It has a better stereo frequency response and a slightly wider-sounding soundstage. This is not a soundbar that was meant to perform good in the surround aspect of things and its good that Polk Audio doesnt advertise this very much. Each button on the remote changes the EQ settings of the soundbar in order to provide a better acoustic result in each situation. It has better soundstage and center performances than the 2.1 Polk Audio, and there are more sound enhancement features.
You can easily stream music, podcasts, or audiobooks from your phone or any smart devices via Bluetooth to the bar. Unlike the Polk Audio, it also has a Full HDMI In port. It's better built, too. Also, it reproduces a more extended low-bass, so you feel some more thump and rumble in your audio. At the top, five circular buttons are procuring the most fundamental functions.Most soundbars offer some level of visual demonstration to give some visual acknowledgment of their commands; however, Polk utilizes some LED lights in the middle of the devices front to indicate certain actions: what input is in use, if Bluetooth is on, or the user is modifying the audio. Although it doesn't have a dedicated center channel, it's fairly well-balanced in the mid-range and it also features a dialogue enhancement feature to help make voices clearer. You shouldn't notice anything at a normal listening volume, but when pushing the bar to its limits, there's a noticeable jump in THD throughout the range. I dont have the Signa 2 but I have heard the sound is something worth the price and such a low cost its definitely worth considering. Its goal is to provide a better audio experience without the need to trouble yourself with any calibrations at all. The Samsung HW-Q60T is better than the Polk Audio SIGNA S2. It has better center and surround performances, and it comes with more sound enhancement features like a graphic EQ. This subwoofer is rather small and doesn't take much more room than a typical desktop computer. Select the audio mode relying on the content, select one of the three voice adjustment settings, and calibrate the bass volume accordingly. Also, its soundstage, center, and surround performances are better. The worth of this device gets even higher when you contemplate its elegancy and easy usage it offers and its plug-and-play that will have you going in no time. This makes songs sound too boomy or too bright, depending on the track you're listening to. HDMI is the common generally utilized port in current home theatre devices, and it was missing from the previous models, so this makes for quite a development. Using oval drivers may puzzle a few but dont forget that Polk Audio advertises this soundbar as a low profile one so using this type was a necessity as they would have to use even small ones if they would go for round types that would have a further negative impact on the soundbars performance. Explosions felt ominous while projectiles, debris falling and laser fire felt very alive and faithfully reproduced. However, it isn't as well-built as some other affordable option in this price range like the TCL Alto 7+, but it performs decently well overall. On the other hand, the Polk isn't entirely covered by mesh and feels a bit more durable. If you would prefer a bar with more features and a built-in EQ, check out the Samsung HW-B550 instead. However, due to its 2.1 speaker configuration, it doesn't have a great immersive listening experience with surround content and doesn't support Atmos, which is disappointing for movies. It also has a full HDMI port, which the Polk doesn't have. Also, it supports HDMI CEC, which means you'll be able to control some basic functions like power and volume with your TV remote when using the HDMI port. The Samsung is a better built 3.1.2 setup with Dolby Atmos support. The included subwoofer has a rather small size measuring 6.72x13.4 x 12.2 and weighing eleven pounds. If you want to improve your TV systems audio quality, you will end up delighted with what this soundbar brings to the table.As for music performance, the sound quality of this audio tab is incredible. On the upside, unlike the Samsung HW-T450, it has a dialogue enhancement to make voices clearer. - You can suggest future reviews and we will put them in our priority list.
However, the Polk delivers a more punchy, boomy bass, which can be adjusted, and it can get slightly louder with fewer compression artifacts. The SIGNA is a 2.1 setup that's decent for dialogue-centric content and music. That said, the Polk Audio is better built with an HDMI ARC port. Except from that we also get an AUX 3.5mm mini jack as well as a Digital Optical input. With a starting price of $200, you can get the Signa S2 even as low as $149 at the time of writing this review. There are many casual viewers that just want something better than what the TV can do without bothering with complex systems, features and calibrations. However, only the Samsung supports DTS via its Optical Audio In port. It has better center and surround performances, and there are more sound enhancement features, including a graphic EQ. Now the soundbar and subwoofer are pre-paired from the factory but even if you have a connection problem a press of the button on the back of the subwoofer while also pressing the Bluetooth and VOL + on the remote will ensure the two will pair again. The five circular buttons are physical ones obviously and although they have a clicky feel when pressed they are not so loud to be bothering which we definitely liked. Also there is no surround activity whatsoever so if you want a soundbar that can provide surround immersion there are other options to consider. Finishing we get three buttons that adjust three different levels of voice.
It's a budget-friendly choice for fans of TV shows, but if you want a more versatile bar, the Polk is better overall. It could really be a great buy for a soundbar and I like it.
Unlike most soundbars, the Polk Audio SIGNA S2 doesn't support DTS over its optical port and can only play Dolby Digital content. Closing we will say that if you are looking for a dead cheap soundbar that can hold its own and be compact enough and easy to use then there is no better choice than the Polk Audio Signa S2. The front soundstage felt very full and alive, dialogue was very clear and distinct and the effects never seemed to overlap with the vocals. The process is fast, easy and effortless as the pairing is done without any problem and connection during our tests was very stable. The Samsung is a 3.1 setup that's better built. Polk Audio nowhere mentions the total power either on the manual or on their website which is a bit head scratching but we have seen a couple other manufacturers also that prefer not to mention that. When it comes to features the Signa S2 is astonishingly easy and straightforward making it ideal for anyone that doesnt want to bother with many audio features that are meant for the more tech savvy ones. Polk knows their audience very well, and with its soundbar, they aim for creating a brilliant audio device. There are even more sound enhancement features, such as a graphic EQ. That said, some listeners may prefer the standalone design of the Yamaha. For a cheap solution it will do its job just fine. Also, you can find more sound enhancement features, such as room correction. This soundbar can get loud enough for most people, but cranking it up to its max volume might create noticeable compression artifacts. The subwoofer on the other hand uses a front firing 5.25 (165mm) driver that is covered by the non-removable grille and while this one is a bit on the small side it manages to offer enough punch all things considered. Its 2.1 configuration is very simple and can be a good upgrade for your TV speakers. Those who are not ready to invest in a costly system yet wish for something superior to what the current system offers will love this device. The sound signature of this soundbar is rather excited and follows a V-shape with extra bass and excess in the treble range. The device features a Night Mode, and it works wonders in lowering the bass as it improves the dialogue, and you do not need to alter the main volume. On the back we get a limited number of connectors while there are also special holes in order to wall mount it if you like. We tried various tracks with different rhythms and we got a very solid performance. The Vizio M Series M512a-H6 is better than the Polk Audio SIGNA S2. Having trouble deciding between two soundbars? The stereo soundstage of the Polk Audio SIGNA S2 is decent. When you listen to some music or watch a film there are basically three buttons that you will need to press. Despite its smaller size, it has a better soundstage, and it also has a better center channel performance. Sub-par sound enhancement features, limited customization. The S2 is the type of device that looks simple yet elegant. If you're looking for a setup that can support Atmos content, check out the Sony HT-X9000F or the Polk Audio Signa S4. It's mostly made out of plastic and there's a mesh-like fabric covering the front. This soundbar isn't particularly long, but its soundstage seemed a bit larger than the bar itself but not longer than a TV. It also features a bit more inputs like a Full HDMI In port. The buttons have the usual rubber feeling to them but it seems that they are not as responsive as we would like. That said, the Polk comes with EQ presets, unlike the Sonos. Simplicity is the key here and it feels like that Polk wanted this soundbar to be as simple as possible in order to be easy practically for anyone to place it and start using it in no time. We may be hardcore audiophiles that like to be able to calibrate every single aspect of the sound we hear but even we have to admit the power of simplicity the Signa S2 provides. It can reproduce a more extended low-bass, and unlike the Polk, it supports height content. For more options, check out our recommendations for the best soundbars, the best soundbars with subwoofer and the best budgetsoundbars. It seems that when Polk Audio designed the Signa S2 made sure to keep the low cost a first priority and this reflects on the design upon first look.
Polk Audio instead of a display uses five LED lights on the center of the front face in order to give us some idea of certain functions like which input is being used, if Bluetooth streaming is enabled or if you are adjusting the voice. While Polk Audio nowhere officially states how many channels the Signa S2 supports its pretty clear we are talking about a 2.1 channels soundbar and as such the package includes the basic unit along with a wireless subwoofer. And since we talk about dialogue Polk Audio advertises a lot their Voice Adjust technology that is included with the Signa S2 by providing three different levels of adjustment. This way you can watch a movie at night without disturbing anyone sleeping at home while it makes it easy for you to hear all dialogues and voices. All soundbars reviewed since January 30th, 2020 have been updated. The Polk Audio SIGNA S2 has limited sound enhancement features. On the upside, it can decode Dolby Digital content but has to downmix it to stereo to be able to play it, which doesn't result in a very immersive listening experience, and it doesn't support DTS. The Samsung HW-A650 is better than the Polk Audio SIGNA S2.
The subwoofer uses a 5.25 driver coated with a non-detachable grille. It has better center, surround, and soundstage performances. Its that simple. The Polk Audio Signa 2 doesnt have much when it comes to its looks but usually the ugliest cars are sometimes the strongest. Update 09/21/2020: We've discovered a value input bug that would cause the Dynamics box results to be slightly off. It has better center, surround, and soundstage performances, and it has built-in voice assistant support.
Even so Polk Audio did manage to make some improvements compared to the Signa S1 by adding an HDMI port with ARC functionality. Obviously being a 2.1 channels setup surround immersion is bound to be problematic and although we have seen some promotional material from Polk talking about surround they seem very careful when doing so. This doesn't sound as clear and natural as a dedicated channel, and this soundbar has a rather bass-heavy sound profile. OK lets take the obvious out of the way first. It will capture all the metallic guitars and deep cellos, giving you a refined audio experience.