The Polk Audio MagniFi MAX SR is a 5.1 setup with a sleek design. It comes with a discrete subwoofer and two satellites. It has a Stereo Dimensional Array surround sound feature advertised to help create a more immersive sound, though we don't test for this. Also, it has a Voice Adjust dialogue enhancement feature, and you can adjust its volume to customize the dialogue performance based on your preferences. This soundbar scored well on many of our sound tests, conducted using a sine wave tone to measure frequency response. However, we noticed several issues when listening to real-life content like music and movies. Audio seemed diffused and processed at times, and we noticed very audible port noises when listening to bass-heavy tracks. There was also a lot of compression and distortion present, especially in the bass range. We even had connectivity issues with the Google Home app. Though we retested the bar and updated the firmware, we experienced the same problems. It seems that many other users have reported similar issues with the bar, which you can read about here, here, and here.
Our Verdict
With its 'Music' preset, the Polk Audio MagniFi MAX has a somewhat U-shaped sound profile when listening to real-life content, making it suitable for listening to most types of audio content. Voices reproduce clearly and accurately, and you can enhance them using the unique Voice Adjust feature. However, audio can seem diffused and processed, and you may notice port noises and compression when listening to bass-heavy audio content. It doesn't support Dolby Atmos content, either.
- Gets loud.
- Adjustable dialogue enhancement feature.
- Noticeable compression at max volume.
- No Atmos support.
The Polk Audio MagniFi MAX has a discrete center channel, which helps to more accurately localize voices within the sound image. This channel offers a balanced mid-range, so voices reproduce clearly and with detail. There's also an adjustable Voice Adjust feature that lets you control how crisp and clear dialogue sounds. While you can wirelessly stream podcasts and audiobooks to the bar via Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and Chromecast built-in, unfortunately, it doesn't support Apple AirPlay.
- Gets loud.
- Adjustable dialogue enhancement feature.
- Noticeable compression at max volume.
With its 'Music' preset, the Polk Audio MagniFi MAX has a somewhat U-shaped sound profile when listening to real-life content, so there's a little extra emphasis in the bass range while vocals and lead instruments are bright and sparkling. It's suitable for listening to most music genres, although the port noises and compression when listening to bass-heavy content may not be ideal for fans of genres like EDM and hip-hop. While you can adjust its bass level, there aren't a lot of other customization features available.
- Bass adjustment feature.
- Gets loud.
- No graphic EQ.
- Noticeable compression at max volume.
The Polk Audio MagniFi MAX has two discrete satellites that help more accurately localize sound objects like voices and footsteps within the sound image when you watch surround content. Unfortunately, these surround channels have a very boomy, bass-heavy frequency response that can muddy voices and instruments. Also, it doesn't support Dolby Atmos content.
- Bass adjustment feature.
- Gets loud.
- Noticeable compression at max volume.
- No Atmos support.
Changelog
- Updated Jan 29, 2024: Updated text in Stereo Dynamics, Audio Latency: ARC, Audio Latency: HDMI In, and Audio Latency: Optical boxes with new methodology from TBU 1.3. Some updates to the usages as well.
- Updated Jan 29, 2024: We've converted this review to Test Bench Update 1.3. If applicable, we've retested stereo sound based on the manufacturer's recommendations. Additionally, we've expanded our audio latency tests to the following boxes: Audio Latency: ARC, Audio Latency: HDMI In, and Audio Latency: Optical. You can see the full changelog here.
- Updated Sep 01, 2023: Added market comparison with the Polk Audio Magnifi Max AX SR in the Height (Atmos) box.
- Updated Aug 31, 2023: Updated the results for 4k Max Refresh Rate from 120Hz to 60Hz. 4k @ 120Hz @ 4:2:0 only works with this soundbar if you create a custom resolution. The EDID restricts it to 60Hz. This behavior is typical for HDMI 2.0 bars, so we updated the results for consistency across reviews. The Video Passthrough to TVscore dropped to 7.8 as a result.
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Differences Between Sizes And Variants
The Polk Audio MagniFi MAX SR 5.1 is available in 'Black', and you can see the label for the model we tested here.
You can also find a version of this soundbar called the Polk Audio MagniFi MAX, but we haven't tested it, so we can't confirm its performance.
If you come across another version of this soundbar, let us know in the discussions, and we'll update our review.
Popular Soundbar Comparisons
The Polk Audio MagniFi MAX soundbar is a 5.1 setup that comes with a unique Voice Adjust feature that lets you control the clarity of voices in your audio content. While it performed well in our sound tests, we noticed some issues when using the bar to listen to real-life content like music and movies. Audio seems unnatural and diffused at times, and there was audible distortion and compression, especially in the bass range.
See our recommendations for the best 5.1 soundbars, the best soundbars with subwoofer, and the best soundbars.
The Sonos Beam (Gen 2) is better than the Polk Audio MagniFi MAX SR. The Sonos is a small, compact standalone soundbar with a premium build. Unlike the Polk Audio, it supports Dolby Atmos content. It also has better soundstage and surround performances. Although the Polk Audio can reproduce a more extended low-bass, in our tests, there were some audio quality issues that really took away from the listening experience. Other listeners have also reported problems with compression and distortion.
The Polk Audio Magnifi Max AX SR is better than the Polk Audio MagniFi MAX SR. The AX SR is better built and comes with two additional surround channels. Plus, it adds support for Dolby Atmos, so you can take advantage of height content commonly found on various streaming services.
The Polk Audio Signa S2 and the Polk Audio MagniFi MAX SR are two different soundbar setups. The SIGNA is a 2.1 setup that's decent for dialogue-centric content and music. The MagniFi MAX is a 5.1 setup that scores better overall. Unlike the SIGNA, it comes with discrete satellites and more wireless playback options. It has better center and surround performances, too. However, we noticed a lot of issues with the audio when listening to real-life content on the MagniFi Max. Other users have reported similar experiences.
You may prefer the Sonos Beam or the Polk Audio MagniFi MAX SR, depending on your listening habits. The Polk Audio is a 5.1 setup with a dedicated sub and discrete satellites. It reproduces more of the thump and rumble in your audio and has a better surround performance. However, there were some audio issues with the model we tested. Also, the 3.0 Sonos is better built with built-in voice assistant support. It has a better soundstage, and some listeners may prefer its compact design.
Test Results
