Polk Audio Signa S2 Review

If you’re considering purchasing the Polk Audio Signa S2 soundbar, you likely want to know if it’s worth the investment. After all, no one wants to spend their hard-earned money on a subpar product. So, is the Signa S2 a top-quality soundbar that delivers excellent sound? In this post, we will be going through the Polk Audio Signa S2 soundbar review to help you make an informed decision.

The Polk Audio SIGNA S2 is a 2.1 soundbar system, which means it includes a soundbar and a separate wireless subwoofer. It has a V-shaped sound signature, which means it tends to have more emphasis on the bass and treble frequencies, resulting in an exciting and energetic sound.

However, this sound signature may not be the most balanced of all the soundbars we’ve reviewed, as the mid-range frequencies may not be as prominent.

One of the key strengths of the SIGNA S2 is its volume. It can get quite loud, which should be sufficient for most people and situations. However, when pushed to its limits, the soundbar may start to show some signs of compression and distortion. This is something to keep in mind if you frequently play your audio at very high volumes.

In terms of build quality, the SIGNA S2 is decently well-made and should be able to withstand regular use. It also has the added convenience of Bluetooth connectivity, allowing you to wirelessly stream audio from your devices. Overall, the SIGNA S2 is a solid choice for those in search of an exciting, powerful soundbar with wireless streaming capabilities.

About Polk Audio

Polk Audio is a company that specializes in the design and manufacture of home audio equipment. Founded in 1972, the company has a long history of producing high-quality audio products that have garnered a loyal following among audiophiles.

Polk Audio is known for its speaker systems, which range from compact bookshelf speakers to large floor-standing models. In addition to speakers, the company also produces soundbars, subwoofers, and other home theater components. Polk Audio is headquartered in Baltimore, Maryland, and has a reputation for delivering excellent sound quality at an affordable price.

Design

The Polk Audio Signa S2 is a relatively compact device, measuring 35.4 inches in length, 2.1 inches in height, and 3.2 inches in depth. This size makes it easy to fit beneath most 55-inch TVs, and the low height allows you to set it up between the legs of your television.

If desired, you can also opt to wall-mount the soundbar, as it comes equipped with mounting holes on the back. The back of the soundbar also features a power input port, located on one side. Overall, the design of the soundbar is convenient and versatile, allowing you to set it up in a way that best fits your home theater setup.

Like the soundbar, the subwoofer for the Polk Audio system has a minimalistic design. It measures 6.7 inches in height, 13.4 inches in width, and 12.2 inches in depth, which is a reasonable size for an external component. The subwoofer is made entirely of plastic and has a clean look, with the power cable located at the back.

It is worth noting that 5.25-inch subwoofers are not common on the market, but this one is able to produce a decent amount of power despite weighing around 2 kilograms. When watching movies, the subwoofer can effectively enhance the low frequencies of explosion and thunder sounds, adding to the overall impact of the film. For gamers, the subwoofer can significantly improve the audio of computer games, creating a more immersive gaming experience.

Unlike some other soundbars on the market, the Polk Audio Signa S2 does not have an LCD display screen on the front. This can make it a bit more difficult to input settings, as you’ll have to rely on the LED indicator lights instead.

While these lights are useful for showing you the current settings, they can make it difficult to determine the precise volume level. However, it is worth noting that the volume level should still be visible on your TV screen. It’s worth mentioning that the lack of an LCD screen doesn’t significantly impact the overall user experience, as the soundbar is still easy to operate and produces excellent sound quality.

The Controls

The Polk Audio Signa 2 soundbar does not have a display screen on the device itself. Instead, it has five LED lights located in the center of the front panel. These lights are used to indicate the current status of the soundbar, such as whether the content is being played via Bluetooth or if settings are being adjusted.

The LED lights turn green when Dolby Digital multimedia is being played. While a display screen can be convenient for some users, the LED lights on the Signa 2 soundbar are still sufficient for providing basic information about the device’s status.

Unlike the Bose Solo 5 soundbar, the Polk Audio Signa 2 soundbar has some controls located directly on the device. These controls allow you to power the soundbar on and off, adjust the volume levels, and manage Bluetooth connections.

These buttons can be convenient for quickly making adjustments without the need to use a separate remote control. It’s worth noting that the Bose Solo 5 soundbar does not have any controls on the device itself and requires the use of a remote for all adjustments. Overall, the inclusion of controls on the Signa 2 soundbar adds an extra layer of convenience for users.

In addition to the soundbar and subwoofer, the Polk Audio Signa 2 package also includes a small remote control. This remote allows you to easily manage all of the device’s functions and settings. It is worth noting that the remote is made of plastic and is specifically designed for use with the Signa 2 soundbar, so it cannot be used to control other devices.

There are certain limitations to be expected. In this case, it is not surprising that the Signa 2 soundbar does not have support for any external applications for adjusting its settings. However, the soundbar still offers excellent value for its price and is a solid choice for those looking to improve their home theater audio on a budget.

In addition to its other features, the Polk Audio Signa 2 soundbar also includes a power-saving mode that automatically turns off the device after about 20 minutes of inactivity. This can help save energy and prolong the lifespan of the soundbar.

Another convenient feature of the Signa 2 is its HDMI Consumer Electronics Control (CEC) support, which allows you to use your TV remote to manage certain settings on the soundbar. This can be especially useful if you don’t want to have to keep track of multiple remote controls. Overall, the inclusion of these power-saving and convenience features make the Signa 2 soundbar an even more attractive option for home theater enthusiasts.

The Connectivity

In terms of connectivity, the Polk Audio Signa 2 soundbar has a limited number of input ports on the back of the device. These include an optical input, a 3.5mm input for connecting smartphones and other portable devices, and an HDMI Audio Return Channel (ARC) port. It is worth noting that the Signa 2 does not have a full HDMI input, which may be a drawback for some users.

However, it is worth considering that the Signa 2 has a relatively low price point, so the lack of a full HDMI input is to be expected. Overall, the soundbar still offers a decent range of connectivity options, including the ability to connect to devices via Bluetooth.

The subwoofer for the Polk Audio Signa 2 soundbar connects wirelessly to the main soundbar unit. To pair the two, you simply need to press the pairing button located on the back of the subwoofer. The subwoofer also has a power cable that must be connected to a power source.

It is worth noting that the Signa 2 package does not include satellite speakers, and the soundbar itself does not have the capability to support them. This means that the subwoofer is the only external speaker included in the package, and it is responsible for producing all of the bass and lower-frequency sounds. Despite this, the soundbar and subwoofer combination still delivers excellent audio quality and provides a significant upgrade over the built-in speakers of most TVs.

One area where budget soundbars like the Polk Audio Signa 2 tend to make compromises is in the audio codec support. Audio codecs are used to compress and decompress digital audio data, and different codecs support different audio formats. High-end soundbars often support a wider range of codecs and audio formats, but budget soundbars may not offer as much flexibility.

This can be a drawback for users who have a diverse collection of audio content in various formats and want to ensure that their soundbar is able to play it all. However, it is worth considering that the Signa 2 still provides excellent sound quality and is a solid choice for those who don’t need the widest range of audio codec support.

The Polk Audio Signa 2 soundbar is limited in its audio codec support and is only capable of playing Dolby Digital content. It does not support Atmos or DTS, and its 2.1 channel configuration means that it will downmix any audio it does support.

Additionally, the soundbar is not equipped to handle 4k or HDR10 passthrough, so it is not a suitable option for users who have high-end Blu-ray players or gaming setups that require these features. However, it still offers excellent sound quality and is a solid choice for those who do not need the most advanced audio features.

Sound Performance

Despite its low price point, the Polk Audio Signa S2 2.1 soundbar offers excellent value for money in terms of sound quality. Its V.A. Technology helps to optimize the dialogue and speech in your audio, resulting in clear, crisp conversations that are easy to understand. This can be especially beneficial for those who have trouble following along with fast-paced dialogue or who simply want to ensure that they don’t miss any important details in their media.

The Polk Audio Signa S2 2.1 soundbar and subwoofer do not have built-in surround sound capabilities. However, you can simulate virtual surround sound by adjusting the equalization (EQ) settings on the soundbar. It is worth noting that the soundbar does not have room correction, so the audio may sound different depending on the acoustics of your room.

Despite this, the goal of the Signa S2 2.1 is to provide a better overall audio experience without the need for calibrations or complex setup procedures. It is a straightforward, easy-to-use soundbar that delivers excellent sound quality and is well-suited for those who want an upgrade to their home theater audio without the hassle of complicated setup or calibration.

The Polk Audio Signa S2 2.1 Channel soundbar offers flexible adjustment options for personalizing your audio experience and controlling the volume, even in the absence of surround sound or Dolby Atmos features. It also has Dolby Digital decoding, which means that it can accurately reproduce Dolby Digital content through the soundbar and its wireless subwoofer without the need for a cable or additional port.

The Signa S2 2.1 appears to be capable of decoding 5.1 Dolby Digital signals, giving you a more immersive and dynamic audio experience when watching movies or TV shows.

Overall, the Polk Audio Signa S2 soundbar delivers impressive surround sound performance when played at a normal volume level. However, when the volume is turned up, you may notice some slight distortions in the bass. It is important to note that the Signa S2 does not offer the same level of immersion as advanced Dolby Atmos and surround sound-enabled soundbars.

In terms of music performance, the Signa S2 delivers excellent sound quality, making it a great choice for those who enjoy listening to music at home. It is a versatile soundbar that is well-suited for a wide range of audio content, from movies and TV shows to music and more. Whether you are looking to upgrade your home theater audio or simply want to enhance your listening experience, the Polk Audio Signa S2 is worth considering.

The Polk Audio Signa S2 soundbar has two sound modes: a movie mode and a music mode. These modes are designed to improve the sound quality of certain types of audio content, such as movies or music. While many soundbars offer three or more sound modes, the Signa S2 only has two.

This may be seen as a limitation for some users, as it limits the ability to tailor the sound to different types of content. However, the two modes that are available are effective at enhancing the audio experience. The movie mode is well-suited for enhancing the sound quality of films, while the music mode is ideal for listening to your favorite tunes.

Conclusion

If you’re in the market for an affordable and compact soundbar that delivers excellent sound quality and convenience, then the Polk Audio Signa S2 2.1 Channel Soundbar is definitely worth considering. Not only does it have a sleek and minimalistic design that will seamlessly blend in with your home entertainment setup, but it also boasts impressive sound performance thanks to its V.A.

Technology and Dolby Digital decoding. Plus, with the inclusion of a wireless subwoofer, you’ll be able to experience deeper and more impactful bass that really enhances your movie, music, and gaming experience. Overall, the Polk Audio Signa S2 offers great value for its price and is sure to be a worthwhile investment for any audiophile on a budget.

Polk Audio Signa S2 Specs

• Total Pieces：2
• Total Frequency Response：45 Hz → 20,000 Hz
• Remote control Type: Infrared (IR)
• Electronics Warranty：1 years
• Drivers Warranty: 2 years
• Height: 2.15″ (5.46 cm)
• Width: 35.43″ (89.99 cm)
• Depth: 3.22″ (8.18 cm)
• Front Array Driver Complement: (2) 1.25″ (3.18 cm) h x 4.4″ (11.18 cm) w (Oval) – Midrange /(2) 1″ (2.54 cm) d (Round) – Tweeter
• Audio Inputs: HDMI (ARC)/Toslink Optical/Analog 3.5mm Mini-Jack (AUX)
• Bluetooth: Yes
• Mounting Type: Keyhole Hanger
• Subwoofer Height: 13.4″ (34.04 cm)
• Subwoofer Width: 6.72″ (17.07 cm)
• Subwoofer Depth: 12.2″ (30.99 cm)
• Subwoofer Front Array Driver Enclosure Type: Ported
• Subwoofer Front Array Driver Complement: (1) 5.25″ (13.34 cm) d (Round)