The Polk Audio React Home Theater System is a smart and expandable soundbar system that offers room-filling surround sound with Alexa voice control built-in. The system consists of the main React soundbar, a wireless subwoofer, and two wireless surround speakers. The system is designed to work with virtually any TV and remote control, and it can be set up easily through the Alexa app. The system also supports Dolby and DTS audio formats, and it can be expanded with additional speakers for a full 5.1 or 7.1 experience.
Performance – Polk Audio React Home Theater System
The Polk Audio React Home Theater System delivers impressive sound quality for its size and price. The soundbar produces clear dialogue, thanks to the Polk Voice Adjust technology, and it has good bass response, even without the subwoofer. The subwoofer adds more depth and punch to the low frequencies, while the surround speakers create a more immersive soundstage. The system also has preset sound modes for movies, music, and night listening, as well as the ability to adjust the volume and sound modes with voice commands. The system can also stream music from various online services, such as Spotify, Amazon Music, and Apple Music.
Comparison – Polk Audio React Home Theater System
The Polk Audio React Home Theater System is a good option for those who want a smart and versatile soundbar system that can be upgraded over time. However, it is not the cheapest or the most powerful system on the market. Some of its competitors are:
- The Vizio Elevate 5.1.4 Soundbar System, which has rotating speakers that automatically adjust to Dolby Atmos and DTS:X content, creating a more realistic overhead sound effect. However, this system is more expensive and does not have Alexa built-in.
- The Sonos Arc 5.1 Surround Set, which is a sleek and elegant soundbar system that integrates seamlessly with other Sonos speakers and devices. It also supports Dolby Atmos and has excellent sound quality. However, this system is also more expensive and requires a separate Sonos app for setup and control.
- The Samsung HW-Q950A 11.1.4 Soundbar System, which is one of the most powerful and immersive soundbar systems available, with 11 channels of sound and four upward-firing speakers for Dolby Atmos and DTS:X. It also has Alexa built-in and supports eARC for high-quality audio transmission. However, this system is very expensive and bulky, and it may not fit well in smaller spaces.
Rating – Polk Audio React Home Theater System
The Polk Audio React Home Theater System is rated on the following key decision-making factors:
- Room size: 4/5. The system can fill a medium to large room with clear and balanced sound, but it may not be loud enough for very large spaces.
- Speaker placement: 4/5. The system is easy to place, as the soundbar can be mounted on the wall or placed on a table, and the subwoofer and surround speakers are wireless. However, the surround speakers need to be plugged into power outlets, which may limit their placement options.
- Speaker type: 4/5. The system uses dynamic drivers for the soundbar and subwoofer, and full-range drivers for the surround speakers. These are common types of speakers that offer good performance for most types of content. However, they may not be as detailed or accurate as other types of speakers, such as planar magnetic or electrostatic.
- Amplifier power: 3/5. The system does not disclose its total power output, but it is estimated to be around 200 watts. This is sufficient for most users, but it may not be enough for those who want very loud or dynamic sound.
- Compatibility: 5/5. The system is compatible with virtually any TV and remote control, thanks to its HDMI ARC port and IR learning feature. It also supports Dolby and DTS audio formats, as well as Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity.
- Budget: 4/5. The system is reasonably priced for its features and performance, especially considering that it can be expanded with additional speakers over time. However, it is still more expensive than buying a dedicated system all at once. Buy this amazing product in just $667 at Amazon
- Audio quality: 4/5. The system offers excellent audio quality for its size and price, with clear dialogue, good bass response, and immersive surround sound. It also has preset sound modes for different types of content, as well as voice control for adjusting the sound settings.
- Durability: 4/5. The system is well-built and sturdy, with a slim and elegant design that blends into any home decor. It also comes with a one-year warranty from Polk Audio.
- Design: 4/5. The system has a simple and classy design that does not draw attention to itself. It has a cloth-covered rectangle shape for the soundbar, a compact cube shape for the subwoofer, and small rectangular shapes for the surround speakers. It also has an Alexa unit built into the soundbar, which adds some functionality and convenience.
FAQs – Polk Audio React Home Theater System
Q: How do I set up the Polk Audio React Home Theater System?
A: You can set up the system easily through the Alexa app on your smartphone or tablet. You need to connect the soundbar to your TV using the HDMI ARC port, and then plug in the subwoofer and surround speakers to power outlets. The subwoofer and surround speakers will pair automatically with the soundbar. You can then follow the instructions on the Alexa app to connect the system to your Wi-Fi network and enable Alexa voice control.
Q: How do I expand the Polk Audio React Home Theater System with additional speakers?
A: You can expand the system with additional speakers for a full 5.1 or 7.1 experience, depending on your preference and room size. You can add two more surround speakers for a 5.1 setup, or four more surround speakers and two height speakers for a 7.1 setup. You need to buy the Polk Audio SR2 Wireless Surround Speakers and the Polk Audio SR2 Wireless Height Speakers separately, and then pair them with the soundbar using the Alexa app.
Q: How do I control the Polk Audio React Home Theater System with voice commands?
A: You can control the system with voice commands using Alexa, which is built into the soundbar. You can use voice commands to adjust the volume, change the sound mode, play music from various online services, and more. You can also use voice commands to control other smart devices that are compatible with Alexa, such as lights, thermostats, cameras, etc. You need to say “Alexa” followed by your command to activate Alexa on the soundbar.
Q: How do I use the IR learning feature of the Polk Audio React Home Theater System?
A: The IR learning feature enables the soundbar to learn the commands from your TV remote control, so you can use one remote to control both devices. You need to press and hold the source button on the soundbar for three seconds until you hear a beep, and then point your TV remote at the soundbar and press the power button. You will hear another beep when the soundbar learns the command. You can repeat this process for other buttons, such as volume, mute, input, etc.
Q: What are the advantages and disadvantages of the Polk Audio React Home Theater System?
A: The advantages of the system are:
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- Clear dialogue, thanks to the Polk VoiceAdjust technology
- Good bass response, even without the subwoofer
- Immersive surround sound, thanks to the wireless surround speakers
- Easy setup and control, thanks to the Alexa app and IR learning feature
- Expandable with additional speakers for a full 5.1 or 7.1 experience The disadvantages of the system are:
- Not very loud or dynamic, compared to more powerful systems
- Surround speakers need to be plugged into power outlets, which may limit their placement options
- Not very detailed or accurate, compared to other types of speakers
Read review of bose 3.1 home theater system as another option for your home theater choice.
