The quest for better TV sound doesn't have to be complicated. Today we're comparing two popular soundbars: the Polk Audio Signa S4 priced at $349 and the Samsung HW-B550D at $178. Both aim to upgrade your TV audio, but they take notably different approaches.
Soundbars have evolved significantly since their introduction. What started as simple stereo upgrades now includes advanced features like Dolby Atmos - a technology that creates three-dimensional sound by precisely placing audio in virtual spaces around and above you. The market now spans from basic audio enhancers to sophisticated home theater replacements.
Recent trends show manufacturers focusing on two key areas:
The Polk Signa S4 represents the newer generation of soundbars with its 3.1.2 configuration. Those numbers tell an important story:
Released in late 2021, it brought Dolby Atmos to a more accessible price point. The up-firing speakers bounce sound off your ceiling to create genuine overhead effects - a key feature for modern movie soundtracks.
The Samsung HW-B550D, released in early 2022, takes a different approach with its 3.1 setup. While it lacks physical height speakers, it uses DTS Virtual:X processing to simulate surround effects. This technology uses clever audio processing to trick your ears into perceiving sound from more directions than the speakers actually produce.
In practical terms, these different approaches yield noticeable results:
The Polk excels with modern content, especially streaming services and 4K Blu-rays with Atmos soundtracks. The dedicated height channels create a dome of sound that's particularly effective during scenes with:
The Samsung delivers impressive virtual surround but can't quite match the physical sensation of sound from above. However, its processing is remarkably effective for standard surround content.
Both systems handle music well, but their strengths differ:
Both soundbars address one of the most common TV audio complaints - muddy dialogue. The Polk's VoiceAdjust technology offers granular control over dialogue levels, while Samsung's Voice Enhancement preset provides a simpler but effective solution.
The Polk's eARC (Enhanced Audio Return Channel) support is particularly future-proof, allowing uncompressed Dolby Atmos audio to pass through from your TV. This becomes important as streaming services continue to upgrade their audio quality.
Samsung's standard ARC connection handles most current formats but may become limiting as higher-quality audio sources become more common.
Both offer Bluetooth connectivity, but Samsung's multi-device pairing feature is notably convenient for households where multiple people want to share music playback duties.
Your room plays a crucial role in these soundbars' performance:
The price gap between these systems ($171) requires careful consideration:
Choose the Polk Signa S4 if:
Go with the Samsung HW-B550D if:
Neither choice is wrong - they simply serve different needs and budgets. The Polk offers more sophisticated technology and better performance ceiling, while the Samsung delivers impressive value and solid performance for everyday use.
| Polk Audio Signa S4 | Samsung HW-B550D |
|---|---|
| Price - Key factor in value assessment | |
| $349 (premium features justify cost) | $178 (excellent value for basic needs) |
| Channel Configuration - Determines sound positioning capability | |
| 3.1.2 with true height channels | 3.1 with virtual surround |
| Sound Processing - Impacts immersive audio experience | |
| Dolby Atmos with physical up-firing speakers | DTS Virtual:X simulation |
| Center Channel - Critical for dialogue clarity | |
| Dedicated center with VoiceAdjust technology | Dedicated center with basic voice enhancement |
| Subwoofer - Determines bass performance | |
| 5.9" wireless with Atmos integration | 5" wireless with bass boost mode |
| HDMI Connectivity - Affects audio quality potential | |
| eARC (supports uncompressed Atmos) | ARC (compressed audio only) |
| Additional Inputs - Flexibility for various sources | |
| Optical, 3.5mm analog, Bluetooth 4.2 | Optical, USB, Bluetooth 4.2 multi-device |
| Room Size Compatibility - Important for optimal performance | |
| Medium to large rooms, needs 7-9' ceiling | Small to medium rooms, any ceiling height |
| Sound Customization - Control over audio experience | |
| Multiple modes, adjustable voice/bass levels | Basic presets, night mode, game mode |
| Dimensions (Soundbar) - Consider your TV stand space | |
| 41.2" x 3.7" x 2.4" | 33.9" x 2.4" x 3.0" |
| Total System Power - Impacts maximum volume | |
| Not specified by manufacturer | 430W total system power |
The Polk Audio Signa S4 is superior for movies due to its Dolby Atmos support and dedicated height channels. While the Samsung HW-B550D offers good virtual surround, the Polk provides true overhead effects that enhance the movie-watching experience.
For home theater enthusiasts, the Polk Signa S4 at $349 justifies its higher price with Dolby Atmos support and better sound quality. However, if you're primarily watching regular TV, the Samsung HW-B550D at $178 offers excellent value.
Both perform well, but the Polk Signa S4 edges ahead with its VoiceAdjust technology, offering more precise control over dialogue levels. The Samsung HW-B550D has good voice enhancement but with fewer adjustment options.
The Polk Signa S4 needs 7-9 feet ceiling height for optimal Atmos effects, while the Samsung HW-B550D works in any room configuration. Consider your space when choosing.
The Polk Signa S4 is better suited for modern streaming services, especially those offering Dolby Atmos content like Netflix and Disney+. The Samsung HW-B550D handles standard content well but can't process Atmos signals.
Both the Polk Signa S4 and Samsung HW-B550D use HDMI ARC, but the Polk adds eARC support for uncompressed audio. Both also offer optical connections as backup.
Neither soundbar works with external subwoofers - both come with their own wireless subwoofers that are specifically paired to their systems.
The Samsung HW-B550D offers simpler setup with fewer options to configure. The Polk Signa S4 requires more initial setup but provides more customization options.
Both support Bluetooth streaming, but the Samsung HW-B550D offers multi-device pairing. The Polk Signa S4 provides better stereo separation for music.
To fully utilize the Polk Signa S4's Atmos capabilities, you need a TV with eARC support. The Samsung HW-B550D works with any modern TV.
The Samsung HW-B550D includes a dedicated game mode, while the Polk Signa S4 offers better spatial audio for games with Atmos support.
The Polk Signa S4 is more future-proof with eARC and Atmos support. The Samsung HW-B550D may feel limited as more content moves to advanced audio formats.
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: 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 - bestbuy.com - crutchfield.com - avsforum.com - consumerreports.org - abt.com - pcrichard.com - samsung.com - samsung.com - rtings.com - samsung.com - jeffsappliance.com
