Vizio M21d-H8 vs Polk Audio Signa S3

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Comparing Vizio M21d-H8 and Polk Audio Signa S3 makes sense because it shows what devices in their segment can offer. Signa S3 offers better sound and bass than its opponent - M21d-H8. According to the results of our comparison, M21d-H8 received 5 points out of 10 possible, and Signa S3 was rated 6.4 points.

Advantages Vizio M21d-H8 over Polk Audio Signa S3

Advantages Polk Audio Signa S3 over Vizio M21d-H8

Audio features

The M21d-H8 is rated 5 of 10 against 4 for the Signa S3 according to the audio features rating.

It worth understanding the difference between the two types of amplification: a passive soundbar does not have its own amplifier and receives amplification from the signal source, while an active soundbar has a built-in amplifier. The same active type of amplification is used in the M21d-H8 and the Signa S3.

There are stereo soundbars and multichannel ones. It is with the help of multichannel devices that you can get volumetric sound. The number of channels in the considered devices is the same - 2.1.

Subwoofers

Soundbars can have a built-in or external subwoofer. The first type is inseparable from the soundbar body, but for the second, you can choose a good location for deep bass. A built-in subwoofer is only present in the M21d-H8. The Signa S3 comes with an external subwoofer.

Multichannel surround

Unlike stereo, when reproducing multichannel sound, each specific direction of sound corresponds to its dedicated channel with a separate independent loudspeaker, which creates a three-dimensional sound stage. The M21d-H8 received rating 5 out of 10 for multichannel audio processing, but the Signa S3, in the same category, earned 4 out of 10 points.

The peculiarity of Dolby Atmos is that this format is object-oriented, that is, each object of the audio signal is sounded separately and linked to its spatial location. If we look at the models in terms of Dolby Atmos support, then none of these soundbars can work with this technology.

DTS:X is an algorithm for processing sound scenes by the processor, linking directly to objects, rather than channels, and calculating the optimal distribution of sound output in a room. This ability to reproduce surround sound with DTS:X technology is not implemented in any of the soundbars in this comparison.

Streaming services

The possibility to listen online to millions of songs from one device has become a reality thanks to streaming services.

The popular Spotify service is available on the Signa S3.

Connectivity

The existence of a sufficient number of current connectors significantly expands the functionality of the device. For example, only through HDMI is it possible to implement the transfer of object-oriented formats, and the presence of a Bluetooth connection will allow remote control, etc. The devices received different ratings for connectivity: Vizio M21d-H8 was rated 6 out of 10, and Polk Audio Signa S3 was rated 5 out of 10.

The presence of Wi-Fi in the soundbar allows you to get rid of wires when connected to a sound source and get minimal audio latency when playing content from streaming services. Wireless connection via Wi-Fi is possible on the Signa S3.

Bluetooth connection is now one of the main communication protocols for speaker systems, which provides excellent quality and minimal audio latency. The availability of Bluetooth protocol, we can see in both models. The M21d-H8 has 1/1 HDMI inputs/outputs, but the Signa S3 got 1/0 HDMI inputs/outputs from the manufacturer.

HDMI ARC is a very usefull technology that creates a two-way communication channel between a TV and another device. This is convenient since there is no need to use optical and other cables in the system. HDMI ARC is basic for both soundbars. Connecting external devices via USB can be done on both models.

Features

Voice control is designed to make operating the device more convenient. This allows you to control basic soundbar functions from anywhere in the room.

Proprietary applications allow you to control your soundbars remotely. This is possible both via Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. The Signa S3 has its own remote control application. Both soundbars have a built-in microphone.

Some soundbars can be part of a multi-room system and it is an affordable solution for sounding the whole house. However, it is impossible to create a multiroom system based on each of these soundbars.

Dimensions