Talk about perfect timing. Just last month, we told you how the soundbar market doubled last year. Now, Polk Audio is looking to keep the streak alive, announcing the new SurroundBar 9000 Instant Home Theater (IHT) and SurroundBar 5000 IHT.
Both soundbar packages include Polk Digital Logic technology, which uses the company's digital signal processing to optimize system performance without a complicated setup process.
At just 31 inches wide and 2.25 inches deep, the SurroundBar 5000 is a bit of a standout, as the first Polk Audio SurroundBar to feature Bluetooth support. That means you won't need to be tethered to rock out music from an iPhone, iPod touch, iPad or an Android smartphone.
Polk promises that streaming experience to be stellar, too, thanks to the apt-X codec. The SurroundBar 5000 IHT is also paired with a 6.5-inch wireless subwoofer.
Of course, the SurroundBar 9000 IHT is no slouch, either. This slim design packs in a 3D audio surround experience and processing for Dolby Digital and DTS. It's also self-powered, boasting a total of 510 watts of total peak power.
Helping to deliver that sound, the 9000's soundbar has a total of eight drivers. That includes five 2.5-inch midrange drivers and three 0.5-inch silk dome tweeters. Rounding out the set is a 150-watt, 8-inch wireless subwoofer. That means you can place that sub almost anywhere -- up to 50 feet away.
Other features on the SurroundBar 9000 IHT include dual tuned ports, two digital optical inputs, Polk's own SDA Surround technology, and an Optimized Center Array (OCA) design for a better center-speaker experience. Measuring 3.75-by-44.62-by-2.25 inches, the SurroundBar 9000 IHT is the perfect length for pairing with any 50-inch flat panel.
"With the 9000, we've really taken the driver technology to new heights," says Polk Product Line Manager Al Baron. "And, it includes all of the technologies that have made our Instant Home Theater line such a success, including SmartBar programming, which enables our SurroundBars to easily learn power on/off, volume up/down and mute from your existing TV remote control. It makes operation as simple as can be."
Both new SurroundBars come packing a backup remote or you can use your own. Each one also has built-in keyhole slots for mounting. Polk will start selling the SurroundBar 9000 IHT and the SurroundBar 5000 IHT in September 2012. Expect MSRPs to be $849 and $399, respectively.
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