Best Reviewed
Sound Bars
- Best budget sound-bar system Sony HT-CT150 *Est. $250
- Sound-bar/home theater hybrid Vizio VHT510 *Est. $390
- Sound-bar base unit Zvox IncrediBase 575 *Est. $450
- Best sound bar, but expensive Yamaha YSP-4100 *Est. $1700
Get info about new reports and updates
Polk Audio SurroundBar 360 DVD Theater
- Great sound quality
- Good bass even without a subwoofer
- Decent surround sound
- Includes DVD player and radio
- DVD player not the best
- More cluttered installation than some sound bars
- Expensive
- Not the best choice for Blu-ray
Reviews say that the Polk Audio SurroundBar 360 DVD Theater is among the most impressive sound bars available. Sound quality is excellent. Bass is reasonably satisfying even without a subwoofer, and one can be added for those who want even more low end. The electronics complement includes the required amplifier along with a DVD player and AM/FM radio tuner, but that's all located in a separate small console. While everything connects through a single cable, that still means a slightly more cluttered installation than many other sound bars. The included upconverting (to 1080i) DVD player should keep most owners satisfied, but picky videophiles might find some shortfalls. Some reviews express disappointment that there's no compatibility at all with the high-definition audio formats (Dolby True HD and DTS-HD Master Audio) that's available on most Blu-ray Discs. Surround-sound effects are good, but not as good as those provided by the Yamaha YSP-4000 (Discontinued), though the latter is much more expensive.
Home Theater magazine has the most detailed, testing-based report on the Polk Audio SurroundBar 360 DVD Theater. CNET, HomeTheaterReview.com and BigPictureBigSound.com also provide worthwhile reporting. A small sampling of user reviews are available at Amazon.com.
 |
||
|
|
| Polk Audio AM1805 SurroundBar SDA Instant Home Theater (Black) | |
(62 reviews) In Stock. |
|
Our Sources
1. Home Theater MagazineDetails/Subscribe
This in-depth report explains the technology behind the Polk Audio SurroundBar 360 DVD Theater and includes extensive reporting on listening tests with a variety of different types of movies and music, as well as formal bench testing. Mark Fleishmann says the SurroundBar 360 is "the most original and effective approach to one-speaker bar systems I've experienced," and names it one of the magazine's Top Pick awards.
Review: Polk SurroundBar 360 DVD Theater, Mark Fleischmann, Jan. 2009
2. CNET
CNET applauds the Polk Audio SurroundBar 360's sound quality, and especially its ability to deliver reasonably satisfying bass without the help of a subwoofer. However, the lack of Blu-ray HD audio support is a disappointment, considering the price. DVD playback quality is called fine for the vast majority of viewers, though very picky viewers could find the image a little soft on a large-screen TV.
Review: Polk Audio SurroundBar 360 DVD Theater, John P. Falcone, March 9, 2009
Though this report is not as rigorous as the ones at Home Theater magazine or CNET, Sean Killebrew does a nice job putting the Polk Audio SurroundBar 360 through its paces. Like others, lack of HDMI support and compatibility with Blu-ray HD audio is a minus. Ease of setup is a major plus. Sound quality is good enough that the system is recommended.
Review: Polk SurroundBar 360 DVD Theater Reviewed, Sean Killebrew, July 27, 2009
While some shortfalls are found, Ken Sander says that in the end, Polk got the most important thing right -- sound quality. He notes that though the Polk Audio SurroundBar 360 is expensive, it delivers what it promises and is recommended.
Review: Polk Audio SurroundBar 360 DVD Theater Review, Ken Sander, Feb. 2, 2009
5. Amazon.com
While there are only a few user reviews of the Polk Audio SurroundBar 360 DVD Theater here, the cumulative rating so far is high (4.5 out of five stars). While most are pleased with the sound quality, a couple note that the surround effects aren't very convincing in their setup, while others are disappointed with the lack of HD audio compatibility.
Review: Polk Audio SurroundBar 360-Degree DVD Theater, Contributors to Amazon.com
Sound Bars Runners Up:
4 picks by top review sites.
4 picks by top review sites.
4 picks by top review sites.
 |
||
|
|
Boston Acoustics TVee Model 30 Sound System with Sleek Sound Bar and Wireless Subwoofer (Black)
In Stock.
Average Customer Review: |
||
|
|
 |
||
|
|
