Polk Audio OWM3 Wall and Bookshelf Speakers
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
This product was designed and manufactured to meet strict quality and safety standards. There are, however, some installation and operation precautions that you should be particularly aware of.
- Read Instructions. All the safety and operating instructions should be read before the system is operated.
- Retain Instructions. The safety and operating instructions should be retained for future reference.
- Heed Warnings. All warnings on the appliances and in the operating instructions should be adhered to.
- Follow Instructions. All operating and use instructions should be followed.
- Unplug the appliance from wall outlet before cleaning. Do not use liquid cleaners or aerosol cleaners. Use a damp cloth for cleaning.
- Do not use attachments not recommended by the product manufacturer as they may cause hazards.
- Water and Moisture. Do not use these appliances near water—for example, near a bath tub, washbowl, kitchen sink, or laundry tub, in a wet basement, or near a swimming pool, and the like.
- Do not place these appliances on an unstable cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or table. The audio/video products may fall, causing serious injury to a child or adult, and serious damage to the products. Use only with a cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or table recommended by the manufacturer, or sold with the appliances. Any mounting of the appliances should follow the manufacturer’s instructions, and should use mounting accessories recommended by the manufacturer.
- Slots and openings in the cabinet are provided for ventilation and to ensure reliable operation of the appliances and to protect them from overheating, and these openings must not be blocked or covered. The openings should never be blocked by placing the products on a bed, sofa, rug, or other similar surface. This product should never be placed near or over a radiator or heat register. This product should not be placed in a built-in installation such as a bookcase or rack unless proper ventilation is provided or the manufacturer’s instructions have been adhered to.
- Power Sources. This product should be operated only from the type of power source indicated on the marking labels. If you are not sure of the type of power supply to your home, consult your appliance dealer or local power company.
- Grounding or Polarization. This product is equipped with polarized alternating-current line plugs (plugs having one blade wider than the other). This plug will fit into the power outlet only one way. This is a safety feature. If you are unable to insert the plug fully into the outlet, try reversing the plug. If the plug should still fail to fit, contact your electrician to replace your obsolete outlet. Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized plug.
- Power Cord Protection. Power-supply cord should be routed so that it is not likely to be walked on or pinched by items placed upon or against it, paying particular attention to cords at plugs, convenience receptacles, and the point where they exit from the appliances.
- For added protection for this audio/video product during a lightning storm, or when it is left un-attended and unused for long periods of time, unplug it from the wall outlet and disconnect the antenna or cable system. This will prevent damage to the product due to lightning and power-line surges.
- Power Lines. An outside antenna system should not be located in the vicinity of over-head power lines or other electric light or power circuits, or where it can fall into such power lines or circuits. When installing an outside antenna system, extreme care should be taken to keep from touching such power lines or circuits as contact with them might be fatal.
- Do not overload wall outlets and extension cords as this can result in a risk of fire or electric shock.
- Object and Liquid Entry. Never push objects of any kind into this product through openings, as they may touch dangerous voltage points or short out parts that could result in a fire or electric shock. Never spill liquid of any kind on this audio/video product.
- Do not attempt to service this product yourself, as opening or removing covers may expose you to dangerous voltage or other hazards. Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel.
- Damage Requiring Service. Unplug this product from wall outlets and refer servicing to qualified service personnel under the following conditions:
- When the power supply cord or plug is damaged.
- If liquid has been spilled, or objects have fallen into the product.
- If the product has been exposed to rain or water.
- If the product does not operate normally by following the operating instructions. Adjust only those controls that are covered by the operating instructions, as an improper adjustment of other controls may result in damage and will often require extensive work by a qualified technician to restore the product to its normal operation.
- If the product has been dropped or the cabinet has been damaged.
- When the product exhibits a distinct change in performance—this indicates a need for service.
- Replacement Parts. When replacement parts are required, be sure the service technician has used replacement parts specified by the manufacturer or that the parts have the same characteristics as the original part. Unauthorized substitutions may result in fire, electric shock or other hazards.
- Safety Check. Upon completion of any service or repairs to this product, ask the service technician to perform safety checks to determine that the products are in proper operating condition.
- Carts and Stands. The appliances should be used only with a cart or stand that is recommended by the manufacturer. An appliance and cart combination should be moved with care. Quick stops, excessive force, and uneven surfaces may cause the appliance and cart combination to overturn. Use caution when moving the cart/apparatus combination to avoid injury from tip-over.
- This product is not intended for use outdoors.
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” specification 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 ratings.
Automobile horsepower is a good analogy. Your car probably has far more horsepower than it needs for your daily commute 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 advisable to operate your car on North American highways at full power and the 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 because 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 result in very high levels of audible distortion originating in the amplifier, which can add a harsh, gritty sound to your listening 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 at 800-377-7655 (M-F, 9-6 EST, US & Canada only) or via email polkcs@polkaudio.com. 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:
- (2) OWM3 Surround/Satellite Loudspeakers
- (2) Stands
- (2) Foam Strips
- (4) Adhesive-Backed Rubber Pads
- OWM Series Manual
- Registration Card
- 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.
MOUNTING OPTIONS
- Angled Wall Mount
- Corner Mount
- Horizontal Wall Mount
- Vertical Wall Mount
- Shelf Mount
- Horizontal Shelf Mount
- Standard Articulating Wall
SPEAKER PLACEMENT OPTIONS
The OWM3 Satellite/Surround Loudspeaker is an exceptionally versatile loudspeaker, offering seven (7) different placement options. The speaker mounts unobtrusively on a wall, either horizontally or vertically, on a wall and angled facing down, in a corner, on a shelf, again either horizontally or vertically, and from a standard articulating bracket (not included) that gives you the utmost in aiming flexibility. The OWM3 is capable of being part of a 2.1 2nd zone system, or as part of a 5.1, 6.1 or 7.1 surround system.
MAKING SPEAKER WIRE CONNECTIONS
Do not insert insulated section of speaker wire.
- Loosen hex nut.
- Insert speaker wire through hole.
- Tighten hex nut.
- Do not insert an insulated section of speaker wire.
FOR HORIZONTAL SHELF MOUNTING
Adhesive-backed rubber pads: peel and stick in corners of speaker enclosure.
VERTICAL/HORIZONTAL WALL MOUNT TEMPLATE
Use template to mark mounting location.
CORNER WALL MOUNT TEMPLATE
Use template to mark mounting location.
ANGLED/CORNER WALL MOUNT TEMPLATE
Use template to mark the mounting location.
Use #8 panhead screw for wall stud (6a), use #8 wall anchors with appropriate weight rating + screw for no wall stud (6b). Leave screws 1/4″ – 1/8″ (4mm) exposed.
CARE AND MAINTENANCE
- Clean cabinet with a damp cloth.
- Do not use furniture polish on cabinet.
LIMITED FIVE-YEAR WARRANTY
Polk Audio, Inc., warrants to the original retail purchaser only. This warranty will terminate automatically prior to its stated expiration if the original retail purchaser sells or transfers the product to any other party.
Polk Audio, Inc., warrants, to the original retail purchaser only, that the LOUDSPEAKER(S), PASSIVE CROSSOVER COMPONENT(S) and ENCLOSURE on this Polk Audio Loudspeaker Product will be free from defects in material and workmanship for a period of five (5) years from the date of original retail purchase from a Polk Audio Authorized Dealer.
Furthermore, Polk Audio, Inc., warrants, to the original retail purchaser only, that any AMPLIFIER OR OTHER ELECTRONIC COMPONENT that may be included in this Polk Audio Loudspeaker Product will be free from defects in material and workmanship for a period of three (3) years from the date of original retail purchase from a Polk Audio Authorized Dealer.
To allow Polk Audio to offer the best possible warranty service, please register your new product online at: www.polkaudio.com/registration or call Polk customer service at 800-377-7655 in the USA and Canada (outside the USA: 410-358-3600) within ten (10) days of the date of original purchase. Be sure to keep your original purchase receipt.
Defective Products must be shipped, together with proof of purchase, prepaid insured to the Polk Audio Authorized Dealer from whom you purchased the Product, or to the Factory at 2550 Britannia Boulevard, Suite A, San Diego, California 92154. Products must be shipped in the original shipping container or its equivalent; in any case the risk of loss or damage in transit is to be borne by you. If upon examination at the Factory or Polk Audio Authorized Dealer it is determined that the unit was defective in materials or workmanship at any time during this Warranty period, Polk Audio or the Polk Audio Authorized Dealer will, at its option, repair or replace this Product at no additional charge, except as set forth below. All replaced parts and Products become the property of Polk Audio. Products replaced or repaired under this warranty will be returned to you, within a reasonable time, freight prepaid.
This warranty does not include service or parts to repair damage caused by accident, disaster, misuse, abuse, negligence, inadequate packing or shipping procedures, commercial use, voltage inputs in excess of the rated maximum of the unit, the cosmetic appearance of cabinetry not directly attributable to defect in materials or workmanship, or service, repair, or modification of the Product which has not been authorized or approved by Polk Audio. This warranty shall terminate if the Serial number on the Product has been removed, tampered with or defaced.
This warranty is in lieu of all other expressed Warranties. If this Product is defective in materials or workmanship as warranted above, your sole remedy shall be repair or replacement as provided above. In no event will Polk Audio, Inc. be liable to you for any incidental or consequential damages arising out of the use or inability to use the Product, even if Polk Audio, Inc. or a Polk Audio Authorized Dealer has been advised of the possibility of such damages, or for any claim by any other party. Some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of consequential damages, so the above limitation and exclusion may not apply to you.
All implied warranties on this Product are limited to the duration of this expressed Warranty. Some states do not allow limitation on how long an implied Warranty lasts, so the above limitations may not apply to you. This Warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you also may have other rights which vary from state to state.
This Warranty applies only to Products purchased in Canada, the United States of America, its possessions, and U.S. and NATO armed forces exchanges and audio clubs.
The Warranty terms and conditions applicable to Products purchased in other countries are available from the Polk Audio Authorized Distributors in such countries.
FAQs
Can Polk Audio OWM3 bookshelf speakers be placed on wall?
Put them on speaker stands for the best sound possible. Although it is the ideal, it is also OK to install the speakers on a wall bracket at any height.
How far should Polk Audio OWM3 bookshelf speakers be from wall?
Both bookshelf speakers should be situated two to three feet from the back wall and at an equal distance from the side walls for the best sound. Audiophiles refer to the ideal listening spot in a space where the sound is most balanced as the “Sweet Spot.”
Can Polk Audio OWM3 bookshelf speakers be used as surround speakers?
Both passive and powered bookshelf speakers can make excellent front speakers if space is an issue. Bookshelf speakers are frequently utilised as surrounds. Few things can match the expansive bipolar speaker system when it comes to creating the ideal surround sound experience.
Where can I use Polk Audio OWM3 bookshelf speakers?
Bookshelf speakers should not be placed on the ground; instead, they should be placed on a shelf, table, or other elevated surface. They are particularly made to enhance sound in small- to medium-sized areas.
How high should Polk Audio OWM3 in wall speakers be mounted?
Although many in-wall speakers come with rotating tweeters that can help make up for installations high on the wall, you’ll get the greatest sound if you position the speakers at the same height as a freestanding speaker, which is roughly 2 feet above ear level.
How high can you place Polk Audio OWM3 bookshelf speakers?
However, a basic guideline is that your ears should be roughly level or slightly below the listening axis of the speaker, which is often in the middle of the tweeter and woofer for two-way designs or the tweeter and midrange for three-way designs.
Do Polk Audio OWM3 bookshelf speakers sound better on stands?
The fact that bookshelf speakers sound best when placed on a stand is no coincidence. This is so that a correctly constructed loudspeaker stand can lift the diminutive box speaker off of surfaces like bookshelves, floors, and walls.
Can I use Polk Audio OWM3 bookshelf speakers with computer?
You may upgrade your desktop audio setup by converting any pair of passive bookshelf speakers into computer speakers.
Can you turn Polk Audio OWM3 bookshelf speakers sideways?
Yes. Although it’s not ideal, bookshelf speakers can be positioned on their side. It’s probable that this will have a detrimental effect on sound quality. While not ideal, horizontal positioning might be acceptable if your goal is casual listening.
Do Polk Audio OWM3 bookshelf speakers need a receiver?
The majority of home theatre speakers are passive, which means that in order for them to function, they must be connected to a stereo receiver. However, many bookshelf speakers are powered, which means they have an amplifier built in into them. This is especially true of those that are intended to be connected to a computer.
Are Polk Audio OWM3 bookshelf speakers good enough?
Most bookshelf speakers will be two-way speakers with a tweeter and bass driver due to their smaller size. Bookshelf speakers are typically not high efficiency models. Bookshelf speakers can provide some of the amazing audio qualities of a floor-standing speaker when configured to get the most out of them.
What is a powered Polk Audio OWM3 bookshelf speaker?
Since powered speakers already have an amplifier inside of them, all you need to do is connect them into an electrical outlet to use them. You can connect all of your home entertainment equipment to them directly because they are built with a wide range of inputs (ports).
Can I use Polk Audio OWM3 bookshelf speakers for gaming?
Yes, provided that they are driven by an amplifier, either inside the computer or outside. Larger bookshelf speakers may occasionally sound a touch underpowered if the amplifier is not powerful enough.
Are Polk Audio OWM3 bookshelf speakers better for pictures?
However, because to its construction, floor standers typically give deeper bass depth, dynamics, and soundstage, while bookshelf speakers typically offer better imaging, more integration, and coherency.
Are Polk Audio OWM3 bookshelf speakers Bluetooth?
Bookshelf speakers with Bluetooth are a fantastic wire-free music listening option. The best ones are portable and simple to use while still having the power to produce high-quality sound. Here are some possibilities if you want to enhance your audio system.
