Polk Audio VM20 Satellite Speaker (Single, Silver) Review

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(More customer reviews)I recently installed a 7.1 surround system.I used Polk Audio for all my speakers to match cross-over frequencies. I was fortunate and found a brand new Pioneer Elite SC-05 AV Receiver (list price $1800) for $500 online. It drives my entire main and remote system.

I chose Polk Audio RC80i ($60-$75 each on sale) for my six in-ceiling speakers, and because the center channel is perhaps the most critical, I installed the Polk VM20 /Silver housing ($195-$215 on sale).It offers two bass, two mid-range, and one tweeter for a full-range effect.(Polk does not offer an in-wall unit of similar quality as the VM20 or I would have installed it). The center channel, I guess, needs a "housing" to sound full and rich.By the way, adding a "housing" or box around the ceiling speakers adds an additional fullness too, but it can only be accomplished easily if you can work in the attic of a one-story house.

Since the center channel presents the critical sounds of voices, I selected this speaker punctiliously.The Silver VM 20 and Black VM20 speakers are SONICALLY IDENTICAL, but most vendors sell the black housing for twice the price.Silly stuff!The black aluminum housing versus the silver aluminum housing of the speakers was not an issue with me because the trim on my Sony XBR LCD HDTV is silver as is the metal trim on my TV stand. Remember, too, the grille of the speaker is black which will match the surround of many flat-panel HDTV screens.

All the Polk VM20 speakers ship with a black plastic "cradle" on which the speaker rests when placed horizontally.The cradle pivots to allow directional sound adjustment.It can also be used to attached the speaker(s) to the wall vertically or horizontally with the included template.Placing the speakers upright on the floor dictates using the optional (and rather expensive) glass bases.

I purchased a 1/2" piece of clear glass on which to place the speaker horizontally--slightly above my LCD screen.The clear glass matches the 1/2" clear glass of my TV stand.The appearance is stunning (although modern), and the sound seems perfectly natural.I am using a Polk DSW Pro 500 10" sub ($410 on sale--$560 list) in a rear corner of the room connected to the Pioneer AVR by an in-ceiling coax cable.

I made by own 5 foot cables (to connect the Pioneer to the wall plate) after purchasing 30 feet of 14 gauge copper cable and adding Nakamichi banana plugs.The 14g cable was $12 and the plugs were .79 each--found on-line as was the 7.1 Decora-style wall plate with two screw mounts on the back of each terminal for attaching speaker wires. I worked slowly and enjoyed the process of making my own custom-length cables which look rich and work flawlessly.

Polk represents exceptional VALUE.I could easily have spent two, three, or four times more for my speakers, but I am pleased with the sound quality and appearance of the Polk Audio products, especially the VM20. Clean, rich-toned, natural sound.

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Product Description:
With their proprietary aluminum satin-gloss polished finish that adds a jewel-like quality to any audio/visual system, Polk Audio's VM Series Loudspeakers add just the right amount of stunning visual appeal. Mix and match the VM Series for the optimal combination of performance and home integration. Turn their sonic performance up even higher by pairing your VM Loudspeakers with the modern style and breathtaking performance of either Polk's PSW111 or DSW MicroPro Subwoofer (not included). The VM20 has a recommended amplifier rating of 20-175 Watts-per-channel.

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