polk audio signa s2 vs sony ht-s350

Polk Audio signa S2 is a significantly better soundbar than the Sony HT-S350. However, the HT-S350 is one of the best soundbar under $200. None of the bars support Dolby Atmos so expect average performance from them. Although you will get basic Bluetooth feature, Wi-Fi or Airplay aren’t available. Comparing Polk Audio Signa S2 vs Sony HT-S350, Polk has a larger subwoofer thus can produce punchier bass. The Signa S2 bar works pretty well for most contents. However, since it is a 2.1 soundbar, movie watching will not be as immersive as other Dolby Atmos bars. It shows lively yet balanced sound profile. Preset options are available. Sony HT-S350 has good vocal clarity, bass is clear and deep. Place it in compact spaces to get room filling, powerful sound. The Sony soundbar can get loud enough to fill up crowded parties but don’t expect it to act like 5.1 soundbar. You will receive the best sound at mid volume level.

Pros

Decent build
Affordable
Remote
Easy setup
Clearer vocals

Cons

No height effects

Pros

Easy setup
Very loud
Affordable
Multiple sound modes
Wireless subwoofer included

Cons

No Dolby Atmos

Where to Buy

Amazon

Buy on amazon

Ebay

Buy on Ebay

Ali-Expess

Wallmart

Buy on Wallmart

Advance Comparison

Model

Polk Audio Signa S2 2.1 Soundbar

Sony HT-S350 2.1ch Soundbar[ with Wireless Subwoofer ]

Brand Name

Polk

Sony

Rating

Mixed Usage

6.5

6.6

SOUND QUALITY

7.2

6.6

BASS ACCURACY :

7.2

6.6

AUDIO & VIDEO LATENCY:

7.3

6.5

AUDIO ENHANCEMENT FEATURES:

3.9

5.6

BUILD QUALITY :

7.5

GENERAL

Number of Channel

2.1 Channel

Placement Type

Wall-mountable

Connectivity Type

Wireless

Subwoofer Feature

Separate Subwoofer

Separate Subwoofer , Wireless Subwoofer

Rear Speaker

N/A

Central Channel Speaker

N/A

Audio Enhancement Features

Yes

HDMI input/output

Yes

N/A

Analog Audio In 3.5mm (Aux)

Yes

N/A

Loudness

High Volume ( > 92db )

Warranty

12 months Months

Connectivity:

Digital Optical Audio Input ( Toslink )

1 Optical Audio Input

HDMI ARC

1 (shared)

HDMI Output

None

Full HDMI Input

None

Analog Audio In 3.5mm (Aux)

None

RCA Ports

USB Port

None

Ethernet Jack

Audio Quality ( Tested )

Dialogue & Vocal Accuracy

Frequency deviation from target is less than standard error (3.4 dB ); which means soundbar is very good to reproduce dialog and instrumental music

Frequency deviation is more than standard deviation (3.4 dB). But fair enough for small room.)

Bass Accuracy ( for music, film scores, movies, and games)

Soundbar 's Low-Frequency-Extension is more than 35 Hz. Which means It can reproduce the deep thump and rumble in the low-bass accurately.

3- Dimensional Sound Accuracy ( Sound Stage)

audio seems to be coming from a more accurate pinpoint location

Total Harmonic Distortion ( Center Channel )

No Dedicated Center Channel Speaker. So, it can not produce sound quite as clear as 3.0, 3.2 , 5.1 or 7.2 channels Soundbar. But It has decent center performance to produce accurate audio and dialogue.

Surround Sound Imaging ( Rear Channel )

No dedicated or alternative channel for surround content. So it downmixes surround content to stereo.

Streo Dynamics ( Loudness ):

Dynamic Range Compression @ Max Volume is little bit more than standard deviation (<2 dB) and maximum valume is over 92 dB SPL

Audio & Video Latency

Here no visible latency via ARC (83 ms) and Optical (75 ms) but visuals difference may found via Full HDMI Input (N/A).

Here no visible latency via ARC (98 ms) and Optical (113 ms) but visuals difference may found via Full HDMI Input (N/A).

Audio Enhancement Features:

Digital Room Correction:

N/A

Auto Volume Adjustment/ Night Mode:

Yes

Equilizer Options:

Presets

Bass Adjustment ( Thump & Punch of sound)

Yes

Treble Adjustent ( Brightness and Clarity od Audio)

N/A

Surround Level Adjustment:

N/A

Virtual Surround Effect:

N/A

Yes

Supported Audio Format ( HDMI ARC)

eARC Standard

N/A

Dolby Atmos

N/A

Dolby Digital

N/A

Yes

Dolby Digital Plus

N/A

DTS

N/A

DTS: X

N/A

Dolby True HD ( eARC only )

N/A

DTS- HD MA (eARC only)

N/A

5.1 PCM ( eARC only )

N/A

Supported Audio Format (Full HDMI In' port ):

Dolby Atmos :

N/A

DTS:X :

N/A

Dolby Digital :

N/A

Dolby Digital Plus:

N/A

DTS :

N/A

Dolby TrueHD :

N/A

DTS-HD MA :

N/A

5.1 PCM

N/A

Audio Format Support ( Optical Port ):

Dolby Digital :

Yes

DTS :

N/A

Build Material

Enclosure

Ported

Sealed (Bar),Ported (Sub)

Finish

The bar is made of plastic and there's a tight mesh fabric front side. The Subwoofer made from fragile-feeling melamine.

The bar is mostly made of plastic and metal grille around the sides to helps protect the drivers. The sub is made of wood and plastic and there's a metal grille on the front.

Color

Black

Soundbar Width

35.4

35.5

Soundbar Height

2.0

2.5

Soundbar Depth

3.1

3.5

Subwoofer Width

6.7

7.5

Subwoofer Depth

12.3

15.4

Drivers Specs

Tweeter Size and Type :

(2) 1

None

Midrange Size & Types:

(2) 1.25

3.625x2.125 Cone (2)

Woofer Size & Type :

None

Subwoofer Driver

(1) 5.25

6.5

Where to Buy

Amazon

Buy on amazon

Ebay

Buy on Ebay

Ali-Expess

Wallmart

Buy on Wallmart

Comparatives Review

polk audio signa s2 vs sony ht-s350: Details Analysis

Here is our details user's discussion:

Best features of Polk Audio Signa S2:

VoiceAdjust feature improves dialogue. Bluetooth allows wireless streaming but there is no Wi-Fi. It has a low-profile design and wont block TV.

Best featuresof Sony HT-S350:

Sony HT-S350 produces clear and intelligible vocals. It works well for music. Several EQ presets and options make it easier to tweak sound as per need.

Polk Audio Signa S2: Pros and Cons

Pros:	Cons:
Impressive low ends Good built Affordable Superior to TV speakers Easy to install	Average surround sound

Sony HT-S350: Pros and Cons

Pros:	Cons:
Balanced midrange Auto volume mode Loud and clear sound Decent surround Good bass	No Wi-Fi or Airplay support

Polk Audio Signa S2 vs Sony HT-S350: Build quality

Both soundbar and subwoofer of the Sony HT-S350 are made of tactile punched metal and plastic. The bar has a faux-leather top panel with multiple controls. In Polk Audio Signa S2, you will find metal grille just like HT-350 bar. It uses good quality plastic and there is cloth on the front which attracts dusts. While both has good and robust built, Sony HT-S350 is sturdier.

Sony HT-S350 vs Polk Audio Signa S2: Performance

Although these soundbars have a 2.1 channel, they shouldn’t be underestimated. Sony HT-S350 performs well with music and movies. Dialogues are loud and clear, highs and mids are average. Low ends are present as well. The bar produces content with decent accuracy and details. You can tweak the subwoofer to increase or decrease its presence.

Stereo image is impressive and with the use of S-Force Pro as virtual surround technology, surround sound is average. Polk Signa S2 shows decent performance but, it is in average level which is expected from this bar. Soundstage is average, dialogues are natural and overall, it sounds impressive with most content.

Sony HT-S350 vs Polk Audio Signa S2: Features

Sony HT-S350 has several audio modes: Auto, Cinema, Music, Night, and Voice. It also has different sound effects. However, there is no option to adjust bass, treble and there is no room correction feature.

In Polk Signa S2, you can choose from different sound modes like Movies, Music, Night mode. It has dialog enhancement option as well. You will find bass adjustment option in the remote control.

Control options:

Both comes with easy-to-use remote control but there is no mobile app. At this price point, the absence of voice assistants doesn’t bother us either. However, you will find support for HDMI CEC in them.

Input and output:

Polk Signa S2 has optical port, HDMI ARC and 3.5mm port, so the connection options aren’t many or versatile. This is similar for Sony HT-S350 which has HDMI out and optical port. If you compare, the Signa 2 has more connection options than HT-S350 Sony soundbar.

Conclusion:

While listening to music, Sony HT-S350 can produce bass with adequate rumble. Sony HT-S350 soundbar is compact and tries to produce surround sound without the need for rear speaker. It tries to perform with accuracy within its limited features. If you are new to audio industry and seek 2.1 soundbar without any Atmos effect, Sony HT-S350 is good for you.

Polk Signa S2 is slightly better than Sony soundbar. Movies and music are handled well. The fact that both these soundbars come with subwoofers is more than you can ask for at this price point. None of these models are Dolby Atmos soundbar so the overall listening experience will be average but better than TV speakers.

If you seek a powerful soundbar you can have a look at Samsung HW-T650. It is a 3.1 soundbar and shows better performance than Sony and Polk models discussed here.

FAQ:

What if my TV doesn’t have HDMI?

Both Polk S2 and Sony HT-S350 has optical input so if you have non-HDMI TV, simply use this connection port.

Should you choose a 2.1 soundbar setup?

If you have small room and seek a minimalist setup, 2.1 is a great option to go for. Inclusion of a dedicated subwoofer will improve the overall sound quality more than expected. Also, both these soundbars are affordable and worth spending after.