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Polk's latest soundbar packs Dolby Atmos in an ultra-compact design
At just 14.5 inches wide, the MagniFi Mini AX won't take up much space in front of your TV.
Polk Audio reveals its first Dolby Atmos soundbar
The $399 Signa S4 uses Polk's VoiceAdjust tech to make dialogue clearer.
How to buy a soundbar
It's no secret that the built-in speakers in most TVs are trash. Soundbars are a must-have if you care about your home audio setup. Here's what you need to consider when picking a soundbar, plus our best picks.
Get $100 off the Polk Command Bar right now at Amazon
The Polk Command Bar is one of our top picks for a solid mid-range soundbar. Usually listed for $299, it's currently discounted at $100 off. So for the time being, you can get it for just $199 on Amazon.
The best Prime Day 2019 deals so far
This post was done in partnership with Wirecutter. When readers choose to buy Wirecutter's independently chosen editorial picks, Wirecutter and Engadget may earn affiliate commissions. that support its work. Read Wirecutter's continuously updated list of Amazon Prime Day deals here.
Denon parent Sound United now owns Pioneer and Onkyo home audio
The audio world just got noticeably smaller. Sound United, the parent company for brands like Denon, Polk Audio and Marantz, has reached a deal to buy Onkyo's home audio division, including everything from smart speakers to receivers and turntables. Crucially, that gives it control of the Pioneer, Pioneer Elite and Integra labels -- that's a lot of major names under one roof. The purchase will help Sound United offer "premium" gear designed for "specific needs," targeting a wider range of listeners.
Engadget giveaway: win an Omni S6 speaker from Polk Audio!
The days of bulky, wired hi-fi systems are numbered when you consider the freedom that whole-home sound systems provide. Polk Audio recently added the S6 to its Omni line of connected speakers, which utilize DTS Play-Fi technology to link one or more units to your home network. With the Omni mobile app, you can control individual speaker volumes, play different tunes in different rooms and even stream music from services like Spotify, Pandora, Songza and more. This week, we're giving away three of these flagship speakers to a trio of lucky readers. It will give you a head start towards filling your home with sound, especially since you can add additional Polk Omni or even third-party Play-Fi-enabled speakers to the network. Although, with a dedicated four-channel, 100-watt digital amplifier to power the Omni S6's output, this single speaker's sound could go a long way. Just head to the Rafflecopter widget below for up to three chances at winning! Winners: Congratulations to Erik S. of Hatfield, PA, Alan J. of Clifton, NJ and James E. of Hamtramck, MI!
A look at two alternatives to those $200 Beats headphones
Thanks to Beats, there's no shortage of $200 headphones on the market. But what about cans coming from folks known for their speakers rather than their rhymes? Given their heritage in the audio space, I had high hopes for both the Klipsch Reference On-Ear Premium headphones as well as Polk's Hinge Wireless Bluetooth cans. At first glance, they're pretty comparable: Both are foldable on-ear models with plush carrying bags and tight iOS/OS X integration. As it turns out, the similarities fell away quickly once I actually put them on my skull.
Spotify streaming comes to Polk Omni wireless speakers
Ever since Spotify announced Connect, a feature that lets you easily play music on various compatible devices, manufacturers quickly started taking advantage of it. Now, following in the footsteps of Libratone, Bang & Olufsen, Samsung and many other audio makers, Polk is finally bringing Spotify Connect support to its line of Omni wireless speakers. If you own of these, you'll have to use the companion iOS or Android app to start the jams from your mobile device. Unfortunately, Polk's only letting users stream to a single Play-Fi speaker at the moment, but the company says that multi-room streaming is coming soon to the Omni sets.
Polk Audio Xbox N1 sound bar and 133t gaming headphones eyes-on
Polk's at E3 showing off two new devices it's showing off at E3 this week that aren't half bad looking. Granted, they're not as slick as some of the higher end products the audio company has shown off in the past, but as far as gaming-centric devices go, they're not too shabby. According to the company, Microsoft approached it specifically to create peripherals for the Xbox, leading Polk to give the world the 133t Gaming Headphones and N1 sound bar. The 133ts eschew the standard external gaming mic for a little nub that juts out from one ear. To mute it, you just click it back up inside the cup. The headphones also feature a mixer that plugs directly into the controller to help eliminate cords and lets you adjust sound settings on the fly. The Surroundbar, meanwhile, was designed specifically with the Xbox in mind, featuring four modes: Racer, FPS, Music and Cinema, so you can switch between gaming and standard media consumption. The N1 is set for a fall release, with the 133t coming some time in Q4. More info in a press release after the break.%Gallery-191251%
Polk enters the headphone game with sporty, generic ear-speakers
It seems the Polk folk have had their fill of iPod docks, shower speakers, and soundbars, and are hungry for a new market: headphones. The outfit aims to "change the sonic landscape" (their words) for athletes and "ardent headphone users" with their UltraFit and UltraFocus monikered ear-gear. Between the two brands, Polk is promising four brightly-colored UltraFit sports 'phones, including in-ear, on-ear, and earbud models, as well as two UltraFocus in-ear and over-ear noise canceling headphones. No word on price or release date, but Polk suggests you should be able to get your hands on its sporty headgear sometime this fall. Need more? You can find a buzzword-laden press release after the break.
Polk Audio's HitMaster: your own personal Rock Band stage monitor
Sheesh. Just days after Altec Lansing shocked the gaming world with a dedicated stage monitor for Guitar Hero, Rock Band or any other gaming title you'd care to pump through a mini-wedge, Polk Audio has stepped in to do the same. As we witness the beginning of a curious, um, beginning, the HitMaster has stepped things up for anyone else thinking of joining the fray by packing 60 watts of RMS power, a pair of 2.2- x 5.5-inch horns, twin 1-inch tweeters and a booming 6.5-inch subwoofer. The whole cabinet weighs some 13 pounds, and aside from line level inputs and outputs, you'll also find a 1/8-inch jack for connecting iPods and the like. Oh, and did we mention that you can daisy chain these things? Because you can. Look for this one to rock your face off (or something to that effect) in early 2010 for $99.99. [Via Hot Hardware]
Polk snips the cord on PSWi225 portable wireless subwoofer
Haven't you heard? Wireless subwoofers are all the rage right now, man. Polk Audio is following the lead of Infinity and a gaggle of others by introducing the PSWi225, a "portable" cord-free subwoofer that can be added in to any home theater / stereo setup with utmost ease. The earth-shaker supports RF wireless signal transmission and delivers a 40Hz to 180Hz frequency response from the floor-firing enclosure. The unit itself measures in at 12- x 13- x 12-inches and houses a rugged long-throw Dynamic Balance co-polymer driver with Butyl Rubber surround. Curiously, there's no mention of the speaker size, though we are told that an active crossover system is included for those who like to fiddle. Check it this March for $399 (MSRP).
Polk SurroundBar SDA IHT gets reviewed, lives up to its name
It sure didn't take long for Polk's SurroundBar SDA Instant Home Theater (IHT) to find its way into the hands of the review crew at Gaming Nexus, and it sounds like it lived up to the billing. The "instant" bit certainly came through, as the kit was set up inside of five minutes; as far as "home theater," the virtual surround did a good job of putting at least the "sweet spot" listener in a soundfield that was convincing. The 2.4GHz wireless subwoofer connection held up just fine, and the boom from the little box was satisfactory. All said, it sounds like a candidate for the short list if you're shopping all-in-one speaker systems.
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.
Polk Audio gets all outdoorsy on us with Atrium Sat 30 / Sub 10
When we heard of Polk Audio's Atrium Sat 30 and Sub 10, we can't say we envisioned those two objects you see pictured above. Debuting at this year's CEDIA, these two units combine to create a new outdoor speaker system "that adapts seamlessly into any exterior landscape." The Sat 30 resembles an outdoor light fixture (or one of those "plants" on Honey, I Shrunk The Kids), while the Sub 10 was crafted to resemble a "plant stand or pedestal table." Both devices are sealed from water and are hopelessly ugly in and of themselves, but if you're looking for something to blend right into your flora, look no further. The pair will begin shipping in January 2009 for $179 (Sat 30) / $329 (Sub 10). Full release after the break.
Polk Audio strikes another deal, winds up in Apple Stores
Directed Electronics' president and CEO Jim Minarik isn't letting Polk Audio sit idly while rivals make a push to get all up in your grille -- oh no. Just days after the firm announced that its products would be hitting Best Buy later this year, now it's proudly proclaiming that Polk's logo will also be seen in Apple Stores this March. In particular, consumers will notice Polk Audio's I-Sonic Entertainment System 2 (ES2), which is hailed as the "world's first product" to feature iTunes tagging for HD Radio. Curiously, there's no word as to whether any other Polk items will show up in Apple Stores, but we suppose we've only got a month or so to find out.
Polk Audio products hitting Best Buy in June 2008
Out with the old, in the with new. Apparently, the big box retailer that everyone loves to hate is following said mantra as it welcomes in Polk Audio this June. The brand, which has long since been available in rival Circuit City, is gearing up to make its debut in Best Buy in just a few months, and according to Jim Minarik, President and CEO of Directed Electronics [Polk Audio's owner], the move is one aimed at "expanding the market presence of Polk's marquee brand." As for actual products, you'll likely recognize the firm's forthcoming TSi loudspeakers, PSW powered subwoofers, select RM series drivers and of course, the SurroundBar 360 DVD Theater. Granted, we wouldn't expect any substantial savings from picking up your future Polks from here, but at least you've one more location to scour when you hear the word "discontinued."
Polk Audio intros miDock Studio, 10 and Portfolio for your iPod
It's not like we haven't seen miDocks before, but Polk Audio is enjoying the spotlight at CES and releasing a trio of newcomers to mingle with your iPod. Up first is the miDock Studio (pictured after the jump), which takes a subtle hint from the late iPod Hi-Fi in the design department and features a pair of 3.25-inch drivers and the ability to operate on AC power or from eight C-cell batteries. The miDock 10 (shown above), on the other hand, is entirely more suited for being hoisted over your left shoulder when pouncing down the street, while the diminutive Portfolio can be folded up for easy transport and operated on four AA cells for over eight hours. Notably, the Studio and 10 also sport USB inputs for direct computer connections, and the trio will run you $229.95, $179.99 and $119.95 in order of mention.
Polk Audio's SurroundBar 360 DVD Theater gets official
Remember that soundbar from Polk Audio we spotted last year? We certainly hope you've been saving those pennies if you instantly considered yourself in the market for one, because Polk's mighty proud of it. Debuting officially at CES, the SurroundBar 360 DVD Theater is a two-piece surround sound system that includes a single "multi-channel loudspeaker" alongside a separate console that houses a DVD / CD player, SDA (Stereo Dimension Array) signal-processing amplifier, AM / FM radio and a host of inputs. 'Course, whether or not you'll really feel immersed by sound is debatable, but at least you can look forward to 1080i DVD upconversion, an HDMI output and a gaping hole (known in this example as $1,199.95) in Sir Wallet. [Via WidescreenReview]
