Sub Woofer Vs. Sound Bar Set Up?

Evanguy2004

Although I just sank all my money into a PSW111 separate Sub Woofer (Along with a R/L and Center w/ no rears yet), I am now reading about the Polk Audio Sound Bar set up. I understand that in this Sound Bar you not only get a ton of speakers that move the music as if in surround sound (No rears needed) along with having a built in Sub Woofer. Has anyone ever compared the difference of going just Sound Bar Vs. Separate Sub Woofer set up? I would have to think the Soundbar setup is more for the guy who doesn't like to tinker with the separate speakers. Does the soundbar set up really sound that good that you don't need anymore speakers (Not even the rears?) How does the Sub Woofer sound in this type of set up?

Thoughts?

jimbo1421

None of the SurroundBars have built-in subwoofers, although the SurroundBar 50 can reach down to 60 Hz and the Instant Home Theater has a separate subwoofer. I use the SurroundBar 42 with a PSW10 wired in parallel with the fronts, and I can tell you that it is definitely needed. I set the crossover to about 110 Hz and adjust the volume frequently depending on the source. It creates a sound stage of about 160 degrees but without a high degree of localization, which is fine with me.

TECHNOKID

jimbo1421 wrote: »

None of the SurroundBars have built-in subwoofers, although the SurroundBar 50 can reach down to 60 Hz and the Instant Home Theater has a separate subwoofer. I use the SurroundBar 42 with a PSW10 wired in parallel with the fronts, and I can tell you that it is definitely needed. I set the crossover to about 110 Hz and adjust the volume frequently depending on the source. It creates a sound stage of about 160 degrees but without a high degree of localization, which is fine with me.

I too use the surroundbar 42" along with a PSW110 subwoofer. I prefer my subwoofer hooked-up to the LFE (subsonic Frequencies) and it was compared with my RM20 package 5.1 system and to be honest the result is fairly close (in this case the RM20 package basically uses the same drivers). If you have the subwoofer already, you'd much better concentrate on the surroundbar 42" or 50" instead of of the Instant Home Theater. The instant Home Theater isn't as powerfull as the surroundbars.

Cheers

Evanguy2004

I found the section of the Polk Audio Soundbar site that made reference to the built in sub woofer bass that eliminate the need for a separate sub woofer with the sound bar. See below.....Someone said there is no sub woofer built into these soundbars?


Style and surround sound, together at last.
You just bought a new flat panel, wide screen HDTV. All you need is some great sound to go with that beautiful picture. How do you feel about installing speakers all around your room and running wires everywhere to add surround sound to your new TV? Don't worry, there's an easier way. Polk Audio SurroundBar Series speakers achieve single-speaker surround sound from one slim speaker bar. Our exclusive patented SDA Surround Digital Technology eliminates the need for rear speakers. With four models to choose from, you'll be sure to find a SurroundBar that fits almost any application. Our patented PowerPort Bass Venting Technology, advanced Digital Signal Processing and Neodymium motor structures that create "built-in subwoofer bass" eliminating the need for a separate subwoofer are just some of the exciting innovations SurroundBar offers.

danger boy

I think that quote from Polk surroundbar is if you are looking to upgrade the sound from the speakers that come built into your TV, the surroundBar is a big upgrade.. and if you only listen to the speakers in your TV, the SurroundBar offers surround sound. how many flat screen TV's offer built in subwoofers? very few right??

to upgrade your built in TV speakers, the SurroundBar + a subwoofer not only upgrades your sound.. but takes in the level of a home theater. A TV's built in speakers is not a home theater.

That's where I think that quote is from and what it means.

I have heard and used a surroundbar and then NEED a subwoofer. which you already have... so now you just need a surroundBar and you are golden.

Evanguy2004

danger boy wrote: »

I think that quote from Polk surroundbar is if you are looking to upgrade the sound from the speakers that come built into your TV, the surroundBar is a big upgrade.. and if you only listen to the speakers in your TV, the SurroundBar offers surround sound. how many flat screen TV's offer built in subwoofers? very few right??

to upgrade your built in TV speakers, the SurroundBar + a subwoofer not only upgrades your sound.. but takes in the level of a home theater. A TV's built in speakers is not a home theater.

That's where I think that quote is from and what it means.

I have heard and used a surroundbar and then NEED a subwoofer. which you already have... so now you just need a surroundBar and you are golden.

I don't know if I need a Soundbar if I have Polk Audio Studio 10's, a nice set of Center Sepakers and my PSW111. From reading this discription it sounds like a sound bar could be for those who don't like to tinker and set up individual speakers. I mean could a sound bar sound better than my Polk Audio Studio 10's and Center Channel? Possibly it could give me a better surround sound experience since I don't have rear speakers yet. Is a sound bar used primarily for movie and TV use? Or do they sound decent to play music through them too?

TECHNOKID

Evanguy2004 wrote: »

I don't know if I need a Soundbar if I have Polk Audio Studio 10's, a nice set of Center Sepakers and my PSW111. From reading this discription it sounds like a sound bar could be for those who don't like to tinker and set up individual speakers. I mean could a sound bar sound better than my Polk Audio Studio 10's and Center Channel? Possibly it could give me a better surround sound experience since I don't have rear speakers yet. Is a sound bar used primarily for movie and TV use? Or do they sound decent to play music through them too?

* A surroundbar is an alternative for people that can not or do not wish to install speakers all over the room.

* A surroundbar will easily compete with most HTIBs.

* A surroundbar will never fully compete with stand alone speakers, there are concessions to be made.

* A surroundbar can be complemented with rear speakers thus providing you with a much closer experience to reality or full surrounding.

* A surroundbar is best suited for movie watching but not ideal for music listening. For music listening, one can have an extra pair of speakers installed on "B" for such which can also be used as presence during movie watching.

You can either make a decision on slowly upgrading your system to a 5.1 or 7.1 system by matching the type of speakers you presently own. You could incorporate the speakers you presently own to a surroundbar. The choice is yours, it simply depends on your needs and room ability to run cables.

Cheers

Evanguy2004

Thanks for this advice technokid! Good stuff indeed!

Evanguy2004

xcapri79 wrote: »

Great response Technokid. Who needs BOSE when you can have a Soundbar!
It is a great invention for those who want decent sound with a minimum of wires and clutter.

Another good choice for a sub to go along with a Soundbar is the Polk Micropro 1000.
It is compact with good bass response. It looks good too.

Another good compact sub is the PSW111. It is a 150w Polk Audio Sub Woofer. I just picked mine up at the now defuncted Circuit City for $150 (50% off). I am really enjoying the sound!!

TECHNOKID

Evanguy2004 wrote: »

Another good compact sub is the PSW111. It is a 150w Polk Audio Sub Woofer. I just picked mine up at the now defuncted Circuit City for $150 (50% off). I am really enjoying the sound!!

I agree with you, typically when the sub is included, they include a PSW10 with the surrounbar. Personnally I use the PSW110. The Polk site recommends the DSW400 with the surroundbar if you want this line. Your sub has good power for its size and it has good reviews. Pricing is good too as bid starts at 149$ on eBay for a refurbished! By the way, if the sub is satisfying in your room, the surroundbar would definitely do the job also and also be a good match with this sub.

Cheers

Tarheelblue

TECHNOKID wrote: »

I agree with you, typically when the sub is included, they include a PSW10 with the surrounbar. Personnally I use the PSW110. The Polk site recommends the DSW400 with the surroundbar if you want this line. Your sub has good power for its size and it has good reviews. Pricing is good too as bid starts at 149$ on eBay for a refurbished! By the way, if the sub is satisfying in your room, the surroundbar would definitely do the job also and also be a good match with this sub.

Cheers

Technokid, I am assuming you like your Psw110. I just got the Surround Bar 360 and I talked to Polk tech guy before getting it and he suggested that I hold off on a subwoofer until after I hear the Surround Bar by itself. I do think that the bass coming out of it is pretty good but am thinking about the Psw10 or 110. My budget would be at the top with the 110. Any ideas on whether the Psw 10 would do the job or go with the 110? Thanks for any ibnfo.

TECHNOKID

Tarheelblue wrote: »

Technokid, I am assuming you like your Psw110. I just got the Surround Bar 360 and I talked to Polk tech guy before getting it and he suggested that I hold off on a subwoofer until after I hear the Surround Bar by itself. I do think that the bass coming out of it is pretty good but am thinking about the Psw10 or 110. My budget would be at the top with the 110. Any ideas on whether the Psw 10 would do the job or go with the 110? Thanks for any ibnfo.

Sound advice from your tech as Polk claims the 360 doesn't need a subwoofer. Very clever to try the product without sub and see if you are satisfied. Now, if you feel a subwoofer would improve your experience go for it.

The PSW10 is in fact what is provided with the bar when marketting offers such promotion. I have read many happy users of the PSW10 as it was also offered as a promotion with RM10 5 pack. The PSW10 is in the bottom of the PSW line. Then there is the PSW110 and 111 that are pretty close to ech other performance wise. If I knew better, I would have pushed for the PSW125 which offer better performance. The last but not the least, the PSW505 which provides you with much better performance. From the testimonials here, the PSW505 is now priced very "appealingly". The bottom line will be your budget, your personal craving for bass and the size of your room.

Here is a comparision of the above mentioned subwoofer. I would pay attention to the bottom limit (low) more than anything else (except for the PSW10 which has only 50 watts of effective power, the 110 has double):

http://www.polkaudio.com/homeaudio/psw/specs.php

Now, if you look at the soundbars comparision, you will noticed that Polk is very shy of details on the 360 (not a single mention of any of the very important performance specs!):

http://www.polkaudio.com/homeaudio/surroundbar/specs.php

The lack of the specs is ratter dissapointing and worrying therefore, it is therefore VERY hard to say if it is even worthwhile combining with any of the above entry level subwoofers! The only thing we can rely on, is Polk's claim that it does generate the lows and therefore that one doesn't need a subwoofer! The question is how LOW is the 360 suppose to be able to perform? If it is somewhat close to what the entry level subs go (due to the extremely small size of the drivers, I highly doubt it!) you would then simply be wasting your money adding such a sub.

If your user manual doesn't provide you with the 360 specs, I would definitely request the info from Polk before going any further. Then, if you think you still want to buy any of the entry level sub, I would strongly suggest you buy it from a store such as BB which has a good return policy in order to return promptly if you feel it doesn't add enough bass for your investment. I hope this helps?

Now, if your room is of fair size and you feel lots of bass is a must and if the 360 doesn't cover that much of the lows, the 505 has good power and frequency response specs:

http://www.polkaudio.com/homeaudio/specs/recent/psw505/

Cheers

Tarheelblue

Thanks, Techno, I will be researching further, Haven't seen any special prices on 505 will also check that out.

marley debbie

I've also been thinking about getting the Polk Audio Soundbar. Well, now it seems that it's not the best choice so I probably have to look for another device and do some comparison shopping to find something that fits my need. Would appreciate any further recommendations.

concealer404

Ermmmm...... you did your homework, for a spammer.