Polk adds some oomph to its SurroundBar SDA Instant Home Theater

Getting bass out of a soundbar that conveys proper theater impact is asking for a bit much, so Polk Audio has wisely chosen to add a standalone subwoofer and name the package the SurroundBar SDA Instant Home Theater (IHT). Of course, soundbar shoppers are likely concerned about stringing wires across the living room floor, ceiling, or what have you, so Polk has added a wireless connection between the SurroundBar and the 6.5-inch subwoofer. Nice and tidy, and it'll ship this month for a buck under $600 $500.

[Danny @ Jan 5th 2009 10:05PM]

I always liked the idea behind these sound bars but I wasn't too impressed when I heard a Yamaha on display at an electronics store. Anyone have any good experiences with these things? Any suggestions (brands/models) to look into?

[AJ in the East Bay @ Jan 5th 2009 10:09PM]

I have a cheap Sharp-brand version of these things, but if you weren't impressed by the Yamaha then these are probably not for you. The Polk Audio series always get good reviews, but no matter what it is still virtual surround. Luckily I decided that surround sound wasn't important for me to enjoy a movie and it eliminated lots of wiring headaches.

[MadMike @ Jan 5th 2009 10:09PM]

If your buying this, your not a person who cares or even can tell the difference between good sound and shitty sound and are probably suckered into buying Monster Cables and Bose speakers. - Or you have a wife that doesn't love you and cares more about how her living room looks for entertaining people than your happiness.

[letstakeawalk @ Jan 5th 2009 11:34PM]

I don't have any real-world experience with the Yammie soundbars, but part of the problem listening to it in the store might have been poor optimization (seriously, have you ever noticed how they make their video displays brighter than the sun?). These bars are typically computer controlled and need to be properly set up using their supplied calibration mike in order to get the proper sound image.

http://www2.yamaha.co.jp/manual/pdf/av/english/dsp/YSP-4000_UA-2.pdf

Always ask to take audio equipment home so that you can properly hear it where you will actually be using it - and if the dealer hesitates then you can be sure they really don't want you as a customer. I'm a big Yamaha fan, but I tend to go more the vintage route. My B-2 rocks...

That said, I've also had good experiences with Polk monitors as near-field speakers. Just remember to go through the proper calibration procedure or else you'll get poor sound, regardless of brand.

[adam @ Jan 5th 2009 10:45PM]

the soundbar is developed around the idea that its in a small semi-square room. did you listen to it in a sound room of some sort or just out on a shelf some where

[jon @ Jan 5th 2009 11:02PM]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Woman_acceptance_factor

[Knee to the Groin @ Jan 6th 2009 12:14AM]

B&W

[AJ in the East Bay @ Jan 5th 2009 10:05PM]

Wireless between sub and speaker? Interesting, indeed. I wonder if it takes a performance hit...

[adam @ Jan 5th 2009 10:45PM]

well as bass waves are pretty long so you might could get away with a random hickup ever now and then and have the amplifier just figure it out...sometimes digital is your friend in audio

[jon @ Jan 5th 2009 11:00PM]

the only real drawbacks to wireless speakers are the expense, having a power cord on your speakers, and the extra electronics that go into the speakers. sound quality and delays should not be problems at all unless the designers are making serious mistakes.

[midiwall @ Jan 5th 2009 10:50PM]

"...it'll ship this month for a buck under $600." Nope, the Read link says a buck under $500 - "MSRP: $499"

[Steven Kim @ Jan 5th 2009 11:40PM]

Thanks - fixed.

[DaveL @ Jan 5th 2009 11:08PM]

I got the Sony sound bar and sub for around $300 new. It's neat and tidy... only one cable from the sub to the bar... so I don't know why it has to be wireless... the bar is on the TV stand in front of the HDTV and the sub sits right next to it on the floor. Everything is solidly built and the sub has zillions of inputs/outputs (like a tuner) including multiple independent HDMI connectors for the TV, cable box, BR, and DVD. It has plenty of options to fine tune the speakers and simulates 5.1 surround sound by sending the rear speaker audio through the side bar speakers to bounce the audio off the walls to where you're sitting. It's obviously not as good as a true 5.1 speaker setup but it's much better than 2.1 and there's no cables to trip over. Anyway, I love it and haven't gone to the movies since getting this setup.