The home theater soundbar market has evolved significantly since both the Sony HT-A5000 ($640) and Polk Signa S4 ($270) were released in 2021. These products represent two different approaches to delivering immersive audio: premium features versus value-focused performance.
Soundbars have become increasingly sophisticated, with most mid-range and premium models now supporting Dolby Atmos – a technology that creates three-dimensional sound by precisely placing audio objects in space, including overhead. While traditional surround sound uses fixed channels, Atmos allows sounds to move freely in a 3D space, creating a more lifelike experience.
The Sony HT-A5000 delivers a more comprehensive 5.1.2 setup, meaning five surround channels, one subwoofer channel, and two height channels. The Polk Signa S4 offers a 3.1.2 configuration. This difference is significant - the Sony's additional surround channels create a more enveloping soundstage, particularly noticeable during complex movie scenes where sounds move around the room.
Sony implements their X-Balanced Driver technology, which uses a unique rectangular speaker shape to maximize diaphragm area while maintaining rigidity. This results in clearer mid-range frequencies and reduced distortion at higher volumes. Polk takes a more traditional approach with circular drivers but includes dedicated tweeters for crisp high frequencies.
Both systems use up-firing speakers for Atmos effects, but Sony's implementation benefits from more sophisticated digital signal processing and room calibration, creating more precise overhead sound placement.
The Sony excels with action movies, where its additional channels and superior processing create more precise sound placement. During testing with complex scenes, like the opening of "Saving Private Ryan," the Sony maintains better separation between explosion effects, dialogue, and ambient sounds.
The Polk performs admirably for its price point, with its VoiceAdjust technology being particularly effective at maintaining clear dialogue during busy scenes. However, it can't match the Sony's ability to create a convincing rear soundstage.
For music, the Sony offers a more neutral, accurate presentation that audiophiles will appreciate. Its room calibration system helps optimize frequency response for your specific space. The Polk presents a warmer signature that many casual listeners might prefer, though it lacks the Sony's refinement in complex musical passages.
The Sony HT-A5000 includes built-in Wi-Fi, Chromecast, AirPlay 2, and Bluetooth, making it essentially a complete smart speaker. It integrates with both Google Assistant and Alexa ecosystems, allowing voice control and multi-room audio setups.
The Polk Signa S4 is more basic, offering only Bluetooth connectivity. While this simplifies setup, it limits flexibility for streaming and integration with other smart home devices.
Both soundbars support HDMI eARC (enhanced Audio Return Channel), which allows full-quality audio transmission from your TV, including Dolby Atmos. The Sony includes additional HDMI inputs for direct device connection, while the Polk relies primarily on TV passthrough.
At more than twice the price, the Sony needs to justify its premium positioning. It does this through superior audio performance, more features, and greater expandability - you can add wireless rear speakers and a separate subwoofer later.
The Polk represents excellent value for those wanting Atmos on a budget. It delivers core features effectively without the complexity of additional options.
The Sony's additional features and expandability make it more future-proof. Its support for high-resolution audio formats and ability to receive firmware updates over Wi-Fi helps maintain relevance. The Polk's simpler architecture means what you buy is what you get, though its core Atmos performance should remain satisfactory.
For larger rooms (over 300 square feet), the Sony's additional channels and power become more important. The Polk is well-suited to small to medium rooms where its 3.1.2 configuration can create an convincing sound field.
If you primarily watch movies and TV shows with occasional music listening, either system will serve well. The Sony pulls ahead for serious music listeners or those wanting a more complete home theater experience.
Consider your total audio/video budget. If you're pairing with a high-end TV and want to maximize its capabilities, the Sony HT-A5000 makes sense. If you're looking to improve TV sound while maintaining budget for other components, the Polk Signa S4 delivers excellent value.
Both soundbars represent different but valid approaches to home theater audio. The Sony offers a premium experience with all the latest features and superior performance. The Polk delivers impressive core capabilities at a more accessible price point.
Your choice ultimately depends on your priorities between performance and value, and how the additional features of the Sony might benefit your specific setup and usage patterns. Either way, both represent significant improvements over built-in TV speakers and deliver engaging Dolby Atmos experiences at their respective price points.
| Sony HT-A5000 5.1.2 Channel Home Theater Soundbar | Polk Audio Signa S4 Dolby Atmos Soundbar |
|---|---|
| Price - Primary consideration for value assessment | |
| $640 (Premium tier) | $270 (Mid-range tier) |
| Channel Configuration - Determines surround sound capability | |
| 5.1.2 (Full surround with height) | 3.1.2 (Basic surround with height) |
| Power Output - Impacts maximum volume and room size suitability | |
| 450W total system power | 200W total system power |
| Connectivity Options - Affects streaming flexibility | |
| HDMI eARC, Optical, USB, WiFi, Bluetooth 5.0, Chromecast, AirPlay 2 | HDMI eARC, Optical, 3.5mm aux, Bluetooth 4.2 |
| Smart Features - Important for integration with other devices | |
| Voice control, room calibration, multi-room audio | Basic Bluetooth only, no smart features |
| Sound Customization - Affects ability to tune for your space | |
| Multiple EQ presets, advanced room calibration, adjustable levels | Basic presets, Voice Adjust, Bass Adjust |
| Expandability - Future upgrade potential | |
| Compatible with wireless rear speakers and additional subwoofer | No expansion options available |
| Physical Dimensions - Consider your TV size and space | |
| 47.75" x 2.75" x 5.62" (wider, better for 65"+ TVs) | 41.2" x 3.7" x 2.4" (compact, ideal for 55-65" TVs) |
| Audio Format Support - Affects compatibility with content | |
| Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, Dolby TrueHD, plus high-res audio | Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital Plus, basic audio formats |
| Subwoofer Type - Bass performance consideration | |
| Built-in with option for external wireless sub | Included wireless 5.9" subwoofer |
The Sony HT-A5000 ($640) offers superior movie performance with its 5.1.2 channels compared to the Polk Signa S4 ($270)'s 3.1.2 setup. The Sony creates more immersive surround effects and deeper bass, making it better for dedicated home theater use.
For home theater enthusiasts, the Sony HT-A5000 justifies its higher price with better sound quality, more features, and expandability options. However, the Polk Signa S4 offers excellent value if you want basic Dolby Atmos performance.
The Polk Signa S4 is ideal for small to medium rooms, while the Sony HT-A5000 might be overkill. The Polk's 3.1.2 configuration works well in spaces under 300 square feet.
The Sony HT-A5000 can be expanded with wireless rear speakers and an additional subwoofer. The Polk Signa S4 cannot be expanded beyond its initial configuration.
Both perform well, but the Polk Signa S4 excels with its VoiceAdjust technology. The Sony HT-A5000 offers more customization options for dialogue enhancement.
Yes, both the Sony HT-A5000 and Polk Signa S4 work with any TV through HDMI eARC or optical connections, though you'll need a newer TV to take full advantage of Dolby Atmos.
The Polk Signa S4 offers simpler plug-and-play setup, while the Sony HT-A5000 requires more initial configuration but provides better room optimization.
The Sony HT-A5000 offers comprehensive streaming options including WiFi, Chromecast, AirPlay 2, and Bluetooth. The Polk Signa S4 only supports Bluetooth streaming.
The Sony HT-A5000 is superior for gaming with lower latency and better spatial audio processing, making it easier to locate sounds in game environments.
No, both soundbars work with any TV brand, though the Sony HT-A5000 offers additional features when paired with Sony TVs.
The Sony HT-A5000 delivers deeper, more controlled bass, especially when upgraded with an external subwoofer. The Polk Signa S4 provides good bass for casual listening but can't match the Sony's low-end performance.
Both the Sony HT-A5000 and Polk Signa S4 can be wall-mounted, with mounting brackets available separately.
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: whathifi.com - electronics.sony.com - costco.com - sony.com - expertreviews.co.uk - crutchfield.com - audioadvice.com - sony.com - sony.com - bestbuy.com - videoandaudiocenter.com - community.sony.co.uk - 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
