Note that this is a discontinued product. You may want to visit the brand's page here to browse their newer products.
What reviewers think
Bloggers and YouTubers have tried this product—so we've summarized their strongest opinions below. Links to full reviews follow.
Product Strengths
- High quality is consistent with the Atrium series
- Powerful and tight bass response doesn't interfere with other tones
- Highs are good thanks to the quality tweeter design with a smooth frequency response
- Dynamics are extremely balanced, ensuring a great performance by eliminating artifacts
- Weather-resistant
Product Considerations
- Installation under protective eaves is recommended
- The Atrium 6 offers slightly improved performance, particularly in the lower end, and is a bit larger
- More volume can be achieved with the larger Atrium 8, though more space is needed
Takeaway: The Atrium 5 is a solid choice for a patio speaker offering reliability and flexibility for casual listeners or those with limited budgets. With a good amplifier, the Atrium series produces great quality sound.
All
Atrium 5
reviews
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An excellent review of a great product
/
Publisher
/
3/1/2022
An excellent review of a great product
Publisher
/
3/1/2022
Video Review
Images
No items found.
Manufacturer's details
Features
Specifications
- Height: 10.313" (26.19 cm)
- Width: 6.75" (17.15 cm)
- Depth: 7.75" (19.69 cm)
- Weight: 4.6 lbs (2.09 kg)
- Frequency Response: 60 Hz - 25,000 Hz
- Nominal Impedance: 8 ohms
- Sensitivity: 90 dB
- Recommended Amplifier Power: 10-100 watts
- Driver Complement: (1) 5" (12.7 cm) Mid/Woofer, (1) 0.75" (1.91 cm) Tweeter
- Speaker Inputs: (2) Pair of 5-way Binding Posts - Gold-Plated
Manufacturer product description (from their site)
Like all our outdoor models, the Atrium5 is built to withstand the elements, which means you’ll be enjoying great performance for years to come. It’s time to get that indoor sound you love—all from an outdoor loudspeaker you can put anywhere around your home.
Overall product release timeline
Manufacturer Site
Brand highlights
We analyzed reviewers' thoughts of the brand's entire lineup—not just this product—and what stands out most is the following:
- They stand out for incorporating technologies typically found in their higher-end lines, such as ring radiator tweeters and Power Port designs, into more accessible product lines like the Monitor and Signature Elite series.
- Polk specifically designs many of their speakers, especially in-wall and outdoor models, to be versatile and weather-resistant, making them suitable for a variety of listening environments beyond traditional living rooms.
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Product lineup breakdown
Polk uses lightweight Dynamic Balance polypropylene cones in many of its models, which give clear midrange and punchy bass. The Monitor XT15 is a compact bookshelf with one 5.25 inch woofer. The Reserve R500 tower adds two 5.25 inch woofers, reaching 32 Hz for a living room. The Legend L800 uses dual 10 inch drivers and reaches 24 Hz for a large room.
- Start here. Choose the Monitor XT15 if you are building a first hifi system on a small budget, since its compact bookshelf size fits a desk or shelf.
- Sweet spot. The Reserve R500 gives a living room real tower bass down to 32 Hz from two woofers, which the XT15 bookshelf cannot, and the models above mostly add larger drivers.
- All in. The Legend L800 is the flagship tier above the Reserve towers, and it pairs deeper bass to 24 Hz with SDA, which counters the crosstalk that narrows a stereo image.
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Avg. Product Price
$500
Used For Sale
384
Available (Scroll Down)
Brand Popularity
16
of 900+
Badges
Top 50 Brand
Top 250 Brand
Products Listed
76
Founding Year
1972
Our take on the brand
Polk's idea is to carry technology from its flagship speakers down into affordable ones. The American company was started in Baltimore in 1972 by Matthew Polk, Sandy Gross and George Klopfer, and it still engineers its speakers there. Its signature technology is SDA, or Stereo Dimensional Array, which addresses the crosstalk between the ears that narrows a stereo image, and the Legend L800 uses it. The Reserve series brings Legend acoustic technology to more affordable models. Owners who want sound outdoors can look at the Atrium 6.
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Brand Page
Our interview with the brand
What are two key technological innovations or strong opinions that differ you from other brands?
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Used
Polk
All the brand's used products, not just this one
What if you spend more?
KEF
Q3 Meta
799
799
/
5
Reviews
KEF's idea is the Uni-Q driver, which puts the tweeter in the center of the woofer so every frequency leaves from the same point and the stereo image holds together. The British company, founded in 1961 by former BBC engineer Raymond Cooke, builds almost its whole range around it. Recent models add Metamaterial Absorption Technology, a maze-like structure that absorbs the sound coming off the back of the driver, and the LS50 Wireless II and LS60 Wireless put Uni-Q in a powered cabinet with streaming built in.
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Our summary
Product Strengths
- Wide soundstage and radiation pattern, both horizontally and vertically, contribute to an immersive listening experience
- Good mid-bass punch, with an elevated bump around 120Hz that gives the perception of more impact
- Neutral tonal balance, with a well-balanced sound that allows the music to shine
- Excellent dispersion characteristics make them suitable for modern spaces where acoustic treatments are limited
- Metamaterial Absorption Technology (MAT) absorbs unwanted sound behind the tweeter for clearer sound
Product Considerations
- Compression and strain in the upper midrange can occur at high output levels (above 90dB at 10 feet)
- Some cabinet resonance exists
- Some detail, clarity, or attack is lacking from the speaker
- Not ideal for high output
- A slight dip around 1-2kHz exists that some people may not like
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Compared to the KEF Q350, the Q3 Meta has more body and weight in the bass regions, but the Q350 is slightly better and more lively sounding in the upper frequencies
- Compared to the Polk Audio Reserve R200, the Q3 Meta is more neutral
- Compared to the Paradigm Premier 100B, the Q3 Meta dispersion characteristics are better, so they do not need a sub
- Compared to the PSB Imagine B50, the B50 kept its composure better at much louder listening levels, and its tonal balance seemed somehow even more neutral
Takeaway: The KEF Q3 Meta is an enjoyable speaker with a wide soundstage and neutral sound that makes the music sound good. It's a great pick for aesthetics if one does not listen at dangerous sound levels.
Video review
Our take on the brand
KEF's idea is the Uni-Q driver, which puts the tweeter in the center of the woofer so every frequency leaves from the same point and the stereo image holds together. The British company, founded in 1961 by former BBC engineer Raymond Cooke, builds almost its whole range around it. Recent models add Metamaterial Absorption Technology, a maze-like structure that absorbs the sound coming off the back of the driver, and the LS50 Wireless II and LS60 Wireless put Uni-Q in a powered cabinet with streaming built in.
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KIN By Totem
Kin One
524
524
/
4
Reviews
KIN By Totem is a Canadian speaker brand, created in 2015 as an easier, more accessible line for a younger crowd. Much of the range is powered, and the connections across the lineup include Bluetooth aptX HD, HDMI ARC, optical and an RCA phono input. The passive Kin One pairs with the Kin Amp, and the Kin Sub 8 adds bass. The Kin Play Tower II is a powered tower speaker with HDMI ARC, so it connects straight to a TV in a larger room.
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Product Strengths
- Available in multiple vibrant colors, breaking the monotony of typical speaker designs
- Produces a surprisingly big and wide sound despite their compact size
- The MHEX woofer reacts very fast and sounds like paper
- Soundstage stretches from speaker to speaker
Product Considerations
- Sound profile shows a dip in mid-range and roll-off in high frequencies, potentially requiring EQ adjustments
- High frequencies roll off around 8k or so
- Limited bass response, which may need a subwoofer for rock music or larger rooms
- Not linear frequency response, which may impact sound clarity
- Overall sensitivity is about 83.4 dB, which is below manufacturer's specs
Takeaway: The KIN ONE speakers are small but can create a big sound with multiple color options. Though they may benefit from EQ and a sub, they can be a good option for smaller rooms.
Video review
Our take on the brand
KIN By Totem is a Canadian speaker brand, created in 2015 as an easier, more accessible line for a younger crowd. Much of the range is powered, and the connections across the lineup include Bluetooth aptX HD, HDMI ARC, optical and an RCA phono input. The passive Kin One pairs with the Kin Amp, and the Kin Sub 8 adds bass. The Kin Play Tower II is a powered tower speaker with HDMI ARC, so it connects straight to a TV in a larger room.
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Axiom
M3 (Computer Speakers)
898
898
/
3
Reviews
So, you upgraded to a gorgeous 1920 x 1080 display but you’re still using your computer’s built-in speakers? Or worse yet, the speakers in the monitor? You might as well put a v4 in a Lamborghini. High-end computer performance demands high-power output speakers, and the Axiom M3 computer speakers deliver – in spades! You’ll get output that’s up to 1400% more than common computer speakers on the market today.
Axiom Audio is a Canadian speaker maker that designs and builds its own drivers. Its designs draw on research from Canada's National Research Council, including double-blind listening tests, aimed at speakers that are demonstrably accurate. Many models come in several forms, and the M3 is offered as a bookshelf, on-wall, in-wall, in-ceiling, outdoor and computer speaker. The M60 (Floorstanding) uses triple Vortex ports. The LFR1100HP (Active Omnidirectional) uses DSP to control each driver group and suits rooms with unusual shapes. Owners choose from a wide range of finishes.
Expand Details
Product Strengths
- The tapered cabinet design eliminates internal resonance, making it lightweight and rigid
- It uses a custom-designed Vortex port that provides more volume in less space
- A unique design allows the woofer to roll off naturally at 2.2kHz, eliminating the need for a low-cost crossover component that could degrade audio signal quality
- Offers a neutral and realistic midrange, providing a natural and realistic sound
- Clarity and resolution, particularly in the midrange area, is well-received
Product Considerations
- Minute gaps were found in the seams of the custom vinyl finish under scrutiny
- Since it is a rear port, some room will need to be left for the speaker to breathe
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Compared to the KEF Q1, the M3 had clearer differentiation and separation of choir and orchestra, and French horns had much more balance and presence
Takeaway: The Axiom M3 is a well-designed speaker that offers excellent value and performs above expectations. It could be a great choice for anyone wanting a clean, neutral sound with great dynamics for casual listening.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Axiom Audio is a Canadian speaker maker that designs and builds its own drivers. Its designs draw on research from Canada's National Research Council, including double-blind listening tests, aimed at speakers that are demonstrably accurate. Many models come in several forms, and the M3 is offered as a bookshelf, on-wall, in-wall, in-ceiling, outdoor and computer speaker. The M60 (Floorstanding) uses triple Vortex ports. The LFR1100HP (Active Omnidirectional) uses DSP to control each driver group and suits rooms with unusual shapes. Owners choose from a wide range of finishes.
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Magnat
Symbol X 160
573
573
/
3
Reviews
Magnat is a German speaker and electronics maker, founded in 1973. Its early designs include an omnidirectional plasma tweeter with no moving diaphragm and an all-ribbon speaker series. Today the catalog covers hifi and home theater speakers, receivers, a turntable and in-wall models. The Cinema Ultra home theater set is THX Ultra2 certified, and its Cinema Ultra LCR 100-THX can stand upright or lie flat. The Cinema Ultra AEH 400-ATM switches between Dolby Atmos height and direct-radiating modes, so one pair suits either kind of surround setup.
Expand Details
Product Strengths
- Durable build with corrosion-resistant materials and IPX5 water resistance rating makes it suitable for outdoor use in various weather conditions
- Flexible placement since it can be mounted horizontally or vertically
- Good separation of lows, mids, and highs with bright highs
- Requires an amplifier to function
- White color option is prone to collecting dust when used outdoors, black is recommended for outdoor use
- Proper wire management is crucial for a clean installation
Product Considerations
- Does not have the low-end bass of a dedicated subwoofer
Takeaway: The Magnet Symbol X is a durable and versatile speaker suitable for both indoor and outdoor use, especially for those looking for a permanent audio solution with a clean setup. With a proper amplifier, clear and loud sound can be enjoyed in any space.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Magnat is a German speaker and electronics maker, founded in 1973. Its early designs include an omnidirectional plasma tweeter with no moving diaphragm and an all-ribbon speaker series. Today the catalog covers hifi and home theater speakers, receivers, a turntable and in-wall models. The Cinema Ultra home theater set is THX Ultra2 certified, and its Cinema Ultra LCR 100-THX can stand upright or lie flat. The Cinema Ultra AEH 400-ATM switches between Dolby Atmos height and direct-radiating modes, so one pair suits either kind of surround setup.
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What competes at this price?
Polk
Monitor XT15
199
/
Released
2021
Compact and affordable, Monitor XT15 maximizes the enjoyment of music, gaming, and movies with energetic, high-resolution sound with effortless bass. Use the MXT15 for front left and right channels or as side or surround speakers. It's also wall-mountable allowing for flexible placement.
Polk's idea is to carry technology from its flagship speakers down into affordable ones. The American company was started in Baltimore in 1972 by Matthew Polk, Sandy Gross and George Klopfer, and it still engineers its speakers there. Its signature technology is SDA, or Stereo Dimensional Array, which addresses the crosstalk between the ears that narrows a stereo image, and the Legend L800 uses it. The Reserve series brings Legend acoustic technology to more affordable models. Owners who want sound outdoors can look at the Atrium 6.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Clear, detailed sound with good clarity
- Nice bass presence for its size
- Nice looking speaker with and without the grill
- Good value for the price, setting a new bar for budget speakers
- Can handle some power, suitable for small to medium rooms
Product Considerations
- Treble can be slightly harsh and fatiguing at higher volumes after prolonged listening
- Bass response is punchy rather than deep
- May sound a touch boomy if placed too close to the wall
- Sensitivity is a little on the low side, requiring more power
- Lacks wall-mounting capability
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Cambridge Audio S30, the XT15 has better soundstage, imaging, and punchier bass, but S30 has a smoother midrange and top end
- Vs Jamo S801, the XT15 has far better bass response
Takeaway: The Polk Monitor XT15 is a great budget speaker that offers clear sound and good bass for its size, making it a solid choice for a first hifi system or for music listening. It's hard to beat for the price, and it provides an excellent performance-to-price ratio.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Polk's idea is to carry technology from its flagship speakers down into affordable ones. The American company was started in Baltimore in 1972 by Matthew Polk, Sandy Gross and George Klopfer, and it still engineers its speakers there. Its signature technology is SDA, or Stereo Dimensional Array, which addresses the crosstalk between the ears that narrows a stereo image, and the Legend L800 uses it. The Reserve series brings Legend acoustic technology to more affordable models. Owners who want sound outdoors can look at the Atrium 6.
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Polk
Signature Elite ES15
299
/
Released
2021
Enjoy movies, music and gaming with high-resolution room-filling cinematic sound and effortless bass. Polk's high-performance, wall mountable ES15 compact bookshelf loudspeaker features a Dynamically Balanced acoustic array, precision crossovers and Power Port bass enhancing technology. Hi-Res Audio Certified and accessibly priced, Signature Elite ES15 fulfills the Polk promise of great sound for all.
Polk's idea is to carry technology from its flagship speakers down into affordable ones. The American company was started in Baltimore in 1972 by Matthew Polk, Sandy Gross and George Klopfer, and it still engineers its speakers there. Its signature technology is SDA, or Stereo Dimensional Array, which addresses the crosstalk between the ears that narrows a stereo image, and the Legend L800 uses it. The Reserve series brings Legend acoustic technology to more affordable models. Owners who want sound outdoors can look at the Atrium 6.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Stylish design is easy on the eye, with modern styling and curves that add charm
- Fantastic build quality feels sturdy, easily competing with speakers double the price
- Clear and detailed sound, with impressive mid-range and high frequencies
- Balanced audio experience suited for various types of content like movies, music, and gaming
- Smooth, non-fatiguing sound works well in a variety of situations and genres
Product Considerations
- The built-in hanger system is a bad design and can negatively affect the sound
- Bass, while punchy, might not satisfy those seeking deep, earth-shattering lows, and a subwoofer may be desired
- Might not feel as sturdy as some other hifi speakers out there
- Not neutral sounding
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The Emotiva B1s are a better value speaker for music with better treble, but the ES15 is a better all-rounder for TV and music
- The Q Acoustics 3020s are more neutral, while the ES15 has more lushness, a punchier low end, and smoother treble
- The ES15 offers more control over everything, while the XT20 has a more sparkly top end
Takeaway: The Polk Signature Elite ES15 is a well-built speaker that sounds great and enhances the listening experience for the price, making it a solid choice for a versatile home hifi system. It's easy to match with sources and is forgiving on poor audio masters, making it easy to live with on a daily basis.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Polk's idea is to carry technology from its flagship speakers down into affordable ones. The American company was started in Baltimore in 1972 by Matthew Polk, Sandy Gross and George Klopfer, and it still engineers its speakers there. Its signature technology is SDA, or Stereo Dimensional Array, which addresses the crosstalk between the ears that narrows a stereo image, and the Legend L800 uses it. The Reserve series brings Legend acoustic technology to more affordable models. Owners who want sound outdoors can look at the Atrium 6.
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Polk
Signature Elite ES10
249
/
Released
2021
Enjoy movies, gaming and multi-channel music with high-resolution cinematic sound. Polk's full-range ES10 wall-mountable, compact surround loudspeakers are Hi-Res Audio Certified, Dolby Atmos and DTS:X compatible, and features a Dynamically Balanced acoustic array, precision crossovers and Power Port bass-enhancing technology.
Polk's idea is to carry technology from its flagship speakers down into affordable ones. The American company was started in Baltimore in 1972 by Matthew Polk, Sandy Gross and George Klopfer, and it still engineers its speakers there. Its signature technology is SDA, or Stereo Dimensional Array, which addresses the crosstalk between the ears that narrows a stereo image, and the Legend L800 uses it. The Reserve series brings Legend acoustic technology to more affordable models. Owners who want sound outdoors can look at the Atrium 6.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Video review
Our take on the brand
Polk's idea is to carry technology from its flagship speakers down into affordable ones. The American company was started in Baltimore in 1972 by Matthew Polk, Sandy Gross and George Klopfer, and it still engineers its speakers there. Its signature technology is SDA, or Stereo Dimensional Array, which addresses the crosstalk between the ears that narrows a stereo image, and the Legend L800 uses it. The Reserve series brings Legend acoustic technology to more affordable models. Owners who want sound outdoors can look at the Atrium 6.
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Polk
SR2
139
/
Released
2021
Add true wireless surround sound to select Polk sound bars with a super-simple setup. Wall mountable or simply place them on a shelf.
Polk's idea is to carry technology from its flagship speakers down into affordable ones. The American company was started in Baltimore in 1972 by Matthew Polk, Sandy Gross and George Klopfer, and it still engineers its speakers there. Its signature technology is SDA, or Stereo Dimensional Array, which addresses the crosstalk between the ears that narrows a stereo image, and the Legend L800 uses it. The Reserve series brings Legend acoustic technology to more affordable models. Owners who want sound outdoors can look at the Atrium 6.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Wireless surrounds provide full immersion for movies and music
- Easy to pair with the soundbar, taking about 30 seconds
Product Considerations
- Some units may have a glitch where the surround volume becomes too loud, overpowering the main soundbar, though this was resolved with a replacement pair
Takeaway: The SR2 surrounds can make movies and music more immersive. They are easy to set up and can add a lot to a home theater.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Polk's idea is to carry technology from its flagship speakers down into affordable ones. The American company was started in Baltimore in 1972 by Matthew Polk, Sandy Gross and George Klopfer, and it still engineers its speakers there. Its signature technology is SDA, or Stereo Dimensional Array, which addresses the crosstalk between the ears that narrows a stereo image, and the Legend L800 uses it. The Reserve series brings Legend acoustic technology to more affordable models. Owners who want sound outdoors can look at the Atrium 6.
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Paradigm
MilleniaOne 1.0
349
/
Released
The MilleniaOne 1.0 is a 2-driver, 2-way vented die-cast aluminum enclosure speaker with integrated baffle and chassis. Low-diffraction grilles maximize imaging and ensure smooth dispersion.
Paradigm's idea was to design speakers from scientific research and build them locally at prices most listeners could reach. The Canadian company was started in 1982 by Jerry VanderMarel and Scott Bagby and still designs and builds its speakers outside Toronto. It makes its own drivers, including beryllium units in the Persona series, and many models put Perforated Phase-Aligning lenses over the tweeter and midrange, which Paradigm says smooth and widen dispersion. The Founder 120H has powered bass with a built-in amplifier, for owners who want deep bass from a pair of towers.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- High-quality aluminum drivers, including a 1-inch aluminum dome tweeter and a 4-inch aluminum cone mid-bass driver
- Sturdily built with a die-cast aluminum enclosure, contributing to rigidity and reducing internal standing waves
- Small size and aesthetically pleasing, designed to fit into modern lifestyles
- Seamless integration, providing cohesive and organized surround sound
Product Considerations
- Spring-loaded speaker terminals only accept bare wire of relatively light gauges, and they do not accommodate spades or banana plugs
- Bass may be lacking without the addition of a subwoofer
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Paradigm Atom Monitors: The MilleniaOne is made with better-quality parts that are more expensive to produce, and sounds better in terms of mids and highs, though the Atoms can get louder
- Vs Paradigm Reference Signature S6 v.3: The Signature system goes deeper and plays noticeably louder, but the Millenia system plays plenty loud and deep for almost anyone in a small to mid-size room
Takeaway: The Paradigm MilleniaOne is a well-built and aesthetically pleasing speaker system that delivers high-quality sound and seamless integration for an immersive audio experience. If great sound in a smaller size is desired and one is willing to pay a bit more, it is worth considering.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Paradigm's idea was to design speakers from scientific research and build them locally at prices most listeners could reach. The Canadian company was started in 1982 by Jerry VanderMarel and Scott Bagby and still designs and builds its speakers outside Toronto. It makes its own drivers, including beryllium units in the Persona series, and many models put Perforated Phase-Aligning lenses over the tweeter and midrange, which Paradigm says smooth and widen dispersion. The Founder 120H has powered bass with a built-in amplifier, for owners who want deep bass from a pair of towers.
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