Polk Audio Signa S2 review

The Polk Audio Signa S2 soundbar offers a solid balance of quality and affordability, making it a popular choice for enhancing TV audio. Its sleek and compact design fits well in most living rooms, though the materials are primarily plastic. The wireless subwoofer adds flexibility in placement, though it may lack sturdiness. The soundbar's 2.1 channel system delivers impressive audio performance with clear dialogue and deep bass, thanks to Polk’s Voice Adjust technology and Dolby Digital decoding. However, audio can distort at high volumes, and bass may overpower mids and highs.

Connectivity options include HDMI ARC, optical input, Bluetooth, and a 3.5mm AUX input, though the lack of a USB port might disappoint some users. Setup is straightforward, with HDMI and optical cables included. The remote, while user-friendly, lacks backlighting. Competitively priced, the Signa S2 holds its own against rivals like Vizio and Samsung, offering good sound quality and value, though it lacks advanced features like Dolby Atmos. Overall, it’s a worthwhile choice for those seeking a straightforward, cost-effective audio upgrade.

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If you like this review, you might also like our review on the Polk Audio React Sound Bar.

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In today's world of home entertainment, a good soundbar can make all the difference in your audio experience. Whether you're binge-watching your favorite series or jamming to some tunes, enhancing your TV's sound is key. Enter the Polk Audio Signa S2, a soundbar that's grabbing attention for its balance of quality and affordability.

This soundbar promises to deliver a significant upgrade over your TV's built-in speakers without breaking the bank. It's designed to cater to a wide audience, from casual listeners to those who appreciate a bit more depth in their audio. But does it live up to the hype?

While it boasts some impressive features, it's important to consider all aspects, including its limitations. So, what can you expect from this soundbar? Let's dive in and find out what makes it tick, and what might leave you wanting a bit more.

The design and build quality of the Polk Audio Signa S2 are pretty impressive for its price range. It sports a sleek and minimalist look, making it a great addition to almost any living room setup. The soundbar itself is slim, which helps it fit nicely under most TVs without blocking the screen or the remote sensor. This is a big win for those with limited space or who prefer a clean and uncluttered look.

The materials used in the construction are mostly plastic, but they have a nice finish that doesn’t look cheap. The grille covering the front adds a touch of elegance while protecting the internal components. Although it’s lightweight, the soundbar feels solid and well-made. It’s not the most premium material out there, but it strikes a good balance between quality and cost.

Now, let's talk about the subwoofer. It’s wireless, which is a huge plus as it gives you flexibility in where you place it in the room. The subwoofer has a compact design, so it won’t take up too much space. However, it’s worth noting that the build of the subwoofer doesn’t feel as sturdy as the soundbar. It might not be a dealbreaker, but something to keep in mind if you’re planning on moving it around frequently.

Overall, the Polk Audio Signa S2 keeps things simple yet stylish. It may not have the ultra-premium materials you find in high-end models, but it delivers where it counts, offering good looks and practicality without breaking the bank.

When it comes to audio performance, the Polk Audio Signa S2 really does punch above its weight. This soundbar offers a surprisingly powerful and immersive listening experience, especially considering its compact size. Let's break down what makes it tick.

The soundbar features a 2.1 channel system, meaning it has two main speakers and a wireless subwoofer. This setup delivers a well-rounded sound with clear dialogue and deep bass. The subwoofer is particularly impressive, providing a rich low-end that adds a lot of depth to movies and music.

Sound Clarity

One of the standout aspects of the Signa S2 is its sound clarity. Thanks to Polk’s Voice Adjust technology, dialogue is crisp and easy to understand. This is especially useful for those who find themselves constantly adjusting the volume during conversations or action scenes.

Dolby Digital Decoding

The inclusion of Dolby Digital decoding enhances the overall audio experience, providing a more cinematic feel. While it doesn't support the latest surround sound formats like Dolby Atmos, it still manages to create a decent virtual surround sound effect through downmixing. Watching your favorite movies with this soundbar can genuinely feel like a step up from standard TV speakers.

Lesser Aspects

However, the soundbar does have its limitations. At extremely high volumes, the audio can sometimes become a bit distorted. Also, while the bass is generally impressive, it can occasionally overpower the mids and highs, making the sound feel slightly unbalanced.

Overall, the audio performance of the Polk Audio Signa S2 is quite commendable for its price range. It strikes a good balance between power and clarity, making it a solid choice for anyone looking to enhance their home audio setup without breaking the bank.

When you're setting up a soundbar, connectivity options can make or break your experience. The Polk Audio Signa S2 keeps things simple yet effective, offering a range of ways to hook up your devices.

First up, the HDMI ARC port is a game-changer for anyone who wants a streamlined setup. It allows you to control your soundbar with your TV remote, provided the TV has CEC enabled and the soundbar is connected to the TV's HDMI ARC port. This setup ensures high-quality audio transmission, so you won't miss out on any sound details.

If your TV doesn't support HDMI ARC, no worries. The Signa S2 also provides an optical input, which is a solid alternative for connecting to older TVs. Though it's not as advanced as HDMI ARC, optical still delivers high-quality audio.

For those who like to keep things wireless, the built-in Bluetooth feature lets you stream music straight from your smartphone or tablet. It's super convenient for when you have friends over and want to play music without fussing over cables.

However, one area where the Signa S2 might leave you wanting is the absence of a USB port. This means you can't play audio directly from a USB drive, which might be a letdown for some users who prefer this method. But given the other connectivity options available, this might not be a dealbreaker.

Lastly, the 3.5mm AUX input is a nice touch for connecting older devices that don't have Bluetooth or optical outputs. It's a versatile addition that ensures you can connect just about any audio source you have lying around.

Overall, the Polk Audio Signa S2 offers a good mix of modern and traditional connectivity options, ensuring that it integrates smoothly with most home entertainment setups. While it might not have every connection under the sun, it covers the essentials pretty well.

Setting up the Polk Audio Signa S2 is a breeze, even for those who aren't tech-savvy. Once you unbox it, you’ll find that the soundbar and subwoofer are already paired, saving you from any initial setup headaches. Just plug in the power cables, and you're halfway there!

The soundbar connects to your TV using an HDMI ARC cable, which is included in the box. This connection not only provides excellent audio quality but also lets you control the volume with your TV remote, provided your TV supports CEC. If your TV doesn’t support HDMI ARC, no worries You can use the optical cable, also included, or even the auxiliary input.

The remote control is straightforward and user-friendly. It offers preset EQ modes for movies and music, as well as a Night Mode, making it easy to optimize sound to your liking. However, the remote lacks backlighting, which can be a bit of a hassle in dimly lit rooms.

Bluetooth connectivity is another highlight, allowing you to pair your smartphone or tablet effortlessly. This feature is perfect for streaming music directly from your device. Just press the Bluetooth button on the remote, and the soundbar is ready to sync.

On the downside, some users might find the lack of a display on the soundbar a bit limiting. Instead, it uses small LED lights to indicate volume levels and input modes, which might take a bit of getting used to.

Overall, the setup and user experience are pretty smooth, ensuring you can enjoy your favorite shows and tunes with minimal fuss.

When you crack open the box of the Polk Audio Signa S2, you'll find everything neatly packed to get you started without a hitch. Here's what you can expect inside:

• Soundbar Unit: The sleek soundbar itself is the main attraction, ready to deliver enhanced audio for your TV or music setup.
• Wireless Subwoofer: This compact subwoofer pairs effortlessly with the soundbar to add that much-needed bass boost to your audio experience.
• Remote Control: A handy remote with batteries included, allowing you to control your soundbar from the comfort of your couch.
• Optical Cable: Essential for connecting the soundbar to your TV. It's nice that Polk includes this, so you don't have to make an extra trip to the store.
• HDMI Cable: If you prefer HDMI ARC for connectivity, you'll be pleased to know this cable is part of the package too.
• Power Supply: Separate power supplies for both the soundbar and subwoofer ensure everything is juiced up and ready to go.
• Wall-Mounting Kit: If you plan on mounting the soundbar on the wall, this kit will come in handy.
• Quick Start Guide: A straightforward guide to help you set up and troubleshoot your system.

Overall, the package is quite complete, making the setup process smoother.

When looking at the Polk Audio Signa S2, it's essential to see how it stacks up against its competitors in the soundbar market. Let's take a look at some of its close rivals and see where it shines and where it might fall short.

Sound Quality

Compared to the Vizio V-Series 2.1 Soundbar, the Signa S2 offers a unique sound profile, often described as warm and bassy with a voice-centered midrange, but not necessarily more balanced. While both have good bass response thanks to their subwoofers, the Signa S2 tends to deliver clearer dialogue, which is great for movie enthusiasts. However, the Vizio might win over some bass lovers with its slightly punchier low-end and deeper bass extension

Design and Build

In terms of design, the Signa S2 is sleek and compact, making it easy to fit into various setups. But if you compare it to the Yamaha YAS-207, the Yamaha takes the edge with its more modern look and better build quality, which can be a big draw for those valuing durability and aesthetics[1]

Features and Connectivity

When it comes to connectivity, the Signa S2 is pretty straightforward with Bluetooth and HDMI ARC options. However, the Samsung HW-T450 offers a few more advanced features, like a dedicated app for control and additional sound modes, as well as support for DTS via its Optical Audio In port. If you're someone who loves extra features, the Samsung might catch your eye.

Price Point

Price-wise, the Signa S2 offers a great value for the sound quality and features it provides. It's often priced competitively against the likes of the Samsung HW-T450, which might have similar features but with some differences in performance. For those on a budget, the Signa S2 presents a compelling option.

Overall, while the Polk Audio Signa S2 may not have all the bells and whistles of some high-end models, it holds its own in sound quality and value. It's a solid choice for anyone looking to upgrade their TV audio without breaking the bank.

In conclusion, the Polk Audio Signa S2 is a solid choice for anyone looking to enhance their TV audio without breaking the bank. Its low-profile design and easy setup make it an attractive option for both tech enthusiasts and casual users alike. The soundbar delivers a robust audio performance that significantly ups your movie nights, thanks to its clear dialogue and powerful bass. While it doesn't offer the latest in audio tech like Dolby Atmos or a plethora of connectivity options, it covers the essentials well. With Bluetooth connectivity, you can easily stream music from your devices, which is a nice touch for those who enjoy listening to tunes without fussing over wires.

It also supports Dolby Digital 5.1 decoding and features like Polk VoiceAdjust™ technology for clear dialogue. On the downside, some might find the lack of advanced features a bit limiting, especially if you're looking for a system that supports multiple audio formats or has smart home integration. But for its price range, it's hard to beat in terms of value. Overall, if you're after a straightforward soundbar that gets the job done with minimal hassle, the Polk Audio Signa S2 is worth considering. It strikes a good balance between performance, simplicity, and cost, making it a worthwhile addition to your home entertainment system.

Video by: Polk Audio Official

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