Let's dive into how these soundbars stack up and help you make the right choice for your home theater setup. Both released in the last year, these systems represent the latest in accessible home audio technology, though they take notably different approaches to delivering room-filling sound.
The home audio market has evolved dramatically in recent years. Soundbars have become increasingly sophisticated, offering features that were once exclusive to complex multi-speaker setups. The key advancement has been the integration of virtual surround technologies and upward-firing speakers, allowing single-unit systems to create immersive soundscapes that extend beyond their physical placement.
Modern soundbars like the Polk Signa S4 ($269.85) and Samsung HW-S700D ($147.99) are designed to bridge the gap between basic TV audio and full home theater systems. They both offer Dolby Atmos support, though through different methods that we'll explore.
The Polk Signa S4 takes a more traditional audiophile approach with its 3.1.2 configuration. Those numbers are important - they mean three front channels (left, center, right), one subwoofer, and two upward-firing height channels. The height channels are actual physical speakers that bounce sound off your ceiling to create genuine overhead effects. This makes a noticeable difference when watching Atmos-encoded content, with sounds like helicopters and rainfall having a more precise vertical positioning.
In contrast, the Samsung HW-S700D uses digital processing to create virtual height effects. While not as precise as physical upward-firing speakers, Samsung's implementation is impressive, especially given the price point. The soundbar particularly shines when paired with Samsung TVs through Q-Symphony, which coordinates the TV's built-in speakers with the soundbar for a wider soundstage.
For music lovers, these systems offer distinctly different presentations. The Polk delivers a warmer, more traditional hi-fi sound signature. Its dedicated subwoofer provides deeper bass extension, which works particularly well for genres like rock and electronic music. The crossover between the sub and soundbar is well-implemented, creating a cohesive sound field.
The Samsung takes a more modern approach, with a brighter, more detailed presentation. Its SpaceFit Sound Pro feature, which uses built-in microphones to analyze your room's acoustics, helps optimize the sound for your specific space - something typically found only in more expensive systems.
Gaming performance is where these systems really diverge. While both handle basic gaming audio competently, the Samsung HW-S700D includes dedicated gaming features like Game Mode Pro, which enhances positional audio cues and optimizes latency. When connected to a Samsung TV, it can automatically detect when you're gaming and adjust settings accordingly.
The Samsung's SpaceFit Sound Pro represents a significant advance in automated room correction for budget soundbars. It actively measures your room's acoustics and adjusts the sound profile to compensate for room reflections and standing waves. This kind of technology was previously only available in high-end audio equipment.
The Polk takes a more manual approach, offering user-adjustable settings for bass and voice levels. While this requires more user involvement, it can provide excellent results when properly configured.
Released in 2024, the Samsung HW-S700D embraces modern connectivity with support for AirPlay, Chromecast, and voice assistants. It integrates seamlessly with smart home systems through the SmartThings app, offering convenient control options and automated scenes.
The Polk Signa S4 focuses on core audio connectivity with HDMI eARC and optical inputs, plus Bluetooth for wireless streaming. While more basic, this approach ensures broad compatibility and simplicity.
For home theater enthusiasts, both systems offer distinct advantages. The Polk's true height channels and more powerful subwoofer create a more cinema-like experience, especially in medium to large rooms. The dedicated center channel in both units ensures clear dialogue, but the Polk's VoiceAdjust technology offers more fine-tuned control over dialogue levels.
The Samsung's slim profile makes it ideal for wall-mounted setups, and its integration with Samsung TVs through Q-Symphony creates a more cohesive sound system. However, this feature is limited to compatible Samsung TVs.
At their respective price points - Polk Signa S4 at $269.85 and Samsung HW-S700D at $147.99 (on sale from $497.99) - both systems offer strong value but for different users. The Polk's superior Atmos performance and more powerful subwoofer justify its higher price for movie enthusiasts. The Samsung's current sale price makes it an exceptional value, especially considering its smart features and slim design.
Choose the Polk if:
Choose the Samsung if:
Both soundbars represent significant improvements over built-in TV speakers, but they cater to different priorities. The Polk Signa S4 excels in pure audio performance, while the Samsung HW-S700D offers more features and modern conveniences in a slimmer package.
Consider your room size, primary use case, and whether you'll benefit from smart features when making your decision. At current prices, the Samsung offers exceptional value, but the Polk's superior audio performance might be worth the premium for discerning listeners.
| Polk Audio Signa S4 | Samsung HW-S700D |
|---|---|
| Current Price - Key factor in value comparison | |
| $269.85 | $147.99 (on sale from $497.99) |
| Channel Configuration - Determines surround sound capability | |
| 3.1.2 (includes height channels) | 3.1 (virtual height effects) |
| Dolby Atmos Support - Important for immersive movie audio | |
| True Atmos with physical height speakers | Virtual Atmos through digital processing |
| Subwoofer Size - Impacts bass performance | |
| 5.9" driver with larger cabinet | 6" driver with compact design |
| Profile Height - Critical for TV placement compatibility | |
| 3.7" tall (standard size) | Ultra-slim design (significantly thinner) |
| Smart Features - Affects integration with other devices | |
| Basic Bluetooth only | SmartThings, AirPlay, Chromecast, Voice Assistants |
| Room Correction - Helps optimize sound for your space | |
| Manual bass and voice adjustments | SpaceFit Sound Pro with automatic calibration |
| Gaming Features - Important for console gamers | |
| Standard audio processing | Game Mode Pro with optimized latency |
| TV Integration - Affects overall system synergy | |
| Standard HDMI eARC | Q-Symphony with Samsung TVs, enhanced features |
| Additional Sound Modes - Provides flexibility for different content | |
| Movie, Music, Night modes | Adaptive Sound, Active Voice Amplifier, Custom EQ |
| Maximum Sound Pressure Level - Determines volume capability | |
| 95dB (fills medium to large rooms) | 90dB (ideal for small to medium rooms) |
| Wireless Connectivity - Important for streaming | |
| Bluetooth 4.2 | Bluetooth 5.2, Wi-Fi, AirPlay 2 |
The Polk Signa S4 provides better movie performance with its true 3.1.2 Dolby Atmos configuration and physical height channels. You'll get more precise overhead effects and deeper bass, making it the superior choice for movie enthusiasts.
The Samsung HW-S700D is currently priced at $147.99 (on sale from $497.99), while the Polk Signa S4 costs $269.85. The Samsung offers exceptional value at its sale price, though the Polk justifies its higher price with better audio performance.
The Samsung HW-S700D is ideal for small rooms due to its ultra-slim profile and compact subwoofer. Its SpaceFit Sound Pro feature also helps optimize audio for smaller spaces.
While both work with any TV, the Samsung HW-S700D offers additional features like Q-Symphony when paired with Samsung TVs. The Polk Signa S4 performs consistently with any TV brand.
Both offer good dialogue clarity, but the Polk Signa S4 edges ahead with its VoiceAdjust technology, allowing more precise control over dialogue levels. This is especially helpful during quiet movie scenes.
Yes, both can stream music via Bluetooth, but the Samsung HW-S700D offers additional options including AirPlay, Chromecast, and Wi-Fi streaming through SmartThings.
The Samsung HW-S700D is superior for gaming with its dedicated Game Mode Pro and lower latency. It automatically optimizes sound for gaming when connected to a console through a Samsung TV.
Neither requires wall mounting. The Samsung HW-S700D is particularly versatile due to its slim profile, while the Polk Signa S4 works well on a TV stand or wall-mounted.
The Polk Signa S4 delivers more impactful bass with its larger subwoofer cabinet, making it better for action movies and explosive sound effects.
The Samsung HW-S700D offers more expansion options, including wireless rear speakers. The Polk Signa S4 is designed as a complete system without expansion capabilities.
Both perform well in open spaces, but the Polk Signa S4 has more power (95dB vs 90dB) and stronger bass, making it better suited for larger, open living rooms.
Yes, both support Dolby Atmos, but differently. The Polk Signa S4 uses physical upward-firing speakers for true Atmos effects, while the Samsung HW-S700D creates virtual Atmos effects through digital processing.
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 - crutchfield.com - samsung.com - bestbuy.com - avsforum.com - walts.com - samsung.com - samsung.com - videoandaudiocenter.com - samsung.com - samsung.com - samsung.com - pcrichard.com
