The new Polk speakers are the brand’s first active speaker pair equipped with Bluetooth and first with USB audio input.
Called the Hampden the speakers when connected via USB to a computer, the speakers bypass a computer’s built-in DAC for the speaker’s own DAC with DSP.
When connected to sources via Bluetooth, the speakers let four people at a time jointly create a playlist. The speakers also stream Bluetooth with AptX.
The biamplified 80-watt RMS Hampden features all-wood cabinets with curved teak wood veneer, all-white front, glass-filled nylon bezels, and angled-up baffle. “Hampden is part of the Heritage Collection of products whose retro design “captures the essence of a classic pair of Polk speakers,” said Michael DiTullo, chief design officer of Polk parent Sound United, a DEI company.
Each bass-reflex speaker features 1-inch, soft-dome silk/polymer tweeter, 4.5-inch polypropylene woofer with rubber surrounds, and downfiring port. Each woofer and tweeter is powered by its own amplifier with power rating of 2×30 watts plus 2×10 watts. Frequency response is 50Hz to 22kHz. A four-pin cable connects the two speakers together.
Via a button on the side, the Hampdens can also stream Bluetooth (as opposed to USB or analog). The light illuminating the volume numbers glows blue for Bluetooth (cute), and orange for the analog. Once connected, you can also use Polk’s free DJ Stream app available for Apple iOS and Android. With this, you and 3 of your party guests can create a group playlist.
Reviewers who have seen the new speakers claim that the Hampdens offer impressively loud volume for their size. Better still, their sound offers great bass and no serious vices.
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