Choosing Between the Polk Signa S4 and Sonos Ray: A Complete Guide

The Evolution of Soundbars

As TVs have gotten thinner, their built-in speakers have suffered. This has led to a booming market for soundbars, which offer dramatically better audio without the complexity of traditional home theater systems. In 2022, both Polk and Sonos released new models targeting different segments of this market - the $399 Signa S4 and $279 Ray respectively.

Understanding Today's Soundbar Technology

Before diving into the specifics, let's understand what matters in a modern soundbar. The key factors are sound quality, processing capabilities (like Dolby Atmos, which creates 3D surround sound), connectivity options, and increasingly, smart features like multi-room audio and streaming integration.

Audio Architecture Comparison

The Polk Signa S4 represents a more traditional home theater approach with its 3.1.2 channel configuration. This means three front channels (left, center, right), one subwoofer (the ".1"), and two height channels for Dolby Atmos effects. The dedicated center channel is crucial for clear dialogue, while the up-firing speakers bounce sound off your ceiling to create height effects.

In contrast, the Sonos Ray takes a minimalist approach with a 2.0 setup. It uses advanced processing to create virtual surround effects and dialogue enhancement without additional speakers. While it lacks the physical speakers for true surround sound, its carefully tuned drivers and waveguides create an impressively wide soundstage for its size.

Real-World Performance

Movie and TV Performance

The Signa S4 shines in movie performance, particularly with Dolby Atmos content. The height channels create noticeable overhead effects - think helicopter flyovers or rainfall - while the wireless subwoofer adds impact to explosions and dramatic scenes. The dedicated center channel ensures dialogue remains clear even during intense action sequences.

The Ray takes a different approach, focusing on clarity and balance rather than immersive effects. Its forward-firing speakers and sophisticated processing deliver remarkably clear dialogue for a budget soundbar. While it can't match the Signa S4's room-filling presence, it excels in smaller spaces where its precise sound staging creates an engaging listening experience.

Music Playback

Here's where the products' different philosophies become apparent. The Sonos Ray benefits from Sonos' music streaming expertise. It supports virtually every streaming service, offers excellent stereo separation, and integrates seamlessly with other Sonos speakers for whole-home audio.

The Polk Signa S4 handles music well through its Bluetooth connection, with the subwoofer adding satisfying bass to music. However, it lacks the Ray's sophisticated streaming capabilities and multi-room features.

Connectivity and Setup

Physical Connections

• Signa S4: HDMI eARC (which allows full-quality Dolby Atmos transmission), optical input, Bluetooth
• Ray: Optical input only, but adds Ethernet and Wi-Fi for streaming

Setup Experience

The Signa S4 offers a traditional plug-and-play experience - connect via HDMI, and you're largely done. The wireless subwoofer pairs automatically, though you might spend some time positioning it for optimal bass response.

The Ray's setup through the Sonos app is more involved but offers greater customization. The app walks you through optimization steps, including Trueplay tuning (if you have an iOS device), which adjusts the sound based on your room's acoustics.

Value Considerations

Immediate vs. Long-term Value

The Polk Signa S4 delivers more immediate value with its included subwoofer and Dolby Atmos support. It's a complete solution out of the box, offering a true home theater experience at a competitive price point.

The Sonos Ray might seem expensive for its basic features, but its value proposition includes future expandability and robust software support. Sonos regularly updates its products with new features and has a strong track record of long-term support.

Feature Evolution Since Release

Since their 2022 releases, both products have received software updates. The Ray has gained additional streaming services and refinements to its sound processing. The Signa S4 has maintained its core feature set, focusing on stability improvements rather than new features.

How to Decide

Choose the Polk Signa S4 if:

• You want the best movie and TV experience under $400
• Dolby Atmos support is important to you
• You have a medium to large room
• You prefer a complete solution without future upgrades
• Bass performance is a priority

Choose the Sonos Ray if:

• You prioritize music streaming
• You plan to build a multi-room audio system
• You have a smaller space
• You value long-term software support
• You want integration with smart home features

Final Thoughts

Both soundbars excel in their intended use cases. The Polk Signa S4 offers impressive home theater performance at a competitive price, while the Sonos Ray provides a sophisticated streaming platform with room to grow. Your choice should ultimately depend on your primary use case - movie watching versus music streaming - and whether you value immediate impact over long-term expandability.

Remember, the best soundbar isn't necessarily the one with the most features, but the one that best fits your specific needs and setup. Consider your room size, typical content, and whether you might want to expand your audio system in the future when making your decision.

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

Sonos Ray Soundbar Deals and Prices