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

YOTR

debussyj wrote: »

Hi, I have a similar scenario. I have the Pio 5020 also and two tall AV towers, one is on the right the other on the left. They kind of frame the space for the display. I have had no sonic problems with this setup at all. BTW, you're going to love how nicely the SB 50 fits underneath the Pio, like it was made for it. Enjoy!

Well that's good news!

YOTR

Kenneth Swauger wrote: »

Hello YOTR,
Thanks for posting on the Forum. In general terms the SurroundBar 50 works best if it is placed so that there are no large reflections coming from fairly flat objects to the speaker's left and right sides. The idea is to have the relationship between the "normal" audio channels and the "SDA" audio information reach the listener with no interference. If your component rack is fairly open with no large reflecting surfaces you should be fine. Try and push the rack as far back, as possible, and bring the SurroundBar as far forward, as possible, to minimize the reflections and you should be fine.
Take care and enjoy, Ken

It is a pretty open rack. Just four shelves that are completely open. The one shelf that is level with the surroundbar will have a receiver in it but hopefully that won't be an issue. I will try to move the rack/surroundbar around some if I have issues.

jimbo1421

jimbo1421 wrote: »

Listening to 2 channel audio is less satisfying. The Yamaha RX-V496 has three DSP programs for translating stereo input to some kind of surround sound: DISCO, ROCK CONCERT, and CONCERT HALL. These add to the width of the sound stage, which is much needed since the left and right channels are less than 3' apart. Too bad the DSP effects are often unlistenable. They add Yamaha sound engineering on top of whatever the recording engineers did; the result sometimes sounds right, but often it's just a muddle. Turning the DSP effect off leaves a much narrower sound stage, but a more listenable sound. So my solution has been to connect up my old custom built speaker pair on the AVR's B channel. The sound quality is not so good; the old speakers have an oboe-like timbre to them (saxophone, if you want to be cruel), where the SurroundBar is more neutral.

Listening to stereo recordings at higher volumes (-28db) on the SurroundBar is also not so good. I overlooked the recommended amplification specification before I bought; it's 125 watts/channel. My AVR is rated at 70 watts. The result is distortion; with classical music high register violins get shrieky and classical piano music starts to sound clangy. So I have to turn it down. On the plus side, when the choice is popular music, with the DISCO DSP, the results can be terrific. I especially like Dire Straits and Joan Armatrading at full volume.

I want to amend this part of my review, since it is undeservedly too negative. I realized after much closer listening that the harshness I reported was due to poor quality inputs and have taken steps to improve these. I was listening to an FM music broadcast from a good strong station and thought "Hey, that sounds nice"; clear and detailed, it was a pleasure to hear. This was with no 2 channel DSP effects. Well recorded classical CDs also sound good. Due to the 36" L/R separation the sound stage is narrow but still seems larger than the SurroundBar itself. Sitting 8 feet away from the SB, this is not much of a defect.

Still, I have started to set up a separate 2 channel system at the other end of my living room.

Jim

TECHNOKID

jimbo1421 wrote: »

I want to amend this part of my review, since it is undeservedly too negative. I realized after much closer listening that the harshness I reported was due to poor quality inputs and have taken steps to improve these. I was listening to an FM music broadcast from a good strong station and thought "Hey, that sounds nice"; clear and detailed, it was a pleasure to hear. This was with no 2 channel DSP effects. Well recorded classical CDs also sound good. Due to the 36" L/R separation the sound stage is narrow but still seems larger than the SurroundBar itself. Sitting 8 feet away from the SB, this is not much of a defect.

Still, I have started to set up a separate 2 channel system at the other end of my living room.

Jim

One point we also have to realize, 2 channel set-up is met to reflect music in stereo and my thinking/belief is that a surroundbar will not be able to achieve this due to the confinement of speakers within the same enclosure and this not to mention the necessary distance between speakers in order to achieve stereo listening. HT listening is all about effects NOT music listening therefore I feel a combination of a good 2 channel set-up is a must with the surround bar for music listening. Most receivers today have the AB option making the task easy and innexpensive (the only relative cost is the extra 2 speakers)

jimbo1421

In the awkward corner where the HT stands I couldn't make the B part of the AB option work; components were spilling over into the dining room which I didn't like. Back in the 1980s I built a cabinet specifically for a turntable, receiver and 2 shelves of LPs. I haven't been able to use it in my new (since 2002) place in conjunction with the HDTV and its electronics. So I am splitting off into two separate systems.

TECHNOKID

jimbo1421 wrote: »

In the awkward corner where the HT stands I couldn't make the B part of the AB option work; components were spilling over into the dining room which I didn't like. Back in the 1980s I built a cabinet specifically for a turntable, receiver and 2 shelves of LPs. I haven't been able to use it in my new (since 2002) place in conjunction with the HDTV and its electronics. So I am splitting off into two separate systems.

A stand alone 2 channels is another option... I don't exactly understand what you by "B" not working or are you simply talking about the clutter the extra speakers? If so, do you intend to locate the 2 channels elsewhere?

Cheers

jimbo1421

Yup, a stand alone two channel system at the other end of the living room in a niche between the front window and the fireplace where my TT/receiver cabinet just fits. I dislike having furniture and equipment blocking windows, otherwise I could put it all in one place. In a small house built in 1924, long before home theaters, getting a room arrangement that works both aesthetically and acoustically is a challenge. Being single I have to supply my own WAF.

Sunday I bought a NAD 106 preamp and Parasound HCA 1000A amp, both used. I am awaiting a replacement stylus for my turntable. My laptop is still doing double duty, supplying 2 channel iTunes to the NAD via USB and DVD 5.1 surround by optical audio to the AVR and SurroundBar.

But now we are getting way off topic so I will sign off.

Regards,
Jim

YOTR

I just received my surroundbar 50 on ebay from a seller and it arrived damaged. I am sending it back today and noticed that Polk directly sells refurbished Surroundbar 50's with a warranty. Does anyone have any experience with a refurb from polk? I am tempted as I can probably get one really cheap but it does state it could have cosmetic blemishes or scratches. I know companies say that a lot but many times the item looks and performs brand new (at least with my few experiences buying refurb products). Just wondering if anyone had any thoughts or experiences to share. I have a black speaker grill from polk I ordered (I got a great deal on a titanium one originally but wanted a black grill) sitting in my house with no speaker .

TECHNOKID

YOTR wrote: »

I just received my surroundbar 50 on ebay from a seller and it arrived damaged. I am sending it back today and noticed that Polk directly sells refurbished Surroundbar 50's with a warranty. Does anyone have any experience with a refurb from polk? I am tempted as I can probably get one really cheap but it does state it could have cosmetic blemishes or scratches. I know companies say that a lot but many times the item looks and performs brand new (at least with my few experiences buying refurb products). Just wondering if anyone had any thoughts or experiences to share. I have a black speaker grill from polk I ordered (I got a great deal on a titanium one originally but wanted a black grill) sitting in my house with no speaker .

You have to be carefull when ordering on line to make sure the dealer is accredited by Polk otherwise you loose all warranties. I personally think you should have ordered from Polk e-bay store right of the start as they garantee their product, they stand by it as the work is performed by people that knows the product. Look at the feed-back from people on this forum, its a big loud voice for Polk e-bay store, you get the usual great Polk CS. If you can, return the product and get it directly from Polk store.

Cheers

jacob.simpson

YOTR wrote: »

I just received my surroundbar 50 on ebay from a seller and it arrived damaged. I am sending it back today and noticed that Polk directly sells refurbished Surroundbar 50's with a warranty. Does anyone have any experience with a refurb from polk? I am tempted as I can probably get one really cheap but it does state it could have cosmetic blemishes or scratches. I know companies say that a lot but many times the item looks and performs brand new (at least with my few experiences buying refurb products). Just wondering if anyone had any thoughts or experiences to share. I have a black speaker grill from polk I ordered (I got a great deal on a titanium one originally but wanted a black grill) sitting in my house with no speaker .

I ordered a MI dock for my friend, and FXi3 for my brother, except for the sticker on the box, there is no difference, as good as new, and very recently the Refurb speaker have a warranty of 2 years and the new ones remain at 5.
Blindly order from Polk eBay

YOTR

TECHNOKID wrote: »

You have to be carefull when ordering on line to make sure the dealer is accredited by Polk otherwise you loose all warranties. I personally think you should have ordered from Polk e-bay store right of the start as they garantee their product, they stand by it as the work is performed by people that knows the product. Look at the feed-back from people on this forum, its a big loud voice for Polk e-bay store, you get the usual great Polk CS. If you can, return the product and get it directly from Polk store.

Cheers

I know, I should of just ordered from them. I think I was just so paranoid about buying a refurbished product that was scratched and nicked up. Then again, look what happend when I didn't. I sent back the speaker and the seller is going to give me a full refund. I already have the black speaker grill so I guess I am on the hunt for a titanium one. I noticed the titanium one's sell for quite a bit less than the black ones on ebay through polk

TECHNOKID

I am on the hunt for a titanium one.

Titanium grill or Titanium surroundbar?

YOTR

TECHNOKID wrote: »

Titanium grill or Titanium surroundbar?

Sorry titanium speaker. I guess I could send back the black grill to polk and just bid on a black surroundbar 50 but I haven't made up my mind yet.

TECHNOKID

What is the price on that Black Grill???

YOTR

TECHNOKID wrote: »

What is the price on that Black Grill???

I got it for a little over $25 shipped. I got a discount for being a polk forum member and free shipping. Pretty good deal in my opinion.

svtjoe

Geez..I paid like $42 shipped. Should have mentioned Club polk.

YOTR

svtjoe wrote: »

Geez..I paid like $42 shipped. Should have mentioned Club polk.

I think it was going to be around $38 or so shipped and then I mentioned Club Polk. The discount wasn't much obviously but put free shipping on top of that and it's a great deal. The only reason I knew about it was because I found a post about it on slickdeals where people were ordering the grill. This was in December when Amazon had that awesome sale on the Titanium Surroundbar 50. I am still kicking myself for not picking up a new one then for about the same price I am paying for a refurbished one. Oh well at least I will have a Polk warranty with it.

YOTR

Well I finally won a Surroundbar 50 on ebay from polk direct. I got outbid on the sub I wanted by $2 bucks but I will try again tomorrow. All I need to do is track down a receiver and I will be set!

YOTR

What gauge size speaker wire should I use to replace the original included one with the surroundbar 50? I read where replacing the speaker wire will help sound wise but I wasn't sure what gauge I should get. Thanks!

svtjoe

I used 12 gauge Monoprice cable. Never even opened the SB50 Factory wire.

TECHNOKID

I used the cable supplied with my SurroundBar as it makes for a clean job. The fact that the SurroundBar is so close to the receiver, I feel it shouldn't make that much difference using thicker cable.

Cheeres

jimbo1421

anonymouse wrote: »

I used 10 gauge Blue Jeans cable and it made a world of difference.

How long a run do you have between your AVR and SB? I use 5 feet cut from the 18ga Polk ribbon cable. Before I set up the HDTV and AVR in a new stand I used all 25 feet, leaving the rest coiled up beneath the table. I didn't notice any difference with the shorter length, but perhaps my 70 wpc Yamaha AVR limits the amount of improvement I can get.

Jim

jimbo1421

anonymouse wrote: »

I have a 10ft run, and I had cut the original cable to 10ft. I use a Sony STR-DA2ES receiver, which is decent, but not outstanding in the power department. Your Yamaha AVR may be your weakest link. Yamaha makes some solid stuff and some lower end receiver, which model do you have?

I have the Yamaha RX-V496. I think it was pretty low end when I bought it in 2000. The specifications are here:
http://www.yamaha.com/yec/products/productdetail.html?CNTID=200238&CTID=5000300&ATRID=1010&DETYP=ATTRIBUTE

jimbo1421

anonymouse wrote: »

That is one of their basic receivers. I think you would do better replacing that unit with a unit with a higher damping factor, as well as replacing the cables with higher gauge.

I am keeping my eye out for a used AVR with more WPC, but what is the "damping factor"? Please define.

Jim

TECHNOKID

jimbo1421:

I am keeping my eye out for a used AVR with more WPC, but what is the "damping factor"? Please define.

Jim

The damping factor refers to unwanted ringing effect happening in the loudspeaker and is inversely proportional to the impedance. This affects the lower frequencies, mainly 10 hz - 400 hz therefore would provide for thighter bass. Now, in your specific situation we are talking about a 42" surroundbar (right?) and I gather you are using an external subwoofer (right?) in this case I wouldn't be too concerned with the damping factor jargon as your SB is met to pass through the Mid & High frequencies NOT the Lows. If you look at the specs for your SB, it ranges from 100 Hz to 23 Khz with usable Low at 80 Hz (useless for Lows): http://www.polkaudio.com/homeaudio/surroundbar/specs.php.

This specific surroundbar isn't met for music and is not a high end product where you should be worried about the damping and other factors which would be of concerned mainly for sofisticated 2 channels covering the entire range of frequencies (Low to high). Your receiver is slightly lower than the surroundbar capability but you have to ask your self if you actually require more power and this would be determined by the size of your room and your own listening habits (very loud or normal level). If you do not need to crank your receiver more than 1/2 its capacity, then you do not need to replace it. On the opposite, if you crank all the way most of the time, then you may consider replacing and then you could consider buying one with higher damping factor. As pointed out, if you use a powered subwoofer, the damping factor of you receiver isn't so much of a factor as the importance in damping would be in the subwoofer amp it self.

jimbo1421

TECHNOKID wrote: »

jimbo1421:The damping factor refers to unwanted ringing effect happening in the loudspeaker and is inversely proportional to the impedance. This affects the lower frequencies, mainly 10 hz - 400 hz therefore would provide for thighter bass. Now, in your specific situation we are talking about a 42" surroundbar (right?) and I gather you are using an external subwoofer (right?) in this case I wouldn't be too concerned with the damping factor jargon as your SB is met to pass through the Mid & High frequencies NOT the Lows. If you look at the specs for your SB, it ranges from 100 Hz to 23 Khz with usable Low at 80 Hz (useless for Lows): http://www.polkaudio.com/homeaudio/surroundbar/specs.php.

This specific surroundbar isn't met for music and is not a high end product where you should be worried about the damping and other factors which would be of concerned mainly for sofisticated 2 channels covering the entire range of frequencies (Low to high). Your receiver is slightly lower than the surroundbar capability but you have to ask your self if you actually require more power and this would be determined by the size of your room and your own listening habits (very loud or normal level). If you do not need to crank your receiver more than 1/2 its capacity, then you do not need to replace it. On the opposite, if you crank all the way most of the time, then you may consider replacing and then you could consider buying one with higher damping factor. As pointed out, if you use a powered subwoofer, the damping factor of you receiver isn't so much of a factor as the importance in damping would be in the subwoofer amp it self.

Hi TK, thanks for your reply. Yes, I do have the SB 42. I do use a powered sub, PSW10, connected in parallel with the L & R fronts. I never need to raise the volume more than -20db on the volume scale (less than halfway). My room is 13' x 19' x 8' high with an 8' opening to the adjacent dining room. I am setting up a separate 2 channel music system, so that is no longer an issue except for FM radio which will still be on the HT system for a while. I still have not tried your suggestion for doubling up the ribbon cable, but will report back when I do.

Jim

TECHNOKID

jimbo1421 wrote: »

Hi TK, thanks for your reply. Yes, I do have the SB 42. I do use a powered sub, PSW10, connected in parallel with the L & R fronts. I never need to raise the volume more than -20db on the volume scale (less than halfway). My room is 13' x 19' x 8' high with an 8' opening to the adjacent dining room. I am setting up a separate 2 channel music system, so that is no longer an issue except for FM radio which will still be on the HT system for a while. I still have not tried your suggestion for doubling up the ribbon cable, but will report back when I do.

Jim

When it comes to your 2 channel set-up, depending of the quality you want to achieve, the dampering factor should then be considered unless you are thinking of using an external powered subwoofer there also. As far as FM radio listening, again depending on the quality you are expecting... IE: Trying to reproduce music faithfully in a stereo mode, then you might consider using an FM receiver on your 2 channel set-up. If solely for casual news or air talk show, then your present set-up would be fine. For HT purpose, the only thing you might consider upgrading if budget allows is your subwoofer which has quite limited performance/efficiency (low power = 50 watts and low end frequency at 35Hz): http://www.polkaudio.com/homeaudio/psw/specs.php. With pricing going down on the PSW series, you could do better power wise and trying to get better low ends (IE: PSW110 and up would improve power rating while PSW505 and up would improve the low end also): http://www.polkaudio.com/homeaudio/specs/recent/psw505/

Cheers

jimbo1421

TECHNOKID wrote: »

When it comes to your 2 channel set-up, depending of the quality you want to achieve, the dampering factor should then be considered unless you are thinking of using an external powered subwoofer there also. As far as FM radio listening, again depending on the quality you are expecting... IE: Trying to reproduce music faithfully in a stereo mode, then you might consider using an FM receiver on your 2 channel set-up. If solely for casual news or air talk show, then your present set-up would be fine. For HT purpose, the only thing you might consider upgrading if budget allows is your subwoofer which has quite limited performance/efficiency (low power = 50 watts and low end frequency at 35Hz): http://www.polkaudio.com/homeaudio/psw/specs.php. With pricing going down on the PSW series, you could do better power wise and trying to get better low ends (IE: PSW110 and up would improve power rating while PSW505 and up would improve the low end also): http://www.polkaudio.com/homeaudio/specs/recent/psw505/

Cheers

Thanks TK, when I come back around to improving the HT I will look at a better sub. Meanwhile I picked up a Parasound HCA-1000A amp and an NAD 106 preamp for two channel. The Parasound has a damping factor of > 800 at 20 Hz. Probably enough, eh?

Regards,
Jim

MrBean

Hi All,

I picked up a used Surroundbar 42 on the weekend, with a Polk PSW303 sub, and a Yamaha RV1103 receiver. I have a 46" LCD TV, that is in a corner of a room and there are no real options for surround speakers.

I have the speaker on a glass stand under the TV, inside the TV cabinet. I have a couple of questions that I would appreciate advice?

1. The speaker on the glass shelf just fits, there is maybe 1/2 inch either side in the opening of the TV cabinet. Will this affect the surround sound? Do i need a clear space at each end of the speaker for the surround to work properly?

2. What is the best method for connecting the speaker and sub to the amp, the manual explains two options and i have a sub out on the receiver, and LFE in on the sub? My amp does not have a crossover setting for the sub.

3. My amp has a delay setting range on Dolby Digital from 0 - 15MS, what would be the recommended setting?

My sitting position is a little off centre, and I am having a hard time hearing the surround effects, so any help is appreceated in advance.

Thanks,
Andrew

jimbo1421

MrBean wrote: »

Hi All,

I picked up a used Surroundbar 42 on the weekend, with a Polk PSW303 sub, and a Yamaha RV1103 receiver. I have a 46" LCD TV, that is in a corner of a room and there are no real options for surround speakers.

I have the speaker on a glass stand under the TV, inside the TV cabinet. I have a couple of questions that I would appreciate advice?

1. The speaker on the glass shelf just fits, there is maybe 1/2 inch either side in the opening of the TV cabinet. Will this affect the surround sound? Do i need a clear space at each end of the speaker for the surround to work properly?

2. What is the best method for connecting the speaker and sub to the amp, the manual explains two options and i have a sub out on the receiver, and LFE in on the sub? My amp does not have a crossover setting for the sub.

3. My amp has a delay setting range on Dolby Digital from 0 - 15MS, what would be the recommended setting?

My sitting position is a little off centre, and I am having a hard time hearing the surround effects, so any help is appreceated in advance.

Thanks,
Andrew

Hi Andrew,

I have a similar corner setup except that the right side is open to the dining room. The stand has a back post and swivel to mount the HDTV and my SurroundBar 42 sits on top of the stand in its cradle just below and a bit forward of the TV. I found that having the stand and SB 45 degrees across the corner didn't work very well. I got a sound reflection off the left wall which was too close to the SB. It pulled the sound stage to the left. I also have to have the subwoofer on the left side which doesn't help. I turned the stand, TV and SB about 30 degrees off the left wall and pulled the SB about a 16" away from the wall this reduced the reflection quite a bit. I think the SB functions best with no obstructions on either side. Try pulling your SB somewhat forward of the face of your cabinet.

If you don't have the manual you can download it here:
http://www.polkaudio.com/downloads/manuals/home/SurroundBar_QuickStartGuide.pdf

I followed the wiring diagram in step 5 with the subwoofer wired in parallel with the L & R fronts to the speaker level inputs on the sub. In the AVR menu I set all speakers to large and Subwoofer off. (This routes the LFE to the L & R fronts. There is a filter in the SB that mutes the base that it receives.) I followed an addendum which came with my SB (attached below) and set the delay to 15 ms and boosted the surround channels to +6 db (some people go as high as +12 db). I also boost the center channel as needed to hear the dialog better.

Setting up the subwoofer as I have bypasses the crossover in my AVR. I set the low pass filter on my PSW10 to about 100-110 Hz which is the low end of the SB frequency response. I adjust the sub's volume as necessary to keep it from booming. Try these settings and then adjust from there. At best, with a well produced 5.1 DVD I get a sound field close to 180 degrees and good LFE thump from the sub.

Master and Commander is a good disk for testing. There are quiet scenes below decks with creaking ship noises coming from all around and battle scenes that fill your room with cannon fire. There is not a high degree of directionality in the surround field but it can surprise you at times.

After you have tried some of these arrangements quit fiddling with your HT and just kick back and enjoy the movie.

Regards,
Jim