Home theater audio has evolved dramatically in recent years, with soundbars becoming increasingly sophisticated while remaining relatively simple to set up. Today we're comparing two notable options at different price points: the $269.85 Polk Signa S4 and the $438.24 Sony BRAVIA Theater Bar 9.
Before diving into specifics, let's understand what makes today's soundbars different from older models. Modern soundbars now incorporate advanced audio processing, upward-firing speakers for height channels, and wireless connectivity that was unthinkable just a few years ago. They've become the go-to solution for people wanting better audio without the complexity of traditional surround sound systems.
The key technologies driving this evolution include:
The Polk Signa S4 delivers impressive performance for its price point. Its 3.1.2 channel configuration means you get three front channels (left, center, right), one subwoofer, and two upward-firing speakers for Atmos effects. The dedicated center channel is crucial for clear dialogue, while the upward-firing speakers create a reasonable sense of height.
In contrast, the Sony BRAVIA Theater Bar 9 employs a more sophisticated 13-speaker array with 360 Spatial Sound Mapping. This technology creates phantom speakers by bouncing sound off your walls and ceiling, resulting in a more enveloping experience. While both support Dolby Atmos, Sony's implementation provides a more refined and spacious soundstage.
The Polk's wireless subwoofer delivers punchy bass that works well for movies and music. It's particularly impressive considering the price point, though it can occasionally sound a bit boomy on certain frequencies.
Sony's approach focuses on integration and refinement. While it may not hit the deepest bass notes as forcefully, the overall bass response is more controlled and natural-sounding.
The Polk Signa S4 offers basic but reliable connectivity:
The Sony Bar 9 adds:
Both soundbars are relatively straightforward to set up, but they target different users. The Polk focuses on simplicity - plug in the HDMI cable, place the wireless subwoofer, and you're largely done. Its remote is basic but functional.
Sony's system requires more initial setup to take advantage of its advanced features. The room correction process takes time but delivers better results. The integration with BRAVIA TVs is particularly seamless, allowing control through the TV's remote.
For movie watching, both soundbars perform well but in different ways. The Polk excels at dialogue clarity and provides a good sense of immersion for its price. Action scenes benefit from the wireless subwoofer's punch, though very complex audio can occasionally sound a bit confused.
The Sony creates a more sophisticated soundstage with better separation between elements. Its phantom speaker technology is particularly effective in larger rooms where sound can properly reflect off walls. The trade-off is a higher price point and more complex setup process.
The Polk Signa S4 represents excellent value for most users. It delivers core features like Dolby Atmos and wireless subwoofer integration at a price point that's hard to beat. For many people, the performance increase of more expensive options may not justify the additional cost.
The Sony BRAVIA Theater Bar 9 justifies its higher price through superior audio processing, better integration with Sony TVs, and more sophisticated room correction. However, you'll need to take advantage of these features to make the investment worthwhile.
Consider these key factors when choosing:
For most users, the Polk Signa S4 offers the best balance of performance and value. It delivers the core features most people want - including Dolby Atmos and wireless subwoofer - at an accessible price point.
The Sony BRAVIA Theater Bar 9 is the better choice for those who:
Both represent solid choices in their respective price brackets, with the final decision largely depending on your specific needs and budget constraints.
Remember that soundbar technology continues to evolve, and while these models represent current technology well, future updates may bring new features and improvements. However, both manufacturers have good track records for supporting their products through firmware updates, helping to ensure your investment remains valuable over time.
| Polk Audio Signa S4 | Sony BRAVIA Theater Bar 9 |
|---|---|
| Price - Key factor in value proposition | |
| $269.85 (excellent value for Atmos) | $438.24 (premium features command higher price) |
| Channel Configuration - Determines surround capabilities | |
| 3.1.2 channels (basic Atmos setup) | 7.0.2 channels with 13 speaker units (more immersive) |
| Atmos Technology - Impacts overhead sound experience | |
| Basic up-firing speakers | Advanced 360 Spatial Sound Mapping with phantom speakers |
| Subwoofer - Critical for bass performance | |
| Included wireless 5.9" subwoofer | No included subwoofer, relies on built-in drivers |
| Room Size Optimization - Affects placement flexibility | |
| Best for small to medium rooms | Suitable for medium to large rooms |
| Smart Features - Important for integration | |
| Basic Bluetooth and HDMI eARC | Advanced BRAVIA sync, streaming, airplay support |
| Audio Processing - Influences sound quality | |
| VoiceAdjust for dialogue enhancement | DSEE Ultimate with AI upscaling |
| Setup Complexity - Impacts user experience | |
| Simple plug-and-play setup | More complex initial setup with room calibration |
| Height Channel Performance - Key for Atmos effect | |
| 2 up-firing drivers (good for price) | Multiple height channels with phantom speaker creation |
| Connectivity Options - Affects versatility | |
| HDMI eARC, optical, 3.5mm aux, Bluetooth | HDMI eARC, Bluetooth 5.2, WiFi, streaming services |
For movies, the $438.24 Sony BRAVIA Theater Bar 9 offers superior performance with its 360 Spatial Sound Mapping and 13-speaker array. However, the $269.85 Polk Signa S4 still provides excellent movie performance with Dolby Atmos at a more budget-friendly price point.
The Polk Signa S4 includes a dedicated wireless subwoofer, providing stronger bass performance for movies and music. The Sony BRAVIA Theater Bar 9 relies on built-in drivers, offering more refined but less powerful bass response.
The Polk Signa S4 is ideal for small to medium-sized rooms, while the Sony BRAVIA Theater Bar 9 performs better in medium to large rooms due to its 360 Spatial Sound Mapping technology requiring more space for sound reflection.
No, the Sony BRAVIA Theater Bar 9 works with any TV, but you'll get additional features and easier integration with a Sony BRAVIA TV. The Polk Signa S4 works equally well with all TV brands.
The Polk Signa S4 offers simpler plug-and-play setup, while the Sony BRAVIA Theater Bar 9 requires more initial configuration but provides better room optimization.
Yes, both support Dolby Atmos, but implement it differently. The Polk Signa S4 uses traditional up-firing speakers, while the Sony BRAVIA Theater Bar 9 creates a more sophisticated sound field with phantom speakers.
Both soundbars support gaming well, but the Sony BRAVIA Theater Bar 9 offers lower latency and better spatial audio for immersive gaming. The Polk Signa S4 still provides good gaming performance at a lower price point.
Both support Bluetooth, but the Sony BRAVIA Theater Bar 9 adds WiFi streaming and services like Spotify Connect. The Polk Signa S4 is limited to Bluetooth connectivity.
The Polk Signa S4 features VoiceAdjust technology specifically for dialogue enhancement. The Sony BRAVIA Theater Bar 9 offers excellent dialogue clarity through its advanced speaker array and processing.
The Sony BRAVIA Theater Bar 9 supports additional wireless rear speakers for expansion. The Polk Signa S4 is a closed system without expansion options.
The Polk Signa S4 offers excellent value with core features at a lower price point. The Sony BRAVIA Theater Bar 9 justifies its higher price with advanced features and better sound quality.
Neither requires professional installation. The Polk Signa S4 is particularly simple to set up, while the Sony BRAVIA Theater Bar 9 requires more time for optimal configuration but can still be done by the user.
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 - rtings.com - residentialsystems.com - rtings.com - bestbuy.com - valueelectronics.com - sony.com - sony.co.uk - sony.co.uk - rtings.com - sony.co.in - sony.com - pocket-lint.com - sony.com - crutchfield.com
