Bookshelf Speaker Reviews

Speaker: SurroundBar
Type: 5-channel on-wall
Tweeter (size in inches, type): 0.75, silk/polymer-composite dome (3)
Midrange (size in inches, type): N/A
Woofer (size in inches, type): 3.5 (7)
Nominal Impedance (ohms): 8
Recommended Amp Power (watts): 20-125 watts/channel
Available Finishes: Black, Brushed Aluminum
Dimensions (H x W x D, inches): 4.43 x 42.625 x 5.125
Weight (pounds): 25
Price: $950
** These listings are based on the manufacturer's stated specs; the HT Labs box below indicates the gear's performance on our test bench.

Ratings: Polk Audio SurroundBar Speaker System

Build Quality: 92
• Beautiful and sturdy aluminum cabinet
• Speaker grille is a little flimsy (but there's no reason to take if off anyway)
• Fit and finish are excellent

Value: 91
• It costs more than a lot of HTiBs, but the performance is much better—and there's no rear-channel speakers to set up.
• Wall-mount and shelf/TV-top cradle included
• Five-channel speaker wire included

Features: 89
• Angle speaker unit up or down with either the wall-mount bracket or cradle
• Speaker connections and included wire are color coded
• Speaker connections are easily accessed on the back
• Needs a subwoofer for best performance

Performance: 92
• Very impressive 180 degrees (or more) of surround sound
• Easily handled high-volume passages

Ergonomics: 98
• You can't get much better than this when it comes to putting five channels in your room
• Wall-mount bracket can be used with flat-panel TV-pivoting wall-mounts so speaker turns with the TV

Overall Rating: 92
It's ideal for anyone who wants the ultimate in simplicity but doesn't want to give up too much performance. It's also a perfect for a second system in a home, say the master bedroom.