Polk Audio 51-channel 260-watt True Surround Sound System With Rear Speakers Review

Exam Results

The Polk Audio Signa S2 is a upkeep entry-level soundbar system. This ii.1 setup comes with a wireless sub, which the similar Signa Solo doesn't. It'due south a simple and straightforward soundbar and its principal competitors are the Yamaha YAS-207, the JBL ii.1 soundbar, and the Sony HT-S350.

Design

The soundbar has a very straightforward design. Information technology's mostly made out of plastic and there'due south a mesh-like material covering the front. The material is tighter than another soundbars like the Yamaha YAS-207, but it could still rip or tear.

The subwoofer looks rather cheap. The materials used don't look premium and the modest glossy plate around the forepart port looks fragile. The front of the sub is covered by a mesh panel.

This setup doesn't have satellites.

Width 35.4" (89.ix cm)

Height two.0" (v.0 cm)

Depth iii.1" (vii.9 cm)

The Polk Audio SIGNA S2 isn't as well long and might fit between some 55" Television set's stands. It'southward also rather slim and won't block the bottom office of your screen unless your Tv sits affluent on your table.

Width half dozen.7" (17.1 cm)

Meridian 13.7" (34.nine cm)

Depth 12.iii" (31.3 cm)

This subwoofer is rather small-scale and doesn't take much more room than a typical desktop estimator.

Width Northward/A

Height North/A

Depth Due north/A

This organization doesn't come with satellite speakers.

Bar Mounting Universal (holes on back)

The dorsum of the bar is very straightforward. Y'all take the power input on one side and the other inputs on the other side. The soundbar has universal mounting holes if you want to wall-mount it.

Enclosure Ported

The back of the subwoofer is very straightforward. Since its port is at the front end, you lot simply have the ability cable running at the bottom of the sub.

Mounting No

The Polk Audio SIGNA S2 system doesn't have satellites.

The build quality of this soundbar is decent. Its fabric doesn't feel quite as durable as soundbars that have a metal grill protecting the drivers. The bar itself is generally fabricated out of plastic and in that location's a tight mesh fabric on the front. All the same, the subwoofer feels rather cheap. It's made from frail-feeling melamine and doesn't feel very durable.

HDMI Cablevision Length 1.five thousand (4.9 ft)

Digital Optical Cable Length 1.8 grand (five.9 ft)

• Remote
• Battery
• HDMI cable
• Optical cable
• 2x power cables
• Wall-mounting spacers
• Manuals

Sound

Tested Preset Music

Slope -0.44

Std. Err. 3.26 dB

Low-Frequency Extension 49.0 Hz

High-Frequency Extension 17.2 kHz

The stereo frequency response of the Polk Sound SIGNA S2 is decent. This bar has a rather excited sound profile that has a V-shape. The bar sounds either also boomy or likewise bright depending on the tracks yous listen to. The modest subwoofer creates powerful bass, just it doesn't get quite low enough for a skillful rumble.

Suggested Preset Music

Suggested Bass Setting 0

Suggested Treble Setting North/A

Slope -0.44

Std. Err. 3.26 dB

Low-Frequency Extension 49.0 Hz

High-Frequency Extension 17.two kHz

Crosstalk Mistake 2.45 dB

The stereo soundstage of the Polk Audio SIGNA S2 is decent. This soundbar isn't particularly long, but its soundstage seemed a bit larger than the bar itself but non longer than a Tv. On the upside, the focus of objects in the stereo soundstage was very good and they seem to be coming from a specific pinpoint and authentic location.

SPL @ Max Book 95.half dozen dB SPL

DRC @ Max Volume 2.66 dB

Update 09/21/2020: Nosotros've discovered a value input bug that would cause the Dynamics box results to exist slightly off. All soundbars reviewed since January 30th, 2020 have been updated.

The Polk Sound SIGNA S2 has skillful stereo dynamics. This soundbar can get loud enough for virtually people, but cranking it up to its max volume might create noticeable compression artifacts.

Weighted THD @ 80dB 0.58

Weighted THD @ Max Volume 10.nineteen

The stereo full harmonic distortion performance of the Polk Sound SIGNA S2 is mediocre. Yous shouldn't notice anything at a normal listening volume, but when pushing the bar to its limits, there'south a noticeable jump in THD throughout the range.

Localization Phantom

Slope -1.44

Std. Err. five.48 dB

SPL @ Max Volume 93.6 dB SPL

Weighted THD @ 80dB 0.55

Weighted THD @ Max Volume iii.22

Due to being a 2.1 system, the Polk Audio SIGNA S2 has sub-par center channel operation. Since information technology doesn't have a defended center channel, it uses the left and correct channels to create a phantom center. This doesn't sound as articulate and natural as a dedicated aqueduct, and this soundbar has a rather bass-heavy sound profile.

Localization Stereo (Downmix)

Slope -1.47

Std. Err. v.51 dB

SPL @ Max Volume 91.2 dB SPL

Weighted THD @ 80dB 0.72

Weighted THD @ Max Book 2.04

seven.1 Rears No

The Polk Sound SIGNA S2 has bad surroundings performance, but it'south expected for a 2.ane soundbar. While it can receive environment sound signals, the bar downmixes everything to stereo to be able to play it. This results in a less immersive experience and sounds seem to be coming from in front of you rather than effectually yous.

Localization Not Supported

Slope N/A

Std. Err. N/A

SPL @ Max Volume North/A

Weighted THD @ 80dB N/A

Weighted THD @ Max Book North/A

This soundbar doesn't support Atmos content. If you're looking for a setup that can support Atmos content, check out the Sony HT-X9000F or the Polk Audio Signa S4.

Room Correction No

Dialogue Enhancement Yeah

Auto-Volume/Night Manner Yeah

Subwoofer Level Adjustment No

Bass Adjustment Yes

Treble Aligning No

EQ Presets

Surround Level Adjustment No

Rear Level Adjustment No

Height Level Adjustment No

Virtual Surround No

The Polk Sound SIGNA S2 has limited sound enhancement features. Information technology lacks room correction, and so information technology might audio differently depending on your room. On the upside, unlike the Samsung HW-T450, it has a dialogue enhancement to make voices clearer. Information technology also has a night mode to uniformize the noise from different types of content, which is dainty. At that place are too a few EQ presets for movies and music. If you would prefer a bar with more than features and a born EQ, check out the 2020 Samsung HW-T550 instead.

Connectivity

Optical Audio In ane

HDMI ARC one

HDMI Out No

Full HDMI In No

Analog Audio In 3.5mm (Aux) i

RCA In No

USB for Files No

Ethernet No

This soundbar has fairly limited inputs. It only has a unmarried HDMI ARC port, an optical input, and a typical 3.5mm sound jack.

eARC No

Dolby Atmos No

Dolby Digital Yes

Dolby Digital Plus No

DTS No

DTS:10 (eARC but) No

Dolby TrueHD (eARC but) No

DTS-Hard disk MA (eARC only) No

5.1 PCM (eARC just) No

Over its HDMI ARC port, the Polk Audio SIGNA S2 merely supports Dolby Digital content. This should be more than enough for people who merely watch content coming from streaming services or Blu-rays, as this is the most common sound format. Yet, some Blu-ray discs are DTS-just, which could be an upshot if your favorite movie is one of those.

Dolby Atmos No

DTS:X No

Dolby Digital No

Dolby Digital Plus No

DTS No

Dolby TrueHD No

DTS-Hard disk drive MA No

5.i PCM No

This soundbar doesn't take a Full HDMI port.

Dolby Digital Yep

DTS No

Different most soundbars, the Polk Sound SIGNA S2 doesn't support DTS over its optical port and can merely play Dolby Digital content.

ARC 83 ms

Optical 75 ms

Full HDMI In N/A

Bluetooth Yes

Wi-Fi No

Chromecast built-in No

Apple tree AirPlay No

Yous can easily stream music, podcasts, or audiobooks from your telephone or whatsoever smart devices via Bluetooth to the bar.

4k @ lx Hz Passthrough No

4k @ threescore Hz @ ten scrap Passthrough No

4k @ 60 Hz @ 4:4:iv Passthrough No

HDR10 Passthrough No

This soundbar doesn't back up whatever of the loftier-end passthrough signals.

Sub Wireless Yes

The subwoofer connects wirelessly to the bar and you have the pairing push at the dorsum. The only connection that the subwoofer needs is a ability cable.

Sabbatum Wireless No

This soundbar doesn't take satellites.

Boosted Features

Display No

The interface of the soundbar is rather barebones. There are simply a few lights that change depending on the input you lot're on and they flash at different speeds when changing the volume. The lights go green when playing Dolby Digital content.

The controls on the bar are very straightforward. You can switch inputs, power the soundbar on/off, raise or lower the volume, and you lot likewise have a Bluetooth button.

Universal Remote No

The Polk Audio SIGNA S2 remote is very modest and but has a few buttons. It'south not a universal remote, and then you won't be able to control other devices with it.

Amazon Alexa No

Google Banana No

Apple Siri No

App Name No App

iOS No

Android No

Acts Every bit A Remote No

Controls Soundbar's Settings No

Casts Device Files No

The Polk Sound SIGNA S2 doesn't have an app.

Ability Saving Standby

HDMI CEC (Television receiver Remote Command) Yeah

The Polk Audio SIGNA S2 goes into a standby mode later a few minutes of inactivity, although we don't have the specific timer. Also, it supports HDMI CEC, which means you'll be able to control some basic functions like ability and book with your Boob tube remote when using the HDMI port.

Compared To Other Soundbars

The Polk Audio SIGNA S2 is a very straightforward system. Its two.1 configuration is very elementary and tin exist a good upgrade for your TV speakers. However, it isn't every bit well-built as some other affordable option in this price range like the TCL Alto seven+, only it performs decently well overall. For more options, check out our recommendations for the best soundbars, the best soundbars with subwoofer and the all-time budget soundbars.

The Polk Sound SIGNA S2 is a noticeably better soundbar than the Sony HT-S350. Its sound profile is better balanced, although a bit excited. However, information technology's not every bit well-congenital as the Sony. The Sony besides performs slightly meliorate at max volume, just its bass and detail-defective sound signature might not be worth information technology for most.

The Polk Audio SIGNA S2 is a slightly better performing 2.1 setup than the Samsung HW-T450. While both bars have a similarly bass-heavy sound profile, the Polk tin go slightly louder but with more compression artifacts present. Information technology also has an HDMI ARC input so it supports Dolby Digital, is center and environment performances are a flake better, and it has a dialogue enhancement feature. However, simply the Samsung supports DTS via its Optical Audio In port.

The Polk Audio SIGNA S2 is a ameliorate soundbar than the Bose Solo 5. The Polk has a meliorate overall sound, and its defended wireless subwoofer provides more than bass. Information technology can become noticeably louder and supports audio formats over ARC. All the same, the Bose feels more premium and is shorter, which makes it a better option if you're looking for a compact soundbar.

The standalone Sonos Arc is a better soundbar than the Polk Sound SIGNA S2. The Sonos is better-built, and it supports Dolby Atmos content. It has better center, surround, and soundstage performances, and it has built-in voice banana support. Information technology likewise comes with a room correction feature. That said, the Polk comes with EQ presets, dissimilar the Sonos.

The Samsung HW-A450 is a ameliorate 2.1 soundbar than the Polk Audio SIGNA S2. The Samsung has a more neutral audio profile out-of-the-box, which some listeners may adopt. It also reproduces a more extended low-bass, and it has more sound enhancement features like a graphic EQ. That said, the Polk Audio is better congenital with an HDMI ARC port.

The Samsung HW-A550 is a better 2.one soundbar than the Polk Audio SIGNA S2. The Samsung is amend built, and it comes with more sound enhancement features like a graphic EQ. Unlike the Polk Audio, information technology as well has a Full HDMI In port. It reproduces a more extended low-bass, and some listeners may also prefer its more counterbalanced sound out-of-the-box.

The Samsung HW-Q600A is better than the Polk Audio SIGNA S2. The Samsung is a three.one.2 setup that's amend built and supports Dolby Atmos content. It has improve middle and surround performances, and it comes with more sound enhancement features like a graphic EQ. Too, it reproduces a more than extended low-bass, so you feel some more thump and rumble in your sound.

The Samsung HW-A650 is better than the Polk Audio SIGNA S2. The Samsung is a better-built three.one setup that tin can reproduce a slightly more extended low-bass. It has a ameliorate centre channel performance, and it offers more than sound enhancement features like a graphic EQ. Besides, some listeners may prefer its more neutral sound profile out-of-the-box.

The JBL Bar v.1 Surround is better than the Polk Sound SIGNA S2. The JBL is a 5.i setup that tin reproduce a more extended low-bass. It has ameliorate soundstage, center, and surround performances, too. As well, yous can discover more sound enhancement features, such as room correction.

The Polk Audio SIGNA S2 and the Polk Audio MagniFi MAX SR are 2 dissimilar soundbar setups. The SIGNA is a 2.1 setup that's decent for dialogue-axial content and music. The MagniFi MAX is a v.1 setup that scores better overall. Unlike the SIGNA, it comes with discrete satellites and more wireless playback options. It has better center and surroundings performances, too. However, we noticed a lot of bug with the sound when listening to real-life content on the MagniFi Max. Other users have reported similar experiences.

The Yamaha YAS-209 is a much improve soundbar than the Polk Sound SIGNA S2. The Yamaha has a better-balanced frequency response and performs better with music. However, it doesn't go as loud as the Polk, but it performs way better at max volume. It also has a lot more inputs and supports more sound formats, on height of beingness able to play content via Wi-Fi.

The Sonos Beam (Gen ii) is amend than the Polk Sound SIGNA S2. The Sonos is a improve-built 5.0 setup with Dolby Atmos support. It has improve center, surround, and soundstage performances. Unlike the Polk Audio, it has voice assistant support and a room correction feature. However, the 2.1 Polk Audio gets louder with a little less compression at max volume.

The Samsung HW-Q800A is better than the Polk Audio SIGNA S2. The Samsung is a meliorate congenital 3.1.2 setup with Dolby Atmos support. It has better soundstage, middle, and surround performances. It tin also reproduce a more extended depression-bass. There are fifty-fifty more sound enhancement features, such as a graphic EQ.

The Vizio M Series M512a-H6 is meliorate than the Polk Sound SIGNA S2. The Vizio is a five.1.two setup with detached satellites. It tin reproduce a more extended low-bass, and different the Polk, it supports elevation content. Its soundstage, eye, and environs performances are better, too.

The Bose Smart Soundbar 300 is a bit better than the Polk Audio SIGNA S2. The Bose is a 3.0 setup with a standalone design that's ideal if you don't have a lot of space. Despite its smaller size, information technology has a better soundstage, and it also has a better center channel performance. The Polk does come with a dedicated sub though, so it can reproduce a little more low-bass than the Bose.

The Samsung HW-Q950A is a much more versatile soundbar setup than the Polk Audio SIGNA S2. The Samsung is a improve-congenital 11.1.4 setup with discrete satellites. Unlike the Polk, it supports Dolby Atmos and DTS content, and it has congenital-in voice assistant support. It can reproduce a more extended bass, too. Also, its soundstage, center, and surroundings performances are better. There are fifty-fifty some more sound enhancement features available, like room correction. The Polk is still a decent choice for dialogue-axial content and music, but overall, the Samsung is much better.

The Sonos Axle is better than the Polk Audio SIGNA S2. The Sonos is a 3.0 setup with a discrete center channel that offers a improve soundstage functioning. It's better built, likewise. Unlike the Polk Audio, it comes with a room correction characteristic as well as congenital-in voice banana support. That said, some listeners may prefer to customize their bar'south sound using the Polk Audio's EQ presets.

The Samsung HW-T550 is a better 2.1 soundbar than the Polk Audio SIGNA S2. The Samsung has a better-balanced overall sound signature and fifty-fifty has a seven-band EQ to permit you customize the sound to your preference. Information technology also has a full HDMI port, which the Polk doesn't take. The Samsung as well feels a chip more than durable and has a lot more than features.

The Polk Sound SIGNA S2 is a bit better for mixed usage than the Yamaha YAS-109. The Polk Audio comes with a defended sub that can reproduce a more than extended low-bass. Information technology's meliorate built, and it has a better soundstage. That said, some listeners may prefer the standalone pattern of the Yamaha. Also, its center and surround performances are better, and it has built-in phonation assistant support.

The Vizio 5 Series V21-H8 and the Polk Audio SIGNA S2 are both 2.1 soundbars with similar overall performance; nonetheless, the Vizio has a few more features. The Vizio supports Dolby Digital Plus and DTS content, unlike the Polk. The Vizio also has more audio enhancement features, including a virtual surround way. Too, it has a USB port and an additional AUX port for vocalism assistant speakers.

The Vizio V Series V51-H6 is better than the Polk Audio SIGNA S2. The Vizio is a 5.1 setup that comes with discrete satellites, unlike the 2.one Polk Sound. It reproduces a more extended low-bass. Also, it has better center and environs performances.

The Samsung HW-Q60T is better than the Polk Sound SIGNA S2. The Samsung is a better congenital 5.1 setup. It has better center and surround performances, and in that location are more sound enhancement features, including a graphic EQ. Unlike the Polk Audio, it has a Full HDMI In port for high-quality passthrough.

The Polk Audio SIGNA S2 and the Sony HT-X9000F are very closely performing soundbars, but the Sony is more than versatile. The Sony has a slightly better build quality, it has a better center and surround operation, and it can even support Atmos content, although it has to downmix it to stereo to play it. It also has a Full HDMI In port, and so it can back up eARC, DTS, and Dolby Atmos content. It can even passthrough high-quality signals. Nonetheless, the Polk delivers a more than punchy, boomy bass, which can be adjusted, and information technology can get slightly louder with fewer compression artifacts.

The Samsung HW-T650 is better than the Polk Audio SIGNA S2. The Samsung is a three.1 setup that'southward better built. It has better soundstage and eye performances than the ii.1 Polk Audio, and at that place are more sound enhancement features.

The Yamaha YAS-207 is a better 2.i soundbar than the Polk Sound SIGNA S2. The Yamaha's sound profile is meliorate balanced and is suitable for a wider range of stereo content. Its subwoofer besides creates deeper bass, and the bar creates a ameliorate overall phantom center channel. It as well features a fleck more inputs similar a Full HDMI In port. On the other hand, the Polk isn't entirely covered by mesh and feels a bit more durable.

The Polk Sound SIGNA S2 is slightly better than the TCL Alto 7+. It has a ameliorate stereo frequency response and a slightly wider-sounding soundstage. On the other hand, the TCL feels more than robust and better-congenital. The TCL likewise has a better heart performance, which might be better if y'all sentinel a lot of Television shows.

The Polk Audio SIGNA S2 is more versatile than the Vizio SB2020n-J6. The Polk comes with a defended subwoofer, and so it can reproduce a slightly more extended low-bass. Unlike the Vizio, it supports surround audio similar Dolby Digital, though it has to downmix it to stereo to play information technology. The Vizio, on the other paw, only supports PCM content. It's a budget-friendly selection for fans of TV shows, but if you lot want a more versatile bar, the Polk is ameliorate overall.

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Source: https://www.rtings.com/soundbar/reviews/polk-audio/signa-s2

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