Audio Video News

Polk has introduced a stylish compact speaker system designed for near-field computer audio or stereo/home theater bookshelf applications. Dubbed Hampden, the system supports Bluetooth streaming and features an all-wood cabinet with a curved teak wood veneer offset by a white front panel with glass-filled, nylon bezels.

Each bass-reflex cabinet has a downward-firing port and houses a 4.5-inch polypropylene woofer and 1-inch, soft-dome silk/polymer tweeter. A four-channel digital amplifier/processor delivers 30 watts to each woofer and 10 watts to each tweeter. In addition to Bluetooth, the system has a USB input, which when used, bypasses a connected computer’s digital to analog converter.

Volume is controlled by a retro-style rotary dial and an integral stand that frames the front of the speakers leans them back at a slight angle to enhance desktop listening.

Polk's free iOS/Android DJ Stream app allows up to four people to connect to the speaker system: A DJ Host user controls the music while the others function as Active DJs, taking turns adding music to the playlist. Up to 128 additional Guest DJs can view the playlist, vote on music and become an Active DJ when one of the four phones drops off or disconnects.

Hampden is available for $400 at polkaudio.com and select retailers.