JBL Bar 9.1
Score: 77/100
Polk Audio Signa S4
Score: 73/100Rankings
The JBL Bar 9.1 is a premium 5.1.4 soundbar system with detachable wireless surrounds, delivering immersive Dolby Atmos and DTS:X with thunderous bass. Its build quality and audio performance are top-tier, though the single HDMI input, heat generation, and limited remote lighting are drawbacks.
The Signa S4 is a low-profile 3.1.2-channel soundbar with a wireless subwoofer that brings Dolby Atmos immersion and clear dialogue to midsize rooms, while keeping setup simple and cost-effective.
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
820 Wbest | — | |
34 Hzbest | — | |
20,000 Hzbest | — | |
1best | 1best | |
1best | 1best | |
4.2 | 5best | |
| ↓ lower better | 20.645 kg | 8.6 kgbest |
3 months | 36 monthsbest |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
Connectivity(1) | ||
Bluetooth Version | 4.2 | 5.0 |
Build & Design(1) | ||
Overall Weight (kg) | 20.645 kg | 8.6 kg |
Warranty & Support(1) | ||
Warranty Period (months) | 3 months | 36 months |
Audio(2) | ||
Channel Configuration | 5.1.4 | 3.1.2 |
Supported Audio Formats | Dolby Atmos, DTS:X | Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby TrueHD, Dolby Atmos, DTS Virtual:X |
Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).
Professional reviewers (PCMag) rate the JBL Bar 9.1 as exemplary, praising its thunderous bass and immersive Atmos, while noting the high price, limited HDMI ports, and heat issues.
Everyday users love the sound quality and wireless surrounds, but mention HDMI CEC quirks, a dark remote, and heat buildup.
Professional reviewers praise the Signa S4 for delivering high-value Dolby Atmos performance, clear dialogue, and a hassle-free setup, while noting the lack of smart-home integration, expandability, and network streaming as drawbacks.
Everyday users overwhelmingly appreciate the soundbar's dialogue clarity, powerful subwoofer, and quick installation, though they note the non-backlit remote, absence of voice-assistant support, and occasional Bluetooth disconnects.
“Best soundbar I've ever heard”
“Helicopter flyovers and overhead effects are realistic and three-dimensional”
“Dialogue is crystal clear, even in loud action scenes.”
