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

[TECHNOKID]

seems like the pins are direct inputs to paired speakers.
I have a hunch that speakers 1-2 (and pins 1-2) are toasted. What could cause the impedance of the speakers to go from 8ohms to ~1.2ohms?

Potentially a shorted speaker coil, the speaker should be easily removable from the casing so you could disconnect and do direct test measuring to prove if the speaker is at fault. I am not familiar with this specific Polk product since I do not own it however, the way you are describing it seem that the speakers would have direct connections (no Xo) meaning that the Xo was maybe builted into the DVD console?

[Kiwi70]

I am trying to locate a SB in New Zealand. A bit of a long shot but can anyone help?

[gasapple]

Hey N1CKOLAS - care to help some of us with Onkyo receivers and the Polk Surroundbar 50? I want to soundstage to be "more pronounced/delineated" and can't get it right - or seems to lack the shine I've been reading about. I also did not use Audyssey - going to try later today since I read your post. Anyway, tell us what your settings are, those where you get the best performance, please!? There are alot of Onkyo users out here with the Surroundbar 50 and we don't quite know how to tweak it optimally.

I'm running the Onkyo sr706, Polk Surroundbar 50, Yamaha YST-SW315 Pro-sub, and will be adding 2 Polk RM8s as rear surrounds as an experiment (read great results with the Surroundbar 50 "full stage SDA" and RM8 rears) after I get the Polk Surroundbar 50 tweaked.

Anyone with Surroundbar 50 and Onkyo receivers please help the rest of us here! Thanks! :D

Since my last post, I've spent a ton more time tweaking and playing with the SurroundBAR. Probably unsurprising to you all, the speaker is starting to grow on me.

I replaced my old Sony HTIB receiver with an Onkyo TX-SR507, and the SurroundBAR is starting to shine. I ran Audyssey a few times and tweaked some settings here and there, and BAM, soundstage.

I think my big problem before was paying too much attention to where the sound was coming from on the speaker. Every time I listened to 5.1 tracks, the surround effects sounded un-realistic and very clearly coming from the speaker. Once I stopped paying attention, and just watched movies, I began hearing surround sounds to the side of me. Of course the speaker will never sound the same as a standard 5.1 system, but it's starting to sound really good. In combining the SurroundBAR with the Onkyo AVR Listening Modes (especially the DTS Neo:6 Music mode for music), the soundstage has appeared.

I plan on writing a full review soon, but for me at least, the SurroundBAR took some patience to get right. Thanks all for your continued help and support. I look forward to making the SurroundBAR sound even better in the years to come.

[Zion21]

Thanks for the review. Certainly helped in my decision to buy these great speakers.

[Topper]

Just had a chance to play with the brand new Surroundbar 3000 IHT and i must say i love it !! It looks great and is a huuuuuge improvement over TV speakers :). And the clincher is that it works with upto 3 sources now so real easy to hook up the Ipod to it as well :).

Now i just got to find a good Ipod dock. Anyone have suggestions?

[addiewillium]

I was very impressed with surroundbar. It is very large as speakers. You can include surroundbar in your LCD. It have really amazing voice.

[Bobsama]

Here's a question--does anyone have the full specs of the 3000 IHT?

[TECHNOKID]

Here's a question--does anyone have the full specs of the 3000 IHT?

From Polk product page;

http://www.polkaudio.com/homeaudio/s...ar/#sb3000iht; http://www.polkaudio.com/homeaudio/s...oundbar3000iht

You might want to compare with other SB products available;

http://www.polkaudio.com/homeaudio/s...bar/specs2.php

http://www.polkaudio.com/homeaudio/s...#360dvdtheater

http://www.polkaudio.com/homeaudio/s...specs2.php#iht

http://www.polkaudio.com/homeaudio/s...#surroundbar50

http://www.polkaudio.com/homeaudio/s...hp#surroundbar

Cheers!
TK

[Bobsama]

From Polk product page;

http://www.polkaudio.com/homeaudio/s...ar/#sb3000iht; http://www.polkaudio.com/homeaudio/s...oundbar3000iht

You might want to compare with other SB products available;

http://www.polkaudio.com/homeaudio/s...bar/specs2.php

http://www.polkaudio.com/homeaudio/s...#360dvdtheater

http://www.polkaudio.com/homeaudio/s...specs2.php#iht

http://www.polkaudio.com/homeaudio/s...#surroundbar50

http://www.polkaudio.com/homeaudio/s...hp#surroundbar

Cheers!
TK

So the 3000 IHT is a piece of junk and the 6000 IHT is a cut-down version of the older IHT? That would leave the SB50 as the best choice.

[Topper]

I've used the older IHT and much prefer the newer 3000. Its got multiple sources as well as optical input connection. I would say the 3000 is more closely related to the older IHT but with more features (and cheaper too).

As for the 6000, how are you seeing it as a cut-down version of the older IHT? Its supposed to offer better performance and now handles surround-sound as well as comes with dolby digital. Its superior in every feature over the older IHT and still costs the same.

And the SB 50 really isn't a comparison with the IHTs because it suits different needs. If you've already got a good receiver and subwoofer, then the passive SB 50 is the only route to go. If your starting from scratch and want to keep things simple without a lot of gear and wiring in your living room or bedroom, then the IHTs are the products to look at.

[Topper]

I'll tell you this though - I've used them all (except the 6000 which hasnt been released yet) and the SB 50 plays louder and has a more cinema feel to the whole experience. You already have a receiver - don't think twice anymore and just go with the SB 50.

(And maybe down the line if you want to maximize the surround feeling and still keep things simple and wireless, check out the upcoming polk wireless f/x coming out in a few months)

[dorokusai]

I'll tell you this though - I've used them all (except the 6000 which hasnt been released yet) and the SB 50 plays louder and has a more cinema feel to the whole experience. You already have a receiver - don't think twice anymore and just go with the SB 50.

(And maybe down the line if you want to maximize the surround feeling and still keep things simple and wireless, check out the upcoming polk wireless f/x coming out in a few months)

I agree, the SB50 is really nice and overall output across the bar is higher in all areas for me at reference volume.

[TECHNOKID]

So the 3000 IHT is a piece of junk and the 6000 IHT is a cut-down version of the older IHT? That would leave the SB50 as the best choice.

1. I can not say IHT, 3000 IHT or the upcoming 6000 IHT are junk. They are simply for a different group of users. Mark can correct me if I am wrong but the IHT products were made to compete with HTIBs. While I never cared for HTIB if I didn't have any other choice I would take Polk IHT bars over just about any HTIBs.

I'll tell you this though - I've used them all (except the 6000 which hasnt been released yet) and the SB 50 plays louder and has a more cinema feel to the whole experience. You already have a receiver - don't think twice anymore and just go with the SB 50.

(And maybe down the line if you want to maximize the surround feeling and still keep things simple and wireless, check out the upcoming polk wireless f/x coming out in a few months)

I agree, the SB50 is really nice and overall output across the bar is higher in all areas for me at reference volume.

Again, Mark can correct me if I am wrong but IMHO, SB42'' and SB50'' were a compromise to provide a good simulation of a small 5.1 without most of the wire clutters (typical WAF consideration) which IMHO does a pretty good job at it. It isn't a true 5.1 but it can be convincing if avoiding the cable clutter has some priority. I have experience with the S42 (I own and used), I compared it with the RM20s package (I own, used and by the way, the SB42'' and RM10s and 20s share the same drivers). I never had the opportunity to audition the SB50 (which I believe share the same drivers) but am aware of the specs and how it is built and it is an improvement over the SB42. Many people like Mark and Topper (many others if you check this thread) has nothing but good comments on the SB50.

As I pointed out, you get what you pay for... If you buy a powered product for less than what you pay for static speakers (needing a receiver investment) well, you definitely have to expect to get better quality and SQ out of the single speaker, right? Yet, unless there is budget restraint this is a NO brainer. You already have the receiver to drive the SB50 and the present sub can also be used until you decide to move toward a better sub as you described-wished.

Mark, little out of subject but what happened to your SB50 array project you spoke about (before last Xmas) http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showthread.php?t=93187

I was very interested in your project as I tought this could have been a great idea with my PJ set-up.

[dorokusai]

What loudspeaker isn't a compromise? One that costs $45k? Of course the SurroundBar and it's children are of various engineering designs. One being better than another, etc etc. I don't believe it's ever been touted as a replacement for a full fledged 5.1 and each of them does the job in a different, sometimes better or worse, job.

Anything in audio requires you to choose the right product for the application at hand. Would a SB50 be cool for a near field computer setup? No, it would be a terrible choice. But I bet the IHT would be pretty sweet, give you a small footprint and a wireless subwoofer.

Do you see where I'm going here? Thankfully Polk has continued to stay diversified across the product line, stay competitive within multiple demographics and while not every single product has been a winner, they've had more successful products hit the street in the last 5 years than in the past 15. For legal purposes, that's my opinion.

[TECHNOKID]

I don't believe it's ever been touted as a replacement for a full fledged 5.1

IMHO, SB42'' and SB50'' were a compromise to provide a good simulation of a small 5.1 without most of the wire clutters (typical WAF consideration) which IMHO does a pretty good job at it. It isn't a true 5.1 but it can be convincing if avoiding the cable clutter has some priority.

How do you feel about installing speakers all around your room and running wires everywhere to add surround sound to your new TV? Don't worry, there's an easier way. Polk Audio SurroundBar Series speakers achieve single-speaker surround sound from one slim speaker bar. Our exclusive patented SDA Surround Digital Technology eliminates the need for rear speakers.

The above is what I met... Indeed was never met to replace but rater to simulate.

[santia368]

Hey guys, I have been interested in one of these Surroundbar 3000 IHTs for my daughter's play room. I have the components hidden and the TV up somewhat high in the room to avoid damage. The TV is in a corner kind of floating in space.

Any ideas on how to go about mounting one of these in my situation? Is there any way to mount it to the bottom of the screen?

[dorokusai]

Hey guys, I have been interested in one of these Surroundbar 3000 IHTs for my daughter's play room. I have the components hidden and the TV up somewhat high in the room to avoid damage. The TV is in a corner kind of floating in space.

Any ideas on how to go about mounting one of these in my situation? Is there any way to mount it to the bottom of the screen?

I believe your idea is really cool, boy, I wish I was your kid

The unit weighs 4.75 lbs and realistically can be mounted with industrial velcro. I personally like and suggest 3M DualLock for flexibility and secure mounting of lightweight objects, plus, it's not forever or require holes to be drilled. I'm sure there are other products as well but 3M is my brand of choice. Here's a link to the product:

http://solutions.3m.com/wps/portal/3...mc_id=keymatch

Here's a link to buy a trial bag of it directly thru 3M:

http://www.shop3m.com/3m-dual-lock-r...xj8lmwwbn.html

Let us know what you end up using and post some pics ok?

-Mark

[shawn474]

Hey guys, I have been interested in one of these Surroundbar 3000 IHTs for my daughter's play room. I have the components hidden and the TV up somewhat high in the room to avoid damage. The TV is in a corner kind of floating in space.

Any ideas on how to go about mounting one of these in my situation? Is there any way to mount it to the bottom of the screen?

Another idea would be to use zip ties in the keyhole slots and fasten them to the bottom of your t.v. mount.

[anonymouse]

Hey guys, I have been interested in one of these Surroundbar 3000 IHTs for my daughter's play room. I have the components hidden and the TV up somewhat high in the room to avoid damage. The TV is in a corner kind of floating in space.

Any ideas on how to go about mounting one of these in my situation? Is there any way to mount it to the bottom of the screen?

I mounted an original soundbar to the bottom of a 47" Phillips with the aid of two right angle brackets and a piece of wood. I screwed the right angle brackets to the place where the table stand on the TV screwed in. That was part of the sturdy metal frame of the TV, so there was security in knowing it was locked in tight.

The wood piece attached to the right angle brackets parallel to the wall, and the wall mount bracket plate for the surroundbar attached to the wood piece. It worked just fine for 2 years before I moved from the Surroundbar to in-wall speakers. In fact I just removed it this past weekend or I would take pictures to show you.

[dorokusai]

Another idea would be to use zip ties in the keyhole slots and fasten them to the bottom of your t.v. mount.

Too loose and it would cause the bar to drop at an angle since the slots are at the rear

[santia368]

Too loose and it would cause the bar to drop at an angle since the slots are at the rear

Thanks for the ideas, now that you guys mention it it's kind of obvious what to do. I think I will use the Velcro as the main way of keeping it up, with zip ties as a backup in case the Velcro fails so the speaker doesn't fall 7' to its death!

I'm going to wait to see if one of these shows up on Polk Direct again, I saw one about a week ago. =)

[santia368]

I believe your idea is really cool, boy, I wish I was your kid

The TV in there come in handy for me too when I don't feel like watching "Lifetime" movies with my wife anymore!

[dorokusai]

I feel your pain.

[TECHNOKID]

Thanks for the ideas, now that you guys mention it it's kind of obvious what to do. I think I will use the Velcro as the main way of keeping it up, with zip ties as a backup in case the Velcro fails so the speaker doesn't fall 7' to its death!

I'm going to wait to see if one of these shows up on Polk Direct again, I saw one about a week ago. =)

Good idea, the velcro would keep in proper place and alined for best sound stage as Doro (Mark) states and if you want you could use small chains (hooked up to your TV mount) for safety as they do for proffessional install of PJs and other suspended gear.

Talking about velcro, they are generally pretty expensive. I just saw some 30' rolls going for ridiculus price at Walmart today. Too bad they only carry green as it would be an innexpensive avenue.

[dorokusai]

The link I provided above shows 10ft rolls for $15....what price guides are you looking at TK?

[grimm26]

The color coding is a generic feature to assist customers. It's sometimes used on other gear but not everything.

Just follow the instructions for what speaker your connecting and you'll be fine on the AVR/Receiver end of things.

Let us know what you think of the SB, have fun!

I have the same question as the poster that this responded to and this answer does not help at all. The question is which colors on the Polk wires correspond to negative (commonly black) and which correspond to positive (commonly red). Anyone know?

[dorokusai]

I have the same question as the poster that this responded to and this answer does not help at all. The question is which colors on the Polk wires correspond to negative (commonly black) and which correspond to positive (commonly red). Anyone know?

The CEA implemented this universal attempt to assist the general populace.

The question was in regards to how the Surround Bar was color coded and black means black, the alternate color means the appropriate channel. There was supposed to be a manufacturer driven color coding for it all and at least Polk Audio, HK, Pioneer, Rotel, etc signed onboard.

Grey/ Black = Surround Right Channel
Red/ Black = Front Right Channel
Blue/ Black = Surround Left Channel
Green/ Black = Center Channel
White/ Black = Front Left Channel

If it's difficult, blame the CEA for trying to establish a standard. It's used on MANY AVR's to this day. This document is available not only online, always has been but is also included with the equipment.

http://www.polkaudio.com/downloads/m...sers_Guide.pdf

Does that help you Mr. Frustrated Pants?

[devang]

Hello All,

I just bought surroundbar 3000. I was trying to connect cable box (comcast rng110) optical output to the surroundbar optical input. But somehow it did not work. Just to check whether surroundbar works or not, I connected L/R output of RCA to source 2 of the surroundbar and it started working.

So I thought the optical cable may be a problem, hence I took another optical audio cable, but still no luck.

Would anyone know whether there is anything wrong that I am doing?

Thanks in advance!

[polkfan38]

I know this is not cost effective but, has anyone taken the guts out of a SDA sound bar and rewire it to standard L/C/R speakers? I bet THAT would be awesome!

[dorokusai]

Hello All,

I just bought surroundbar 3000. I was trying to connect cable box (comcast rng110) optical output to the surroundbar optical input. But somehow it did not work. Just to check whether surroundbar works or not, I connected L/R output of RCA to source 2 of the surroundbar and it started working.

So I thought the optical cable may be a problem, hence I took another optical audio cable, but still no luck.

Would anyone know whether there is anything wrong that I am doing?

Thanks in advance!

Call Polk CS, they can walk you thru the fix for that.