What’s the difference between Polk Audio Signa S2 and Signa S3?

Polk Audio recently released the Polk Audio Signa S3 Universal TV Sound Bar and Wireless Subwoofer System. So, how does the new version compare against the older Signa S2?

You can find out in this comparison guide.

Quick Summary

The Polk Audio Signa S3 Universal TV Sound Bar and Wireless Subwoofer System comes with more features than the Polk Audio Signa S2 Universal TV Sound Bar and Wireless Subwoofer System as the S3 includes a built-in Chromecast that will let you to connect to streaming music services. 

The S3 also supports Google Assistant and Google Home. Otherwise, the two sound bar and subwoofer systems are identical when it comes to features. 

If you want to easily connect the speaker system to streaming music services, then the Polk Audio Signa S3 is the best option out of the two.

If you don’t plan on using Chromecast, Google Assistant and Google Home, then you might want to get the Polk Audio Signa S2 instead as the S2 is the more affordable option.

Signa S2 vs. Signa S3 Comparison Chart

You can check out Seeking Tech’s comparison table for the sub-woofer systems below.

What’s in the Box

Aside from the actual sound bar and subwoofer, both products also come with a remote, HDMI cable, optical cable as well as a starter guide.

You can take a look at the contents include in the packages of the two products below:

Polk Audio Signa S2:

• Signa S2 Universal TV Sound Bar and Wireless Subwoofer System
• Infrared Remote Control
• 5 Feet (or 1.5 m) HDMI Cable
• 5 Feet (or 1.5 m) Optical Cable
• Quick Start Guide

Polk Audio Signa S3:

• Signa S3 Universal TV Sound Bar and Wireless Subwoofer System
• Infrared Remote Control
• 5’ (1.5m) HDMI Cable
• 5′ (1.5m) Optical Cable
• Quick Start Guide

Sound Bar Orientation

Both sound bars have to be placed horizontally.

Sound Bar Dimensions (Height x Width x Depth)

The sound bar units of the Polk Audio Signa S2 and S3 are identical when it comes to size.

You can check out the measurements (Height x Width x Depth) below:

• 2.15″ x 35.43″ x 3.22″ (or 5.46 cm x 89.99 cm x 8.18 cm)

Sound Bar Front Array Driver Complement

The Signa S2 and S3 have identical sound bar front array driver complement.

You can find the list below:

• 2x 1.25″ (3.18 cm) h x 4.4″ (11.18 cm) w (Oval) Midrange
• 2x 1″ (2.54 cm) d (Round) Tweeter

Subwoofer Dimensions

The dimensions for the subwoofer of the Polk Audio Signa S2 and Polk Audio Signa S3 are also identical in size.

You can take a look at the exact measurements (Height x Width x Depth) below:

• 13.4″ x 6.72″ x 12.2″ (or 34.04 cm x 17.07 cm x 30.99 cm)

Subwoofer Front Array Driver Enclosure Type

Both products use a ported enclosure type for their respective subwoofer front array driver.

Subwoofer Front Array Driver Complement

The subwoofer front array driver complements are also identical in the old and new audio systems:

• 5.25″ (13.34 cm) d (Round) – Subwoofer

Audio Inputs

You can also directly plug in the following audio inputs for the Polk Audio Signa S2 Universal TV Sound Bar and Polk Audio Signa S3 Universal TV Sound Bar:

• Analog 3.5mm Mini-Jack (AUX)
• HDMI (ARC)
• Toslink Optical
• Mounting Type

Furthermore, you can install the soundbars to the wall via a compatible keyhole hanger mount.

Mounting Orientation

If you decide to mount the Signa S2 or Signa S3, you will need to place the soundbars horizontally.

Dolby Digital 5.1

The sound bar and subwoofer systems support Dolby Digital 5.1 to provide surround sound.

Bluetooth

Moreover, the two sound bars support Bluetooth connection. This allows you to quickly set up a wireless connection between a compatible device to the speaker.

Built-in Chromecast

Only the Polk Audio Signa S3 Universal TV Sound Bar and Wireless Subwoofer System comes with built-in Chormecast support. This will let you stream music over Wi-Fi from supported apps such as Amazon Music HD, Deezer, Google Play Music, iHeart Radio, Pandora, Qobuz, Spotify, Tidal and YouTube Music.

Google Assistant

You can also use voice control with the Signa S3 to play, pause and alter the volume of the speaker system.

Google Home

The Polk Audio Signa S3 is also compatible with the Google Home App in addition to being able to be paired with a Google Home speaker.

Polk Voice Adjust

Both the Signa S2 and Signa S3 uses the Polk Voice Adjust technology. As a result, you will be able to hear dialogue easily.

HDMI ARC

The two sound bars can also receive audio through the HDMI cable thanks to support for High Definition Multimedia Interface Audio Return Channel (or HDMI ARC for short).

Movie and Music Modes

Both products come with movie and music EQ settings. Depending on the mode, the speakers will cater more to dialogue clarity, surround sound and/or deep bass.

Night Mode

Furthermore, the Polk Audio Signa S2 and Signa S3 support Night Mode. When enabled, this feature will lower the bass and raise the Polk Voice Adjust parameter without having to increase the overall master volume.

Warranty

The warranty is identical for both products. You will get the following with purchase:

• 1-Year Electronics Warranty
• 2-Year Drivers Warranty

Resources:

• https://www.polkaudio.com/products/signa-s2
• https://www.polkaudio.com/products/signa-s3