Polk N1 Surroundbar

Full, clear sound. Visually striking. Affordable. Simulated surround effect gives the soundbar a "big" sound.

Mediocre bass. Gaming audio modes are strangely labeled. Display lights aren't clear enough.

A soundbar made specifically for gaming can potentially be gimmicky and overpriced, but the Polk N1 Surroundbar fortunately avoids that by simply being a very good soundbar. Even if you're not a gamer, its modest price, eye-catching design, Bluetooth...

I tested the N1 by playing some Forza Motorsport 5 and Killer Instinct on the Xbox One, switching between Forza and Halo modes to determine how each work. Effectively, Halo mode is a surround-sound-simulating mode that broadens the dynamic range and...