Sound quality:
Polk Audio's True Surround III has Good overall sound quality - this model reproduces music and dialog reasonably well despite the obvious shortcomings in its sound. Bass has good impact and goes fairly deep but is a bit prominent and somewhat boomy. Midrange is even, but is a bit grainy, echoey and etched, and a touch hazy. Treble is extended, but is a bit prominent and a bit smeared and sizzly. Does a decent job of recovering room ambience, but the echoey quality of the midrange gives the sound a slight artificial "processed" quality and the overall sound is a bit congested. When playing stereo program material with the rear surround speakers set to minimum the sound field extends somewhat above and a bit to the sides of the soundbar, but lacks depth.
There was no significant difference in sound quality between the HDMI, optical, analog, and Bluetooth inputs. When playing some program material the volume level sporadically momentarily dips noticeably.
Sound Modes
The various sound modes have a noticeable effect on the sound field and/or tonal balance and/or volume level. Raising the volume level of the rear surround speakers by a small to moderate amount subtly widens the sound field; raising the volume level of the rear surround speakers by a large amount makes the sound field noticeably wider and the overall sound becomes echoey.
Multichannel
When playing Dolby digital 5.1 channel program material with the rear surround speakers properly positioned behind the listener and their volume levels properly adjusted the sound field sounds taller and wider and, depending on the program material, may even envelope the listener on the sides and to the rear; however it still lacks depth.
Sound Modes
The various sound modes have a noticeable effect on the sound field and/or tonal balance and/or volume level.
Tech Note: This model would have scored in the very good range based on sound quality alone, but score dropped to good due to the volume fluctuation issue.
The system can provide satisfying volume in a medium sized room.
TV ease of use: Excellent overall.
Features ease of use: Excellent overall.
