Polk MagniFi Mini AX Review

Polk Audio’s previously released MagniFi Mini can be considered one of the best-performing mini soundbars in audio quality. The latest release, MagniFi Mini AX, maintains its compact size while featuring a more sleek and streamlined design.

It also introduces Dolby Atmos and DTS:X 3D sound effects, upgrades to HDMI eARC support, and includes comprehensive network music streaming capabilities with AirPlay 2 and Chromecast.

Design

The MagniFi Mini AX retains a similar size to its predecessor, measuring 366 × 104 × 79mm, making it ideal for users with limited space or for placement in bedrooms, study desks, and workstations. The updated all-in-one design with a matte black mesh cover appears more elegant and incorporates a new OLED display screen on the front of the Soundbar.

This screen conveniently shows volume, input sources, sound modes, and bass/treble settings. The brightness of the OLED display ensures clear visibility, providing a more intuitive and user-friendly experience compared to the previous generation’s color indicator lights. The Soundbar has a separate wireless subwoofer, featuring a more sleek and compact design than the previous model.

The 5 × 7-inch downward-firing subwoofer unit saves space and allows for flexible placement near walls or corners behind sofas.

The MagniFi Mini AX’s Soundbar unit has five audio drivers, including a dedicated 2-inch center channel driver responsible for voice output. On each side, separate sets of 0.75-inch tweeters and 2-inch mid-range drivers support the proprietary SDA 3D audio technology from Polk. This technology expands the soundstage and improves sound localization.

The new Soundbar also supports Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, enabling 3D sound output even for other audio sources. Additionally, it features Polk’s Voice Adjust technology, allowing independent adjustment of vocal levels, which proves practical for watching movies, news, and other scenarios. The low-frequency output can also be adjusted independently, ensuring a seamless bass integration between the Soundbar and subwoofer.

The remote control provides convenient switching between several sound modes, such as Movie, Music, and Night Mode, tailored for different use cases, including watching movies, listening to music, and nighttime usage.

The MagniFi Mini AX has upgraded its HDMI support to include eARC, enabling the transmission of audio formats like Dolby Atmos. Streaming videos from platforms like Netflix and Disney+ through the TV can deliver 5.1 or even 3D surround sound effects. Additionally, it provides:

• Optical and 3.5mm audio (AUX) inputs.
• Making it convenient to connect gaming consoles.
• Set-top boxes.
• Computers.
• Other external devices.

Moreover, the MagniFi Mini AX can be paired with the separately available SR2 wireless rear speakers to create a complete 5.1-channel system, offering an easier upgrade path for better sound performance in the future.

Built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, compatible with AirPlay 2, Chromecast, and Spotify. Besides its movie-watching capabilities, the MagniFi Mini AX excels in music playback. In addition to the dedicated Music Mode, the SDA technology and wireless subwoofer can be combined for an enhanced music listening experience. The Soundbar comes with built-in Bluetooth 5.0 and Wi-Fi support.

Besides the existing Chromecast functionality that facilitates music streaming from Android devices, it now includes AirPlay 2, making it convenient for iOS users. Moreover, with the addition of Spotify Connect, enjoying music becomes effortless and seamless.

Features

Experience MagniFi Your Sound, Minimize Your Sound Bar

With a remarkably compact size of just 15 inches wide, the MagniFi Mini AX leverages Polk’s 50 years of loudspeaker engineering expertise, featuring an advanced five-speaker array that elevates your TV sound to a whole new level. Enjoy deep, impactful bass, crystal-clear dialogue, and an expansive 3D soundstage that rivals much larger soundbars.

Immersive Audio, Certified

Transform your living room into a cinematic paradise with certified Dolby Atmos and DTS:X surround sound, courtesy of the MagniFi Mini AX. Polk’s patented fourth-generation SDA technology takes it even further, providing a wider and more accurate soundstage. The 3D Audio Mode adds a virtual height dimension, immersing you in any standard soundtrack or music you listen to.

Not Just for Movies-Great for Music, Too

Embrace high-quality music streaming from your phone, tablet, or computer via Wi-Fi with Apple AirPlay 2, Google Chromecast, and Spotify Connect. The Soundbar also connects seamlessly to devices through Bluetooth.

Hear Every Word with VoiceAdjust

Wave goodbye to constantly adjusting the volume! Never miss a word of dialogue again with Polk’s patented VoiceAdjust speech-clarifying technology. It works in harmony with the MagniFi’s integrated center-channel speaker, enhancing voice clarity without affecting the rest of the soundtrack.

Powerful Wireless Subwoofer

MagniFi’s powerful wireless down-firing subwoofer automatically connects and can be placed up to 30 feet away from the Soundbar. It delivers the deep, effortless bass that Polk is renowned for. Tailor the bass impact with Bass Adjust to maximize your listening experience.

Easy Setup and Universal Compatibility

Setting up the MagniFi Mini AX is a breeze with its one-cable connection to any TV via HDMI eARC/ARC (HDMI cable included), optical, or AUX-in. The OLED display makes settings easy to understand and disappears when not in use. Moreover, the Soundbar works with most TV remotes out of the box (and includes a remote). It is also Roku TV Ready for even easier setup and control.

Sound Performance

The MagniFi Mini AX boasts support for Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, along with HDMI eARC, making it a must-try for testing Netflix playback with Dolby Atmos effects. Watching the opening scene of “Ghostbuster: Afterlife” where the protagonist’s plane crashes and spins, the directionality of engine and wind sounds is remarkably clear.

The left-to-right movement provides decent positioning. While the Soundbar supports Dolby Atmos, it uses simulated output, so it can’t achieve the full effect of sound coming from directly above. However, it does widen the vertical soundstage well, and in Movie Mode, rain and plane sounds can create a sense of sound coming from the front and above, approximating the position of the TV screen and near the ceiling.

Considering the compact size of this Soundbar, the performance is quite impressive. Horizontal sound effects span from the far left to the far right, mainly in the front soundstage. This limitation is due to the Soundbar’s design, and the addition of the SR2 wireless rear speakers is necessary for rear sound effects.

Polk Soundbar series has always excelled in bass performance, and though the MagniFi Mini AX comes with a slimmer wireless subwoofer, it still delivers powerful low-frequency output. It provides ample volume and a decent sense of envelopment, particularly in medium to small-sized spaces of around 100-150 square feet.

While the depth of the bass might not be very deep, it’s sufficient to fill the entire listening area with good analytical ability and responsiveness. The dedicated center channel unit offers clear dialogue, and the Voice Adjust feature further enhances vocal output. However, the default vocal clarity is already prominent, and higher levels can be selected based on individual preferences or specific video content.

The performance in music playback is also commendable, thanks to the SDA technology that allows this compact Soundbar to provide a somewhat three-dimensional soundstage. The overall sound balance is quite good, with the independent subwoofer assisting in low-frequency output. It is suitable for various music genres, particularly excelling in rock and pop music playback.

Conclusion

the MagniFi Mini AX is suitable for users with limited living space and a great fit for bedrooms, study desks, and workstations. Despite its compact design, it delivers powerful audio performance and a commendable sense of surround sound. Dolby Atmos and DTS:X further expand the soundstage, providing a significant audio upgrade for movie-watching and gaming when combined with HDMI eARC support.

Including AirPlay 2, Chromecast, and Bluetooth features make music playback convenient and enjoyable. The presence of a front display screen, the option to add surround speakers, and other detailed upgrades make it one of the best choices for a small-sized Soundbar with outstanding features and audio performance.

Customer Reviews

After a lot of research, bought it and hoped for the best. Not disappointed! I have an older (at least 10 years) tv, so i wasnt sure it would work – but once I figured out that my tv has an hdmi-arc port, and watched a video to get the correct settings on my tv, this little soundbar and subwoofer work like a CHARM!! So pleased with the sound! Havent optimized the sound for the room yet – will add to the review once I do that. So far, the set up sounds GREAT!

Sounds amazing, really happy. I most want to say I appreciate the minimal, degradable packaging. It’s not perfect, but almost entirely paper/cardboard and the plastic handle is easily removable and marked recyclable.

My magnifi mini AX is in a 14×15 bedroom and it may be a bit to powerful for it. I’ve had no issues and am very impressed at the depth and stereo maging too. Highly recommend if you’re looking for a small soundbar.

Honestly, I’ve purchased a few different (much more expensive) soundbars in the past decade, and this Polk setup is the best I’ve ever owned!! The sound is crystal clear, the connectivity is instant, and the surround sound in my living room is just awesome. Thinking about buying another set for my bedroom now. I am not a spokesperson for this product. Just a really satisfied customer.

Exceptional product for what it is designed for. I am an audiophile and have equipment that will ‘knock your socks off’. This is not that. But for a small unit being used to enhance a smaller television it has a very pleasant sound. I do not have the Atmos version so I can not evaluate that model. I feel this unit is worth the price.

Polk MagniFi Mini AX Specifications

Inputs:

• (1) HDMI (eARC)
• (1) Optical
• (1) Analog 3.5mm
• (1) USB-A (for firmware updates)

Streaming:

• Wi-Fi (802.11 a/n/ac)
• Google Chromecast for Audio
• Apple AirPlay 2
• Spotify Connect
• Bluetooth 5.0

Drivers: Sound Bar:

• L/R Tweeter = (2) 0.75″ (19mm)
• L/C/R Mid = (3) 2″ (51mm)

Subwoofer:

• Woofer = (1) 5″ × 7″ (127mm × 178mm)

Dimensions: 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)

Supported Audio Formats:

• PCM
• Dolby Mono
• Dolby Digital
• Dolby Digital Plus
• Dolby Atmos
• Dolby Atmos TrueHD
• DTS Digital Surround
• DTS-HD
• DTS-HD Master Audio
• DTS:X
• DTS Virtual X