Polk Audio Atrium8 SDI - All weather outdoor speaker - Unboxing

[@DirkDouglas69]

Great video. Do you happen to know the impedance for mono vs stereo wiring? Crutchfield specifies 4 ohms in mono and 8 ohms when wired stereo which seems counter intuitive.

[@ripewave]

Good question. While I don’t have that data, Crutchfield is usually accurate. They often have data posted which the brand doesn’t have published on their own site. However, in this case I also doubt the values Crutchfield has listed. Polk doesn’t make that distinction- they just list one value - comparable with 8 ohms. If an amplifier doesn’t have to push signal though as many drivers (stereo mode) then wouldn’t the impedance be less? Odd. Thant for raising. -Jon

[@sleekblackroadster]

I've got a pair of these as well for my outdoor in black. Think they were half priced on Amazon when I picked them up.

[@ripewave]

I am generally happy with them. Two comments - I enjoyed them more a tabletop level vs high mount they were installed at. Could have more bass vs indoor counterparts. I guess that’s why the make outdoor subwoofers. Your thoughts?-Jon

[@sleekblackroadster]

@@ripewave Yeah they work for what they are. Great for the price vs the neighbors overpriced outdoor wireless Sonos boxes. When I was getting them I figured I'd better keep up with standardizing around the 6.5" stuff at least for the most bass. But yeah, they are those metal tweeters and lower end vs the L level stuff inside. My favorite new Polk purchase are the Reserve R200's. I got 2 pairs of open boxers for $550 a pair they replaced some Monitor 30 and Monitor 40 pairs as PC and bedroom TV speakers and they are fantastic! Was able to squeeze them places no 703 would fit. And gifted the Monitors to a friend with no HT of his own.

[@rumbleyoungman8495]

How would you compare them to the DefTech AW6500?

[@TheFrugalAudiophile]

Is the port on the six and eight covered? I would think that an open port outdoors will not be a good idea.

[@ripewave]

I will inspect further to see how they accomplished it - but they test by completely submerging the speaker in water and check for air bubble leaks. Perhaps that is only with the non-ported models. Nevertheless Polk claims even the ported models are weather resistant - rain, snow, heat and sea.

[@TheFrugalAudiophile]

@@ripewave Yes, that's interesting. I'm curious as to how they make them water tight with the power port.

[@Rubo321]

Any amp suggestions for an amp for a pair of atrium 8. I need to mount all outdoors.

[@ripewave]

These don’t need high power amps. If you need outdoor rated amp check out costal source coastalsource.com/ -Jon

[@FatFolksProductions]

When using as a single speaker, will both tweeters work? Or do both tweeters only work when using as one stereo speaker?

[@ripewave]

Both tweeter are always in operation. It is just whether they receive a common signal or separate channels.

[@FatFolksProductions]

@@ripewave ok thank you. I just ordered 3 of them for pool area. 2 will run as left and right and one will be ran as a single stereo speaker. I decided to go with an Emotive BasX 400z Zone amp to run them off of my Pioneer Elite SC-LX904. I wasn't sure if I wanted these until I watched ur review and measurement vids. Thanks for the info.

[@ripewave]

That design should work well.

[@enriquefox2230]

Hello! I am from mexico! Excuse me, i want to buy two outdoor speakers, the sonos sound Greate but is a lot money for me… can you tell me please , what do you prefer.. a bose or a polk outdoor speakers??? From this two, can you tell what prefer? Thanks? Excuse my bad english….

[@ripewave]

Enrique, All can be good choices. First it is good to determine how you want the signal to get to the outdoor speakers - wired or wireless. Sonos and I believe Bose as well have wireless options. With wired you will need an amplifier or receiver to power. The wireless models are not completely wireless as you still need to power with line voltage You should consider how large of space you want to cover. Larger outdoor areas can be handled by larger speakers or with several smaller speakers distributed with less focus on stereo imaging. Some systems even support outdoor subwoofers. With those design parameters determined you may rule out certain models or entire brands. From there environmental resilience for hot temperatures in Mexico can also be important. Bose sound quality varies a lot between models, Polk is more consistently good. While this response doesn’t give you a clear winner, it hopefully provides some guidance to help you through.-Jon

[@enriquefox2230]

@@ripewave thanks to take your time to answer me i apreciate a lot!!