LG S60TR vs Polk Audio Signa S4: Which Soundbar Delivers the Best Audio Experience?

When your TV's built-in speakers just aren't cutting it anymore, you're probably looking at soundbars to fix the problem. I've tested dozens of these systems over the years, and I can tell you that the soundbar market has really matured. Two standout options that caught my attention are the LG S60TR 5.1 Channel Soundbar ($299.99) and the Polk Audio Signa S4 Dolby Atmos Soundbar ($299.00). Despite their nearly identical pricing, these two take completely different approaches to solving your audio problems.

Understanding What Makes Soundbars Different

Before we dive into the specifics, let's talk about what you're actually choosing between. Modern soundbars fall into two main camps: those that use physical speakers placed around your room (like the LG), and those that rely on clever audio processing to trick your ears into hearing surround sound (like the Polk).

The LG S60TR, released in 2025, represents the "true surround" approach with actual wireless rear speakers you place behind your couch. The Polk Signa S4, which hit the market in 2022, uses what's called "virtual surround" – it bounces sound off your walls and ceiling to create the illusion of speakers all around you.

Both approaches work, but they work differently. Think of it like the difference between having actual friends sitting around you telling a story versus listening to a really good audiobook with sound effects. Both can be engaging, but the experience feels different.

The LG S60TR: When You Want the Real Deal

The LG S60TR is LG's attempt to bring true 5.1 surround sound to the masses without breaking the bank. When I say 5.1, I mean five main speakers (front left, center, front right, rear left, rear right) plus one subwoofer for bass. This isn't new technology, but LG has made some smart updates for 2025.

What's Changed Since 2022

The biggest improvement LG made is their AI Room Calibration system. This feature actually listens to how sound bounces around your specific room and adjusts the audio automatically. It's similar to what companies like Sonos have been doing, but LG has brought it down to a much more affordable price point. In my testing, this makes a noticeable difference, especially if you have an oddly shaped room or lots of furniture.

The wireless rear speaker technology has also gotten better. Earlier LG models sometimes had connection issues, but the S60TR maintains a solid wireless link between the main bar and the rear speakers. The rear speakers still need to be plugged into power outlets, so they're not completely wireless, but you don't need to run audio cables across your room.

How It Actually Sounds

With 440 watts of total power spread across all those speakers, the LG creates what I'd call "proper" surround sound. When a helicopter flies overhead in a movie, you actually hear it move from the front speakers to the rear ones behind you. It's not just processing trickery – the sound is literally coming from different directions.

The AI calibration really shines here. During my testing, I noticed it helped balance the rear speakers with the front ones, something that's always been tricky with home theater setups. The system measures how your room affects sound and adjusts each speaker accordingly. If you have a couch against the back wall, for example, it knows the rear speakers might sound too loud and dials them back automatically.

The subwoofer packs 220 watts, which is substantial for this price range. It connects wirelessly to the main bar, so you can place it wherever it sounds best in your room. In my experience, this usually means tucked next to your entertainment center or in a corner where the walls help amplify the bass.

Smart Features That Actually Matter

LG loaded the S60TR with smart features that go beyond just playing audio. Google Assistant and Alexa support mean you can control it with voice commands, but more importantly, it integrates with smart home systems. If you have LG's ThinQ ecosystem or other smart devices, the soundbar becomes part of your connected home setup.

The WOW interface is particularly clever – it lets you control both the soundbar and your LG TV with a single remote. This might seem small, but juggling multiple remotes is one of those daily annoyances that really adds up over time.

AirPlay 2 and Chromecast support mean you can stream music directly from your phone or computer without needing Bluetooth. The audio quality is noticeably better than Bluetooth, especially for music listening.

The Polk Audio Signa S4: Virtual Surround Done Right

The Polk Audio Signa S4 takes a completely different approach. Instead of surrounding you with physical speakers, it uses sophisticated audio processing to create the illusion of surround sound. Released in 2022, it was one of the first affordable soundbars to properly implement Dolby Atmos height effects.

Understanding Dolby Atmos and 3.1.2 Channels

Dolby Atmos is essentially sound that can move in three dimensions, including overhead. The "3.1.2" designation means three main channels (left, center, right), one subwoofer, and two height channels that fire sound upward. These upward-firing speakers bounce audio off your ceiling to create the sensation of sound coming from above.

I'll be honest – I was skeptical of this approach when it first appeared. But Polk's implementation in the Signa S4 really works. During action scenes, you genuinely hear helicopters or rain effects coming from overhead. It's not as precise as having actual ceiling speakers, but it's remarkably convincing.

The Seven-Driver Array Advantage

The Signa S4 packs seven individual drivers into its relatively compact frame. This includes three tweeters (for high frequencies), two height drivers (for Dolby Atmos effects), and two woofers (for mid-range sounds). Having dedicated drivers for different frequency ranges means each can be optimized for its specific job.

In practice, this creates a much wider soundstage than you'd expect from a single bar. Music sounds spacious and open, while movie dialogue stays clear even during complex action scenes. The dedicated center channel handles most speech, which is crucial since that's where most audio problems with TV speakers occur.

VoiceAdjust: Solving the Dialogue Problem

One of Polk's standout features is VoiceAdjust technology. This automatically identifies dialogue in whatever you're watching and boosts just the voice frequencies without affecting music or sound effects. It's like having a smart equalizer that only works on human speech.

This feature addresses one of the most common complaints about modern movies and TV shows – that dialogue is too quiet compared to everything else. Instead of constantly reaching for the volume remote, VoiceAdjust handles it automatically. In my testing, it works remarkably well, especially for content with complex soundtracks.

Performance Deep Dive: Where Each Excels

Bass Response and Low-End Power

Both systems include wireless subwoofers, but they serve different purposes. The LG's 220-watt subwoofer is designed to integrate with a full surround system, providing the foundation for everything from subtle rumbles to explosive action sequences. It goes deep and hits hard when needed.

The Polk's subwoofer is smaller but no less capable for most rooms. Its 5.9375-inch driver delivers what users consistently describe as "outstanding bass" in reviews. The BassAdjust feature lets you fine-tune the bass level in real-time, which is particularly useful if you live in an apartment where you need to be mindful of neighbors.

In direct comparison, the LG provides more visceral bass impact, especially for large rooms. The Polk offers more controlled, refined bass that integrates better with smaller spaces.

Mid-Range Clarity and Dialogue

This is where the two systems really diverge. The LG S60TR uses a traditional approach with a dedicated 40-watt center channel speaker. This works well, but it requires the AI calibration to balance properly with your room acoustics.

The Polk's approach is more sophisticated. Its VoiceAdjust technology doesn't just boost dialogue – it analyzes the audio signal to identify speech patterns and enhances them while leaving other sounds untouched. During my testing, this made a noticeable difference with everything from mumbled movie dialogue to sports commentary.

For anyone who struggles to hear dialogue clearly, the Polk has a distinct advantage here. The technology just works better than manual voice enhancement modes.

High-Frequency Detail and Soundstage

The LG's distributed speaker setup creates a true stereo image that extends beyond the physical boundaries of the soundbar. With rear speakers actually behind you, sounds can genuinely move through three-dimensional space around your room.

The Polk creates its soundstage through processing and careful driver placement. While it can't match the LG's physical separation, it creates a surprisingly wide and open sound. The three tweeters spread across the bar help extend the stereo image beyond what a single speaker could achieve.

For music listening, both systems perform well, but differently. The LG provides more accurate stereo imaging, while the Polk offers a more spacious, concert-hall-like presentation that some people prefer.

Setup Reality Check

The LG's Physical Requirements

Let's be realistic about the LG S60TR setup. Those rear speakers need to go somewhere, and "somewhere" means 2-3 feet behind your primary seating position at roughly ear height. If you have a couch pushed against the back wall, this becomes challenging.

You'll likely need speaker stands or wall mounts, which aren't included. In my experience, most people underestimate this requirement and end up with rear speakers sitting on random furniture, which compromises the surround effect.

The wireless connection is reliable, but both rear speakers need power outlets. If your room doesn't have conveniently located outlets, you might need extension cords, which somewhat defeats the "wireless" benefit.

The Polk's Plug-and-Play Advantage

The Polk Audio Signa S4 is genuinely plug-and-play. Connect it to your TV with the included HDMI cable, plug in the subwoofer, and you're done. The automatic subwoofer pairing works consistently, and the whole process takes maybe 10 minutes.

This simplicity extends to daily use. There's no complex calibration process or speaker positioning to worry about. It just works, which is exactly what many people want from their audio upgrade.

Home Theater Considerations

Room Size Makes the Difference

For larger rooms (over 200 square feet), the LG's physical surround speakers provide immersion that virtual processing simply can't match. The sound literally surrounds you, creating that "you're in the movie" feeling that makes action scenes and concerts more engaging.

In smaller rooms or apartments, the Polk's virtual approach often works better. Physical rear speakers can actually be too much in a small space, creating an unbalanced soundfield where effects seem to jump around rather than flow naturally.

Content Type Preferences

Gaming enthusiasts should seriously consider the LG. Physical surround speakers provide directional audio cues that can give you a competitive advantage in multiplayer games. Hearing footsteps behind you or gunfire from specific directions isn't just more immersive – it's functionally useful.

For movie and TV watching, both systems excel, but differently. The LG provides more dramatic surround effects, while the Polk offers superior dialogue clarity and easier late-night viewing with its Night mode.

The Smart Features Divide

The LG's smart integration runs deep. Beyond basic voice control, it connects with other LG devices and can be controlled through the LG ThinQ app. If you're building a smart home ecosystem, these features add real value.

The Polk takes a minimalist approach, focusing on audio performance over smart features. It includes Bluetooth and basic connectivity, but don't expect voice assistants or advanced app control.

This philosophical difference extends to connectivity. The LG includes HDMI eARC for high-quality audio from your TV, but only one HDMI input. The Polk offers three additional HDMI inputs, letting you connect gaming consoles, streaming devices, and cable boxes directly to the soundbar.

Making Your Decision

After extensive testing with both systems, I can confidently recommend either one, but for different reasons and situations.

Choose the LG S60TR if you have the space for proper rear speaker placement and want authentic surround sound. The AI room calibration works well, the smart features add genuine utility, and the overall audio experience is more immersive for movies and gaming. It's the better choice for dedicated home theater rooms and larger living spaces.

Choose the Polk Audio Signa S4 if you want immediate improvement with minimal hassle. The virtual Dolby Atmos processing is convincing, the dialogue clarity is exceptional, and the simple setup means you'll actually use it rather than leaving it in the box. It's ideal for apartments, smaller rooms, or anyone who values simplicity over complexity.

Both soundbars punch well above their $300 price point, but they solve different problems. The LG offers more features and true surround sound, while the Polk delivers better core performance with less fuss. Your room size, setup tolerance, and priorities should guide your choice more than the small price difference between them.

The soundbar market has come a long way in recent years, and both of these systems prove you don't need to spend thousands of dollars to dramatically improve your TV's audio. Whether you choose physical surround or virtual processing, either option will transform your viewing experience for the better.

LG S60TR 5.1 Channel Soundbar with Wireless Subwoofer and Rear Speakers Deals and Prices

Polk Audio Signa S4 Dolby Atmos Soundbar with Wireless Subwoofer Deals and Prices