Polk Audio OWM3 User Manual

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Polk Audio Customer Service: 1-800-377-7655 (Outside US & Canada: 410-358-3600)
Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM-6:00 PM EST, [email protected]

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” specifica-
tion 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.

Automobile horsepower is good analogy. Your car probably
has far more horsepower than it needs for your daily com-
mute and is likely capable of going well over 120mph
(190km/hr). Having that extra power is good for on-ramp
acceleration and danger avoidance (like getting away from
brain-eating zombies) but that doesn’t mean that it is advis-
able to operate your car on North American highways at full
power and maximum speed for an extended period of time.
Just ask your local state trooper if you are in doubt. Similarly,
we recommend using amplifiers and receivers with rated
power above the Power Handling limits of our speakers be-
cause 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 re-
sult in very high levels of audible distortion originating in the
amplifier, which can add a harsh, gritty sound to your listen-
ing material. 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.

PRODUCT DISPOSAL

Certain international, national and/or local
laws and/or regulations may apply regarding
the disposal of this product. For further
detailed information, please contact the
retailer where you purchased this product
or the Polk Audio Importer/Distributor
in your country. A listing of Polk Audio
Importer/Distributors can be found on the
Polk Audio website www.polkaudio.com or
by contacting Polk Audio at: 5601 Metro Drive,
Baltimore, Maryland 21215, USA—Phone: +1 410 358-3600.

TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE OR SERVICE

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, 9-6 EST,
US & Canada only) or via email [email protected].
Outside the US & Canada, call 410-358-3600. More detailed
information—including audio how-to articles, FAQs, and
online manuals are available on our award-winning website
www.polkaudio.com/home. Complete mounting
instructions come with each stand.

TAKE INVENTORY

Inside each speaker container, you should find the following:
1.

Two OWM3 Surround/Satellite Loudspeakers

2.

Two stands

3.

2 Foam strips

4.

OWM3 Manual

5.

Registration Card

6.

4 Adhesive-backed rubber pads

7.

Wall Mount Template

Important Note: If anything is missing or damaged, or if your
speaker fails to operate, notify Polk Audio Customer Support
Services immediately at 800-377-7655.

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