Polk Audio Signa S2 Review: Top Sound Bars Best Sellers Performance

Polk Audio Signa S2 Technical Review: The Definitive Solution to Poor TV Audio

Introduction: Solving the Most Glaring Problem in Modern Home Entertainment

We live in a visual paradise. Modern 4K and 8K televisions deliver images with a level of clarity, color, and dynamic range that was once the exclusive domain of professional cinemas. These screens are stunningly thin, elegant windows into vibrant worlds. Yet, this aesthetic achievement has come at a steep, often unspoken, cost: the complete and utter degradation of built-in audio quality. The laws of physics are immutable; producing rich, full-range sound requires space for drivers to move air, and the razor-thin profiles of today’s TVs have eliminated that space. The result is an audio experience that is thin, tinny, and lifeless, a profound betrayal of the spectacular images on screen. Explosions have no impact, musical scores have no depth, and most frustratingly of all, dialogue is often a muffled, incomprehensible mess. It is this universal problem that the Polk Audio Signa S2 Sound Bar with Wireless Subwoofer is engineered to solve, not merely as a peripheral, but as an essential and transformative upgrade for any modern television.

The Signa S2 is a masterclass in focused, high-value audio engineering. Polk, a brand with a deep heritage in creating high-fidelity sound, has not attempted to cram in every superfluous feature imaginable. Instead, they have focused with laser-like precision on the core elements that deliver the most tangible and dramatic improvement to the daily viewing experience. This is a system built to deliver two things with uncompromising excellence: crystal-clear dialogue and deep, impactful bass. It achieves this through a powerful combination of a multi-driver soundbar, a dedicated wireless subwoofer, and Polk’s own patented VoiceAdjust technology—a brilliant piece of digital signal processing designed to solve the “what did they just say?” problem once and for all. It wraps this potent audio performance in an ultra-slim, user-friendly package that is designed to be set up in minutes and disappear into your room’s decor. Its status as a perennial “best seller” is no accident; it is the direct result of a product that delivers a level of performance and value that far exceeds its accessible price point.

In this exhaustive, technical review, we will dissect the acoustic design and digital technologies that power the Signa S2. We will analyze the specific roles of its five full-range drivers, deconstruct the science behind the VoiceAdjust algorithm, explain the critical importance of Dolby Digital Decoding and HDMI ARC, and evaluate the complete user experience from unboxing to listening. This is a granular analysis for the discerning buyer who is tired of tinny TV speakers and is ready to unlock the powerful, clear, and immersive sound that their favorite movies, shows, and games deserve.

A Deep Dive into the Key Features: A Technical Dissection of Core Audio Technologies

The Polk Signa S2’s market dominance is not built on flashy gimmicks, but on the flawless execution of fundamental audio principles and intelligent, user-focused technology. Let’s analyze each of these core components from a technical perspective to understand their direct impact on performance.

• The Acoustic Core: The 5-Driver Array, Wireless Subwoofer, and Dolby Digital Decoding

  The heart of the Signa S2’s performance lies in its acoustic design. The ultra-slim soundbar houses five powerful full-range drivers. From an engineering standpoint, using full-range drivers in a 2.1-channel system is a deliberate choice aimed at creating a cohesive and seamless soundstage. Unlike systems that use separate tweeters and midrange drivers with a crossover network, these drivers are designed to reproduce the majority of the audible frequency spectrum. This can result in a very smooth and natural transition of sound as it pans from left to right across the screen. The processor within the S2 uses advanced digital signal processing (DSP) to create a wide stereo image and a virtual surround effect, giving a sense of space and immersion that extends far beyond the physical confines of the bar itself.

  The system is anchored by the included wireless subwoofer. This is a critical component. The subwoofer’s job is to handle the low-frequency effects (LFE), typically everything below 80-100 Hz. This includes the rumble of an engine, the impact of an explosion, and the deep notes of a musical score. By offloading this demanding task to a dedicated driver in a separate enclosure, two things are achieved. First, the small drivers in the soundbar are freed from the strain of trying to reproduce deep bass, allowing them to focus on the mid-range and high frequencies with greater clarity and lower distortion. Second, the subwoofer can move a much larger volume of air, producing the kind of deep, tactile bass that you can feel, which is essential for a truly cinematic experience. Its wireless connection is a major convenience, allowing you to place it anywhere in the room for optimal bass response without running unsightly cables.

  This hardware is designed to perfectly interpret the most common surround sound format in the world: Dolby Digital. The Signa S2 features a built-in Dolby Digital decoder. This means when you’re watching a movie on Netflix, a show from your cable box, or playing a game, the soundbar can take that 5.1-channel audio stream, intelligently downmix it, and use its DSP and driver array to create a rich, room-filling sound that preserves the directional cues and immersive intent of the original mix.

  

• The Dialogue Problem-Solver: Polk’s Exclusive VoiceAdjust Technology

  This is arguably the Signa S2’s most important and defining feature. The “mumbled dialogue” phenomenon in modern entertainment is a widespread issue, caused by complex sound mixes where speech is often buried under loud music and sound effects. Polk’s patented VoiceAdjust technology is a scientifically engineered solution. This is not a simple “dialogue mode” or a basic equalizer preset. It is a sophisticated form of DSP that specifically identifies, isolates, and allows you to independently control the volume of the frequencies associated with human speech.

  When you press the “Voice” button on the remote, you are not just boosting a generic “center” channel. You are engaging an algorithm that intelligently lifts the crucial 1-4 kHz range, where the core intelligibility of dialogue resides, without significantly affecting the volume of the surrounding sound effects or music. This allows you to bring conversations to the forefront of the mix with surgical precision. The result is “maximizes audio clarity & reduces voice delays,” allowing you to hear every whisper and nuance of the script without having to constantly adjust the master volume. For anyone who has ever struggled to follow a conversation in a movie, or for those with hearing impairments, this technology alone is worth the price of admission. It transforms the viewing experience from one of frustration to one of effortless enjoyment.

  

• Elegant Simplicity: Ultra-Slim Design and Universal Compatibility

  A home theater upgrade should integrate seamlessly, not create new problems. The Signa S2 is designed with this principle in mind. At just over 2 inches tall, its ultra-slim profile is a critical ergonomic advantage. It is low enough to be placed in front of the vast majority of modern TVs, even those on low-profile stands, without blocking the bottom of the screen or, more importantly, the TV’s IR remote sensor. This prevents the common, frustrating issue of having to awkwardly hold your TV remote up high to get it to work. The clean, minimalist aesthetic allows it to blend into any room’s decor, and it’s also easily wall-mountable for a clean, floating installation.

  This physical compatibility is matched by its universal electronic compatibility. The Signa S2 is designed to work with virtually any TV, from older HD sets to the latest 4K HD Smart TVs. The key to this is its versatile connectivity, which includes HDMI ARC, an optical input, and an AUX input. This ensures that no matter how old or new your television is, there is a simple and reliable way to connect it and dramatically upgrade your sound.

  

• Seamless Integration: HDMI ARC and Wireless Streaming

  The primary and highly recommended connection method is HDMI ARC (Audio Return Channel). This technology is a game-changer for simplicity. It allows for a single HDMI cable to send the audio signal from the TV (including its built-in apps and any other devices connected to it) “backwards” to the soundbar. This creates an incredibly simple one-cable setup. Just as importantly, HDMI ARC also enables HDMI-CEC (Consumer Electronics Control). This allows your devices to communicate with each other. In practice, this means that when you turn on your TV, the soundbar will turn on automatically. Better still, you can control the soundbar’s volume and mute functions using your existing TV remote. This eliminates remote control clutter and makes the soundbar feel like an integrated part of your television, a seamless experience that is essential for household harmony.

  Beyond the TV, the Signa S2 functions as a high-quality home audio speaker thanks to its built-in Bluetooth technology. You can easily pair your smartphone, tablet, or computer and wirelessly stream music from your favorite apps like Pandora, Spotify, Apple Music, and more. This dual-functionality adds tremendous value, turning your TV’s audio upgrade into a versatile sound system for your entire living space.

  

• Instant Gratification: A True “Plug-and-Play” Experience

  Polk has removed every possible point of friction from the setup process. The claim that you can “get set up and listening in minutes” is entirely accurate. The box includes not just the soundbar and subwoofer, but also the HDMI and optical cables needed to connect to your TV. This is a small but hugely significant value-add. It prevents the frustrating “I have to run to the store” moment that can derail the excitement of a new purchase. The process is genuinely as simple as unboxing the components, plugging the soundbar and subwoofer into power, and connecting a single included cable from the soundbar to your TV. The wireless subwoofer pairs automatically. This commitment to a true plug-and-play experience makes the Signa S2 an ideal choice for even the most non-technical user, ensuring everyone can enjoy a massive audio upgrade without any hassle.

  

Pros: The Undeniable Technical Strengths

• Class-Leading Dialogue Clarity: Polk’s proprietary VoiceAdjust technology is a scientifically superior solution for ensuring speech is always crisp, clear, and easy to understand.
• Powerful and Balanced Sound: The combination of five full-range drivers and a dedicated wireless subwoofer delivers a rich, room-filling sound with deep, impactful bass.
• Effortless Setup and Integration: HDMI ARC connectivity provides a simple one-cable setup and allows for volume control with your existing TV remote, creating a seamless user experience.
• Incredible Value Proposition: The inclusion of all necessary cables (HDMI and Optical) and the focus on core audio performance delivers a level of quality on par with much more expensive systems.
• Ultra-Slim, Unobtrusive Design: The low-profile form factor prevents the soundbar from blocking your TV’s screen or IR sensor, a critical ergonomic advantage.
• Versatile Connectivity: With HDMI ARC, Optical, and Bluetooth, it offers universal compatibility with virtually any TV and allows for easy wireless music streaming.

Cons: Important Technical Considerations and Limitations

• No Immersive Audio Format Support: The Signa S2 is a 2.1-channel system that decodes Dolby Digital 5.1. It does not support or have the hardware for object-based audio formats like Dolby Atmos or DTS:X.
• Lacks a Dedicated Center Channel: While VoiceAdjust is incredibly effective, the system creates a “phantom” center channel using its left and right drivers. Systems with a discrete, physical center driver can sometimes offer even more precise dialogue localization.
• No Wi-Fi or Smart Features: Connectivity is limited to Bluetooth. The soundbar does not have Wi-Fi, meaning it does not support multi-room audio, Chromecast, or AirPlay 2 streaming.
• No eARC Support: The HDMI port is ARC, not eARC. This means it cannot pass uncompressed, high-resolution audio formats like Dolby TrueHD. However, since it doesn’t support Atmos, this is not a significant limitation for this particular model.
• No Additional HDMI Inputs: The soundbar has no HDMI inputs for passing video through to the TV. All of your source devices must be plugged directly into the television.

Conclusion: The Definitive Choice for Clarity, Impact, and Simplicity

The Polk Audio Signa S2 is a truly exceptional product that has rightfully earned its best-seller status through a masterful execution of the fundamentals. It stands as a powerful testament to the idea that a home audio upgrade doesn’t need to be complex or exorbitantly expensive to be profoundly transformative. Polk has focused its considerable engineering expertise on solving the two biggest complaints with modern TV audio: muffled dialogue and nonexistent bass. The result is a system that delivers a listening experience that is consistently clear, rich, and impactful. The proprietary VoiceAdjust technology is not a gimmick; it is a genuinely game-changing feature that brings a new level of intelligibility and enjoyment to every movie, show, and news broadcast.

While it forgoes the advanced immersive formats and smart connectivity of its more expensive siblings like the Signa S4, it makes absolutely no compromises on its core mission. The setup is elegantly simple, the design is thoughtfully unobtrusive, and the performance is simply stunning for its price point. For the millions of TV owners who are tired of straining to hear conversations and are underwhelmed by the flat, lifeless sound of their expensive displays, the Polk Signa S2 is not just a good option—it is the definitive, no-brainer solution. It represents the smartest, easiest, and most value-packed step you can take to unlock the powerful cinematic sound that has been trapped inside your television all along.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: What is the primary technical difference between the Signa S2 and the more expensive Signa S4?

A: The primary difference is Dolby Atmos support. The Signa S4 is a true 3.1.2-channel system with a dedicated center channel and up-firing speakers to create overhead sound for a 3D audio experience. The Signa S2 is a 2.1-channel system designed to provide an excellent stereo and virtual surround experience from Dolby Digital sources. The S2 is for clarity and impact; the S4 is for full 3D immersion.

Q2: My TV is a few years old and doesn’t have an HDMI ARC port. Can I still use this soundbar?

A: Yes, absolutely. The Signa S2 also includes an Optical digital audio input. Polk thoughtfully includes an optical cable in the box for this very reason. You will get the same high-quality audio signal, but you will need to use the Polk remote to control the volume instead of your TV remote.

Q3: How does “VoiceAdjust” actually work and is it better than a simple “dialogue mode”?

A: A simple “dialogue mode” is usually just a pre-set equalizer (EQ) that boosts a wide range of mid-range frequencies. Polk’s patented VoiceAdjust is a more advanced form of Digital Signal Processing (DSP). It allows you to use the remote to incrementally increase the volume of only the specific frequency bands associated with human speech, giving you much more precise control to make dialogue perfectly clear without making the rest of the audio sound unnatural.

Q4: Is the wireless subwoofer difficult to pair with the soundbar?

A: No, it’s designed to be completely automatic. The subwoofer is factory-paired to the soundbar. When you plug both units into power, they will find each other and connect wirelessly within a few seconds. There are no complicated pairing procedures or settings to worry about.

Q5: What does “2.1-channel” mean? Is that surround sound?

A: “2.1-channel” refers to the two main channels (Left and Right) in the soundbar, plus the “.1” LFE channel provided by the subwoofer. The Signa S2 uses digital signal processing to create a “virtual” surround sound effect from a 5.1 Dolby Digital signal, which gives a sense of spaciousness and immersion that is much wider than standard stereo, but it is not “true” surround sound that uses physical rear speakers.

Q6: Can I add rear speakers to this system later for true surround sound?

A: No, the Polk Signa S2 is designed as a self-contained 2.1-channel system and does not have the capability to add or pair with wireless rear surround speakers. For that functionality, you would need to look at a higher-end, expandable soundbar system.

See more posts in the category Speaker.