The Polk Audio Signa S2 Ultra-Slim TV Sound Bar with Wireless Subwoofer is a popular choice among budget-conscious consumers looking to upgrade their home theater experience without breaking the bank. With a sleek design, impressive sound quality, and a host of connectivity options, this sound bar offers excellent value for its price. In this review, we will delve into its various features, benefits, and potential drawbacks to help you make an informed decision.
Sound Quality
The Polk Audio Signa S2 delivers an impressive audio performance for its price range. Equipped with five powerful full-range drivers, this sound bar provides rich, immersive sound with deep bass, thanks to the included wireless subwoofer. The sound quality is further enhanced by Polk’s exclusive Voice Adjust Technology and Dolby Digital Decoding, which maximize sound clarity and reduce voice delays. This makes it an excellent choice for watching movies, TV shows, and even listening to music.
One of the standout features of the Signa S2 is its ability to produce clear and crisp dialogue, which is often a challenge for budget sound bars. The Voice Adjust Technology allows you to customize the voice levels to your preference, ensuring that you never miss a word of your favorite shows or movies. The wireless subwoofer adds a significant punch to the overall sound, delivering deep, resonant bass that enhances the viewing experience.
Connectivity
The Polk Audio Signa S2 offers a variety of connectivity options, making it compatible with a wide range of devices. It features HDMI ARC, optical input, and AUX, allowing you to connect it to your TV, smartphone, tablet, or other audio sources with ease. The inclusion of HDMI ARC is particularly noteworthy, as it simplifies the connection process and allows for seamless integration with your TV’s remote control.
Additionally, the Signa S2 comes with built-in Bluetooth technology, enabling you to wirelessly stream music from your favorite apps like Pandora, Spotify, and TuneIn directly from your smartphone or tablet. This adds a layer of versatility to the sound bar, allowing you to use it not just for your TV but also as a standalone Bluetooth speaker.
Ease of Use
Setting up the Polk Audio Signa S2 is a breeze, thanks to the included HDMI and optical cables. The sound bar can be connected to your TV and up and running in just a few minutes. The package also includes a remote control, making it easy to adjust settings and switch between different audio sources.
The sound bar’s user-friendly design extends to its operation as well. The remote control is straightforward and intuitive, allowing you to adjust volume levels, switch inputs, and activate the Voice Adjust feature with ease. The sound bar also supports voice control, adding another layer of convenience for users who prefer hands-free operation.
Design
The ultra-slim design of the Polk Audio Signa S2 is one of its most appealing features. Measuring just over 2 inches tall, it can easily fit in front of your TV without blocking the bottom edge or the IR remote sensor. This makes it an ideal choice for those with limited space or who prefer a minimalist aesthetic.
The sound bar can also be wall-mounted, providing flexibility in terms of placement. The sleek black finish and compact design ensure that it blends seamlessly with most home decor styles. The wireless subwoofer is equally compact and can be placed anywhere in the room, adding to the overall convenience and versatility of the system.
Price
At a price point of $172.49 for the renewed model, the Polk Audio Signa S2 offers excellent value for money. It delivers sound quality and features that are on par with many mid- to high-range sound bars, making it a cost-effective solution for those looking to enhance their home theater experience without spending a fortune.
The renewed model also comes with a limited warranty, providing peace of mind for buyers. Given its performance, design, and ease of use, the Signa S2 is a compelling option for budget-conscious consumers.
Compatibility
The Polk Audio Signa S2 is compatible with a wide range of devices, including 4K HD Smart TVs, smartphones, tablets, and more. Its multiple connectivity options ensure that you can easily integrate it into your existing setup, regardless of the devices you own.
The sound bar’s Bluetooth functionality further enhances its compatibility, allowing you to wirelessly stream music from any Bluetooth-enabled device. This makes it a versatile addition to any home entertainment system, capable of serving multiple purposes beyond just enhancing TV audio.
Benefits and Issues
Benefits
- Impressive Sound Quality: Delivers rich, immersive sound with deep bass and clear dialogue.
- Versatile Connectivity: Multiple input options, including HDMI ARC, optical, AUX, and Bluetooth.
- Easy Setup: Quick and straightforward installation with included cables.
- Sleek Design: Ultra-slim profile that fits easily in front of the TV or can be wall-mounted.
- Voice Adjust Technology: Customizable voice levels for enhanced dialogue clarity.
- Affordable: Excellent value for money, offering features and performance on par with higher-end models.
Issues
- Limited Advanced Features: Lacks some of the advanced features found in more expensive sound bars, such as built-in voice assistants or multi-room audio support.
- Renewed Model: While the renewed model offers cost savings, some buyers may prefer a brand-new unit for added peace of mind.
- Bluetooth Range: The Bluetooth range is limited to 10 meters, which may be restrictive for larger rooms or if you plan to move around while streaming music.
Conclusion
The Polk Audio Signa S2 Ultra-Slim TV Sound Bar with Wireless Subwoofer is a standout choice for those seeking a budget-friendly yet high-performing sound bar. Its impressive sound quality, versatile connectivity options, and sleek design make it a compelling option for enhancing your home theater experience. While it may lack some of the advanced features found in higher-end models, it more than makes up for it with its affordability and ease of use.
Whether you’re watching movies, streaming music, or simply looking to improve your TV’s audio, the Signa S2 is a reliable and cost-effective solution. Its combination of rich sound, deep bass, and clear dialogue ensures that you get the most out of your entertainment, making it a worthwhile investment for any home.