We were just talking up Boston Acoustics' new soundbar offerings. Now, it looks like Polk Audio has a few soundbar options to add into the mix. We told you they were getting popular! If you still aren't sold, take a peek at what Polk is cranking out for the category.
First up is the SurroundBar 5000, the company's very first Bluetooth soundbar. Having that wireless connectivity option means that you don't even need the speaker to be tethered to a source; you can just send music from your Bluetooth-enabled smartphone, tablet or some other device, right to the speaker. No cables or complicated configuration processes are needed!
Measuring 31 inches wide and 2.25 inches deep, the SurroundBar 5000 also has the apt-X codec, Polk Digital Logic proprietary processing, and built-in keyhole slots for mounting. The soundbar is paired with a 6.5-inch subwoofer, which is wireless, making it easy to place (or hide) in almost any room.
For a slight step up, Polk is planning to release the reference SurroundBar 9000 Instant Home Theater (IHT) early next year. The SurroundBar 9000 IHT is self-powered and promises 45 watts of discrete peak power to each of its eight drivers. That lineup includes five 2.5-inch midrange drivers and three 0.5-inch silk dome tweeters. Rounding out the SurroundBar 9000 IHT package is a 150-watt, 8-inch wireless subwoofer, which can be placed as far as 50 feet away.
Just in case math isn't your strongest suit, this means the entire package boasts 510 watts of total peak power -- or 25 times as much as the typical TV speakers it's designed to replace.
Other features include the Optimized Center Array (OCA) design and the new Full Complement Bass design, as well as patented SDA Surround technology. The SurroundBar 9000 IHT also has dual tuned ports and SmartBar programming, which allows the system to be paired with your existing remote control. Designed as a complement to any flat panel (although it should look nice with a 50-incher), the SurroundBar 9000 IHT includes two digital optical inputs, two analog audio inputs, and internal Dolby Digital and DTS processing.
Polk will start selling the SurroundBar 5000 sometime this month, with an MSRP of $399. The company then expects the SurroundBar 9000 IHT to start shipping in January 2013, with a suggested retail price of $849.
Where to Buy:
