Polk Audio Signa S2
Score: 62/100
Samsung HW-C450
Score: 81/100Rankings
The Samsung HW-C450 is a compact 2.1-channel soundbar with a wireless subwoofer, offering virtual 3-D surround via DTS Virtual:X and multiple sound modes. It excels in bass impact and ease of setup but lacks modern HDMI connectivity.
The Polk Audio Signa S2 is a compact 2.1-channel sound bar with a wireless subwoofer, offering dialogue-enhancing VoiceAdjust™ technology and easy HDMI ARC setup, but it lacks advanced surround codecs and smart-home features.
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
— | 300 Wbest | |
2 | 2.1best | |
| ↓ lower better | 1.8 kgbest | 5.9 kg |
12 monthsbest | — | |
| ↓ lower better | — | 0.5 Wbest |
— | 10 mbest |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
Audio Performance(3) | ||
Audio Channels | 2 | 2.1 |
Supported Audio Formats | Dolby Digital 5.1 | Dolby Audio, DTS 2.0, LPCM 2ch |
Sound Modes | Movie, Music, Night Mode | Bass Boost, Game Mode, Adaptive Sound Lite, Night Mode, Voice Enhance |
Build & Design(1) | ||
Soundbar Weight (kg) | 1.8 kg | 5.9 kg |
Power & Battery(1) | ||
Power Source | AC | Corded electric |
Connectivity(1) | ||
HDMI ARC/eARC | true | false |
Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).
Professional reviewers commend the Signa S2 for its dialogue-enhancing VoiceAdjust™ technology, solid midrange performance, and straightforward HDMI ARC integration, noting it outshines budget rivals like the Bose Solo 5 but criticizing its lack of immersive surround, limited codec support, and absence of smart-home features.
Everyday users overwhelmingly praise the sound bar's ability to make dialogue clearer and its hassle-free installation, with many calling it a noticeable upgrade over TV speakers; common complaints revolve around Bluetooth reliability, a small remote, aggressive power-saving shutdown, and the dusty fabric grille.
Professional reviewers commend the HW-C450 for its ultra-slim profile and surprisingly immersive movie sound, highlighting its rich tonal balance and effective virtual surround. However, they criticize the absence of HDMI/ARC and note that its music reproduction falls short for audiophiles.
Everyday users overwhelmingly appreciate the dramatic improvement over built-in TV speakers, the ease of setup, and the wireless subwoofer's convenience. Common complaints focus on occasional Bluetooth dropouts, the lack of HDMI inputs, and the subwoofer's overpowering bass at higher volumes.
“Night Mode is a useful feature for late-night viewing”
“The wireless subwoofer delivers surprisingly deep bass”
“Huge upgrade from TV speakers”
