The Polk Audio MagniFi Max AX is a 3.1.2-channel soundbar from Polk Audio, listed at $799. It ships with a wireless subwoofer, so the price covers the bass as well as the bar.
Polk Audio MagniFi Max AX Pros and Cons
Drawn from the published figures on this page, not from listening.
- ✓Dedicated height channels (3.1.2) for Dolby Atmos, not only virtual processing
- ✓Decodes both Dolby Atmos and DTS:X
- ✓A dedicated centre channel for dialogue
- ✓Subwoofer included in the box
- ✓Can grow into true surround with optional rear speakers
- ✓HDMI eARC carries lossless Dolby TrueHD and Atmos from the TV
- ✓HDMI input with 4K pass-through - a spare port for a console or player
- ✓Wi-Fi streaming with AirPlay 2, Google Cast, Spotify Connect
- ✓Dialogue enhancement and a night mode
- ✓Learns your TV remote
- Nothing the published specs count against it.
Channels and Surround Sound
The 3.1.2 badge means 3 ear-level channels (left, centre and right), 1 subwoofer channel, 2 height channels firing at the ceiling. It decodes Dolby Atmos and DTS:X. Virtual surround: SDA Surround.
Subwoofer, Rear Speakers and Mounting
A wireless subwoofer is included, measuring 11.94 x 15.69 x 16.31 in (W x H x D). Rear surround speakers are optional, so it can become a true surround system later. Wall-mountable: Yes (no bracket supplied).
Connections
The Polk Audio MagniFi Max AX has HDMI eARC to the TV - the connection that carries lossless Dolby TrueHD and Atmos from the TV's own apps and inputs; 3 HDMI inputs with 4K video pass-through (HDMI 2.0b); optical digital input.
Streaming, Control and Sound Modes
Wi-Fi (2.4, 5.0 GHz), with AirPlay 2, Google Cast, Spotify Connect, TIDAL, Amazon Music, Pandora, SiriusXM, TuneIn, YouTube Music; Bluetooth; voice control: Alexa & Google Assistant optional; app control (Apple iOS, Android); a remote in the box. Sound features: dialogue enhancement, night mode, learns the TV remote.
Size and Which TV It Suits
The bar measures 44.94 x 2.88 x 4.63 in (W x H x D), or 1142 x 73 x 118 mm, and weighs 12.85 lbs. It is no wider than the screen of a 55-inch TV (47.9 in wide) or larger, which is where a soundbar looks in proportion. At 2.88 in tall it should clear the bottom of most TVs sitting on their own feet.
Open the soundbar size simulator to try another TV or compare two bars.
Polk Audio MagniFi Max AX Specifications
| Sound |
|---|
| Channels | 3.1.2 |
| Dolby Atmos | Yes |
| DTS:X | Yes |
| Drivers | Tweeters: 0.75" Soft-Dome (3); Midrange: 2.5" Full-Range Drivers (; Woofers: Racetrack Mid-Woofers (6); Subwoofer: 10" Cone; Enclosure: Ported |
| Subwoofer | Included |
| Rear speakers | Optional |
| Virtual surround | SDA Surround |
| Dialogue enhancement | Yes |
| Night mode | Yes |
| Room correction | No |
| Connections |
|---|
| HDMI to TV | eARC |
| HDMI inputs | 3 |
| Video pass-through | 4K |
| HDMI version | 2.0b |
| Optical inputs | Yes |
| Analogue input | No |
| USB | No |
| Subwoofer output | Wireless |
| HDMI CEC | Yes |
| Streaming and Control |
|---|
| Wi-Fi | 802.11ac |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Streaming | AirPlay 2, Google Cast, Spotify Connect, TIDAL, Amazon Music, Pandora, SiriusXM, TuneIn, YouTube Music |
| Voice control | Alexa & Google Assistant optional |
| App | Apple iOS, Android |
| Remote included | Yes |
| Learns TV remote | Yes |
| Physical |
|---|
| Dimensions (W x H x D) | 44.94 x 2.88 x 4.63 in / 1142 x 73 x 118 mm |
| Weight | 12.85 lbs / 5.83 kg |
| Subwoofer size | 11.94 x 15.69 x 16.31 in (W x H x D), 26.3 lbs |
| Wall mounting | Yes (no bracket supplied) |
| Warranty | 3 Years parts, 3 Years labour |
| List price | $799 |
Power is the maker's total across all drivers and is not comparable to an amplifier's per-channel rating.