Polk Audio Signa S4 Review: Top Sound Bars Performance Analysis

Join thousands of smart shoppers relying on Odvex for better purchasing decisions.

Polk Audio Signa S4 Review: Bringing Dolby Atmos to the Masses

1. Introduction: The Problem with “Virtual” Surround

Most budget soundbars promise “surround sound,” but they usually rely on software tricks—virtualization—to fake the experience. They try to trick your ears into hearing sounds that aren’t there. The result is often a messy, echo-filled soundstage that muddies dialogue and fails to deliver true immersion.

The Polk Audio Signa S4 takes a different approach. It doesn’t just simulate height; it physically creates it. As a 3.1.2 system, it features dedicated up-firing speakers that bounce sound off your ceiling, delivering genuine Dolby Atmos overhead effects without the need for ceiling-mounted speakers or complicated wiring.

But does bouncing sound off a ceiling actually work in a normal living room? And can a mid-range soundbar deliver clear dialogue while shaking the floor with bass? In this review, we test the physics of the up-firing drivers, the clarity of the VoiceAdjust tech, and the real-world performance of this accessible Atmos system.

2. Key Features Explained Simply

The Signa S4 is packed with audio technology. Here is what the specs actually mean for your movie night.

3.1.2 True Dolby Atmos

The Benefit: The “3” means left, right, and center channels for clear separation. The “1” is the subwoofer. The “2” is the magic number—two speakers on top of the bar pointing at the ceiling. When a helicopter flies over in a movie, the sound hits your ceiling and reflects down to your ears. It creates a dome of sound that flat soundbars simply cannot replicate.

VoiceAdjust Technology

The Benefit: This isn’t just a generic “speech boost.” Polk allows you to independently control the volume of the center channel (where dialogue lives). You can boost voices without raising the volume of the explosions or background music. It effectively ends the war of “too loud action scenes, too quiet whispering.”

Wireless Subwoofer

The Benefit: Physics dictates that small bars can’t make deep bass. The included subwoofer is compact but mighty. Because it connects wirelessly, you can place it next to your couch or in a corner to maximize rumble, adding the cinematic “thump” to T-Rex footsteps or engines revving.

HDMI eARC Connection

The Benefit: Setup is a single cable. By using the eARC (Enhanced Audio Return Channel) port on your TV, you get uncompressed, high-quality audio directly from your TV apps (Netflix, Disney+, etc.). It also means your regular TV remote will control the soundbar volume automatically.

3. Hands-On Use & Performance

We tested the Signa S4 in a standard living room with 9-foot flat ceilings.

The Atmos Experience

Does it work? Yes. In “Dune,” the sounds of the ornithopters genuinely felt like they were hovering above the TV. It isn’t as precise as discrete ceiling speakers, but the sense of vertical space is impressive. Note: If you have vaulted (sloped) ceilings, the effect will be diminished as the sound won’t reflect correctly.

Dialogue Clarity

The dedicated center channel is the MVP here. Even without using VoiceAdjust, dialogue is anchored to the screen and crisp. Cranking VoiceAdjust to level 2 or 3 makes even mumbled dialogue in dark dramas perfectly intelligible.

Music Performance

While built for movies, the S4 handles music competently via Bluetooth. The sound is warm and punchy. However, without Wi-Fi, you can’t cast directly via Spotify Connect or AirPlay; you are limited to Bluetooth range and quality.

Design & Fit

At only 2.3 inches tall, the bar fits easily under most TVs without blocking the IR sensor. The fabric grille looks premium and blends into home decor better than shiny plastic bars.

4. Pros and Cons Table

5. Comparison: The Soundbar Battlefield

How does the Signa S4 stack up against the budget king and the premium rival?

6. Who Should Buy This?

The Polk Signa S4 is designed for specific living rooms:

• The Movie Buff with a Flat Ceiling: If you want Dolby Atmos but can’t drill holes for ceiling speakers, this is the most effective plug-and-play solution.
• The Dialogue struggler: If you constantly use subtitles because you can’t hear voices, the VoiceAdjust feature is a life-changer.
• The Minimalist: You want big sound and deep bass, but you don’t want wires running across your floor to rear speakers.

Who should skip it? If you have 15-foot vaulted ceilings, the up-firing speakers won’t work; buy a standard 5.1 system instead. If you want a smart speaker for music casting, get the Sonos Beam.

7. Comparison Summary

The Vizio V-Series gives you rear speakers for surround sound, but they are wired to the subwoofer and clutter your room. It also lacks the height channels of the Polk.

The Sonos Beam Gen 2 is smarter and great for music, but it has no subwoofer. To get bass like the Polk, you have to spend an extra $400+ on a Sonos Sub Mini.

The Polk Signa S4 is the sweet spot. It gives you the cinematic rumble and height effects right out of the box without the clutter of rear speakers or the high price of Sonos.

8. Final Verdict

Read more articles on this topic: Speaker.