier or receiver and refer servicing to qualified service personnel under the following conditions:
a. If liquid has been spilled, or objects have fallen into the product.
b. If the product has been exposed to rain or water.
c. If the product does not operate normally by following the operating instructions. Adjust only those controls that are covered by the operating instructions, as an improper adjustment of other controls may result in damage and will often require extensive work by a qualified technician to restore the product to its normal operation.
d. If the product has been dropped or the cabinet has been damaged.
e. When the product exhibits a distinct change in performance this indicates a need for service. -
Carts and Stands. The products should be used only with a cart or stand that is recommended by the manufacturer. An appliance and cart combination should be moved with care. Quick stops, excessive force, and uneven surfaces may cause the appliance and cart combination to overturn. Use caution when moving the cart/apparatus combination to avoid injury from tip-over.
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Correct Use. This product is not intended for use outdoors.
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Register Your Product. Registering your product is the best way to ensure we can contact you regarding safety notices.
Safe Limits of Operation
Polk Audio specifies the recommended amplification range for each of its
passive (non-amplified) loudspeakers. Typically that specification will be
expressed as a range of power such as 20-200 Watts (per channel). It is
important to understand what those numbers mean when choosing a receiver or
amplifier for your Polk loudspeakers. The lower number indicates the lowest
continuous rated power that will yield acceptable performance in a typical
listening environment. The higher number indicates the highest per channel
power that should be used with your Polk speakers. That number should not be
confused with a “Power Handling” specification, and it does not imply that the
speaker will safely handle that full amount of power on a long-term basis. We
specify a wide range of power ratings because not all electronics
manufacturers use the same method for rating power. In fact, high quality
lower-rated amplifiers sound better and play louder than low quality units
with higher power rating.
Similarly, we recommend using amplifiers and receivers with rated power above
the Power Handling limits of our speakers because having extra power available
for short term peaks is conducive to better sound quality, maximum dynamic
range and effortless high volume output. But we strongly urge you not to use
the full power of your amplifier or receiver for daily listening.
Loudspeakers can be damaged when an amplifier, regardless of its wattage, is
made to play at higher listening levels than its power can clearly produce.
Operation at this level can result in very high levels of audible distortion
originating in the amplifier, which can add a harsh, gritty sound to your
listening material. Simply put, avoid excessive amplifier volume. If you hear
distortion—turn the volume down or risk damaging your speakers. You can damage
just about any speaker, regardless of power rating, if you drive an amplifier
to or beyond the point of distortion. And always make} sure the amplifier is
turned off when you’re connecting or disconnecting cables.
What’s In the Box
Each box contains:
- Loudspeaker(s)
- Owner’s manual
- Registration card
- Adhesive-backed rubber pads (eight for bookshelf speakers or four for center channel speakers)
- Wall mount template (for S35, S15 and S10 only) (Speaker cable not included)
How to Connect Your System
To get the best sound quality, it’s important to wire your speakers correctly.
Wire Preparation
Follow the hookup directions included with your receiver/ amplifier. Strip
1/2” (12.7mm) of insulation from each of the two conductors of the wire to
expose the bare metal and twist each of the individual conductors into single
un frayed strands. Note that one of the terminals on the rear of each
speaker is red (+) and the other is black (–). Make certain that you connect
the wire from the positive (+) terminal of your amplifier or receiver to the
red (+) terminal on your speaker and the wire from the negative (–) terminal
of your amplifier or receiver to the black (–) terminal on your speaker. Most
wire has some indicator (such as color-coding, ribbing or writing) on one of
the two conductors to help you maintain consistency.
These recommendations are for all connections from the amplifier/receiver to
each speaker:
| Runs | Gauge |
|---|---|
| Lengths up to 25′ | 16 or better |
| Lengths greater than 25′ but less than 50′ | 14 |
| Lengths greater than 50′ but less than 75′ | 12 |
| Lengths greater than 75′ | 10 |
Binding Posts
To connect wire to the binding post, unscrew the binding post cap and insert
the bare wire into the hole near the base of the binding post. Do not insert
the insulated part of the wire into the hole as this will not give you a good
connection. Tighten the binding post cap until it seats firmly with the wire,
but do not over tighten.
Connectors
You have several options when choosing connectors for your speaker wires, and
it’s really a matter of personal preference.
Three of the more commonly used are banana plugs, spade lugs and bare wire. If
you know where you want to locate your speakers and plan to set up your system
and leave them there, then bare wire will work fine. Just make sure there are
not stray strands of
wire that could come into contact. If you like to experiment with different
speaker locations, spade lugs or banana plugs offer more convenient options
when it comes to disconnecting and reconnecting wires.
Banana Plugs (US only)
Signature Series binding posts have openings in the ends of their caps to
accept individual and dual banana plugs. To use banana plugs, carefully pry
out the binding post plugs to expose banana plug holes. The binding posts can
accept dual banana plugs.
Basic Tower, Center, Bookshelf and Satellite Surround Speaker Hookup
S60, S55, S50, S35, S30, S20, S15, S10) Make sure that the red (+) and black
(-) connectors on your amplifier or receiver connect to the red (+) and black
(-) connectors on your speakers. If your speakers sound “thin,” with little
bass and little or no center image, odds are that one of the speaker wires is
connected backwards. Double check all connections.
Bi-Wiring (S60, S55 and S50 Towers)
Bi-wiring can provide noticeable improvements in the overall transparency of
your loudspeakers. After removing the jumpers, run separate speaker wires to
the low and high frequency drivers from a single amplifier (the upper set of
binding posts are for the high frequency drivers, the lower set of binding
posts are for the low frequency drivers). Connect one set of speaker wires to
the upper terminals on each speaker and one set of wires to the lower
terminals. Connect the other ends of both wire sets to the same
amplifier outputs. See Amplifer/AVR’s user manual for configuration
instructions. Bi- Amping (S60, S55, S50 Towers)
Bi-amping allows you to use separate amplifiers for the high and low frequency
sections of your loudspeaker for greater dynamic range and lower distortion.
We recommend that your separate amplifiers have identical gain to preserve the
speaker’s voicing
balance. After removing the jumpers, connect the speaker wires from the high
frequency amplifier outputs to the upper set of terminal posts on each
speaker. Follow the same procedure for connecting the low frequency amplifier
outputs to the lower set of terminals. Remember to maintain correct wiring
polarity (+ to +, – to –) in all connections. See Amplifer/AVR’s user manual
for configuration instructions.
Placement Recommendations for the S35 and S30 Center Channel Speaker
The most popular placement for your S35 or S30 center channel speaker is on a
shelf below your flat screen TV (if you have an older box TV, a popular option
is to place your center channel speaker on top of it, anchoring the dialogue
and effects to the screen).
Note: For older TV’s, the S35 and S30 are NOT magnetically shielded.
Also compatible as a left, center or right speaker (L/C/R), the S35 center
channel speaker includes built in keyhole slots for easy wall-mounting (see
instructions on wall mount template for more information).
Processor Mode
Note: Set these speakers (S35, S30, S20, S15, S10) to “small” in your
receiver’s Bass Management Settings. Set to “large” for tower speakers (S60,
S55, S50).
The “bass management” or “speaker configuration” menus of most surround
receivers offer the choice of “normal” or “wide” modes for smaller speaker
operation. In discrete channel digital processors, these modes are referred to
as “small” and “large.” Normal (small) mode filters bass frequencies from
center channel, bookshelf and satellite surround speakers, and sends them
instead to the front left and right main speakers or to the subwoofer output
(LFE) jack.
Wide (large) mode sends an unfiltered, full-range signal to these speakers.
Use the Small (normal) mode for optimum center and surround channel
performance and reliability.
Signature Series Speaker Positioning
To maximize the sound quality of your speaker system— whether you’ve purchased
tower speakers, a center channel speaker, bookshelf speakers, or satellite
surround speakers —correct placement is everything. Take a look at the
following examples and give them a try based on the Signature Series speakers
you’ve purchased.
Note: Your Signature Series speakers are compatible with 2.0, 2.1, 3.1,
5.1, 7.1 and 9.1 setups (optional subwoofer shown in graphics).
Listening in 2.1 System
Get the most realistic stereo image by placing speakers as far apart as the
listeners are sitting from them. If room conditions require that you place the
speakers farther apart, you may choose to angle the speakers toward the middle
to support a more solid center image.
Listening in 5.1 Surround
You can use the Signature Series speakers as rear surround speakers in a Polk
Audio home theater surround system. Ideal rear channel surround speaker
placement is on a side wall, slightly behind and above the listening position.
Note: If you cannot place rear surrounds on the side walls, position them
on the rear wall above the listening position. Listening in 7.1 Surround
Enjoy added depth to your surround sound experience with four rear surround
speakers instead of two. Wall Mountable Speakers (S35, S15, S10)
These speakers feature built-in keyhole slots and a threaded screw insert (S10
only) for easy wall mounting. Use included wall mount template to safely wall
mount these speakers.
Adding Adhesive-Backed Rubber Feet
(S30, S35, S20, S15, S10)
To keep your Signature Series speakers firmly in place and prevent damage to
floors or furniture, it’s a smart idea to attach the included adhesive-backed
rubber feet to the bottom of your speaker.
Cleaning Your Polk
Speakers
You bought Polk quality for a reason. Keep your speakers looking good for
years to come with these simple tips.
Signature Series Specifications
| S60| S55| S50
| Full Range Passive floor standing Loudspeaker| Full Range Passive floor
standing Loudspeaker| Full Range Passive floor standing Loudspeaker
Transducers| | |
Tweeter| 1-1 in Terylene High-Res Dome Tweeter| 1-1 in Terylene High-Res Dome
Tweeter| 1-1 in Terylene High-Res Dome Tweeter
Mid-bass| 3-6.5in Dynamic Balance Mica Reinforced Polypropylene Drivers|
2-6.5in Dynamic Balance Mica Reinforced Polypropylene Drivers| 2-5.25in
Dynamic Balance Mica Reinforced
Polypropylene Drivers
Crossover Frequency| 2.5 kHz| 2.5 kHz| 2.5 kHz
General| | |
Recommended| x)-2nn| 90-2nn| 9n-15n
Amplification (wpc)| | |
Impedance| Compatible with 8 ohm outputs| Compatible with 8 ohm outputs|
Compatible with 8 ohm outputs
Overall Frequency Response| 26Hz-40 kHz| 32Hz-40 kHz| 33Hz-40 kHz
Sensitivity| 90dB| 90dB| 89dB
Electrical Inputs| Dual gold-plated 5-way binding posts| Dual gold-plated
5-way binding posts| Dual gold-plated 5-way binding posts
Weights and Dimensions| | |
Height (inches)| 45.| 42.| 37.
Width (inches)| 9.| 9.| 8.
Depth (inches)| 16.| 13.| 11.
Width including feet (inches)| 12.| 12.| 10.
Weight| 52 lbs.| 44 lbs.| 32 lbs.
i
Signature Series Specifications| S30| S20| S15| S10
---|---|---|---|---
| S35
.3/4.| Left/Center/Right (L/C/R) Loudspeaker| Dedicated Center Center
Loudspeaker| Full Range Passive Bookshelf Loudspeaker| Full Range Passive
Bookshelf Loudspeaker| Uni-Pole Surround Loudspeaker
Transducers| | | | |
Tweeter| 1 —1 in Terylene High-Res Dome Tweeter| 1 —1 in Terylene High-Res
Dome Tweeter| 1 —1 in Terylene High-Res Dome Tweeter| 1 —1 in Terylene High-
Res Dome Tweeter| 1 —1 in Terylene High-Res Dome Tweeter
Mid-bass
.| 6-3in Dynamic Balance Mica Reinforced Polypropylene Drivers
.| 2-5.25in Dynamic Balance Mica Reinforced Polypropylene Drivers| 1-6.5in
Dynamic Balance Mica Reinforced Polypropylene Driver| 1-5.25in Dynamic Balance
Mica Reinforced Polypropylene Driver
.| 1-4in Dynamic Balance Micra Reinforced Polypropylene Driver
Crossover Frequency| 2.5 kHz
.| 2.5 kHz| 2.5 kHz| 2.5 kHz| 2.5 kHz
%Wall Mounting Option—
Key Hole slot| Yes| No| No| t
Yes| bYes
Wall Mounting Option-1/4′ -20 Threaded Insert| No| No| No| No| Yes
.
General| .| | | |
Recommended Amplification
(Mx)| . 20-150| 20-125| 20-125| .20-100 b| 20-100
b
Impedance| Compatible with 8 ohm outputs| Compatible with 8 ohm outputs|
Compatible with 8 ohm outputs| Compatible with 8 ohm outputs| Compatible with
8 ohm outputs
‘Overall Frequency Response
Sensitivity| ‘ 53Hz_4o kHz| 42Hz-40 kHz| 39Hz-40 kHz| •50Hz-40 kHz b|
671-Iz-40 kHz
8ecil3| Pt89ce| 88dB| 88dB| Pt
87dB
Electrical Inputs| Single gold-plated 5-way binding posts| Single gold-plat:
5-way binding e| b Single gold-plated 3-way binding posts| Single gold-plated
5-way binding posts| Single gold-plate 5-way binding pc.:
Weights and Dimensions| | | | |
Height (inches)| ‘ 4.1| 7.5
•| 15.| 12| 8.4
.
Width (inches)| 24.| 20| 6.| 8.| 5.
Depth (inches)| 61| 10 i:| 14.| 102| 6.
weight| 14 lbs.| 19 lbs.| 17 lbs.| 13 lbs.| 6 lbs.
•
Limited 5-Year Warranty
Polk Audio, Inc., warrants to the original retail purchaser only.
This warranty will terminate automatically prior to its stated expiration if
the original retail purchaser sells or transfers the product to any other
party.
Polk Audio, Inc., warrants, to the original retail purchaser only, that the
LOUDSPEAKER(S), PASSIVE CROSSOVER COMPONENT(S) and ENCLOSURE on this Polk
Loudspeaker Product will be free from defects in material and workmanship for
a period of five (5) years from the date of original retail purchase from a
Polk Audio Authorized Dealer.
To allow Polk to offer the best possible warranty service, please register
your new product online at:
www.polkaudio.com/registration or
call Polk customer service: Monday – Friday (9am -5:30pm ET)
800-377-7655 in the USA and Canada
(outside the
USA: 410-358-3600) within ten (10) days
of the date of original purchase. Be sure to keep your original purchase
receipt.
Defective Products must be shipped, together with proof of purchase, prepaid
insured to the Polk Authorized Dealer from whom you purchased the Product, or
to the Factory at 1 Viper Way, Vista, California 92081. Products must be
shipped in the original shipping container or its equivalent; in any case the
risk of loss or damage in transit is to be borne by you. If upon examination
at the Factory or Polk Authorized Dealer it is determined that the unit was
defective in materials or workmanship at any time during this Warranty period,
Polk or the Polk Authorized Dealer will, at its option, repair or replace this
Product at no additional charge, except as set forth below. All replaced parts
and Products become the property of Polk. Products replaced or repaired under
this warranty will be returned to you, within a reasonable time, freight
prepaid.
This warranty does not include service or parts to repair damage caused by
accident, disaster, misuse, abuse, negligence, inadequate packing or shipping
procedures, commercial use, voltage inputs in excess of the rated maximum of
the unit, cosmetic appearance of cabinetry not directly attributable to defect
in materials or workmanship, or service, repair, or modification of the
Product which has not been authorized or approved by Polk. This warranty shall
terminate if purchased from an unauthorized dealer or if any of the Serial
number on the Product has been removed, tampered with or defaced.
This warranty is in lieu of all other expressed Warranties. If this Product is
defective in materials or workmanship as warranted above, your sole remedy
shall be repair or replacement as provided above. In no event will Polk Audio,
Inc. be liable to you for any incidental or consequential damages arising out
of the use or inability to use the Product, even if Polk Audio, Inc. or a Polk
Authorized Dealer has been advised of the possibility of such damages, or for
any claim by any other party. Some states do not allow the exclusion or
limitation of consequential damages, so the above limitation and exclusion may
not apply to you.
All implied warranties on this Product are limited to the duration of this
expressed Warranty. Some states do not allow limitation on how long an implied
Warranty lasts, so the above limitations may not apply to you. This Warranty
gives you specific legal
rights, and you also may have other rights which vary from state to state.
This Warranty applies only to Products purchased in Canada, the United States
of America, its possessions, and U.S. and NATO armed forces exchanges and
audio clubs.
The Warranty terms and conditions applicable to Products purchased in other
countries are available from the Polk Authorized Distributors in such
countries.
Polk Audio is a DEI Holdings, Inc. Company. Polk Audio, Polk, Power Port and
Dynamic Balance are registered trademarks of Polk Audio, LLC. All other
trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
Designed and Engineered in U.S.A. Made in China.
S10 Wall Mount Template
1 Viper Way
Vista, CA 92081
800-638-7276
www.polkaudio.com
email: polkcs@polkaudio.com
twitter: @polkaudio
HBP3694
Documents / Resources
| polk
Signature Series Floor Standing
Speaker
[pdf] Owner's Manual
S60, S55, S50, S35, S30, S20, S15, S10, Signature Series, Floor Standing
Speaker, Signature Series Floor Standing Speaker, Speaker
---|---
References
- Home | Occupational Safety and Health Administration
- Polk Audio® | Great Sound for All
- Polk Audio® | Great Sound for All
- polkaudio.com/registration
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