![]() Unlike the Command Bar, which was one of the first soundbars to come with Alexa, the React was quick to respond to my commands. Polk React review: AlexaĪlexa’s smart functionality is consistent whether you’re using a soundbar or smart speaker, so the React’s implementation of the digital assistant works as you’d expect. It reached about 95 decibels at full volume, though the sound became harsh and distorted at that level. The React can also get plenty loud, despite its relatively small size. Vincent’s “Pay Your Way in Pain” got a bit compressed coming out of the 2.0 system, but the React’s bass again shined on the funky synths. The chorus of Lorde’s “Solar Power” sounded big and full, while the strummed guitar on Billie Eilish’s “Your Power” was suitably warm. The React is still a solid music machine - when listening to two-channel music I didn’t miss having a wide soundstage as much. And when Thor threw Stormbreaker in Infinity War, the React couldn’t make it feel like the axe moved around me, as many soundbars with virtual surround sound will. Instead of filling the room, the sound was confined to the space right in front of me. However, this scene also served to demonstrate how the lack of surround sound, even virtual, made the experience less engaging than it could be. When Thor brought the lightning in Avengers: Infinity War, the bass rattled my TV stand and made the effect tactile, while the snide banter between Jean Smart and Hannah Einbinder in Hacks was clear (and cutting).ĭuring the “96,000” scene of In the Heights, the vocals were rich and the bass helped drive the song. But because the React lacks virtual surround sound or Dolby Atmos support, it creates a much narrower soundfield than many soundbars available today. The React sounds good overall, but it’s the booming bass that is the welcome surprise - especially since there’s no subwoofer and given its slim profile. But the effect was minimal on the overall sound. I wanted more treble and midrange in the sound, so I bumped those up. If you want to further tweak the sound, you can go into the Alexa app and find a three-band equalizer. I found the Movie mode to be the liveliest, even when listening to music. You can also use the remote or your voice to switch among three sound modes: Music, Sport and Movie. I didn’t need to pump up the bass, but I did want dialog at a higher level. You can adjust the bass and voice levels with the remote. The React has a QR code on the back to make that process easy. Then launch the Alexa app to get it on your network and working with Alexa. ![]() After you connect it to your TV with an HDMI cable, installation is done. Optional but worthwhile EQ tweaks available via Alexa.If you add the wireless surrounds, you can also use the remote to change the balance and volume of those. You can activate Alexa, switch between TV audio and Bluetooth, change the volume, adjust the bass and voice levels and pick a sound mode. The remote has large, well spaced buttons. The React also includes a USB port and a button for pairing with Polk’s wireless subwoofer and wireless surrounds, which are sold separately. On the back you’ll find an HDMI port with audio return channel (ARC) for easy connection to your TV, or you can use an optical digital audio cable. ![]() There are four microphones dotted around the React, which helps make Alexa responsive to your voice. Mainly though, you’ll be happy using Alexa voice commands to adjust the sound. The top has the Echo-like controls, including buttons to activate Alexa or mute the microphones. ![]()
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