Polk Audio SIGNA S2 vs Bose Smart Soundbar 300

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Comparing Polk Audio SIGNA S2 and Bose Smart Soundbar 300 makes sense because it shows what devices in their segment can offer. Smart Soundbar 300 offers better sound and bass than its opponent - SIGNA S2. According to the results of our comparison, SIGNA S2 received 5 points out of 10 possible, and Smart Soundbar 300 was rated 7.6 points.

Advantages Polk Audio SIGNA S2 over Bose Smart Soundbar 300

Advantages Bose Smart Soundbar 300 over Polk Audio SIGNA S2

Audio features

The SIGNA S2 is rated 6 of 10 against 5 for the Smart Soundbar 300 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 SIGNA S2 and the Smart Soundbar 300.

There are stereo soundbars and multichannel ones. It is with the help of multichannel devices that you can get volumetric sound. It is worth noting one of the main differences, the SIGNA S2 has 2.1 channels, while the Smart Soundbar 300 has 3.0 channels.

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. The SIGNA S2 comes with an external subwoofer. Polk Audio SIGNA S2 has the ability to handle wireless connections from an external subwoofer, while Bose Smart Soundbar 300 only has wired and wireless connections.

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 multichannel sound reproduction capabilities of the soundbars were rated 4 out of 10.

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 look at the models in terms of Dolby Atmos support, then none of these 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. This ability to reproduce surround sound with DTS:X technology is not implemented in any of the soundbars in this comparison.

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 SIGNA S2 received 4 points, and the Smart Soundbar 300 - 10 on a 10-point scale.

The SIGNA S2 is featured with AirPlay, but in the Smart Soundbar 300 have support for AirPlay 2. The popular Spotify service is available on the Smart Soundbar 300.

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: Polk Audio SIGNA S2 was rated 6 out of 10, and Bose Smart Soundbar 300 was rated 8 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 the Smart Soundbar 300.

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 competitors in this comparison has 1/0 HDMI inputs/outputs.

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. Unable to connect external devices via USB 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 Smart Soundbar 300 has its own remote control application. Only Bose Smart Soundbar 300 has 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 Smart Soundbar 300 has the ability to use a multiroom system.

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