Dolby Atmos soundbars used to cost over $1,500. But in 2021, the Polk Audio Signa S4 Review shows a new, affordable option. It brings immersive sound to those who want it without spending a lot.
The Polk Signa S4 costs just $399. It offers a 3.1.2 channel setup, proving that great sound doesn’t have to be expensive. Get ready to enhance your home theater without spending a fortune.
This soundbar is more than a budget-friendly choice. It shows Polk’s dedication to making advanced sound technologies accessible to everyone. With Dolby Atmos and a thoughtful design, the Signa S4 promises to change how you enjoy movies, music, and games.
Key Takeaways
- Affordable Dolby Atmos soundbar at just $399
- 3.1.2 channel configuration with wireless subwoofer
- Multiple sound modes for customized listening
- Compact design suitable for various room sizes
- Excellent value for budget-conscious audio enthusiasts
Overview: Introducing the Polk Audio Signa S4
The Polk Audio Signa S4 soundbar is a great choice for those who want a Dolby Atmos experience without spending a lot. It costs just $399 and has a 3.1.2 channel system. This system offers sound quality that’s hard to beat, even at higher prices.
Key Features at a Glance
Here are the top features of the Polk Audio Signa S4 Review:
- Dolby Atmos support with up-firing drivers
- Wireless subwoofer for enhanced bass performance
- Maximum peak volume of 102dB
- Three distinct listening modes
- Compact design measuring 41 inches in length
What’s in the Box
When you buy the Polk Audio Signa S4, you get everything you need to start:
- Soundbar with black acoustic fabric
- Wireless subwoofer
- Remote control with 2 AAA batteries
- HDMI cable
- Optical cable
- Wall-mount template and spacers
- Quick-start guide
First Impressions
The Polk Audio Signa S4 looks sleek and is well-made. It’s only 2.4 inches high, making it easy to fit in most homes. It has three acoustic chambers for clear sound and a wireless subwoofer for better bass.
Polk Audio has crafted a soundbar that balances performance and affordability, making immersive home audio accessible to more consumers.
The Signa S4 has HDMI eARC, optical input, and USB-A for connecting different devices. Its price and features make it a strong contender in the soundbar market.
Design and Build Quality
The Polk Audio Signa S4 soundbar has a sleek design that fits well in your home. It’s just 2 inches tall, making it perfect for small spaces. Polk’s focus on design is clear in this well-made audio system.
Key design features of the Polk Audio Signa S4 include:
- Ultra-slim profile perfect for minimalist home decor
- Sleek black finish with premium fabric covering
- Wireless subwoofer for flexible room placement
- Modern aesthetic that complements contemporary TV setups
The build quality shows Polk’s dedication to detail. It has a seven-driver array, including up-firing drivers for better sound. Its sturdy build is both durable and light, fitting well in your living room.
“A perfect blend of form and function, the Signa S4 proves that great sound doesn’t require sacrificing style.”
The Polk Audio Signa S4 is also easy to use. It works with 8K Ultra-HD TVs and has many connection options. It fits well in any space, from small apartments to large living rooms.
Connectivity Options and Setup Process
The Polk Audio Signa S4 Review shows a soundbar with many connection options. It’s easy to set up and fits well with your home entertainment. This makes it flexible for different audio setups.
HDMI and Digital Inputs
The Polk Audio Signa S4 has many ways to connect your devices. It includes:
- One HDMI eARC/ARC port for direct TV connection
- Digital optical input for alternative audio sources
- 3.5mm analog input for legacy devices
Wireless Connection Features
Wireless streaming is easy with the Signa S4’s Bluetooth. You can pair your phone, tablet, or laptop quickly. This lets you enjoy music without messy cables. The wireless subwoofer also makes the system look clean and cable-free.
Installation Guide
Setting up the Polk Audio Signa S4 is simple. Most people can do it in under 10 minutes. Here’s a quick guide:
- Unpack the soundbar and wireless subwoofer
- Place the soundbar beneath your TV
- Connect the HDMI cable to your TV’s eARC port
- Plug in the power cables for soundbar and subwoofer
- Power on and pair the wireless subwoofer automatically
“The Polk Audio Signa S4 delivers professional-grade connectivity in a user-friendly package.” – Audio Enthuasiast Magazine
The Signa S4 has a plug-and-play design. This means even those who aren’t tech-savvy can enjoy great sound in minutes.
Polk Audio Signa S4 Review: Performance Analysis
Let’s dive into the Polk Audio Signa S4 review. We’ll look at what makes this soundbar stand out in the home audio world. Our detailed analysis will show how it performs in different listening situations, revealing its real sound quality.
The Polk Audio Signa S4 has a strong 3.1.2-channel setup. It promises a full audio experience. Its special speaker design gives amazing sound staging:
- Two 1-inch tweeters for clear highs
- Two 4.7 x 1.6-inch mid-range drivers
- One 1-inch center full-range speaker
- Two 2.6-inch upfiring speakers for Dolby Atmos
We tested the Signa S4 in various audio scenarios. The wireless subwoofer, with its 5.9-inch down-firing woofer, adds depth and richness to the sound.
“The Polk Audio Signa S4 punches above its weight class in the budget soundbar market.” – Audio Performance Experts
Connectivity is key to the soundbar’s performance. It has:
| Connection Type | Details |
|---|---|
| HDMI eARC | Supports lossless DTS-HD Master Audio and Dolby TrueHD |
| Bluetooth | Wireless streaming with average performance |
| Optical Input | Additional connection option |
The Polk Audio Signa S4 Review shows it’s a great value. It’s perfect for those looking for an affordable yet powerful audio solution.
Sound Quality and Audio Performance
The Polk Audio Signa S4 offers top-notch sound quality. It makes your home entertainment better. Its sound profile is designed to give you a rich and immersive experience with all kinds of content.
Bass Response
The Signa S4 has great bass. Its wireless subwoofer has a 5.9-inch down-firing woofer. This creates strong low-end sounds that add depth to movies and music.
It might not have the deepest bass, but it’s enough. It adds a satisfying rumble to action scenes and music.
Midrange Clarity
The soundbar excels in midrange sound. It has two 1.6-inch midrange drivers and a 1-inch center channel driver. This ensures clear vocals and instrument separation.
You’ll notice the clear sound in movie dialogues and podcasts.
Treble Performance
The treble is crisp and detailed, thanks to two 1-inch tweeters. The sound is clean and doesn’t get harsh. This adds sparkle to your audio experience.
- Total power amplification: 410 watts
- Driver configuration: 3.1.2 channel system
- Supported audio formats: Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital Plus
“The Polk Audio Signa S4 offers remarkable audio performance that punches above its price point.” – Audio Enthuasiast Magazine
| Sound Mode | Best Used For |
|---|---|
| Movie Mode | Cinematic experiences with enhanced bass and surround effects |
| Music Mode | Balanced sound profile for music playback |
| Night Mode | Reduced dynamic range for late-night listening |
The Polk Audio Signa S4 has versatile sound quality. It offers an excellent sonic experience. It’s a great choice for those looking for an affordable yet powerful home audio solution.
Dolby Atmos Experience
The Polk Audio Signa S4 is a great choice for those who want Dolby Atmos without spending a lot. It has two up-firing speakers. This setup creates a 3D sound environment that’s more than just stereo.
Dolby Atmos changes how you listen to music and movies. The Signa S4’s up-firing drivers send sound overhead. This makes the soundstage wider and adds height to your audio.
- Project sound overhead
- Create a wider soundstage
- Simulate height channels without ceiling speakers
The Polk Audio Signa S4 offers object-based audio. This makes movies and TV shows feel more real. Action scenes are more thrilling, with sounds that seem to move around and above you.
“The Signa S4 brings cinema-quality Atmos experience right into your living room without breaking the bank.”
In our review, we tested the Signa S4’s sound quality with Atmos-enabled content. It performed well, even at its affordable price of $399.
| Atmos Feature | Performance Rating |
|---|---|
| Height Channel Simulation | 8/10 |
| Sound Positioning | 7.5/10 |
| Immersion Level | 8/10 |
While it’s not a full home theater, the Polk Audio Signa S4 is a good start for Dolby Atmos. It’s an affordable way to enjoy immersive audio.
Movie and Gaming Performance
The Polk Audio Signa S4 Review shows it’s a top choice for entertainment. It makes movies and games come alive with its sound. This soundbar creates a rich, dynamic sound experience.
Action Scene Analysis
The Polk Audio Signa S4 excels in movie sound. Its 3.1.2-channel setup offers an immersive sound experience. It can get very loud, up to 102 dB, while keeping the sound clear.
- Exceptional dynamic range during intense movie moments
- Clear audio reproduction of complex soundscapes
- Impressive handling of low and high-frequency effects
Gaming Experience
Gamers will love the Signa S4’s sound. It’s great for games like Overwatch 2, making the game feel more real. But, it might miss some small sounds.
“The Polk Audio Signa S4 transforms your gaming setup into an audio powerhouse.” – Gaming Tech Review
Here are some key points about its gaming performance:
- Two 2.6-inch upfiring speakers for height effects
- Wireless subwoofer adding depth to game soundtracks
- Three sound mode configurations for optimal gaming audio
The Polk Audio Signa S4 is a great deal at $329. It’s perfect for both movie lovers and gamers.
Music Playback Capabilities
The Polk Audio Signa S4 offers a great music listening experience. It impresses those looking for a good sound without spending too much. It plays music well across different genres, making your favorite songs sound amazing.
The Signa S4 is very versatile when it comes to music. It has different sound modes for different music types:
- Movie Mode: Enhanced spatial sound
- Music Mode: Balanced audio reproduction
- Night Mode: Reduced bass for quiet listening
Its performance varies with music genres. Classical music shows off clear instrument separation. Rock music gets a strong mid-range sound. Fans of electronic music will love the subwoofer’s bass.
“The Polk Audio Signa S4 transforms your living room into a personal concert hall with its impressive music playback capabilities.”
It’s easy to stream music from phones, tablets, and computers with Bluetooth. This makes the Signa S4 a great choice for both casual and serious music fans.
| Music Genre | Sound Quality Rating |
|---|---|
| Classical | 8/10 |
| Rock | 7.5/10 |
| Electronic | 8.5/10 |
Even though the Polk Audio Signa S4 Review mentions some issues with mid-range clarity, its music performance is great for the price of $399.
Voice Clarity and Dialogue Enhancement
Understanding audio can be tough, but the Polk Audio Signa S4 makes it easier. It uses advanced voice enhancement tech. This soundbar is great for those who want clear dialogue in all types of content.
VoiceAdjust Technology
The Signa S4 has a cool feature called VoiceAdjust. It changes your sound quality in three ways. You can:
- Make voices clearer in movies and TV shows
- Adjust how loud dialogue is
- Lessen background noise
Night Mode Performance
Watching TV late at night is easy with the Signa S4’s Night Mode. It keeps sound levels right, so you can watch without bothering others. It also tweaks bass and treble to keep sound clear, even at low volumes.
“Hear every word, even when the world around you is silent.”
The Polk Audio Signa S4 is a top pick for clear voices and flexible listening. Its audio profiles and sound engineering are top-notch.
Remote Control and User Interface
The Polk Audio Signa S4 soundbar makes using it easy with its remote control and interface. The remote has big, clear buttons. This makes changing sound settings simple for everyone.
- Dedicated buttons for different sound modes
- Volume and bass adjustment controls
- Voice Adjust technology quick access
- Night mode and dialog enhancement options
The Polk Audio Signa S4 Review shows it’s easy to use. The buttons are laid out simply. This lets you switch between music, movies, and more quickly.
“Simple controls mean less frustration and more enjoyment of your audio experience.”
The remote lets you easily switch between Bluetooth and other inputs. The VoiceAdjust feature is great. It offers three levels to make dialogue clearer.
| Remote Control Feature | Functionality |
|---|---|
| Sound Modes | Music, Movie, Night, Pure, Dialog Enhancer |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth 5.0, HDMI eARC, Optical |
| Voice Adjust Levels | 3 adjustable settings |
The remote gives you full control, but it doesn’t have advanced streaming options. This might be good for those who want a straightforward audio setup.
Value for Money and Market Position
When looking at the Polk Audio Signa S4, its value is key for buyers. It costs $715, making it a good deal in a crowded market. The Polk Audio Signa S4 Review shows it has great features for its price.
| Soundbar Model | Price | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Polk Audio Signa S4 | $715 | 3.1.2 Channel, Dolby Atmos |
| Samsung HW-Q800C | $598 | Compact Design |
| Sennheiser Ambeo Mini | $700 | 400 Watts, 9 Drivers |
The Signa S4 gives you a lot for your money. Its multi-channel audio configuration of 3.1.2 makes listening feel real. It’s a great deal compared to pricier options.
- Music Quality: 30% of expert rating
- Multi-channel Performance: 30% of expert rating
- Voice Clarity: 10% of expert rating
- Ease of Use: 20% of expert rating
“The Polk Audio Signa S4 delivers premium audio experiences without breaking the bank.”
If you want quality sound without spending a lot, the Signa S4 is a smart choice. It’s priced well and has cool features like Dolby Atmos. It’s a top pick in the mid-range soundbar market.
Pros and Cons Analysis
The Polk Audio Signa S4 offers a mix of good points and some not-so-good ones. It’s a soundbar that stands out for those looking for great sound at a fair price.
Pros of the Polk Audio Signa S4
- Dolby Atmos certification provides an immersive 3D sound experience
- Advanced 3.1.2 channel configuration with seven-driver array
- Wireless subwoofer delivers powerful bass response
- VoiceAdjust™ technology ensures exceptional dialogue clarity
- Multiple sound modes (Night, Music, Movie) for personalized audio
- Universal compatibility with 8K Ultra-HD TVs
- Competitive pricing makes it an attractive option
Cons of the Polk Audio Signa S4
- Limited low-bass response compared to high-end models
- No built-in Wi-Fi connectivity
- Setup might be challenging for less tech-savvy users
- Refund policy includes a 25% restocking fee
For those looking for a Polk Audio Signa S4 Review, this soundbar is a great choice. It offers top-notch sound and value. Its design and features make it perfect for an immersive home audio experience without spending too much.
“A soundbar that punches above its weight class in audio performance and affordability” – Audio Enthuasiast Magazine
The Polk Audio Signa S4 shows that you don’t need to spend a lot for great sound. It has some downsides, but its good points make it a great choice for most home setups.
Conclusion
The Polk Audio Signa S4 is a great choice for those wanting a good home theater without spending a lot. It has a 7-driver array and is Dolby Atmos 3.1.2 certified. This means it sounds amazing, even though it costs just $399.
Setting up your home entertainment with the Polk Audio Signa S4 is easy. It takes just 5 minutes and offers many ways to connect. You can also stream music wirelessly. It’s perfect for those who want great value.
While it’s not as good as top-of-the-line systems, it’s great for most homes. It has special features like Voice Adjust Technology and different listening modes. This makes it a smart choice for those on a budget.
In short, the Polk Audio Signa S4 is a great starting point for better home audio. It’s easy to use, sounds fantastic, and is priced right. This makes high-quality sound available to more people.
FAQ
What is the channel configuration of the Polk Audio Signa S4?
The Polk Audio Signa S4 has a 3.1.2 channel setup. It includes three main channels, one subwoofer, and two up-firing channels. These up-firing channels add Dolby Atmos height effects.
Does the Polk Audio Signa S4 support Dolby Atmos?
Yes, it does. The Signa S4 uses up-firing drivers for Dolby Atmos. This creates a more immersive 3D sound experience in your home theater.
What connectivity options are available on the Signa S4?
It has many connectivity options. You can use HDMI eARC, optical input, analog inputs, and Bluetooth for wireless audio streaming.
What is the VoiceAdjust technology on the Signa S4?
VoiceAdjust is a Polk Audio feature. It enhances dialogue clarity. You can adjust voice levels independently to improve speech in movies and TV shows.
How does the wireless subwoofer work with the soundbar?
The Signa S4 comes with a wireless subwoofer. It pairs easily with the soundbar. This provides deep and impactful bass without extra cables.
Is the Polk Audio Signa S4 good for music playback?
Yes, it’s good for music. While it’s mainly for home theater, it offers balanced sound and reasonable instrument separation. It’s great for various music genres.
What is the Night Mode feature?
Night Mode balances audio levels. It reduces loud effects and enhances dialogue. It’s perfect for late-night viewing without disturbing others.
How easy is the Signa S4 to set up?
It’s very easy to set up. The soundbar has straightforward connections and a user-friendly interface. It’s quick to install in most home entertainment systems.
What type of user is the Polk Audio Signa S4 best suited for?
It’s best for budget-conscious consumers. The Signa S4 offers an affordable Dolby Atmos soundbar with good performance and enhanced dialogue clarity.
Does the soundbar come with a remote control?
Yes, it does. The Polk Audio Signa S4 comes with a remote control. It lets you adjust settings, change modes, and control sound features easily.
