As TVs get thinner, their built-in speakers often struggle to deliver satisfying audio. That's where Polk Audio Signa S4 ($349) and Samsung B-Series 5.1 ($278) come in - two soundbars that promise to transform your TV audio experience, albeit through different approaches.
Modern soundbars have evolved far beyond simple stereo speakers. Today's models pack sophisticated audio processing, wireless connectivity, and even vertical sound projection for immersive 3D audio. Whether you're watching movies, gaming, or streaming music, a quality soundbar can dramatically improve your entertainment experience.
The Polk Signa S4, released in 2022, represents a newer approach with its Dolby Atmos capability. Atmos creates a three-dimensional soundfield by adding height channels - imagine hearing a helicopter actually passing overhead rather than just side-to-side. The soundbar achieves this through up-firing speakers that bounce sound off your ceiling.
The Samsung B-Series 5.1, part of Samsung's 2024 lineup, takes a more traditional surround sound approach. Instead of height channels, it uses DTS Virtual:X technology to simulate 3D sound through clever audio processing. While it can't physically project sound upward like the Polk, it includes actual rear speakers for authentic surround effects.
Both soundbars excel at their primary task - improving TV audio - but in different ways. The Polk S4's Dolby Atmos capability creates a more convincing dome of sound above and around you. This is particularly noticeable in scenes with overhead action or ambient effects like rainfall. The dedicated center channel keeps dialogue crystal clear even during intense action sequences.
The Samsung B-Series counters with traditional 5.1 surround sound, which many users find more straightforward and reliable. Its rear speakers provide genuine surround effects rather than relying on sound reflection or virtual processing. While it can't match the Polk's overhead effects, some users might prefer its more conventional approach.
For music, the Polk S4 demonstrates superior stereo separation and cleaner high frequencies. Its seven-driver array and sophisticated processing create a wide, detailed soundstage that works well for both casual listening and critical music appreciation.
The Samsung system, while competent, focuses more on impact than refinement. Its subwoofer provides punchy bass that works well for electronic music and pop, but it sometimes lacks the nuance needed for acoustic or classical performances.
Modern games often feature Dolby Atmos soundtracks, giving the Polk S4 an advantage for next-gen gaming. The height channels add another dimension to game audio, helping players better locate enemies and enjoy environmental effects.
The Samsung B-Series includes a dedicated Game Mode that reduces audio latency and emphasizes directional sounds. While it can't match the Polk's vertical sound placement, its rear speakers provide precise positional audio that gamers will appreciate.
The Polk S4 features HDMI eARC (enhanced Audio Return Channel), which supports high-bandwidth audio formats like Dolby Atmos and provides seamless control integration with your TV. It also includes optical and Bluetooth connections for broader compatibility.
The Samsung B-Series offers standard HDMI ARC, optical, and Bluetooth connectivity. While this covers most users' needs, it can't handle the same high-bandwidth audio formats as eARC.
Both soundbars include useful audio enhancement features. The Polk's Voice Adjust technology lets you boost dialogue without affecting other sounds - perfect for late-night viewing. Its Bass Adjust feature provides fine control over low frequencies.
Samsung's Adaptive Sound automatically optimizes audio based on content type, while its Bass Boost feature offers simple but effective bass enhancement. The Game Mode demonstrates Samsung's understanding of gaming needs.
The Polk S4's Atmos capabilities require some thought about room layout. You'll need a flat ceiling (ideally 8-11 feet high) for the best height effects. The soundbar itself is relatively compact, but you'll want to ensure nothing blocks the up-firing speakers.
The Samsung system needs space for its rear speakers, requiring either speaker stands or suitable shelf placement. However, it's more forgiving of ceiling type and room shape since it doesn't rely on reflected sound for its effects.
At $349, the Polk Signa S4 represents excellent value for a Dolby Atmos system. Similar features often cost significantly more, and its performance justifies the price premium over the Samsung.
The Samsung B-Series at $278 offers strong traditional surround sound performance at a more accessible price point. Its inclusion of rear speakers provides a more conventional but still engaging home theater experience.
Choose the Polk S4 if:
Choose the Samsung B-Series if:
Both soundbars represent different philosophies in home audio. The Polk S4 embraces newer technology with its Atmos implementation, while the Samsung B-Series refines the traditional surround sound approach. Both have their merits, and your choice should depend on your specific needs, room setup, and budget rather than pure specifications.
As we look to the future, Dolby Atmos content continues to grow, potentially making the Polk S4's approach more valuable over time. However, the Samsung's traditional surround sound implementation remains tried and true, delivering reliable performance for most content types.
The decision ultimately comes down to your priorities: cutting-edge immersion versus traditional reliability, advanced features versus straightforward operation, and of course, your budget constraints. Either way, both soundbars represent significant upgrades over TV speakers and will enhance your home entertainment experience.
| Polk Audio Signa S4 ($349) | Samsung B-Series 5.1 ($278) |
|---|---|
| Audio Configuration - Determines soundstage and immersion | |
| 3.1.2 channel with Dolby Atmos height channels | 5.1 channel with DTS Virtual:X |
| Driver Configuration - Affects sound quality and clarity | |
| 7 drivers including 2 up-firing + wireless sub | 5 drivers + wireless sub + 2 rear speakers |
| Sound Processing - Impacts audio performance and features | |
| Dolby Atmos with dedicated height channels | DTS Virtual:X with virtual surround processing |
| Subwoofer Specs - Determines bass performance | |
| 5.9" driver with wireless connection | 6.5" driver with wireless connection |
| Connectivity - Important for compatibility | |
| HDMI eARC, Optical, Bluetooth 4.2, 3.5mm aux | HDMI ARC, Optical, Bluetooth 4.2, USB |
| Special Features - Enhances usability | |
| VoiceAdjust, Bass Adjust, Night Mode | Adaptive Sound, Game Mode, Bass Boost |
| Room Optimization - Affects setup flexibility | |
| Requires flat ceiling for Atmos reflection | More flexible placement, needs rear speaker space |
| Dimensions (Soundbar) - Consider TV compatibility | |
| 41.2" x 3.7" x 2.4" | 40.6" x 2.3" x 4.1" |
| Power Output - Impacts maximum volume | |
| 340W total system power | 430W total system power |
| Latest Format Support - Future-proofing | |
| Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital+, DTS | DTS Virtual:X, Dolby Digital 5.1 |
| Use Case Optimization - Best suited for | |
| Movies and modern streaming content | Gaming and traditional surround content |
| Value Proposition - Price vs Features | |
| Higher price but includes Atmos and better processing | Lower price with traditional surround approach |
The Polk Audio Signa S4 ($349) offers better movie performance thanks to its Dolby Atmos capability and up-firing speakers, creating more immersive sound for modern movies. However, the Samsung B-Series 5.1 ($278) provides good traditional surround sound with actual rear speakers, which some viewers may prefer.
The Samsung B-Series 5.1 is more budget-friendly at $278, while the Polk Signa S4 costs $349. The $71 difference primarily accounts for the Dolby Atmos capability and superior audio processing.
While not essential, Dolby Atmos adds a significant dimension to home theater viewing. The Polk Signa S4 offers this feature, creating more immersive sound with compatible content, which is increasingly common on streaming services and Blu-rays.
The Samsung B-Series 5.1 has a more straightforward setup but requires placing rear speakers. The Polk Signa S4 has a simpler single-bar setup but needs proper ceiling height and reflection for optimal Atmos performance.
Both perform well for gaming. The Samsung B-Series features a dedicated gaming mode with lower latency, while the Polk Signa S4 offers better spatial audio through Atmos for supported games.
The Samsung B-Series 5.1 might be challenging in small spaces due to its rear speakers, while the Polk Signa S4 offers a more compact solution with just the bar and subwoofer.
Yes, both soundbars offer universal compatibility through HDMI and optical connections. The Polk Signa S4 has more advanced HDMI eARC support for higher-quality audio formats.
The Polk Signa S4 features Voice Adjust technology specifically designed for dialogue enhancement, making it superior for clear speech reproduction compared to the Samsung B-Series's standard voice enhancement.
Yes, for optimal performance with the Polk Signa S4, you need a flat ceiling between 8-11 feet high. The Samsung B-Series doesn't require specific ceiling conditions since it doesn't use upward-firing speakers.
Both systems include powerful wireless subwoofers, but the Samsung B-Series offers slightly punchier bass with its larger driver. The Polk Signa S4 provides more nuanced bass control through its Bass Adjust feature.
Both the Polk Signa S4 and Samsung B-Series offer Bluetooth connectivity for music streaming from smartphones and other devices, with support for multiple paired devices.
The Polk Signa S4 is more future-proof with its Dolby Atmos support and eARC connectivity, making it better prepared for upcoming audio formats and streaming content compared to the Samsung B-Series's more traditional features.
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