Soundbars / Yamaha TRUE X BAR 50A (SR-X50A) vs Polk Audio Signa S4
Yamaha TRUE X BAR 50A (SR-X50A) vs Polk Audio Signa S4
Yamaha TRUE X BAR 50A (SR-X50A)
Its subwoofer detaches and works as a portable Bluetooth speaker.
Wins overall by 0.7 points
Quick Verdict
The Yamaha TRUE X BAR 50A (SR-X50A) takes this by a clear 0.7 points. Its subwoofer detaches and works as a portable Bluetooth speaker. The Polk Audio Signa S4 only makes sense if it wins on a category you care about more than the total.
The Yamaha TRUE X BAR 50A (SR-X50A) and Polk Audio Signa S4 are both closely matched soundbar models, and the Polk Audio Signa S4 is $50.90 cheaper than the Yamaha TRUE X BAR 50A (SR-X50A) ($449 vs $499.95). On Connectivity, the Yamaha TRUE X BAR 50A (SR-X50A) leads (7.5 vs 4.5/10) — HDMI inputs and passthrough, eARC, Wi-Fi and streaming protocol support. On Features, the Yamaha TRUE X BAR 50A (SR-X50A) leads (8.0 vs 5.5/10) — room calibration, TV-brand integration, app control and expandability. On Design & Build, the Yamaha TRUE X BAR 50A (SR-X50A) leads (7.5 vs 6.5/10) — finish, size relative to a TV, and how well it fits a living room. Overall, the Yamaha TRUE X BAR 50A (SR-X50A) scores 7.5/10 across our 8 scoring categories versus 6.8/10 for the Polk Audio Signa S4. Below, we break down the full spec sheet, category-by-category scores, and exactly who should buy which one.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Spec | Yamaha TRUE X BAR 50A (SR-X50A) | Polk Audio Signa S4 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $499.95 | $449.00 |
| Release Year | 2023 | 2022 |
| Channels | 2.1.2 | 3.1.2 |
| Total Power (W) | 280 | Not published by the manufacturer |
| Subwoofer | Both — dual built-in woofers plus an included 100W wireless True X Sub 100A | Included (wireless), 5.9-inch driver |
| Rear Speakers | Optional add-on — Yamaha TRUE X SPEAKER 1A wireless surrounds | None — Polk's SR2 wireless surrounds pair with the MagniFi range, not the Signa S4 |
| Dolby Atmos | Yes | Yes |
| DTS:X | No | No |
| HDMI Ports (ports) | 2✓ | 1 |
| HDMI Passthrough | 4K pass-through; Yamaha does not specify a refresh rate, so assume 4K/60 | None — eARC output only |
| eARC | Yes | Yes |
| Wi-Fi & Streaming | Wi-Fi 5 with AirPlay 2; Chromecast is not supported | None |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | Not published by the manufacturer |
| Voice Assistant | Retailer listings claim built-in Alexa, but Yamaha's own specification does not list it for this model | None |
| Warranty | 12 months | 12 months |
| Colors | Black | Black |
Category Scores
Sound Quality
The Yamaha TRUE X BAR 50A (SR-X50A) and Polk Audio Signa S4 are level here, at 7.5/10 each. overall tonal balance, clarity and detail is not what separates these two — look to the categories where the scores diverge.
Bass
The Yamaha TRUE X BAR 50A (SR-X50A) and Polk Audio Signa S4 are level here, at 7.5/10 each. low-end weight and extension, with or without a separate subwoofer is not what separates these two — look to the categories where the scores diverge.
Dialogue Clarity
The Polk Audio Signa S4 leads clearly here, 8.0 against 7.5 — a 0.5-point margin on how well speech cuts through a busy soundtrack. If that is what you are buying for, the Yamaha TRUE X BAR 50A (SR-X50A) does not close the gap elsewhere.
Surround & Height
The Yamaha TRUE X BAR 50A (SR-X50A) and Polk Audio Signa S4 are level here, at 7.0/10 each. dolby Atmos height effect and how convincingly it places surround audio is not what separates these two — look to the categories where the scores diverge.
Connectivity
The Yamaha TRUE X BAR 50A (SR-X50A) leads clearly here, 7.5 against 4.5 — a 3.0-point margin on HDMI inputs and passthrough, eARC, Wi-Fi and streaming protocol support. If that is what you are buying for, the Polk Audio Signa S4 does not close the gap elsewhere.
Features
The Yamaha TRUE X BAR 50A (SR-X50A) leads clearly here, 8.0 against 5.5 — a 2.5-point margin on room calibration, TV-brand integration, app control and expandability. If that is what you are buying for, the Polk Audio Signa S4 does not close the gap elsewhere.
Design & Build
The Yamaha TRUE X BAR 50A (SR-X50A) leads clearly here, 7.5 against 6.5 — a 1.0-point margin on finish, size relative to a TV, and how well it fits a living room. If that is what you are buying for, the Polk Audio Signa S4 does not close the gap elsewhere.
Value
The Yamaha TRUE X BAR 50A (SR-X50A) and Polk Audio Signa S4 are level here, at 7.5/10 each. performance and features relative to price is not what separates these two — look to the categories where the scores diverge.
Best For
Choose the Yamaha TRUE X BAR 50A (SR-X50A) if…
- • Connectivity matters most to you — the Yamaha TRUE X BAR 50A (SR-X50A) scores 7.5/10 here (HDMI inputs and passthrough, eARC, Wi-Fi and streaming protocol support).
- • Features matters most to you — the Yamaha TRUE X BAR 50A (SR-X50A) scores 8.0/10 here (room calibration, TV-brand integration, app control and expandability).
- • Design & Build matters most to you — the Yamaha TRUE X BAR 50A (SR-X50A) scores 7.5/10 here (finish, size relative to a TV, and how well it fits a living room).
Choose the Polk Audio Signa S4 if…
- • Dialogue Clarity matters most to you — the Polk Audio Signa S4 scores 8.0/10 here (how well speech cuts through a busy soundtrack).
- • You want to spend less — it's $50.90 cheaper.
Pros & Cons
Yamaha TRUE X BAR 50A (SR-X50A)
Pros
- +The detachable subwoofer working as a portable Bluetooth speaker is genuinely useful and unique here
- +280W published power, plus a real HDMI input
- +A clear upgrade path to true wireless surrounds
- +AirPlay 2 built in
Cons
- −No DTS support at all — not DTS:X, not even DTS Digital Surround
- −Bluetooth 5.0 is dated
- −Yamaha does not confirm whether Alexa is actually built in
- −Pass-through refresh rate is unspecified, so gamers should assume 4K/60
Polk Audio Signa S4
Pros
- +True up-firing height drivers rather than virtualised Atmos, which most bars at this price lack
- +VoiceAdjust genuinely helps with mumbled dialogue
- +Dolby Atmos Certified
- +Included wireless subwoofer
Cons
- −No Wi-Fi or smart features of any kind
- −No DTS:X support
- −Cannot be expanded with rear speakers
- −2022 hardware still selling at a 2022 price
- −42 inches wide, so it needs a wide TV stand
Shop by Need
FAQs
Is the Yamaha TRUE X BAR 50A (SR-X50A) or Polk Audio Signa S4 better overall?+
Based on our 8-category scoring, the Yamaha TRUE X BAR 50A (SR-X50A) comes out ahead overall. See the full breakdown in the scores section above — the right pick still depends on which categories matter most for your use case.
Which is better for Connectivity, the Yamaha TRUE X BAR 50A (SR-X50A) or the Polk Audio Signa S4?+
The Yamaha TRUE X BAR 50A (SR-X50A) scores higher on Connectivity (7.5/10 vs 4.5/10) — HDMI inputs and passthrough, eARC, Wi-Fi and streaming protocol support.
Which is better for Features, the Yamaha TRUE X BAR 50A (SR-X50A) or the Polk Audio Signa S4?+
The Yamaha TRUE X BAR 50A (SR-X50A) scores higher on Features (8.0/10 vs 5.5/10) — room calibration, TV-brand integration, app control and expandability.
Which is better for Design & Build, the Yamaha TRUE X BAR 50A (SR-X50A) or the Polk Audio Signa S4?+
The Yamaha TRUE X BAR 50A (SR-X50A) scores higher on Design & Build (7.5/10 vs 6.5/10) — finish, size relative to a TV, and how well it fits a living room.
Which is better for Dialogue Clarity, the Yamaha TRUE X BAR 50A (SR-X50A) or the Polk Audio Signa S4?+
The Polk Audio Signa S4 scores higher on Dialogue Clarity (8.0/10 vs 7.5/10) — how well speech cuts through a busy soundtrack.
Is the Yamaha TRUE X BAR 50A (SR-X50A) worth the price difference over the Polk Audio Signa S4?+
The Polk Audio Signa S4 is the cheaper option at $449 versus $499.95. Whether the pricier model is "worth it" depends on how much you value its lead in Connectivity.
What's the warranty on the Yamaha TRUE X BAR 50A (SR-X50A) vs the Polk Audio Signa S4?+
The Yamaha TRUE X BAR 50A (SR-X50A) ships with a 12-month warranty; the Polk Audio Signa S4 ships with a 12-month warranty. Always confirm current terms on the manufacturer's site before buying.
Should I wait for the next model instead of buying either of these?+
If either model is more than two years old, a successor may be close — check the "Latest Model" link on each product page. Otherwise, both are current, well-supported options and there's no strong reason to wait.
Cheaper Option
Sony BRAVIA Theater Bar 5 (HT-B500) — $349.99
Premium Option
Bose Smart Soundbar — $549.00
Specifications and prices for both products last verified . Scores are calculated from published specifications — see how we compare products.