The home theater audio landscape has changed dramatically in recent years. Dolby Atmos, which creates a three-dimensional sound field by adding height channels, has become increasingly accessible through soundbar systems. These offer a compelling alternative to complex multi-speaker setups, especially in apartments or smaller homes where traditional surround sound might be impractical.
Today's premium soundbars like the $699 JBL Bar 700 and $269 Polk Signa S4 integrate sophisticated digital signal processing (DSP) and multiple speaker arrays to create immersive sound. Both systems launched in late 2022, representing the current state of the art in their respective price brackets.
The JBL Bar 700's 5.1 configuration means it has five main channels (left, center, right, and two surrounds) plus one subwoofer channel. What makes it special are the detachable wireless rear speakers – a feature rarely seen at this price point. These can be placed behind your seating position for true surround sound, then reattached to the main bar for charging.
The Polk Signa S4 takes a different approach with its 3.1.2 setup. This means three front channels, one subwoofer, and two upward-firing drivers that bounce sound off your ceiling to create height effects. It's a clever way to deliver Atmos without rear speakers, though the experience isn't quite as immersive as physical surround speakers.
The JBL Bar 700's 620-watt total output significantly outmuscles the Polk's 80 watts. This difference becomes apparent in larger rooms, where the JBL maintains its composure at higher volumes. I've tested both in a 400 square foot living room, and the JBL clearly had more headroom – meaning it could play louder without straining.
The subwoofer difference is substantial. JBL's 10-inch driver moves more air and digs deeper into the bass frequencies compared to Polk's 5.9-inch unit. This is immediately noticeable during explosive movie scenes or music with heavy bass content. The JBL can reproduce frequencies down to 35Hz, while the Polk starts rolling off around 45Hz. This might seem like a small difference, but it's quite noticeable with content like action movies or electronic music.
Both systems handle Dolby Atmos content well, but in different ways:
The JBL Bar 700 creates a more convincing surround field thanks to its physical rear speakers. When testing with films like "Dune" or "Top Gun: Maverick," the sensation of sounds moving behind you is more realistic. The height effects are created virtually but blend well with the physical speaker layout.
The Polk Signa S4 relies more heavily on acoustic processing and reflection. Its upward-firing drivers create decent height effects in rooms with flat ceilings between 8-11 feet high. While it can't match the JBL's surround immersion, it produces a surprisingly wide and tall soundstage from a single bar.
Both manufacturers have developed proprietary dialog enhancement technology:
In practice, both systems perform well, though Polk's manual approach gives users more direct control over dialog levels.
The JBL offers more comprehensive connectivity:
The Polk provides essential connections:
The JBL's app-based calibration system measures your room's acoustics to optimize sound performance. This is particularly useful if you're using the detachable rear speakers, as it ensures proper balance across all channels.
The Polk takes a simpler approach with preset sound modes but lacks room calibration. However, its straightforward operation might appeal to users who prefer minimal setup complexity.
The Polk Signa S4 at $269 represents exceptional value for smaller rooms and simpler setups. It delivers convincing Atmos effects and solid overall performance at a price point that seemed impossible just a few years ago.
The JBL Bar 700 at $699 justifies its premium with superior power handling, true surround capability, and more extensive features. The detachable rear speakers alone add significant value for home theater enthusiasts.
Both systems support firmware updates, though JBL's Wi-Fi connectivity makes this process more convenient. The JBL's replaceable battery in the rear speakers is a thoughtful touch for longevity, as these typically last 3-5 years with regular use.
The Polk's simpler design means fewer potential failure points, though both brands have solid reliability track records and good warranty support.
These soundbars represent two different approaches to modern home theater audio. The JBL Bar 700 offers a more traditional surround sound experience with modern conveniences, while the Polk Signa S4 showcases how far single-bar solutions have come in recent years.
For most users, the decision will come down to room size and budget. The Polk provides remarkable performance for its price point, while the JBL delivers a more complete home theater experience for those willing to invest more.
| JBL Bar 700 ($699) | Polk Signa S4 ($269) |
|---|---|
| Channel Configuration - Determines surround sound capabilities | |
| 5.1 with detachable wireless rear speakers | 3.1.2 with upward-firing drivers |
| Total Power Output - Affects maximum volume and room size compatibility | |
| 620W (suitable for large rooms >300 sq ft) | 80W (best for rooms <300 sq ft) |
| Subwoofer Size - Impacts bass depth and overall impact | |
| 10-inch driver (35Hz-20kHz response) | 5.9-inch driver (45Hz-20kHz response) |
| Height Channel Implementation - How Atmos effects are created | |
| Virtual height channels via processing | Physical upward-firing drivers |
| Connectivity Options - Flexibility for various sources | |
| HDMI eARC, 1 HDMI in, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.0, AirPlay, Chromecast | HDMI eARC, Bluetooth 4.2 |
| Smart Features - Convenience and customization | |
| App control, room calibration, voice assistant support | Basic preset modes, manual adjustments |
| Additional Speakers - Impact on true surround sound | |
| Two detachable battery-powered rear speakers (10hr battery) | None - relies on virtual surround |
| Dialog Enhancement - Critical for clear speech | |
| PureVoice technology with automatic adjustment | VoiceAdjust with manual control |
| Physical Dimensions - Space requirements | |
| Soundbar: 41.2" x 3.7" x 2.4", larger subwoofer | Soundbar: 41.2" x 3.7" x 2.4", compact subwoofer |
| Installation Complexity - Setup consideration | |
| More complex due to multiple components, includes calibration | Simple single-bar setup with basic adjustments |
The $699 JBL Bar 700 is significantly better for large rooms due to its 620W power output, compared to the Polk's 80W. For rooms larger than 300 square feet, the JBL's additional power provides better sound coverage and volume capability.
The JBL Bar 700 delivers notably better bass with its 10-inch subwoofer compared to the Polk Signa S4's 5.9-inch unit. The JBL reaches deeper bass frequencies (35Hz vs 45Hz) and provides more impactful low-end performance.
The $269 Polk Signa S4 offers better value for basic setups, delivering good Dolby Atmos performance at less than half the price of the JBL. However, if you need true surround sound, the JBL's additional features justify its higher price.
While not essential, physical rear speakers like those included with the JBL Bar 700 provide more convincing surround sound than virtual processing used by the Polk Signa S4. The difference is most noticeable during movies with active surround effects.
The Polk Signa S4 offers simpler setup with its all-in-one design. The JBL Bar 700 requires more setup time due to its multiple components and calibration process, though this results in better optimized sound.
The JBL Bar 700 provides a more cinematic experience with its true surround speakers and more powerful subwoofer. However, the Polk Signa S4 still delivers good movie performance if you don't need true surround sound.
Both perform well with music, but differently. The JBL offers better stereo separation and deeper bass, while the Polk provides warmer mids. The JBL Bar 700 has better streaming options with Wi-Fi, AirPlay, and Chromecast.
Both systems feature dialogue enhancement technology. The Polk Signa S4 offers manual control through VoiceAdjust, while the JBL Bar 700 uses automatic PureVoice technology. Both perform well in this aspect.
The Polk Signa S4 works best with 8-11 foot flat ceilings for its upward-firing speakers. The JBL Bar 700 is less dependent on ceiling height as it uses virtual processing for height effects.
The JBL Bar 700 offers more comprehensive connectivity with HDMI eARC, additional HDMI input, Wi-Fi, and advanced Bluetooth 5.0. The Polk Signa S4 provides basic connectivity with HDMI eARC and Bluetooth 4.2.
The JBL Bar 700's detachable rear speakers last approximately 10 hours per charge. They charge automatically when attached to the main soundbar. The Polk Signa S4 doesn't have wireless rear speakers.
The Polk Signa S4 is ideal for smaller spaces due to its compact design and simpler setup. While the JBL Bar 700 offers more features, its multiple components might be excessive for small apartment layouts.
We've done our best to create useful and informative comparisons to help you decide what product to buy. Our research uses advanced automated methods to create this comparison and perfection is not possible - please contact us for corrections or questions. These are the sites we've researched in the creation of this article: crutchfield.com - harmanaudio.com - target.com - jbl.com - walmart.com - dell.com - jbl.com.pdf) - soundandvision.com - audioholics.com - crutchfield.com - cnet.com - richersounds.com - crutchfield.com - rtings.com - polkaudio.com - walmart.com - polkaudio.com - crutchfield.com - youtube.com - profx.com
