With 50 years of experience manufacturing audio products, Polk is one of the most well-known audio manufacturers in the world.
Currently, the Atrium series is Polk’s only series of outdoor speakers they sell. Still, the Atrium is a notable series of all-weather outdoor speakers that provides excellent sound.
With six different products in the Atrium series, we have compiled a list of pros and cons for the top three products in the series for your convenience.
~~~ Check Price: Polk Atrium 4 ~~~
~~~ Check Price: Polk Atrium 5 ~~~
~~~ Check Price: Polk Atrium 6 ~~~
Sound
The Polk Atrium 4, 5, and 6 are part of a series of outdoor loudspeakers.
These speakers are designed to deliver accurate sound to compete with the environmental noise your property may experience. This design can allow each device to overcome the humming buzz of summer cicadas or electrical wire. Or maybe even your neighbor’s down-the-street house party.
Let’s compare the Polk Atrium 4 versus the Atrium 5 and Atrium 6 in sound quality.
Polk Atrium 4
The Polk Atrium 4 provides great sound despite its small size.
The Polk Atrium 4 is relatively compact. But, it still packs a surprising punch and unexpectedly decent sound range. It is still in an earlier part of the Atrium series, but it has its merits.
Can it provide the power or volume of the Atrium 6? No, but for ~1/2 the price, there is still a solid use case for this speaker.
Polk Atrium 5
The Polk Atrium 5 provides crystal clear sound with great range. Being the mid-tier option of the Atrium series, the Polk Atrium 5 delivers powerful sound without needing to reach top volumes.
As you would expect, the 5 provides more volume than the 4, but it can’t quite keep up with the 6. Nothing too surprising — let’s move on.
Polk Atrium 6
The Polk Atrium 6 provides the best sound of the Atrium series with a superior range. Because of its robust sound, the Polk Atrium 6 is ideal for larger spaces that require more power, such as areas that experience above-average noise pollution.
For raucous pool parties that need lots of volume, the Atrium 6 is the way to go. Otherwise, it is a waste to purchase these powerful beasts.
Design
The Polk Atrium 4, 5, and 6 are sold in multiple colors in a sleek, modern, and compact design to look great anywhere they are placed. As a result, the Atrium series of outdoor loudspeakers are some of the best-looking outdoor loudspeakers on the market.
Although there are slight differences in size, the use case really doesn’t change. Polk needed a bigger case to fit the upgraded components of the Atrium 6 (compared to the 4), but the size shouldn’t lead you to purchase one rather than the other.
Polk Atrium 4
The Polk Atrium 4 is sold in black and white color choices and is the most compact size of the three. At a height of 8.625 inches, a width of 5.688 inches, and a depth of 6.688 inches, the Polk Atrium 4 is ideal for spots short on space. It could be great at a park gazebo or a small hangout party at home.
Polk Atrium 5
The Polk Atrium 5 is sold in black and white color choices and is the most convenient size of the three. At a height of 10.313 inches, a width of 6.75 inches, and a depth of 7.75 inches, the Polk Atrium 5 is ideal for moderate-spaced areas.
Polk Atrium 6
The Polk Atrium 6 is sold in black and white color choices and is the largest size of the three. At a height of 11.688 inches, a width of 7.688 inches, and a depth of 8.75 inches, the Polk Atrium 6 is ideal for areas with ample space for their size.
Durability
The Polk Atrium 4, 5, and 6 are all-weather outdoor speakers. So, they are all built to withstand changing weather conditions, including rain and wind. They have this durability while still providing excellent sound quality.
Superior durability is why the Atrium series has been around for 15 years. This series is designed to stand up to the worst weather conditions. From heavy rainfall and wind to extreme temperature changes and UV damage, these speakers can take it.
Let’s compare the Polk Atrium 4 versus the Atrium 5 and Atrium 6 in durability.
Polk Atrium 4
The Polk Atrium 4 offers excellent all-weather protection. This device is proven capable of withstanding changing weather conditions.
But, some reviews have stated that they might not be watertight. Some customers discovered their Atrium 4s with water inside of them after a few months of outdoor use. But surprisingly, they noticed that these devices still work.
Polk Atrium 5
The Polk Atrium 5 offers superior all-weather protection. A couple of reviewers stated that they found water inside the speakers, but, the speakers still worked without experiencing a loss of sound.
It is much like its predecessor, the Atrium 4. So, a bit of rain splattering or long-range splashes from a pool should not stop your grooves!
Polk Atrium 6
The Polk Atrium 6 offers the same excellent all-weather protection as the Polk Atrium 4. Fortunately, the Atrium 6s do not seem to be affected by a watertight issue like the Atrium 4s and 5s.
Additional Features
The Polk Atrium 4, 5, and 6 have excellent features you expect from the Polk brand. From easy-to-perform mounting and installation to fantastic wattage.
Polk Atrium 4
The Polk Atrium 4 supports a 180-degree mounting system with horizontal and vertical orientations. But, you might find the Polk Atrium 4 lacking bass for an outdoor space. The best way to overcome this issue would be to connect it to a subwoofer.
Polk Atrium 5
The Polk Atrium 5 supports a 180-degree mounting system with horizontal and vertical orientations. The Polk Atrium 5 should provide adequate bass for most outdoor spaces.
Polk Atrium 6
The Polk Atrium 6 supports a 180-degree mounting system with horizontal and vertical orientations. The Polk Atrium 6 should provide excellent bass for any outdoor space.
The Differences Between Active and Passive Loudspeakers
Since you are reading this, it is probably safe to assume you are interested in purchasing one of the Atrium series outdoor loudspeakers. If so, then you need to know the difference between active and passive loudspeakers. And the pros and cons of each type, on top of that.
Active Loudspeakers
Active loudspeakers typically have built-in amplifiers, transducer parts, or built-in wireless receivers. All these components need powering from a wall outlet or batteries. Usually, active loudspeakers offer extra output signal options. These are options like analog, digital or wireless connections.
Active Loudspeaker Pros
These are the best parts of using an active loudspeaker. Active loudspeakers have built-in amplifiers, transducer parts, or built-in wireless receivers. So they need less external equipment and provide you with a neater setup with less installation hassle.
Additionally, their active design allows for more options for the output signal. This design allows those with a sound preference to choose between analog, digital and wireless options. Over the years, people have developed preferences between the sound provided by analog or digital output signals. Some users consider analog or digital outputs superior to others.
Active Loudspeakers Cons
Active loudspeakers are typically pricier than passive loudspeakers. Additionally, active loudspeakers lack the flexibility that passive loudspeakers allow. Unlike passive speakers, they cannot be upgraded for better amplification.
Passive Loudspeakers
Passive loudspeakers typically do not need a dedicated power source to operate, besides the power they receive from the amplifier. This is because they do not have built-in amplifiers, transducer parts, or built-in wireless receivers. Usually, passive loudspeakers are hooked up to an audio receiver via cables that run from the loudspeaker to the receiver. The audio receiver provides the amplification that the passive speakers lack.
Passive Loudspeaker Pros
Passive loudspeakers are typically more cost-effective. These speakers provide more flexibility in getting your desired amplification.
Passive Loudspeakers Cons
Passive loudspeakers can, unfortunately, be a hassle to set up. They need cables run through them to connect them to an external audio receiver. Also, the setup of such loudspeakers is limited by the length of the cable you use. Additionally, using a cable may cause interference in the signal strength. This is because the signal must travel through the cable from the receiver to the loudspeakers.
Battery
The Polk Atrium 4, 5, and 6 are passive loudspeakers. So, they do not have built-in amplifiers, transducer parts, or built-in wireless receivers. Without those components, they do not require power to operate (other than the power they receive from the receiver).
In short, they do not have batteries. Because they do not have built-in amplifiers, the Atrium series of loudspeakers need an audio receiver to work (the Denon AVR-X3700H or Marantz SR6015 are tough-to-beat premium options).
Software
The Polk Atrium 4, 5, and 6 are passive loudspeakers that connect to an audio receiver. With this design, they do not need complex software or app-compatibility to operate.
But, depending on your audio receiver, it may support the use of apps through your smartphone. Such apps would need software updates from time to time to operate your receiver. This update also updates your loudspeakers through the receiver.
Final Thoughts
The Polk Atrium 4, 5, and 6 are all excellent outdoor loudspeakers, each with pros and cons. When it comes to the Polk Atrium 4 versus the Atrium 5 and Atrium 6, there are many factors.
But, your budget is the essential factor in any purchase when all is said and done. Of the three, only one product provides the best quality for the cost.
When considering all the facts, the Polk Atrium 5 is the winner when you can find it on sale. This device perfectly pairs the superb durability of the Atrium series with incredible sound. Its size is neither too small nor large with excellent bass for most outdoor spaces.
Overall, it is the best product of the three in the Atrium series when you factor in the price difference.
For the budget conscious users, the Atrium 4 is still a worthwhile purchase, as is the Atrium 6 for anybody that is willing to spend extra for performance.
