I remember the exact moment I gave up on my television’s native audio. We were deep into a tense, dialogue-heavy scene in a blockbuster sci-fi film. The visuals were stunning, the acting was superb, but the sound was… flat. Whispered conspiracies were lost in a muddy mix, and when the inevitable explosion finally happened, it landed with a pathetic fizzle instead of a room-shaking boom. My expensive 4K TV, a portal to incredible visual worlds, was being audibly betrayed by its own tiny, downward-firing speakers. It was a common problem, a compromise modern slim TVs make for aesthetics. This audio mediocrity turns a cinematic experience into a frustrating exercise of constantly adjusting the volume, rewinding to catch a missed line, and ultimately, feeling disconnected from the action. Upgrading your audio isn’t just a luxury; it’s essential to unlocking the full potential of the content you love.
- ADVANCED ULTRA-SLIM SOUNDBAR AND WIRELESS SUB - The Signa S4 Dolby Atmos soundbar, 7-driver array, & dedicated full-range center channel deliver 3D surround sound; 5.9" sub creates WIDE SOUNDSTAGE,...
- UP-FIRING SPEAKERS FOR HEIGHT ELEVATION - As well as L/R Tweeters (0.98"), (2) Racetrack Mid Drivers (4.7"x1.57") and a 0.98" Center, the L/R elevation speakers (2.59") utilize Atmos' height channels...
- POLK’S EXCLUSIVE VOICEADJUST TECHNOLOGY - Along with S4's center channel, this lets you adjust voice levels to hear clear dialog without missing a word. For max impact, control the Bluetooth sound...
What to Consider Before Buying a Sound Bar
A sound bar is more than just an item; it’s a key solution for reclaiming the audio experience that modern television design has sacrificed. For anyone who has strained to hear dialogue, felt underwhelmed by action sequences, or simply wanted their music to fill a room with richness and depth, a sound bar system is the most direct and effective upgrade. It solves the core problem of weak, poorly-directed sound from TV speakers by providing dedicated, forward-facing drivers, often including a center channel specifically for dialogue clarity and a separate subwoofer to handle the low-frequency effects that create impact and immersion. The primary benefit is a transformation from flat, thin TV audio to a dynamic, detailed, and powerful soundscape that elevates everything from nightly news to epic film scores.
The ideal customer for this type of product is someone facing the exact frustrations I described: movie lovers, sports fans, and gamers who have invested in a quality television but are let down by its sound. It’s for families who want to create a more engaging entertainment hub in their living room without the complexity and clutter of a traditional multi-speaker surround sound system. Conversely, a feature-rich system like the Polk Audio Signa S4 might not be suitable for those with extremely limited space, a very tight budget, or who only watch casual broadcast television where audio fidelity isn’t a priority. For those users, a smaller, more basic 2.0 channel bar or even high-quality computer speakers could suffice. True audiophiles with dedicated theater rooms might also opt for a more expensive, component-based AVR system for maximum customization.
Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:
- Dimensions & Space: Measure your media console and the space below your TV. A sound bar should be narrower than your TV for aesthetic balance and must be short enough not to block the screen or the TV’s IR sensor. The Polk S4, at 2.4 inches high and 41.2 inches wide, is designed to fit comfortably under most 55-inch and larger TVs without obstruction. Also, consider where you’ll place the wireless subwoofer; while it offers flexibility, it still needs floor space and a power outlet nearby for optimal bass response.
- Performance & Channels: Don’t just look at wattage. Consider the channel configuration. A 2.1 system has two front channels (left, right) and a subwoofer. A 3.1 system, like the Signa S4, adds a dedicated center channel, which dramatically improves dialogue clarity. The “.2” in the S4’s 3.1.2 configuration signifies two up-firing speakers for Dolby Atmos height effects, creating a bubble of sound that a standard sound bar cannot replicate. This is a key performance metric for immersive 3D audio.
- Connectivity & Compatibility: HDMI eARC (Enhanced Audio Return Channel) is the gold standard. It allows the highest quality audio formats (like Dolby Atmos) to be sent from your TV to the sound bar with a single cable, and it lets you control the sound bar’s volume with your TV remote. While optical and Bluetooth are good backup options, HDMI eARC provides the simplest and most capable connection. Ensure your TV has an HDMI ARC or eARC port to take full advantage.
- Ease of Use & Features: How easy is it to set up and control? Look for features like wireless subwoofer pairing, which eliminates cable clutter. Specialized sound modes (Movie, Music, Night) and dialogue enhancement technology, like Polk’s VoiceAdjust, are crucial for tailoring the sound to your content and listening environment. A simple, intuitive remote is a plus, as is the ability for the bar to work seamlessly with your existing TV or streaming device remote.
Keeping these factors in mind, the Polk Audio Signa S4 Dolby Atmos Sound Bar with Subwoofer stands out in several areas. You can explore its detailed specifications here.
While the Polk Audio Signa S4 Dolby Atmos Sound Bar with Subwoofer is an excellent choice, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:
- 【𝐈𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐟𝐮𝐥 𝐕𝐨𝐥𝐮𝐦𝐞 𝐁𝐨𝐨𝐬𝐭】: Elevate faint sounds to vibrant with automatic loudness boost. Experience immersive sound through 4 versatile...
- Hear your TV better: Designed with simplicity in mind, the Bose TV Speaker is a small soundbar that clarifies speech and is a simple fix for better TV sound
- All-new acoustic architecture with Sound Motion technology fills every inch of the room and precisely place sounds all around you
Unboxing and First Impressions: A Sleek and Promising Package
Pulling the Polk Audio Signa S4 Dolby Atmos Sound Bar with Subwoofer from its box, our first impression was one of understated quality. The main sound bar is long and slender, wrapped in a tight black acoustic fabric with tastefully brushed end caps. At just 2.4 inches tall, it immediately alleviated any fears of it blocking our TV screen. The wireless subwoofer, while not diminutive, has a clean, minimalist design that allows it to blend into a room corner without drawing undue attention. The entire system feels well-constructed and solid, avoiding the cheap plastic feel that plagues some competitors in this price range. Inside the box, Polk includes everything needed to get started: the bar, the sub, two power cords, a remote with batteries, and both an HDMI and an optical cable. This inclusion of both cables is a thoughtful touch that guarantees you can connect to virtually any modern TV right out of the box without an extra trip to the store.
What We Like
- Truly immersive Dolby Atmos performance with up-firing speakers
- Exceptional dialogue clarity thanks to dedicated center channel and VoiceAdjust
- Incredibly simple plug-and-play setup via HDMI eARC
- Powerful, adjustable bass from the wireless subwoofer
- Excellent value for a full 3.1.2 Atmos system
What We Didn’t Like
- The included remote feels basic and has a limited effective range
- Lacks advanced EQ controls like a dedicated treble adjustment
Performance Deep Dive: How the Polk S4 Transforms Your Living Room
A sound bar’s true worth is measured when the lights go down and the movie starts. It’s here that the Polk Audio Signa S4 Dolby Atmos Sound Bar with Subwoofer moves beyond being a simple speaker and becomes a gateway to a new level of audio immersion. We put it through its paces with a wide range of content, from explosive action films and atmospheric dramas to intricate musical scores and casual TV shows, to see if its performance lived up to its promising specifications.
The Dolby Atmos Effect: A Genuine Dome of Sound
The headline feature of the Polk S4 is its 3.1.2 channel configuration with full Dolby Atmos support, and I was eager to see if it could deliver a convincing 3D audio experience. Many soundbars claim “virtual” Atmos, but the S4 uses two dedicated up-firing speakers to bounce sound off the ceiling, creating a true height dimension. The effect is immediate and impressive. During a scene with a helicopter flying overhead, the sound wasn’t just coming from the front; it was genuinely perceived as being *above* us. Rainstorms in jungle documentaries felt enveloping, with droplets seeming to pitter-patter down from the ceiling. This is the magic of Atmos, and the S4 executes it with surprising authority for its price point. One user noted it created a “cinematic experience” in their living room, and we wholeheartedly agree. The seven-driver array creates a wide, detailed front soundstage, while the height channels add that crucial verticality. It’s not just a gimmick; it fundamentally changes how you experience sound, pulling you deeper into the world on screen. While it won’t replace a high-end, multi-speaker dedicated Atmos setup, it provides a powerful and convincing taste of 3D audio that completely eclipses non-Atmos soundbars.
Clarity is King: VoiceAdjust and the Dedicated Center Channel
One of the most common complaints about home audio is muffled or unclear dialogue, forcing viewers to ride the volume remote. Polk tackles this head-on with a two-pronged attack: a dedicated full-range center channel and their proprietary VoiceAdjust technology. The physical center speaker anchors dialogue squarely to the screen, preventing it from getting lost in the chaos of sound effects and music in the left and right channels. This alone is a massive upgrade over TV speakers or 2.1 systems. But VoiceAdjust is the secret weapon. With three levels accessible directly from the remote, it allows you to specifically boost the volume of the voice frequencies without affecting the rest of the soundtrack. We found this feature to be indispensable. For late-night viewing, we could turn the main volume down, boost VoiceAdjust, and still hear every word clearly without waking the house. It’s a game-changer for content with poor audio mixing, a problem one user pointed out is rampant on streaming services. They praised the S4 for doing “some heavy lifting to balance that out,” and our testing confirmed this. This focus on vocal clarity ensures you’re not just hearing the action; you’re hearing the story.
Seamless Integration: Setup and Everyday Use
Polk promised a simple, one-cable setup, and they delivered. Using the included HDMI cable to connect the S4 to our TV’s eARC port was, as multiple users described it, “ridiculously simple” and “plug-n-play.” The TV immediately recognized the sound bar, and the wireless subwoofer paired itself automatically within seconds of being plugged in. From unboxing to listening was genuinely a 10-minute affair. This ease of use is a massive selling point. Once connected via eARC, we could control the S4’s power and volume using our standard TV remote, which is how audio should work in 2024. For those who want more granular control, the included remote offers direct access to sound modes (Movie, Music, Night), Bass Adjust, and the crucial VoiceAdjust settings. While some users found the remote’s range a bit short, we found it perfectly adequate for a standard living room. The ability to also stream music directly from a phone via Bluetooth is a great bonus, turning the powerful system into a room-filling music player with ease. The S4’s slim design also proved practical, sitting in front of our TV without once blocking the picture or remote sensor. The combination of simple setup and seamless daily operation makes the Polk Audio Signa S4 Dolby Atmos Sound Bar with Subwoofer a joy to live with.
The Low-End Authority: The Wireless Subwoofer’s Impact
A sound bar without a good subwoofer is only telling half the story. The S4’s included 5.9-inch wireless subwoofer is tasked with handling all the low-frequency effects (LFE) that provide weight, impact, and scale to a soundtrack. We were impressed by its performance, especially given its relatively compact size. It produces deep, impactful bass that you can feel, adding palpable tension to thrillers and visceral punch to action scenes. Crucially, the Bass Adjust feature on the remote gives you direct control over the sub’s output level. This is key to integrating it properly into your room. We found that in our medium-sized test room, a setting just below the midpoint provided tight, articulate bass that complemented the sound bar without becoming “boomy” or overwhelming, a concern one user noted. In a larger, open-plan space, another user was “blown away” by its ability to fill the room without distortion. This adjustability ensures the subwoofer adds another dimension to the sound rather than just muddying it, providing a foundation of power that makes the entire listening experience more dynamic and exciting.
What Other Users Are Saying
After our extensive testing, we delved into feedback from other owners to see how our experience compared. The consensus is overwhelmingly positive, with users frequently calling the Polk Audio Signa S4 Dolby Atmos Sound Bar with Subwoofer “impressive for the price” and a “phenomenal” upgrade over television speakers. One user, whose LG TV speaker suddenly “took a dump,” was thrilled with the Polk S4 as a replacement, highlighting the “quick and painless” setup and the immediate, powerful sound. Another long-time owner of a 15-year-old Bose system praised the S4’s sound quality as “really amazing,” validating its position as a legitimate modern audio solution.
The simplicity of the setup is a recurring theme of praise. “Hookup was unbelievably easy,” one person wrote, celebrating that everything “just started working” after connecting the HDMI eARC cable, allowing them to use their FireStick remote for everything. However, the feedback isn’t without criticism. Several users found the included remote to be a weak point. One reviewer stated it “only works if you are within 3 feet,” a major pain point for them. Another wished for more granular sound control, specifically a dedicated treble adjustment like some competing Vizio models offer. These critiques are valid and represent the trade-offs made to hit this accessible price point, but they are consistently outweighed by praise for the core audio performance and value proposition.
How Does the Polk S4 Compare to the Alternatives?
The Polk Audio Signa S4 Dolby Atmos Sound Bar with Subwoofer carves out a fantastic niche, but it exists in a crowded market. Understanding its position relative to other options is key to making the right choice for your specific needs and budget.
1. RIOWOIS Sound Bar Smart TV Bluetooth 17inch
- Immersive Sound with Enhanced Mid & Low Frequencies: Dive into rich, detailed audio with this soundbar's superior mid and bass performance. Great for music rich in rhythm and depth, ensuring every...
- Compact 17-Inch Design, Big Sound: This sleek 17-inch soundbar for TV delivers powerful audio without taking up too much space, ideal for your smaller rooms or minimalist setups.
- Crystal-Clear Dialogue & Balanced Audio: Enjoy clear and natural dialogue for movies and TV shows, while the balanced sound profile ensures every detail shines through.
The RIOWOIS sound bar represents the ultra-compact, budget-friendly end of the spectrum. At only 17 inches wide and without a separate subwoofer, its primary goal is to be a direct, simple upgrade from tinny TV speakers in very small spaces like a dorm room, office, or for a secondary TV. While it offers multiple connections and Bluetooth, it cannot compete with the Polk S4 on any performance metric. The Polk S4 offers a true cinematic experience with its dedicated center channel for dialogue, a powerful wireless subwoofer for deep bass, and Dolby Atmos for immersive 3D sound. The RIOWOIS is for those who prioritize minimal footprint and cost above all else, whereas the Polk S4 is for users seeking a genuine home theater audio upgrade.
2. Wohome 2.1 Channel Sound Bar with Subwoofer
- Powerful Sound from Dual Large Speakers: The tv speakers Features two large full-range speakers for balanced treble and mid-range performance. Each speaker delivers 20 W peak power, combined with a 40...
- Enhanced Deep Bass with 5 Inch Wired Subwoofer: Experience deeper, more powerful bass with a large-size woofer and spacious cabinet design. Perfect for movies, games and music, delivering richer and...
- RGB-IC Ambient Light Design: The sound bar for smart tv with 20 LED light strip creates a vibrant atmosphere, perfect for parties and holidays like Halloween and Christmas. It also provides a soft...
The Wohome system is a closer competitor, offering a 2.1 channel setup with a subwoofer. However, there are critical differences. The Wohome’s subwoofer is wired, which significantly limits placement options compared to the Polk S4’s wireless sub. More importantly, the Wohome is a 2.1 system, meaning it lacks both a dedicated center channel for dialogue and the up-firing speakers for Dolby Atmos. This means dialogue won’t be as crisp, and the soundstage will be flatter and less immersive than the S4’s 3.1.2 configuration. The Wohome is a solid budget choice for adding basic bass and stereo separation, but for anyone who values clear speech and wants to experience the enveloping sound of Dolby Atmos, the Polk S4 is a significant step up.
3. LARKSOUND Mini TV Soundbar Bluetooth
- Room-Filling Sound: The small soundbar offers louder sound, and it can easily make an impact change to your TV sound and film-watching experience. It maximizes sound clarity and reduces voice delay,...
- Professionally Tuned EQ Modes: With Music, Movie, Voice, Normal mode. Explosions pop, dialog sounds far crisper, and you may even notice sonic details in your favorite films that you've never picked...
- Multiple Connectivity: With Bluetooth 5.0 compatibility (the transmission range up to 33 feet), you can wirelessly stream your favorite music and podcasts. It also supports USB, AUX IN, HDMI, optical...
Similar to the RIOWOIS, the LARKSOUND Mini is designed for space-saving and simplicity. Its inclusion of HDMI ARC is a welcome feature at this price point, simplifying control with a TV remote. However, like the other compact alternatives, it operates on a completely different level than the Polk S4. It’s a solo sound bar, likely with a 2.0 channel configuration, meaning it lacks any real bass impact and will struggle to create a wide, immersive soundstage. It’s an excellent choice for improving the audio on a computer monitor or a small bedroom TV where a subwoofer is impractical. The Polk Audio Signa S4 Dolby Atmos Sound Bar with Subwoofer, by contrast, is a complete system designed to transform a primary living room into a compelling home cinema environment.
The Final Verdict: Is the Polk Signa S4 Worth It?
After extensive hands-on testing and comparing our findings with a wealth of user feedback, our verdict is clear: the Polk Audio Signa S4 Dolby Atmos Sound Bar with Subwoofer delivers an outstanding audio experience that punches well above its price tag. It masterfully balances powerful, immersive Dolby Atmos performance with the practical, everyday necessity of crystal-clear dialogue. Its setup is brilliantly simple, and the wireless subwoofer provides the deep, impactful bass that brings movies and music to life. While the remote is basic and it lacks deep EQ customization, these are minor quibbles in the face of its stellar core performance.
We recommend it without hesitation to anyone looking to make a significant, meaningful upgrade from their TV’s speakers without breaking the bank or dealing with the complexity of a full component system. It is the perfect solution for movie lovers, streamers, and casual gamers who want to feel more connected to their content. The S4 is a masterclass in value, delivering a true taste of high-end audio features in an accessible, easy-to-use package. If you’ve decided the Polk Audio Signa S4 Dolby Atmos Sound Bar with Subwoofer is the right fit, you can check its current price and purchase it here.
Last update on 2025-10-15 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API