Re: Polk sound bar
The Polk bar has an input for all 5 channels, and they accept banana plugs - so there are inputs for right rear and left rear. You use your receiver to set the channel levels, just as if it was a complete system. They recommend a +3 db level increase for the rear channels. In the review I read, they said the simulated surround worked better when this rear level was set higher then the recommended +3db level.
I found this description:
"Speaker Terminals: The SurroundBar50 has five high-quality 5-way binding post input terminals, one each for front left, center, front right, rear right, and rear left channels. In addition to pin, spade, banana, and dual banana connectors, bare wire up to 11 gauge will fit. You will need to remove a plug inserted in the center of each post if you wish to use banana plugs."
From this link:
Polk Audio SurroundBar®50 5-channel home theater speaker at Crutchfield.com
From that same link - they had this one review - of course, they are trying to sell you this thing, so only having 1 review that is positive seems a little fishy:
"Polk Audio SurroundBar®50
Written By Janet, Chicago, IL on Wednesday, January 16, 2008
The Polk Audio SurroundBar 50 is better than I expected. It truly sounds as if there are multiple speakers throughout the room. It is an excellent solution for smaller areas or rooms where running speaker wire is an issue. Combined with the Polk Subwoofer PRO400, it is an exceptional quality surround sound. I do, however, have two suggestions. First, there should be some cut out in the mount to enable the cord from the TV and HDMI cable connected to the receiver to run down the wall and, second, Polk should include bolts/screws to adhere the mount to the wall. These were not included. "
From the reviews I read - all of the reviewers agreed that this simulated surround mode was no substitue for an actual 5 speaker system, but if you wanted to go with the single "bar" method, this one was pretty good....
