polk_signa_2-1_soundbar_studioThere have been plenty of firsts announced at CES 2017, the giant consumer technology show on Las Vegas. Many companies use this show and the global spotlight that comes with it to announce brand new products.

In this case it was Polk Audio, a high-performance audio brand with a 40 plus-year history of sound engineering and design announcing its first home theater sound bar under the $200 USD mark.

Polk Audio announces Signa S1 Soundbar+Subwoofer

Polk brought out the Signa S1. An ultra-compact sound bar, the Signa S1 is only 2 inches tall, but the low-profile sound bar delivers spacious sound and deep bass with an included slim wireless subwoofer for music and home theater applications.

The soundbar is able to process 5.1 Dolby Digital decoding so you’re guaranteed a  listening experience far beyond the capabilities of any TV’s built-in speakers. (red more about the technological and logistical reasons why you absolutely need an external speaker for a TV on my previous blog.)

The Signa S1 comes with an optical cable and Polk says it has several features to improve the listening experience. For starters there’s several presents which will allow you to get just the right sound profile via EQ settings like “Movies,” “Music,” and “Night” modes all aimed at tailoring the listening experience quickly and easily.

Polk makes several sound bars in addition to a full audio lineup for home theatre. So why take on the lower price point?polk-signa

“In an effort to round-out Polk Audio’s already large family of sound bar solutions, the Signa S1 is aimed at reaching users who seek great sounding, high-value solutions at an achievable price point. Akin to other options from Polk Audio, the Signa S1 equips users with a wireless subwoofer and an array of technologies –  like Dolby Digital and Voice Adjust – that rival sound bars two and three times its price,” explains Michael Greco, global brand director, Polk Audio.

As part of that larger family of sound bars, the Signa S1 joins the recently announced ultra-compact MagniFi Mini sound bar. Both sound bars also have Polk’s patented Voice Adjust technology which improves voice clarity for crystal clear dialogue.

Good news for music lovers; the MagniFi Mini is capable of wireless music streaming directly from a smartphone, tablet or other compatible device leveraging Google Home™ or Bluetooth, making it the ideal all-in-one sound bar for any home.

Expect more details and availability to roll out over the coming months from Polk. Meantime, you can see Polk’s existing lineup at Best Buy.

Erin Lawrence
Editor TV and Home Theatre
Erin is a journalist, writer, and TV producer with a fascination for technology and a love of gadgets. Check out her blog TechGadgetsCanada.com