Most likly suspect would be defective solder connections on the main circuit board. This is a common problem in "all electronic equipment", more so in equipment that generates a fair amount of heat. The expansion/contraction of the circuit board will eventually cause microscopic cracks in the solder, around the component lead. This effectivly takes some parts out of the circuit. A large resistor, with high current, will even crystalize the solder, in some cases. When the solder is crystalized, its resistance increases, causing the voltage to drop. This problem will increase, due to EPA ruling that "lead" based solder will no longer be allowed. There are several "no lead solders" available, but their connection properties have not been tested over time. Eventually a good lead free solder will be developed, but untill that time, the customer is the "guinea pig". pw

I don't have any direct experience with speaker bars, but I can try to answer your questions anyway. Firstly, can you use a speaker bar but use your rear speakers? I think the answer is yes, but it depends on the speaker bar you choose. If the bar has a separate set of binding posts for each channel, then I guess you could do it, and part of the speaker bar would never get used. I looked at a few bars after reading your post and a few of them used optical audio connectors instead - something like that you wouldn't be able to separate the channels out. So make sure you know what the inputs on the back look like. Also, I found one or two units that only have the front and center channels on them (no rears). Something like this might be ideal for you since you don't have to worry about paying for extra speakers in the bar that you are not using. You could still send your rears back if you want, get a full speaker bar. I don't see how they could sound as good as a nice set of independent speakers, but most folks are not picky enough to care. Also - if you want any kind of punch in your bass, you'll still want a separate subwoofer, even with the speaker bar. Again, you might not be picky enough to care.

I don't know what size of soundbar that is but it's likely got tiny speakers just like the TV. Polk is fairly respectable but it is what it is. You might consider larger speakers set to the left and right of the TV - in your case, wall mounted. Bookshelf speakers would work. Then you'd need an amp to power them, unless they are powered speakers. Surround systems have a center channel which is where most of the dialogue comes from. I don't think your problem is really the lack of multiple speakers, it's the quality of the ones you have. You could put speakers behind as you suggest, but feed them the L and R front signals instead of rear surround signal. Wireless is a good idea. I don't know what's on the market for that, I'm an old school audio dude. Have you checked the audio settings in the TV setup menu? Make sure you don't have artificial surround or anything weird turned on. That can create echoes in the sound and make it harder to hear. Also set your tone controls relatively flat. I run my TV sound into a vintage receiver and then to a pair of floorstanding Klipsch Kg 4.2's. We have no problem filling the cathedral ceiling room with very clear sound. But these are 40 lb speakers with 10" woofers. You may not be ready for that but it sure works.

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