Fixing Audio Alignment on Polk Audio Signature S20

Discover how to restore perfect soundstage harmony to your Polk Audio Signature S20 by correcting audio alignment. This guide walks you through each step—from spotting the issue to fine‑tuning the system with the built‑in tools—so you can enjoy a true cinematic audio experience at home.

What Is Audio Alignment?

Audio alignment refers to the timing relationship between different speakers in a stereo or surround‑sound setup. In a properly aligned system, the sound from each driver reaches the listener’s ears simultaneously, creating a cohesive soundstage. When the timing drifts, the sound appears delayed, out of sync, or distorted, which can break immersion.

The Polk Audio Signature S20, a premium home‑sound speaker, is engineered for precise phase and timing. However, a variety of factors—installation angles, cable length, room acoustics—can upset that balance. Knowing why alignment shifts and how to reset it is key to maintaining the high‑quality audio the Signature S20 delivers.

Common Causes of Misalignment

Before you start troubleshooting, understand why alignment can falter. The most frequent culprits include:

• Cable length discrepancies. Longer cables introduce extra delay compared to shorter ones.
• Different speaker orientations. Mounting one speaker at a different angle can affect the acoustic path.
• Room geometry. Reflective surfaces and furniture placement can alter arrival times.
• Firmware or software changes. Upgrades may reset certain calibration parameters.
• User‑initiated changes. Switching between listening modes or adjusting equalizer settings can disturb the timing.

Recognizing these factors helps you target the root cause more efficiently.

Step 1: Gather the Necessary Equipment

Before you dive into calibration, ensure you have the tools you’ll need:

• Polk Audio app (available for iOS and Android).
• An audio source with a test tone (e.g., a 1 kHz sine wave) that you can feed into the speaker.
• A metronome or delay meter if you want to measure exact timing (optional).
• A smartphone or tablet for the app interface.

Keep these ready so the calibration process is smooth and uninterrupted.

Step 2: Verify Physical Setup

Misalignment often begins with physical placement issues. Check the following:

1. Speaker Orientation
   Ensure each speaker is facing the listening area at the same angle. Even a slight tilt can alter the sound path.

2. Cable Consistency
   Use identical speaker cables for each driver. If one cable is significantly longer, consider trimming it or replacing it with a shorter length to match the others.

3. Distance to Listener
   The distance between each speaker and the primary listening position should be as close as possible. Minor deviations can introduce timing errors.

4. Room Acoustics
   Look for large, flat surfaces (walls, windows, ceilings) that could reflect sound. If possible, add acoustic panels or rugs to minimize early reflections.

Step 3: Update Firmware

An outdated firmware version can sometimes interfere with alignment settings. Follow these steps:

• Open the Polk Audio app.
• Navigate to Settings > System Update.
• If an update is available, follow the on‑screen prompts to install it.
• Allow the speakers to restart fully before proceeding.

Updating ensures you’re working with the latest calibration algorithms.

Step 4: Use the Built‑in Alignment Tool

Polk Audio includes a dedicated alignment feature in the app. Here’s how to run it:

1. Launch the app and select your Signature S20 from the device list.
2. Go to Settings > Speaker Calibration.
3. Choose Audio Alignment.
4. The app will play a series of tones from each speaker in sequence. Listen carefully as the tones are emitted.
5. When the tones sound evenly timed, tap Confirm.
6. The app will calculate the necessary phase adjustments automatically.

During the process, the app will display a visual cue indicating how much delay each speaker needs. Make sure your listening position is consistent throughout.

Step 5: Fine‑Tune with Manual Controls

If the automatic alignment leaves you unsatisfied, you can manually adjust the delay:

1. In the Speaker Calibration menu, select Manual Delay.
2. Each speaker will display a dial ranging from –100 ms to +100 ms.
3. Adjust the delay incrementally while listening to a test tone or your favorite track.
4. Aim for the point where all voices feel centered and in sync.

It helps to write down the delay values for each speaker so you can revert if necessary.

Step 6: Verify with a Reference Track

Once the alignment is set, it’s crucial to validate it with real audio. Play a dynamic movie scene or a studio‑mixed track. Pay attention to:

• Dialogue timing.
• Instrumental layering.
• Reverberation cues.

If anything feels off, revisit the manual delay adjustments. It’s normal to tweak a few millimeters in delay before you’re satisfied.

Step 7: Test with a Delay Meter (Optional)

For precision enthusiasts, a delay meter or audio analysis tool can quantify alignment. Connect the meter to a headphone jack or a line‑level output:

• Measure the time difference between two speakers.
• Aim for a difference of less than 2 ms.
• Adjust the delay settings accordingly.

While not necessary for most users, this method ensures a scientifically accurate alignment.

Step 8: Save Your Settings

The app stores your calibration profile automatically, but double‑check:

• In the Settings menu, confirm the calibration data is listed.
• If you plan to change speaker positions in the future, keep a backup note of the delay values.

Saving ensures you don’t lose your work after a firmware update or power cycle.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Even after alignment, you may notice oddities. Try these fixes:

If all else fails, contact Polk Audio customer support. They can guide you through advanced diagnostics or offer a firmware re‑flash.

Advanced Calibration Options

For audiophiles who want to push the Signature S20 to its limits, consider:

• Room EQ: Use the app’s EQ features to compensate for room resonances.
• Speaker Placement Algorithms: Some third‑party tools allow precise spatial positioning beyond the built‑in alignment.
• Phase Locking: In more complex setups, ensure phase lock is active on the audio source to prevent phase cancellation.

These techniques require a deeper understanding of audio engineering but can elevate the listening experience.

Maintaining Alignment Over Time

Sound systems can drift over time due to temperature changes or component aging. Schedule periodic checks:

• Perform a quick alignment test every three months.
• Re‑run the automatic calibration if you notice any latency changes.
• Keep the speaker firmware up to date.

Routine maintenance keeps your Signature S20 sounding pristine.

Summary

Fixing audio alignment on the Polk Audio Signature S20 is a straightforward process that involves:

1. Ensuring proper physical setup.
2. Updating firmware.
3. Running the built‑in alignment tool.
4. Fine‑tuning manually if needed.
5. Verifying with real content.
6. Troubleshooting common pitfalls.
7. Maintaining calibration over time.

By following these steps, you’ll restore the natural, immersive soundstage that makes the Signature S20 a standout speaker in any home‑theater setup.

Enjoy the full, in‑sync audio experience your Polk Audio Signature S20 is capable of delivering.