A third pair of buttons adjust ‘bass’, which we gather is not a simple subwoofer level adjustment; it’s intelligently implemented so that the balance in the lozenge is also tilted to match the new bass level. Not surprisingly, the actual soundbar of the MagniFi Max SR is very soundbar-like. It’s long and slender, but also thin enough to still sit below the IR sensor on most stand-mounted TVs without messing with your remote commands. It can be fixed to a wall, though, and mounts are included. Polk also includes its VoiceAdjust technology, which it claims raises the volume of dialogue in TV programmes and films without amplifying other sounds. As for the rest, the unit is Roku TV ready which means that if you have a Roku equipped TV setting up and controlling the unit can be a lot easier. Lastly you have the ability to expand the system to a 7.1.2 channels setup with the addition of the optional Polk SR2 Wireless Rear Surround Speakers. The technology has come a long way in height virtualization where you don’t truly have height speakers firing down from the ceiling, but rather upfiring speakers (or none at all) that use special processing or reflections off the ceiling to simulate height channels. We always advocate for dedicated height channels where possible, but at least Polk’s MagniFi Max AX sound bars have dedicated up-firing speakers to provide that critical overhead element of Dolby Atmos and DTS:X object-oriented sound formats.

Polk MagniFi Max AX: Their Most Advanced Soundbar Yet?

We expect a lot from soundbars these days. Far more than just a way to beef up your TV sound, today’s premium soundbars are tasked with plenty of side gigs: smart speaker; audio streaming hub; multi-room audio device; HDMI switcher; and the list goes on. It’s easy to land all the best goodies if you’re willing to shell out plenty of cash. But where do you draw the line when it comes to getting the best value?One reason is likely because the Magnifi Max AX doesn’t include side-firing drivers to bounce sound off the walls, relying on its virtual surround engine instead. Another is that Polk's bar seems to add some extra compression in chaotic scenes to keep things from distorting, which can dampen some of the dynamic intensity. As something of a purist, this was one setting I wished could be turned off. Polk Audio does not provide any further information regarding the hardware so we have no clue of the soundbar’s power rating or frequency response. The Max AX is also a very capable music streamer. That smooth blend between the subwoofer and bar is once again on display when streaming over Wi-Fi as the two combine for warm and full sound for everything from pulse-raising electronic pop to acoustic tunes. The first thing that immediately becomes obvious is how alive and full of energy the front sound wall was. The soundbar was not only able to render a very expansive stage at the front with satisfactory sideways extension and depth but the sense of elevation due to the inclusion of the up-firing drivers was more than obvious. Polk Audio always has a unique take on their sound bars. Forward thinking additions like adding smart home assistants to their soundbars, units that could learn your remotes, and big sound out of a small device made them one of our go to choices for competitively priced soundbars. In April of 2022, we covered their release of the petite MagniFi Mini AX, an updated version of their MagniFi Mini. Now, Polk Audio upped the ante with two new flagship soundbar systems, the MagniFi Max AX and MagniFi Max AX SR .

Magnifi Max AX | Polk Audio UK

One-touch modes optimize the systems for movies, TV, or music, while Night Mode turns down the bass to reduce potentially disruptive bass sounds and Polk's VoiceAdjust technology ensures that voices are intelligible above the rest of the audio. Connections include 3-in/1-out 4K HDMI ports with eARC, as well as an optical input. A subtle OLED display on the front panel shows your adjustments but dims when not in use.Just in case four sets of volume controls aren’t enough for you, the Polk also has sound ‘modes’, but they’re not so numerous as to confuse, and serve a genuine purpose. There are also plenty of ways to stream wirelessly, including Chromecast, AirPlay 2, and Spotify Connect, as well as Bluetooth 5.0. Alongside Dolby Atmos, the Magnifi Max AX also supports its main rival for Blu-ray discs, DTS:X spatial audio. If there is one area where the soundbar failed a bit, that would be in its surround activity. The soundbar does try to create a multi-dimensional immersion bubble but with no rear speakers it can do so much with what it has. If you really want surround sound you will have to either buy the optional rear speakers kit or go for the Polk Audio MagniFi Max AX SR bundle that is the same soundbar with the rear speakers included.