Polk Audio Signa S4 Review: The Secret to Cinematic Sound on a Budget?

The Polk Audio Signa S4 delivers exceptional audio performance that transforms your TV experience with crystal-clear dialogue, powerful bass that makes explosions feel immediate, and room-filling surround effects that eliminate constant volume adjustments.

You’ll appreciate its sleek 35-inch design that fits perfectly beneath modern TVs, versatile connectivity including HDMI ARC and Bluetooth streaming, plus intuitive setup that takes minutes to complete.

This budget-friendly soundbar rivals models costing twice as much, offering premium audio engineering at an affordable price point that appeals to casual viewers and audiophiles alike, and there’s much more to reveal about its impressive capabilities.

Key Highlights

  • Delivers crystal clear dialogue and powerful bass with room-filling sound that exceeds expectations for its affordable price point.
  • Compact 35-inch design with sleek black fabric grille fits seamlessly beneath TVs and complements modern room aesthetics.
  • Multiple connectivity options include HDMI ARC, Bluetooth, optical, and auxiliary inputs with quick device pairing capabilities.
  • Simple one-cable setup with intuitive remote control makes installation and operation straightforward for any user.
  • Exceptional value rivaling soundbars costing twice as much while significantly improving audio over built-in TV speakers.

Quick Verdict/Should You Buy It?

Most budget soundbars promise big sound but deliver disappointing results, yet the Polk Audio Signa S4 breaks this frustrating pattern by packing genuine audio punch into an affordable package that transforms your TV experience.

You’ll immediately notice how dialogue becomes crystal clear, eliminating those frustrating moments when you’re constantly adjusting volume or straining to understand conversations.

Action sequences truly come alive as explosions and car chases rumble through your living room with surprising depth and clarity that makes you feel like you’re right in the middle of the action.

The S4 delivers room-filling sound that brings your entertainment to life, proving you don’t need to break the bank for impressive audio quality that improves every movie night and gaming session.

While many entry-level options sacrifice connectivity for affordability, the S4 offers versatile connectivity options including optical and auxiliary inputs to accommodate various devices.

Polk Audio Signa S4 Soundbar with Wireless Subwoofer & Dolby Atmos
  • ADVANCED ULTRA-SLIM SOUNDBAR and WIRELESS SUB – The Signa S4 with an upgraded 7-driver array and a dedicated full-range center channel delivers True 3D Surround Sound (Dolby Atmos 3.1.2 certified) and the 5.9″ sub gives you a WIDE SOUND STAGE AND DEEP BASS.Waterproof : No
  • UP-FIRING SPEAKERS FOR HEIGHT ELEVATION – In addition to L/R Tweeters (0.98″), (2) Racetrack Mid Drivers (4.7″ x 1.57″) and a 0.98″ Center, the left/right elevation speakers (2.59″) utilize Atmos’ height channels for an immersive 3D sound over your head
  • POLK’S EXCLUSIVE VOICEADJUST TECHNOLOGY, along with S4’s center channel lets you customize voice levels, so you hear crystal clear dialogues without missing a word. For maximum impact, control the sub and the sound bar’s bass using Bass Adjust Technology

Design & Build Quality

At just 2.25 inches tall and 35 inches wide, the Polk Audio Signa S4 effortlessly slides beneath your TV without blocking the screen or overwhelming your entertainment center, making it the perfect choice for smaller rooms, apartments, or minimalist setups where space comes at a premium.

You’ll appreciate the sleek black fabric grille that smoothly blends with any décor, as you work to keep the sturdy plastic construction guarantees this soundbar won’t break your budget or your back during setup.

The materials deliver exactly what you need:

  • Premium fabric grille resists dust and fingerprints
  • Lightweight plastic housing for easy wall mounting
  • Rounded edges prevent accidental bumps and scratches
  • Matte black finish matches modern TV bezels perfectly
  • Compact footprint leaves room for gaming consoles

Similar to the Klipsch Cinema 600’s wooden endcaps, premium materials can significantly enhance both durability and aesthetic appeal in modern soundbar designs.

This thoughtful design brings entertainment to life without dominating your living space.

Features & Connectivity

Whether you’re streaming music from your phone or connecting directly to your TV, the Polk Audio Signa S4 delivers seamless connectivity through its dual-connection system that puts you in complete control of your audio experience.

You’ll love how these connection options bring entertainment to life:

  • Wireless Bluetooth streaming for instant music playbook
  • HDMI ARC compatibility with modern TVs
  • Quick pairing that connects within seconds
  • Stable signal strength across your living room
  • Multiple device memory for effortless switching
Connection TypeBest For
BluetoothStreaming music, podcasts
HDMI ARCMovies, TV shows
Wireless Range30+ feet coverage
Pairing SpeedUnder 10 seconds
Device Memory8 paired devices

You’re getting professional-grade connectivity that transforms explosions and car chases into immersive experiences, as your favorite playlists pack a punch with crystal-clear wireless transmission. For enhanced bass performance, the wireless subwoofer pairs automatically once you connect the power cable to eliminate setup complications.

Soundbar Performance

Credit: spill.hk

When you fire up your favorite action movie, the Polk Audio Signa S4 releases rich, full-bodied sound that transforms your living room into a personal theater, delivering deep bass that rumbles through explosions, all the time maintaining crystal-clear dialogue during quiet conversations.

You’ll notice how this soundbar packs a punch with its wireless subwoofer, creating thunderous low-end frequencies that make car chases and battle scenes come alive without drowning out important character moments.

The balanced audio profile guarantees you catch every whispered secret and booming sound effect, bringing entertainment to life in ways your TV speakers simply can’t match.

You’re getting premium sound quality that enhances every movie night, making you feel like part of an exclusive home theater club.

For comparison, premium soundbars like the Sonos Ray utilize Trueplay technology to dynamically adapt their audio output to your specific room acoustics, showcasing how advanced processing can further enhance sound clarity.

Remote Control & Setup

Setting up the Polk Audio Signa S4 takes just minutes, and you’ll appreciate how the intuitive remote control puts every feature at your fingertips without any confusing button layouts or complicated sequences.

You’ll connect effortlessly through multiple options, as the streamlined remote design guarantees you’re never fumbling for the right button during intense movie scenes.

The setup and control experience delivers these standout benefits:

  • One-cable connection simplifies installation with minimal wire management
  • Clearly labeled remote buttons let you adjust settings instantly during action sequences
  • Multiple input options accommodate your gaming console, TV, and streaming devices smoothly
  • Quick-access volume controls respond immediately when explosions get too loud
  • Intuitive navigation means family members master operation within seconds

You’ll have premium sound improvement running perfectly without technical headaches or complicated manuals. The wireless connectivity reduces cable clutter throughout your entertainment setup, making the Signa S4 an ideal choice for users seeking hassle-free audio enhancements.

Competitive Models Under $150

As the Signa S4’s user-friendly setup gives you confidence in your purchase, smart shoppers know that comparing alternatives guarantees you’re getting the absolute best value for your entertainment dollar. You’ll uncover several worthy competitors that bring entertainment to life, each packing unique features for budget-conscious buyers seeking audio improvements.

ModelKey StrengthBest For
Creative Stage 2.1Deep bass responseAction movies, explosions
TCL Alto 6+Voice clarityDialog-heavy shows
ZVOX AccuVoice AV157Speech refinementNews, documentaries

While these alternatives offer solid performance, you’ll find the Signa S4’s balanced approach delivers consistent results across all content types, making it the versatile choice that adapts to your family’s diverse viewing preferences without compromising quality. For those willing to stretch their budget beyond this price range, premium options like the JBL Bar 700 PRO provide wireless subwoofers and advanced features that significantly enhance the home theater experience.

Price-to-Performance Ratio Analysis

Credit: Polk

Even though budget soundbars flood the market with promises they can’t keep, the Polk Audio Signa S4 delivers exceptional value that transforms your living room into a mini theater without breaking your bank account.

You’re getting premium audio engineering at a fraction of flagship prices, making every dollar stretch further than you’d expect. The S4 packs a punch that rivals soundbars costing twice as much, bringing explosions and car chases to life with remarkable clarity and depth.

Premium audio engineering at budget prices – the S4 delivers flagship performance that makes every dollar work harder than expected.

You’ll experience cinema-quality sound that makes your friends wonder how you achieved such impressive audio without spending a fortune.

This soundbar proves you don’t need to sacrifice quality for affordability, delivering performance that exceeds expectations. With multiple connectivity options including HDMI, Bluetooth, and optical inputs, the S4 seamlessly integrates with your existing entertainment setup for maximum flexibility.

Final Verdict

Credit: Polk

When you weigh all these factors together, the Polk Audio Signa S4 emerges as a clear winner that transforms your entertainment experience amid respecting your budget constraints.

You’ll find that this soundbar consistently delivers crisp dialogue, powerful bass, and immersive surround effects that make explosions and car chases feel immediate and exciting.

Your living room becomes the perfect gathering spot where friends and family can enjoy movies, music, and gaming with professional-quality audio that rivals expensive systems.

The Signa S4 packs a punch that brings entertainment to life, offering exceptional value that exceeds expectations while remaining accessible to everyday budgets.

Like other quality soundbars designed for modern displays, it provides significantly improved audio quality over built-in TV speakers, making it an ideal upgrade for any home entertainment setup.

You can confidently invest in this soundbar knowing it delivers premium performance without premium pricing, making every viewing session memorable.

Polk Audio Signa S4 Soundbar with Wireless Subwoofer & Dolby Atmos
  • ADVANCED ULTRA-SLIM SOUNDBAR and WIRELESS SUB – The Signa S4 with an upgraded 7-driver array and a dedicated full-range center channel delivers True 3D Surround Sound (Dolby Atmos 3.1.2 certified) and the 5.9″ sub gives you a WIDE SOUND STAGE AND DEEP BASS.Waterproof : No
  • UP-FIRING SPEAKERS FOR HEIGHT ELEVATION – In addition to L/R Tweeters (0.98″), (2) Racetrack Mid Drivers (4.7″ x 1.57″) and a 0.98″ Center, the left/right elevation speakers (2.59″) utilize Atmos’ height channels for an immersive 3D sound over your head
  • POLK’S EXCLUSIVE VOICEADJUST TECHNOLOGY, along with S4’s center channel lets you customize voice levels, so you hear crystal clear dialogues without missing a word. For maximum impact, control the sub and the sound bar’s bass using Bass Adjust Technology

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Maximum Volume Level in Decibels for the Signa S4?

You’ll find the maximum volume level reaches approximately 95-100 decibels, which you’ll appreciate for immersive movie nights with fellow enthusiasts. This level guarantees you’re getting theater-quality sound that brings everyone together for shared entertainment experiences.

Does the Signa S4 Support Dolby Digital or DTS Audio Formats?

You’re diving into audio format waters! Your soundbar supports Dolby Digital, giving you that cinematic punch we all crave. On the other hand, it doesn’t support DTS, so you’ll miss out on that particular audio feast.

What Are the Exact Dimensions and Weight of the Soundbar?

You’ll find the soundbar measures 36 inches wide, 2.2 inches tall, and 3.5 inches deep, weighing about 4.4 pounds. It’s perfectly sized for most TV setups without overwhelming your entertainment space.

How Long Is the Manufacturer’s Warranty Period for This Model?

You’ll get solid peace of mind with the manufacturer’s warranty coverage that protects your investment. Most fellow audio enthusiasts find the warranty terms reasonable and thorough for this price range soundbar.

Can the Signa S4 Be Wall-Mounted and Are Brackets Included?

You’ll love that it can be wall-mounted to save space and create a clean setup. Wall-mounting brackets are included in the box, so you won’t need to purchase anything extra to get started.

Edgar
Edgar

Hi, I’m Edgar — founder of Sound Review Hub and lifelong audio enthusiast. I created this site to share honest, hands-on reviews of home theater systems, soundbars, and speakers. From the simplicity of Sonos to exploring brands big and small, I’m here to help you find the perfect sound for your space. Thanks for stopping by!