Comparing LG SN9YG and Polk Audio Signa S4, all pros and cons of devices become clear. Advantages have shown that Signa S4 has advantages over SN9YG mainly in terms of audio performance. According to the results of our comparison, SN9YG received 7 points out of 10 possible, and Signa S4 was rated 7.8 points.
The SN9YG is rated 8 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 SN9YG 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. It is worth noting one of the main differences, the SN9YG has 5.1.2 channels, while the Signa S4 has 3.1.2 channels. Also, the output power of the soundbars under consideration is different, LG SN9YG has 520 (overall) W, and 80 (overall) W has the competitor.
SN9YG | Signa S4 | |
---|---|---|
Built-in channels | 5.1.2 | 3.1.2 |
Amplification type | active | active |
Output power, W | 520 (overall) | 80 (overall) |
Separate speaker (in package) | 0 | 0 |
Separate speaker connections | wireless | has not |
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.
SN9YG | Signa S4 | |
---|---|---|
Built-in subwoofer | ✖ | ✖ |
Separate subwoofer (in package) | ✔ | ✔ |
Separate subwoofer connections | wireless | wireless |
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 SN9YG 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 SN9YG.
SN9YG | Signa S4 | |
---|---|---|
Dolby Atmos | ✔ | ✔ |
Dolby (other) | Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby TruHD | Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby TrueHD |
DTS:X | ✔ | ✖ |
DTS (other) | DTS HD, DTS Digital Surround | DTS HD |
The possibility to listen online to millions of songs from one device has become a reality thanks to streaming services.
The popular Spotify service is available on the Signa S4.
SN9YG | Signa S4 | |
---|---|---|
Apple Music (AirPlay) | ✖ | ✔ |
Amazon Music | ✖ | ✔ |
Spotify | ✖ | ✔ |
Other streaming services | has not | Pandora, SoundCloud |
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: LG SN9YG was rated 8 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 SN9YG has 1/1 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.
SN9YG | Signa S4 | |
---|---|---|
WI-FI | ✔ | ✔ |
Bluetooth | ✔ | ✔ |
Ethernet (RJ45) | 0 | 0 |
NFC | ✖ | ✖ |
HDMI input/output | 1/1 | 0/1 |
HDMI ARC | ✔ | ✔ |
HDMI eARC | ✔ | ✖ |
HDMI CEC | ✔ | ✖ |
Optical digital input/output | 1/0 | 1/0 |
USB | 1 (USB 2.0) | 1 (USB 2.0) |
Coaxial digital input/output | 0/0 | 0/0 |
Analog audio input/output (RCA) | 0/0 | 0/0 |
Headphone output | 0 | 0 |
Subwoofer output | 0 | 0 |
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. However, it is impossible to create a multiroom system based on each of these soundbars.
SN9YG | Signa S4 | |
---|---|---|
Voice control | Google Assistant | ✔ |
App control | ✔ | ✔ |
Microphone | ✔ | ✔ |
Remote control | ✔ | ✔ |
Multi-room | ✖ | ✖ |
SN9YG | Signa S4 | |
---|---|---|
Size (Wx H x D), cm/in | 121 x 5 x 12.7/48 x 2.2 x 5.7 | 104.6x9.5x6/41.2x3.7x2.4 |
Weight, kg/pounds | 5.8/13.9 | 2.9/6 |