- Manufacturer & Model
- Polk Audio MagniFi Mini AX and MagniFi Max AX
- MSRP
- $499 to $799
- Highlights
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Setup and usability will please a wide range of consumers, both models have room friendly form factors, above average build quality, intuitive integration with TV, multiple sound modes, wireless subwoofer
- Summary
-
In this review, we look at Polk Audio's two flagship soundbars, the MagniFi Mini AX and Max AX. Both have user-friendly features that make setup a snap and overall usability easy handle. Sound-wise, they're excellent performers, particularly considering price. The fact that they seamless blend into room decore is a big benefit!
In our latest review, we tackle the top end of Polk Audio's soundbar range with full reviews of its MagniFi Mini AX and MagniFi Max AX models.
The mini AX's small form factor and price tag make this space-saving design available for $449, though itund on sale for nearly $100 less. Its compact 15” wide size makes it easy to tuck away, putting room aesthetics first, though don't assume that translates into lesser sound. can often be foUsing the included wireless sub, the MagniFi Mini is capable of impressive, nicely furnished output.
Features include an HDMI port that supports Audio Return Channel (ARC) and Enhanced Audio Return Channel (eARC) along with optical and AUX inputs. Once connected to a TV, it can play back any audio content out there, including movies encoded with Dobly Atmos and DTS:X. You can also stream music using Wi-Fi for Chromecast, AirPlay 2, and Spotify, or Bluetooth for music and podcasts sourced form a computer or handheld device.
The larger Magnifi Max AX is a bit of a different beast, largely because of its 45” wide size. Pricewise, it lands just shy of $800 retail but can also be found at a steep discount (it's currently on sale at Amazon for $559).
The Max AX's larger size allows for a host of drivers, which include two up-firing Atmos channels that use 2.6-inch midrange drivers, and its larger wireless sub allows for slightly better low-end output.
The Max AX has more HDMI flexibility than the Mini AX, beefed up by 3 HDMI inputs and a single HDMI output. That means you can use HDMI to run audio from your TV to the soundbar, just like the Mini AX, or you can connect sources like your cable box and a gaming console directly into the soundbar, and passthrough video to your television. That’s an added bonus because it allows the Max AX to act as a stripped-down AVR or HDMI switcher, which is a big benefit if you have more than one source that you’d like to run with your TV and you’re looking to keep costs low.
In our video review, we discuss the soundbars' characteristics in more depth, examine in-room measurements, and give setup tips. We also tell you which one you should buy and why.
Watch the full review, below:
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Polk Audio MagniFi Max AX Specifications
Main Features:
- True Dolby Atmos and DTS:X Surround Sound.
- An 11-speaker array with up-firing height speakers.
- Optimized with patented SDA technology.
- Powerful 10-inch wireless subwoofer.
- Stream music via Apple AirPlay 2, Google Chromecast, Spotify Connect, and Bluetooth.
- Supports Wi-Fi (802.11 a/n/ac) for streaming.
- (3) 4K HDMI-in
- (1) HDMI eARC
- (1) Optical in
- (1) USB-A (for firmware updates)
- Google Chromecast for Audio
- Apple AirPlay 2
- Spotify Connect
- Works with Alexa
- Bluetooth 5.0
- Left/Right Channels: (4) 1 x 3in (25mm x 76mm) racetrack mid-woofer drivers, (2) 0.75in (19mm) soft dome tweeters
- Center Channel: (2) 1 x 2.5in (25mm x 64mm) racetrack mid-woofer drivers, (1) 0.75in (19mm) soft dome tweeter
- Left/Right Height Channels: (2) 2.6in (66mm) round mid-woofer drivers
- (1) 10in woofer
- Sound Bar (W × D × H): 4.6 × 45 × 2.8in (118 × 1143 × 72mm)
- Subwoofer (W × D × H): 16 × 11.9 × 15.7in (407 × 302 × 399mm)
- Sound bar
- Subwoofer
- Remote control
- Power cords (sound bar, subwoofer)
- HDMI cable
- (2) AAA batteries
- Quick start guide
- Wall-mount template and mounting spacers
- Registration card
- Safety document
- Delivers 5.1.2 Dolby Atmos and DTS:X 3D sound with a wide and accurate soundstage.
- High-quality Wi-Fi music streaming from various services.
- Powerful bass with a 10in wireless subwoofer and BassAdjust technology.
- Patented VoiceAdjust™ technology for clear dialogue.
- Simplified setup with 3-in/1-out 4K HDMI switching with eARC.
- PCM, Dolby Mono, Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby Atmos, Dolby Atmos True HD, DTS Digital Surround, DTS-HD, DTS-HD Master Audio, DTS:X, DTS Virtual:X
Polk Audio MagniFi Mini AX Specifications
Main Features:
- Cinematic room-filling Dolby Atmos and DTS:X surround sound.
- Enhanced with Polk’s patented SDA 3D audio technology.
- Compact sound bar and subwoofer system.
- VoiceAdjust™ technology for clear dialogue.
- Stream music via Apple AirPlay 2, Google Chromecast, Spotify, Bluetooth, and more.
- Supports Wi-Fi (802.11 a/n/ac) for streaming.
- (1) HDMI (eARC)
- (1) Optical
- (1) Analog 3.5mm
- (1) USB-A (for firmware updates)
- Google Chromecast for Audio
- Apple AirPlay2
- Spotify Connect
- Bluetooth 5.0
- Sound Bar: L/R Tweeter = (2) 0.75" (19mm), L/C/R Mid = (3) 2" (51mm)
- Subwoofer: Woofer = (1) 5" × 7" (127mm × 178mm)
- Sound Bar (W × D × H): 14.4 × 4.1 × 3.1" (366 x 104 × 79mm)
- Subwoofer (W × D × H): 7.2 × 15.6 × 14.6" (182 × 396 × 371mm)
- Sound bar
- Subwoofer
- Remote control
- Sound bar power supply
- Sound bar power cord
- Subwoofer power cord
- HDMI cable
- (2) AAA batteries
- Quick start guide
- Registration card
- Safety document
- Immersive Audio with Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, and Polk SDA 3D Audio Technology.
- Stream Music via Wi-Fi (Google Chromecast, Apple AirPlay 2, Spotify) or Bluetooth.
- Patented VoiceAdjust™ for clear dialogue with a dedicated center channel.
- Music, Movie, 3D, and Night Modes.
- Works with any TV: HDMI eARC, Optical, AUX, and Roku TV Ready.
- Compatibility with optional Polk SR2 Wireless Surround Speakers for enhanced immersion.
- PCM, Dolby Mono, Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby Atmos, Dolby Atmos True HD, DTS Digital Surround, DTS-HD, DTS-HD Master Audio, DTS:X, DTS Virtual:X
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