With reliable connectivity, average latency, a fairly wide soundstage, and EQ sound customizations, the budget Polk Audio SIGNA S2 delivers good value for movie fans. However, the lack of Atmos support, underwhelming sub-bass, and uneven bass and treble lacks serious immersion.
The Polk Audio Signa S2 is an entry-level speaker system that was first launched in late 2018. It ships as a soundbar and a subwoofer, and since they’re wireless, setting them up is very easy to do.
Its subwoofer creates a decent bass output, but not thunderous, so for users who need that rumble when watching movies, some of the picks in our best speaker list might be worth looking into.
The Signa S2 doesn’t support Dolby Atmos, but its soundstage is good enough to accurately depict directional sounds when watching movies or TV. The best soundbars also have Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity, but the Signa S2 can only connect to devices through Bluetooth.
Its port selection is limited to one Optical Audio In, one HDMI ARC port, and one AUX port, but it ships with a HDMI cable and a Digital Optical Cable for added convenience.
Consensus
our Verdict
The Polk Audio SIGNA S2 comes with a wireless subwoofer and connects reliably with HDMI ARC and Optical but lacks Full HDMI. While audio is crackle-free, tested latency performance could be better for video streaming (83ms via ARC and 75ms via Optical).
The soundstage is slightly wider than the bar, but sounds come from the front rather than immersing you from the sides, and the 2.1-channel setup doesn’t support Atmos.
Bass and treble are heightened but aren’t correctly balanced, and the underwhelming sub-bass means sounds lack satisfying thumps. And while the compact remote enables EQ adjustments, the bar doesn’t sport a protective grill, and the subwoofer’s low-grade exterior isn’t durable.
Lastly, input commands are responsive, and EQ presets offer quick sound customization, but there’s no app for accessing controls.
Reason to Buy
Good wired and wireless connectivity
No audio disturbances
Average latency performance
Fairly wide soundstage
Sound customization with EQ presets
Reason to Avoid
Heightened bass and treble are not balanced well
Subpar stereo surround
No Atmos support
Less extended sub-bass
No protective grill
Subwoofer made of cheap material
No app
Polk Audio Signa S2 Specs
Bluetooth Enabled
Yes
Depth
40.25"
Dialogue Enhancement Feature
Yes
Energy Star Certified
No
HDMI ARC
Yes
Height
16"
Number of Audio Channels
2.1
Subwoofer
Included
Surround Sound Supported
Dolby Digital
Voice Assistant
No
Wall Mountable
Yes
Weight
25.26 lbs
Width
22"
Wireless Connectivity
Bluetooth
Wireless Subwoofer Connectivity
Yes
Works With
Bluetooth
All Specs
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The Polk Audio Signa S2 is an entry-level speaker system that was first launched in late 2018. It ships as a soundbar and a subwoofer,…
The Polk Audio Signa S2 is an entry-level speaker system that was first launched in late 2018. It ships as a soundbar and a subwoofer, and since they’re wireless, setting them up is very easy to do.
Its subwoofer creates a decent bass output, but not thunderous, so for users who need that rumble when watching movies, some of the picks in our best speaker list might be worth looking into.
The Signa S2 doesn’t support Dolby Atmos, but its soundstage is good enough to accurately depict directional sounds when watching movies or TV. The best soundbars also have Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity, but the Signa S2 can only connect to devices through Bluetooth.
Its port selection is limited to one Optical Audio In, one HDMI ARC port, and one AUX port, but it ships with a HDMI cable and a Digital Optical Cable for added convenience.
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The Polk Audio Signa S2 consists of a 2.1-channel setup, while the Polk Audio MagniFi MAX SR is a 5.1-channel sound system. This means that the MAX SR comes with two satellite channels that are not present on the S2. The MAX SR offers better wired connectivity options since it has three Full HDMI ports, while the S2 has none. See what else the MAX SR has to offer by reading through our Polk Audio MagniFi MAX SR review.
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The Polk Audio Signa S2 has a dialogue enhancement feature that is missing on the JBL Bar 5.1 Surround. It also ships with a Digital Optical Cable that is not included with the JBL soundbar. In contrast, the JBL soundbar consists of a room correction feature that you won’t get with the Signa S2 and two HDMI ports that are also missing on the S2.
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