Polk Audio SurroundBar (42", 50", 360 DVD Theater, SDA IHT) - Review/ Help Thread

[ohskigod]

besides, nothing stopping retailers to package deals, I would imagine Polk would facilitate it. Put the bar with a relativly inexpensive reciever, sub, and DVD player in store. what would that be, 1600 depending on the reciever sub and dvd (relativly cheap)

and this is not factoring in discounts for selling multiple products, so it could be even less.

1400 for a 321 or 1600 for package set up with the bar? wrap the sound bar in friggin celophane during the demo and it still wouldnt be close :D

["Polk" Paul DiComo]

Just to add my 2 cents here, the SurroundBar is selling very well and doing well editorially. See Home Theater's review http://www.hometheatermag.com/subsat...olk/index.html

We never envisioned it to be a direct replacement for a hard wired 5.1 system but a possible solution for people who are unwilling or unable to accommodate hard wired systems. It is a great answer for bedroom systems. Why, I know several Forum members who use them there for watching "art" movies. There is nothing like hearing "oh baby oh baaaaby" and "uggghh, ooooo, yes, do it, that's it baby" and other scintillating dialog in surround sound without the need for rear speakers.

It's not for everybody or every situation but it has its place in the audio universe. BTW, it is a real hoot to hear a SurroundBar plus a pair of hard wired surround speakers in 7.1. The side imaging is amazing - way more of a bubble effect than one normally gets from some all-hard-wired systems.

[cfrizz]

WAAAAAA!!!! :D

I'm happy to hear that the surroundbar is selling well! Congrats to Polk Audio!

[F1nut]

Gawd, how we love those "art" movies!

[daniel_paul_]

I am also glad to hear it is selling. But someone needs to bring up issues for possible improvment. Progress is never made when only possitive input is given.

[Tour2ma]

I think "rear speakering" is still illegal in 20 or so states...

[kab]

I am also glad to hear it is selling. But someone needs to bring up issues for possible improvment. Progress is never made when only possitive input is given.

DP - You're absolutely right. While we are delighted with the attention and praise of the press and the consumers, we are always interested in hearing what we can improve.

So if anyone has any recommendations for improvement, leave them here or send me an email.

On a closely related topic, I am beginning to assemble "panels" for participation in future product development, trend-watching and other marketing research topics. If you interested in volunteering drop me an email so I can send along the details

[dorokusai]

I do not see a stong market for this. You still need to buy a reciever, sub and dvd/cd player. The total price is going to be high. I would think that the kind of person who buys the Bose 3-2-1 type of system would be attracted to the "all-in-one" packaging AND the smaller overall setup (sound quality in third). Through in one remote...the Bose marketing machine...

I think the comparison is ridiculous. There are alot of variables at play when you want to A/B products like these. It's not trying to be an All-In-One HT System nor is it marketed as such. It's a speaker.

The dimensions are not that outrageous that it demands enourmous real estate. It's 42" and built like a tank. I actually think it's smaller in person. The Bose speakers are <8"/each and built like a childrens toy.

What flexibility do you have with the Bose system if you do actually care about sound and video? None, as the performance of both is average at best.

Where is the surround format support of the 321? It doesn't exist because the speakers cannot create any of those soundfields. "Truespace"? LOL, it's garbage. It's all a psuedo-HT experience. How is this sonically a valid comparison to the Polk SB?

What about connectivity for a potential customers collection of gear? The 321 is very limited, especially for the many people getting into higher quality connection methods. You could buy a seperate AVR and have more connectivity than you need, for a very modest amount of money.

Don't you think that the choice to handpick those needed components based on actual individual performance is more important than an AI1 box?

Unfortunately, and you allude to this previously, the Bose marketing machine is huge. The only way to counter this and get a foothold, is for Polk to ensure that the product is being displayed and sold in a somewhat equal approach. The Brick and Mortar displays are VITAL to the success. I would love to see Circuit City display a Polk speaker, or damn near any speaker, in a flattering way or even correctly set it up. The groundlevel management of this is horrible and makes me ill whenever I visit a B&M. Tweeter is the only store that displays Polk's in a decent manner, at least in my travels.

I have no love of Bose products, never have, never will. When they make something interesting like the 901 again, perhaps they will get some love...but they won't, those days are long gone. All fluff, no substance.

If I had something bad to say about the SB, I assure you I would. It achieves alot for being so unassuming and if one likes Bose over it simply do to the aethetics or included DVD player....I can only shrug my shoulders. Next customer in line please....

[daniel_paul_]

My reference to size refers to the components needed. It sounds like, from the reviews noted above, the technology is all there. The question then is how to grab the largest market share (preferable from Bose).

[dorokusai]

That's a very valid comment. I think the only way to do it is to be aggressive and proactive in the actual ground level market.

[dudeinaroom]

I think the best way to steal the bose market would be to go into bose owners houses with a half way desent receiver, dvd player, an ok sud, and a sound bar demo it, and if the don't like beeat them in the head with the sound bar untill thety likeit. Oh, and if it breaks while beating said bose owner into submission well I guess they have to buy since they broke it with their head.

[aogemini]

I am thinking about eliminating my Polk CSi5 center channel and replace it with the Surround Bar. I plan on continuing to use my RTi12 fronts and FXi5 rears and my subwoofer. Would it be a "good" substitute from a perspective of tonal balance, sensitivity, matching dB, etc.

Please advise.

Thanks,
Art

[PolkThug]

I am thinking about eliminating my Polk CSi5 center channel and replace it with the Surround Bar. I plan on continuing to use my RTi12 fronts and FXi5 rears and my subwoofer. Would it be a "good" substitute from a perspective of tonal balance, sensitivity, matching dB, etc.

Please advise.

Thanks,
Art

That would be a waste and probably not sound as good. Keep you CSi5, its a good center. The surround bar is meant to replace all those speakers, not work in conjuction with them.

[wingnut4772]

I agree. Did you plan to hook up all the speakers on the surround bar as well as keep your originals? That might be a neat experiment but I suspect it would be a mess and I am not even sure how it would be done ( although someone here could probably explan how). I would keep the center.

[RuSsMaN]

How about using this thread for what it is intended for, SurroundBar reviews.

Not jumping on anyone, but damn lets try and keep a couple 'formal' threads clean.

[McLoki]

For those who don't want to search......

Cnet review

Circuit City user reviews

Home Theater Dude (crap review)

Amazon - one decent user review.

Michael

["Polk" Paul DiComo]

You missed one: http://www.hometheatermag.com/subsat...kers/0106polk/

Who is that Home Theater Dude? he doesn't have his facts right on a couple of points. Wonder if he ever heard it or is just guessing? Is he related to "The Dude"?

[McLoki]

That one (home theater mag) had been mentioned a few times and I didn't want to be repetitive.

I was looking for other reviews and just came across the ones that I linked to.

No idea who the "home theater dude" is. Like I said - kind of a crap review. Looks thrown together from literature to me. (I wonder if he has even heard it....)

Michael

[irishaz]

Have had the surround bar for almost a week and after some tinkering it sounds awesome. Granted, the surround is not as pronounced as it would be with separates, but it's there. I was watching Saving Private Ryan and the sound field was impressive. I'm not sure I like it for music, but I haven't experimented with that much. Don't really think that is what it was designed for, but sounds passable anyway.

All in all, crystal clear sound with excellent clarity. Bass is quite good, but I can't imagine it without a sub. I set the crossover at 100 (per Mantis' rec.) and that seems to be perfect.

[AndyGwis]

I saw the BAR for $599 today at Tweeter here in Dallas. They will throw in a free PSW10, which you should promptly trade in for $200 towards a better sub.

Just a heads up.

[blue911]

Two questions:

I have a difficult area for 5.1 with seating directly against a back wall and against a corner. I thought about in-ceiling surround speakers directly above the sofa, but salespeople say this is not ideal.

Do you think the SurroundBar may be as good as or better than doing this? I would sacrifice some "surround" effect for not having to cut holes and run wires in the attic.

Second, in a viewing area defined by two sofas of about 13' x 10', which is one end of a long living room, maybe 30', would the PSW10 be adequate, or would the PSW12 add anything? Mostly for movies.

Thanks.

[dorokusai]

I think you would be suprised at how well SDA works on the Surround Bar. I find it images quite nicely. I would step up to the PSW12 in regards to a subwoofer.

[bilbono]

So how is everyone liking the surroundbar for music listening?

[tsmith7]

I purchased the surroundbar at CC with a 7.1 onkyo receiver, dvd player, and PSW10. I was replacing a very old stereo purhased in 1985 that I bought because CD's had just come out. Showing my age here for sure. I had listened to several HTB systems and was not really impressed. I did not want, nor could I easily run seperate speakers in my LR. The whole package was $1500 and install was pretty simple. I also connected my digital cable to take advantage of the improved sound over the TV speakers. Overall I am very happy with the bar. I have heard others say they tweaked it to get best sound. Any reccomendations would be helpful. I know you can't really use the auto speaker setup on the reciever because all the speakers are in 1 place. I wired the sub with the front speakers as recommended and set all speakers to large with sub off. I am confused as to what to do about speaker equalization. Should I turn it off on all? It is set to auto currently, which uses the settings from auto setup. Since I did not do the auto setup I am not sure what settings it is using. The sound during movies is 100% better than my old system - you don't get full surrond, but it makes you seem more like you are in the middle of the movie - definately surronds somewhat. I am not really thrilled with the sound on music. Sometimes it sounds REALLY good. Classical is great. But other types of music are not so good - dance music just comes out too heavy on the bass, so I turn down the bass. All in all it is better than my old setup and works great for movies. And considering the total price, a real bargain. I would appreciate any feedback on the best "tweaking" especially for music.

[GeorgeM]

I'm about to purchase a Surround Bar for someone in the family. After several searches, about the best price I can find is $776.00 (includes shipping).

Does that sound about right?

-GeorgeM

[dorokusai]

Did you try Crutchfield?

[GeorgeM]

Yes, I did try Crutchfield; their price was $799. I also went to all of the Polk authorized resellers listed here on this website.

By coincidence, I just received the monthly Polk email "Listen Up! Newsletter" and under 'Promotions' the SurroundBar was listed as being offered at a reduced price between June 29th and August 8th. However, the price was not listed ! Maybe someone from Polk can respond.

I'm still lookin'...

-G

[dorokusai]

The price is listed, you just have to hit a couple additional links. It's higher than what you posted, so don't worry about it.

[GeorgeM]

The price is listed, you just have to hit a couple additional links. It's higher than what you posted, so don't worry about it.

Thanks,

-G

[Emlyn]

Now on sale at Crutchfield and OneCall for $599.99

Going to get one myself now.