Choosing Between Budget and Premium Dolby Atmos Soundbars: A Complete Guide

The Evolution of Home Theater Sound

Home theater audio has come a long way from basic stereo TV speakers. Today's Dolby Atmos soundbars can create immersive 3D soundscapes that place you in the middle of the action. But with options ranging from $200 to over $1,500, choosing the right system requires understanding some key technologies and trade-offs.

Let's compare two very different approaches to Atmos sound: the entry-level $269.85 Polk Audio Signa S4 released in 2021, and the premium $1,499.99 LG S95TR launched in early 2024. While both aim to deliver 3D sound, they take notably different paths to get there.

Understanding the Technology

Dolby Atmos creates immersive sound by treating audio elements as distinct objects that can be precisely positioned in 3D space. Traditional surround sound assigns audio to specific channels, but Atmos allows sounds to move smoothly between speakers, including overhead. This is what creates that "dome of sound" effect that makes rain seem to fall from above or helicopters truly fly overhead.

The Signa S4 implements Atmos through a 3.1.2 channel configuration - three front channels, one subwoofer, and two upward-firing drivers that bounce sound off your ceiling. This creates a basic but effective height effect. The S95TR takes things further with a 9.1.5 setup, adding dedicated rear speakers and three sets of upward-firing drivers for more precise object placement.

Real-World Performance

Atmos Effects and Surround Sound

The difference in channel count creates a noticeable gap in immersion. The Signa S4's virtual surround processing can suggest sounds coming from beside and behind you, but it can't match dedicated rear speakers. Think of it like the difference between a 3D movie on your TV versus watching in an IMAX theater - both create depth, but one is clearly more enveloping.

The S95TR's additional channels allow for true surround sound with precise object placement. When a car drives past in a movie, you'll hear it smoothly transition from front to back. The triple up-firing drivers also create more convincing overhead effects. The Signa S4 can still produce impressive height effects for its price, but they're more generalized.

Bass Response and Impact

Both systems include wireless subwoofers, but they target different performance levels. The Signa S4's compact sub handles mid-bass well, adding punch to explosions and weight to music. However, it starts rolling off below about 40Hz, missing some of the deepest bass in movie soundtracks.

The S95TR's larger subwoofer digs deeper, producing those room-shaking frequencies below 35Hz that you feel more than hear. This adds serious impact to action scenes and gives music more natural weight. The system's advanced processing also helps integrate the sub more seamlessly with the main speakers.

Dialogue Clarity

Clear dialogue is crucial for any home theater system. The Signa S4 uses Polk's VoiceAdjust technology to enhance vocal frequencies through its single center channel. It works well, keeping dialogue intelligible even during busy action scenes.

The S95TR takes a more sophisticated approach with AI-enhanced processing and a more robust center channel array. This provides better vocal positioning and clarity, especially when voices are meant to come from off-center. Both systems handle dialogue well, but the S95TR offers more precise placement and natural sound.

Features and Smart Integration

Control and Connectivity

The Signa S4 keeps things simple with basic Bluetooth streaming and a straightforward remote. It's easy to use but lacks advanced features like room calibration or app control.

The S95TR offers a full suite of modern features including Wi-Fi streaming, voice assistant support, and automatic room calibration that optimizes sound for your specific space. It also includes HDMI 2.1 ports supporting 4K/120Hz passthrough - important for next-gen gaming consoles.

Recent Technological Advances

Since the Signa S4's 2021 release, we've seen improvements in processing power and channel integration. The S95TR represents these advances with features like AI room calibration and more sophisticated surround processing. However, the basic physics of sound haven't changed - more drivers and channels still generally mean better sound staging and immersion.

Value Proposition

The Signa S4 delivers impressive performance for its price point. At under $300, it brings basic Atmos effects and solid sound quality to budget-conscious buyers. It's particularly well-suited to smaller rooms where complex speaker arrays might be overkill.

The $1,499.99 S95TR justifies its premium price through significantly better performance and more features. The additional channels, superior processing, and smart features create a more complete home theater experience. However, you'll need a larger room to really benefit from its capabilities.

How to Decide

Choose the Signa S4 if:

• You're upgrading from TV speakers or a basic soundbar
• Your room is small to medium-sized (under 300 sq ft)
• You want Atmos effects without a major investment
• Simple setup and operation are priorities

Choose the S95TR if:

• You have a dedicated home theater space
• Your room is medium to large (300+ sq ft)
• You want the best possible surround sound
• Advanced features and calibration options are important
• Budget allows for a premium system

Final Thoughts

Both systems excel at their respective price points, but they serve different users. The Signa S4 makes Atmos accessible to more people, delivering good performance for the price. The S95TR represents the current state of the art in soundbar technology, offering superior performance in every aspect - at a price to match.

Consider your room size, budget, and how important true surround sound is to your viewing experience. For many users, the Signa S4's performance will be more than adequate. But if you're building a serious home theater and want the best possible sound, the S95TR's premium features and performance make it worth the investment.

Remember that both systems require proper placement and room acoustics to perform their best. Even the S95TR can't overcome poor room layout or highly reflective surfaces. Consider these factors alongside your budget when making your decision.

Polk Audio Signa S4 Dolby Atmos Soundbar with Wireless Subwoofer Deals and Prices

LG S95TR 9.1.5 Channel Soundbar with Dolby Atmos Soundbar Deals and Prices