Samsung HW-Q800T vs Polk Audio Signa S4

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Comparing Samsung HW-Q800T and Polk Audio Signa S4, all pros and cons of devices become clear. Advantages have shown that HW-Q800T has advantages over Signa S4 mainly in terms of audio performance. According to the results of our comparison, HW-Q800T received 8.2 points out of 10 possible, and Signa S4 was rated 7.8 points.

Advantages Samsung HW-Q800T over Polk Audio Signa S4

Advantages Polk Audio Signa S4 over Samsung HW-Q800T

Audio features

The HW-Q800T is rated 7 of 10 against 5 for the Signa S4 according to the audio features rating.

It worth understanding the difference between the two types of amplification: a passive soundbar does not have its own amplifier and receives amplification from the signal source, while an active soundbar has a built-in amplifier. The same active type of amplification is used in the HW-Q800T and the Signa S4.

There are stereo soundbars and multichannel ones. It is with the help of multichannel devices that you can get volumetric sound. The number of channels in the considered devices is the same - 3.1.2. Also, the output power of the soundbars under consideration is different, Samsung HW-Q800T has 330 (overall) W, and 80 (overall) W has the competitor.

Subwoofers

Soundbars can have a built-in or external subwoofer. The first type is inseparable from the soundbar body, but for the second, you can choose a good location for deep bass. Both reviewed devices are equipped with an external subwoofer. Competitors support wireless connection to a separate external subwoofer.

Multichannel surround

Unlike stereo, when reproducing multichannel sound, each specific direction of sound corresponds to its dedicated channel with a separate independent loudspeaker, which creates a three-dimensional sound stage. The HW-Q800T received rating 10 out of 10 for multichannel audio processing, but the Signa S4, in the same category, earned 9 out of 10 points.

The peculiarity of Dolby Atmos is that this format is object-oriented, that is, each object of the audio signal is sounded separately and linked to its spatial location. If we consider the models in terms of support for Dolby Atmos, then both soundbars can work with this technology.

DTS:X is an algorithm for processing sound scenes by the processor, linking directly to objects, rather than channels, and calculating the optimal distribution of sound output in a room. The manufacturer has implemented DTS:X technology only in HW-Q800T.

Streaming services

The possibility to listen online to millions of songs from one device has become a reality thanks to streaming services. For the ability to work with streaming services, the HW-Q800T received 5 points, and the Signa S4 - 10 on a 10-point scale.

The popular Spotify service is available on both soundbars.

Connectivity

The existence of a sufficient number of current connectors significantly expands the functionality of the device. For example, only through HDMI is it possible to implement the transfer of object-oriented formats, and the presence of a Bluetooth connection will allow remote control, etc. The devices received different ratings for connectivity: Samsung HW-Q800T was rated 9 out of 10, and Polk Audio Signa S4 was rated 6 out of 10.

The presence of Wi-Fi in the soundbar allows you to get rid of wires when connected to a sound source and get minimal audio latency when playing content from streaming services. Wireless connection via Wi-Fi is possible on both devices.

Bluetooth connection is now one of the main communication protocols for speaker systems, which provides excellent quality and minimal audio latency. The availability of Bluetooth protocol, we can see in both models. The HW-Q800T has 1/0 HDMI inputs/outputs, but the Signa S4 got 0/1 HDMI inputs/outputs from the manufacturer.

HDMI ARC is a very usefull technology that creates a two-way communication channel between a TV and another device. This is convenient since there is no need to use optical and other cables in the system. HDMI ARC is basic for both soundbars. Connecting external devices via USB can be done on both models.

Features

Voice control is designed to make operating the device more convenient. This allows you to control basic soundbar functions from anywhere in the room.

Proprietary applications allow you to control your soundbars remotely. This is possible both via Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. The ability to control the soundbar using the application is implemented in each of the competitors. Both soundbars have a built-in microphone.

Some soundbars can be part of a multi-room system and it is an affordable solution for sounding the whole house. The HW-Q800T has the ability to use a multiroom system.

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