SurroundBar 3000 Instant Home Theater

by newrival, January 23, 2011

Strengths:

slim dimensions setup as simple as it gets wireless sub works great sound quality

Weaknesses:

while sound is good, its not going to blow anyone out of the water. But for a TV speaker replacement, its a no brainer. go buy it

Review:

I demo'ed this product for an extended period of time and have had a great time with it. The sound is an order of magnitude better than the sound from any TV speakers in both quality and quantity. For the demo I set it up at my Aunt and Uncle's house. They are in their late 50's and they do not like clutter or complicated electronics. Build quality/aesthetics: Being into high-end audio, I was initially unimoressed by the construction of the Surround Bar and sub. Specifically the weight and materials. It was very light and while it did not seem flimsy at all, the lack of heft had me skeptical. It did indeed sem sturdy enough, just not heavy. My Aunt and Uncle loved this aspect. They were very happy it was light and they could easily pick up the speaker and the sub. The form factor is nice and slim. Both the SB and the sub are slim and disappear easily into the room. Setup: SUPER simple. set the single speaker enclosure by your tv, plug in power cord, plug in one audio cable, plug in subwoofer power cable, done. no receiver, no mess of cables, nothing but simplicity. My Aunt's comment: "Wow, that's someting even I could setup. That is important to old ladies like us *laugh*" Soud: The sound really impressed them. They instantly said "wow." My Aunt kept commenting that it was "like being at the movie theater." Personally, it wasn't THAT good, but it was a noticeable improvement. Additionally, they both noticed that they listened at much lower levels because of the sound quality. with the tv speakers, They would turn it up because they couldnt hear dialog over the music. With the Surround Bar they could hear everything very clearly and not have to turn it up to levels that made it very harsh.

by Brandon, January 4, 2011

Strengths:

Size. No wiring messes. Explosive sound.

Weaknesses:

My wireless router interfered with the signal a few times but was fixed after turning the subwoofer on/off.

Review:

I got this as a demo item and used it for a few weeks with standard tv. I watched a few movies with it using blue-ray and watched regular tv. The best part about this item is the lack of wires. It is wireless and that leaves you the option of placing the subwoofer wherever you please. The soundbar packs a punch as well. It goes surprisingly loud for its size. Give some very nice detail. I compared this to monitor 50s from polk audio and the detail is just as good as the monitor 50s. The subwoofer gives more bass that I expected it to, and it put our old theater set-up that we thought was grand to shame. If I had the need to buy one I am sure that I would in in instant the sound quality is amazing, the output is better than expected and the options are unlimited. We had it wallmounted for a few days, then we had it under the tv, we out it above tv. We moved the subwoofer all over the room and when it was all said and done, it looked as sleek as our tv. In fact only a couple people noticed we had it and asked how our tv sounded so good. If you are on the edge about this product and not sure if it will just be one of those soundbars. You are wrong. It is not just a soundbar, it is a soundstage packed into a tiny package that is both appealing to look at as it is to listen to. I would buy this 100%. Plus, Polk customer service is the best I have witnessed so if you had any issues rest assured they would take care of them 100%.

by Daniel Friedman, November 11, 2010

Strengths:

Easy to install. Room filling sound.

Weaknesses:

WiFi interference. System uses channel 1 on WiFi. Had to change my Wifi router to channel 11. Worked fine after that.

Review:

Sound is great, better than expected.

by Jovan, August 8, 2010

Strengths:

Great sound. Easy hook up. Adjustable audio on sub.

Weaknesses:

Remote frequency is horrible. You need to point directly at the unit for a response.

Review:

I replaced a Samsung soundbar with this because the wireless sub on the Samsung kept cutting off and on and was very annoying. I was a bit skeptical about another wireless sub but this Polk works just fine. It's sounds better than the samsung and I can adjust the subs volume as well. Set up was simple and was able to program my Comcast remote to adjust the volume. The remoe has to be pointed directly at the unit though ( bit annoying ). This unit does not have hdmi inputs but I'm only using it as an upgrade to the tv speakers in my bedroom. I believe this unit turns on when it detects audio but no luck so far. I hate the clutter of remotes so I hope I can figure it out. Overall I'm happy with this purchase even though I'm all for Samsung. I watched a linkin park concert on Palladia and this little sub thumps loud man. Great unit for the bedroom

by Scott, May 31, 2010

Strengths:

Good Bass, and sound. Three audio inputs.

Weaknesses:

the remote pick-up is not very wide

Review:

This system is very good for it's price. Blows Boston Boston Acoustics - 6-1/2" Sound bar away. (little bass) Even the Samsung sound bar looses. (sounded very tinny)

by Anthony, July 28, 2010

Strengths:

BIG sound from a small system that's very easy to set up. The wireless subwoofer can be remotely adjusted with the included remote.

Weaknesses:

The remote control range is a little weak.

Review:

I researched for a couple of days, and ultimately decided on this sound bar system. It sounded really good at the store, but it wasn't real impressive. The digital input, wireless sub, and the ability to remotely adjust the subwoofer had me sold. The setup was incredibly easy; it took me about 5 minutes. After everything was plugged inf(I used the digital input), I turned it on. WOW! Now I'm impressed. I have a living room that's about 15x14, and this system rocks the heck out of it. The store model setup doesn't give this system any justice. The little sub thumps! Since the subwoofer is wireless, it gave me the flexibility to move it throughout the room to get the best mixture of sound. I ending up keeping it next to the TV stand (close to the sound bar). For the price of this system, it was a great upgrade. No more flat sound from the built in flat panel TV speakers.

by Bruce Bultman, December 16, 2010

Strengths:

Low frequency performance, ease of use, styling

Weaknesses:

remote is small with limited range

Review:

Very impressive. Excellent detail and surprising imaging. Low frequencies are superb for such a compact sub. Remote could be better and bigger. Touch controls on front are very cool.

by Myron Jacobs, October 3, 2010

Strengths:

Wireless subwofer Subwoofer volume can be adjusted, but not with the previous model. My model is multivoltage 50/60Hz. Now, metal screen for the sound bar unit. Touch control bottons great feature. The TV remote can be learned and so the distance limit is solved.

Weaknesses:

For me any!!!!!!

Review:

One of the best units! For me is the second one i purchase as at the beginning of this year I purchased one and now I have the second one for my bedroom. Quality and the totality of the system is tops. I do also have Bose, the polk AUdio is price wise very high in quality.

by John T, December 25, 2010

Strengths:

SOUND Quality and Wireless Subwoofer are great....

Weaknesses:

LEARN function is useless.

Review:

I'm a big Polk audio fan, but am disapointed in this product. The little remote is a toy, but I didn't really think it would be an issue, as I planned to use my Direct Satelite or Samsung TV remote. The LEARN function on the Surround Bar is useless. We could not get the POLK to learn the Direc tv remote, especially volume.... it could learn up or down but not both. Even the TV remote had to be directly in front of surround bar or it wouldn't work....

by B Robin, December 20, 2011

Strengths:

Really makes dialog much clearer. Simple setup. Good looking. Learns existing remote.

Weaknesses:

A wired option for the sub-woofer would be nice to have but the wireless works just as well.

Review:

After listening to several units in the store we chose the SurroundBar 3000 because it sounded as good as the $1500 Bose unit at much more reasonable price. Installation couldn't be simpler and the sound is far superior to the TV's built in speakers. The main reason we bought this is that we particularly like the way the unit enhances dialog on shows and makes it stand out from the background music. The unit learned the LG TV's remote commands easily and the wireless woofer works perfectly. It's a keeper!

by R J Gomez, October 20, 2010

Strengths:

All my Polk Audio Speakers that I have are Very Powerful they "ROCK"

Weaknesses:

NONE

Review:

Just Purchased the Polk Audio Surroundbar 3000,hooked it up and Man what a sound Can't go wrong with Polk Audio and for the price Reasonable also have 5 Speakers in my Den that are also Polks now my Son wants a 3000 loves the Bass sound...........Thanks

by Shaphan, October 27, 2010

Strengths:

Great sound decent mid range, great bass

Weaknesses:

Remote strength weak. Need to point remote directly at sound bar center.

Review:

Great sound!! Mounted below my Samsung 46 inch flat screen on the wall, looks pretty good. Only drawback is remote pick up. Worked right of the box with my Samsung remote, needed no programing.

by Dave S, November 21, 2010

Strengths:

Easy hookup, The sound this thin puts out is wonderful a huge improvement over tv speakers

Weaknesses:

could not get bar to learn my directv remotes volume it could learn up or down but not both. Minor issue just use the little remote included

Review:

I have my directv and dvd hooked up hdmi to tv and used optical out of tv to the surroundbar then turned off dolby in both sources and I must say the sound this thing puts out is great. Remember your not buying a $3000 sound system

by Ron Bernard, January 14, 2012

Strengths:

Easy to assemble.

Weaknesses:

The learn function for the Up volume works. The Down volume does not work at all. I have to alternate from the TV sound controller to the mini controller of the Sound Bar. tHE LEARN FUNCTION IS WORTHLESS FOR SOUND CONTROL.

Review:

The sound bar is quite flakey when you turn off the Samsung TV. The sound does not always come back on at the same level when the TV was powered off and the sound bar power was left ON. In addition, when the TV is turned on the sound will come out of the TV... so you have to cycle the power on the sound bar in order to get the sound to come out. Poor design, I would not recommend buying the product.

by Hector M, March 30, 2012

Strengths:

Sound is great. Nice sleek design. Installation took all but a minute. I love everything about it!! And the sub woofer delivers a nice deep bass.

Weaknesses:

Nothing

Review:

I've been shopping around for a good sounding sound bar for a while and I was blown away by the Polk Audio sound bars. The highs and the mids sound so crisp and way cleaner than any other brand that I heard. Forget spending a ridiculous amount of money on Bose. You get the same quality sound with Polk Audio. I've been a fan of Polk Audio for many years starting off with their car speakers. Polk Audio has never let me down when it comes to their products. Also their customer service is great.

by wade simpson, January 8, 2011

Strengths:

Weaknesses:

Review:

no voluminous sound.... sub sputters in and out. i am returning this product tomorrow. do a better job polk........you failed to offer the consumers what they require.....and what they require is what you are in business for........YOU FAILED. I will not consider polk in the future.

by JBL III, November 5, 2011

Strengths:

hook-up is simple,sound is head and shoulders better than TV for sports and drama-action movies,easy to sync remote to cable remote,love it

Weaknesses:

none

Review:

great product lowcost

by Mike Crugnale, February 17, 2012

Strengths:

Pretty easy setup. Sound is decent for the money spent. If you can, I would suggest you look a higher level model from polk and compare for yourself.

Weaknesses:

The 'Learn' function is hit or miss. The bass is muddled with an exposed paper cone---careful you don't poke a hole in it with your finger.

Review:

Decent speaker system for the money. Setup is pretty straight forward. The 'Learn' function could of been more effective. After multiple attempts to pair my remote, finally got the volume to work, but only if I wanted it higher. It never worked with trying to set volume lower, I have a dish network remote. I just did not want another remote, so I am returning unit.

by Matt Largent, November 8, 2012

Strengths:

Sound Ease of Use

Weaknesses:

Remote

Review:

System sounds great especially for the money. Easy to set-up. Only complaint is the remote. Very cheap and I have to squeeze the end with the battery and then push buttons for volume or channels.

by tony, November 18, 2012

Strengths:

sounds great

Weaknesses:

none

Review:

Love this sound bar. Crisp clear sound. Looks good. Sounds good.

by Carl, March 10, 2013

Strengths:

Subwoofer sounds great, and the fact that subwoofer is wireless is convenient.

Weaknesses:

The optical input can only handle 2 channel digital audio. If your TV puts out 5.1, then the optical input probably won't work unless you can force your TV to downgrade to 2 channel always.

Review:

The subwoofer adds the deeper notes that built-in TV speakers lack. But the soundbar itself is barely better than the speakers built into my TV. (LG 42LK520). I bought this bar because that TV only has optical audio output, so a cheaper analog only bar would not work well. So unfortunately, only content in plain old stereo will play through these speakers, 5.1 audio is ignored by this soundbar.

by Eric C, March 12, 2013

Strengths:

Great sound quality. Easy to set-up. Adjustable sub.

Weaknesses:

Must point remote directly at soundbar (not that big of a deal). Blue light is very bright at front of soundbar (I used a piece of black rubber that came in the accessories box to cover it can't even tell it there)

Review:

I just finished setting up sound bar 3000. Very easy and straight forward. I was worried about having another remote so I bought a Logitech remote for eighty dollars and works everything perfectly. The Polk Audio sound bar is great for tv or movies. Love how I can adjust the sub right at the sound bar. Buy this product you will not be dissatisfied.

The SurroundBar 3000 sounded good with all types of music material, drawing a good blend between spacious, smooth, and detailed. 

Andrew Robinson, HomeTheaterReview.colm

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