Polk Audio Signa S4 Review: Immersive Soundbar with Wireless Subwoofer

Experience rich Dolby Atmos sound with Polk Audio Signa S4’s 3.1.2 channel system, wireless subwoofer, and versatile listening modes—all at a budget-friendly price.

A Soundbar That Packs a Punch Without Breaking the Bank

Let’s face it: high-end soundbars often come with wallet-shaking price tags, sometimes double or triple what Polk Audio asks for the Signa S4 soundbar. But this 3.1.2 channel soundbar with Dolby Atmos support truly delivers an immersive audio experience, boasting three distinct listening modes and a patented Voice Adjust feature. Polk Audio Signa S4 promises cinematic sound without the cinematic price.

Versatile Listening Modes That Fit Every Mood

The Signa S4 offers:

• Cinema Mode: Cranks up the bass for that blockbuster feel.
• Night Mode: Lowers bass for quieter viewing during late hours.
• Music Mode: Fine-tuned to bring out the best in your favorite tunes or musical movies.

Paired with a wireless subwoofer that simply plugs in and connects on its own, this setup creates layered, enveloping bass and overhead sound effects thanks to upward-firing speakers on the soundbar itself. For about $500 (roughly converted from 40,000 rubles), this combo is a steal compared to pricier competitors.

Polk Audio Signa S4: Key Specs at a Glance

Price and Availability: A Compelling Choice

At roughly $500, Polk Audio Signa S4 offers three-channel sound with a wireless subwoofer at a price that’s tough to beat. For comparison, Polk’s own flagship Magnifi Max AX SR soundbar costs nearly double with its 7.2.1 channel setup, aimed at hardcore cinephiles. Bose Smart Soundbar (2024) starts at about $600 without the subwoofer, which itself can cost upwards of $1000. And Sonos Arc Ultra soundbar, renowned for its 9.1.4 channel sound, charges a premium well over $1000.

In this crowd, Signa S4 is a budget dream come true.

Design and Controls: Slim Yet Mighty

Despite its 42-inch length, which requires a roomy TV stand or wall space, the Signa S4 soundbar is surprisingly slim—just 2 inches tall—so it won’t block your TV remote sensor. This contrasts with shorter soundbars like the Bose Smart Soundbar 2024, which measures 27 inches.

The soundbar houses three front-firing drivers (left, center, right) and two upward-firing speakers for Dolby Atmos effects, all wrapped in a flexible fabric cover that’s functional but not flashy. While it doesn’t have the luxury look of the Sonos Arc Ultra, it definitely looks at home in any living room setup.

The wireless subwoofer’s bass driver fires downward, allowing flexible placement. Polk recommends positioning it on the same wall as the soundbar within 9 meters for best results.

On top of the soundbar, you'll find five tactile buttons: power, input, Bluetooth, volume up, and volume down. Though I gravitated towards the remote, these buttons feel sturdy and responsive.

The included remote is a highlight—solidly built compared to others I’ve tested (looking at you, Bose). Plus, thanks to HDMI eARC connectivity on my Panasonic 4K OLED, I could control the soundbar’s volume seamlessly with my TV remote—no lag, no fuss. This kind of integration makes for a smooth user experience, unlike some systems where TV and soundbar remotes fight for attention.

Setup and Features: Plug, Play, and Customize

Setting up the Polk Audio Signa S4 is refreshingly simple. No Wi-Fi headaches, no confusing Bluetooth pairing rituals. Just plug in the soundbar, power up the wireless subwoofer, and connect via HDMI eARC on your TV. There's also an optical cable supplied, but it doesn’t support Dolby Atmos—so stick with HDMI for the full surround effect.

Wall-mounting is optional, but I found the soundbar sits nicely on a TV stand. The subwoofer pairs wirelessly with a toggle switch on its back, eliminating a tangle of cables.

Once fired up, the system offers various sound modes and adjustments:

• Voice Adjust (levels 1, 2, and 3) isolates dialogue and boosts clarity.
• Night Mode softens bass and warms voices for late-night viewing.
• Cinema Mode emphasizes bass for a blockbuster vibe.
• Manual bass and treble controls round out the customization options.

Connecting via Bluetooth to stream music is a breeze, making the Signa S4 a versatile performer beyond just TV.

Heads-up: no smart home features here. No Alexa or Google Assistant integration, which may be a drawback for some. But for folks like me who don’t live in a voice-controlled ecosystem, this is a non-issue.

Sound Quality: Punchy, Clear, and Immersive

I dove into the sonic depths of the Signa S4 by revisiting two favorites: Top Gun: Maverick and DreamWorks’ The Wild Robot. Let’s walk through what I found.

Cinema Test: Top Gun: Maverick

This movie has become my go-to soundbar benchmark because of its dynamic jet engine roars and delicate metallic clangs.

The Signa S4 captured all the low-frequency details—the clanging metal, the rope whistles—while jet engines rumbled powerfully without drowning out subtler effects. Sure, the rope whistles could’ve been a bit louder, but overall, the scene was riveting.

And what about the soundtrack? Kenny Loggins’ Danger Zone is pure 80s nostalgia: sharp drums and those melodramatic synths. The Signa S4 did justice to every note and pulse, keeping the retro vibe alive.

Voice Adjust Modes

I put the three Voice Adjust levels to the test:

• Level 1 barely changed the mix, keeping ambient sounds in place while making dialogue sharper—a balanced option.
• Level 2 dialed back bass substantially, shining a spotlight on clear, crisp speech. Perfect for dialogue-heavy movies without much action.
• Level 3 further reduced bass but boosted vocal clarity even more—great for quiet dramas, less so for action-packed sequences.

Level 1 struck the best balance for me, blending clarity without sacrificing the immersive experience.

Cinema vs. Night Modes

Switching to Cinema Mode brought bass to the forefront, turning the viewing experience into a mini-theater event. The floor practically vibrated as explosions and engine roars filled the room—sorry to the office downstairs for the noise!

One caveat: some quieter background details, like muffled whispers through headphones, got lost in the bass-heavy mix. But for adrenaline junkies, this is a small price to pay.

The Night Mode softened bass and made voices warmer, truly enabling late-night viewing without waking the household. Sound quality takes a slight hit, so I’d save it for when it’s absolutely necessary.

Immersive Effects in The Wild Robot

This DreamWorks film provided a perfect playground to test Dolby Atmos. In one scene, a gosling character’s voice seemed to float behind me, enhancing immersion. Later, underwater sounds were crystal clear, making me feel like I was swimming alongside the characters.

Even playful goose bullies sounded spatial and engaging, adding a layer of richness that many soundbars at this price point simply can’t match.

Overall, the Polk Audio Signa S4 really impressed me. Considering this soundbar and subwoofer combo costs less than $500, it’s an exceptional device, definitely deserving of 4 stars. The only drawback is some minor sound separation issues.

Final Verdict on Polk Audio Signa S4

While it can’t compete head-to-head with premium Hi-Fi systems, the Signa S4 soundbar is an outstanding entry point into Dolby Atmos soundbars. The 3.1.2 channel setup delivers thunderous bass (especially in Cinema Mode), crystal-clear dialogue (Voice Adjust Level 1 is a winner), and a genuine sense of atmospheric immersion that’s rare in this price bracket.

The variety of sound modes ensures there’s something for everyone—from action fans to documentary lovers or music aficionados. Lack of smart home integration may be a non-issue for many, especially those without Alexa or Google Assistant devices.

For roughly $500, Polk Audio Signa S4 is a smart choice that punches well above its price. It’s a system I loved testing and one I’d highly recommend while the deal lasts.

• What makes Polk Audio Signa S4 different from other soundbars?
  Its 3.1.2 Dolby Atmos setup with a wireless subwoofer at an affordable price sets it apart.
• Can I use Signa S4 for music streaming?
  Absolutely! It supports Bluetooth streaming for your favorite apps.
• Does the subwoofer need cables to connect?
  No, it connects wirelessly to the soundbar; just plug it into power.
• Is the Signa S4 compatible with smart home systems?
  No, it lacks Alexa or Google Assistant integration.
• How easy is it to set up the Polk Audio Signa S4?
  Very easy—just plug in, connect via HDMI eARC, and it’s ready to go.

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