Polk Audio has introduced a five-channel home theater speaker set, MagniFi MAX SR, consisting of a soundbar, two wireless rear speakers and a subwoofer. The new Polk Audio MagniFi MAX SR soundbar features an especially wide and immersive soundstage. Polk, according to its own statements, was able to achieve this result through proprietary technologies, including SDA (Stereo Dimensional Array) and Voice Adjust. The latter allows you to customize speech to the desired parameters – voices become clearer and louder. The soundbar has several drivers installed: 4 broadband speakers on the sides, two tweeters, one 1-inch speaker in the center. To enhance the bass, the system is supplemented with an 8-inch woofer. According to the manufacturer, the soundbar produces “10 times more bass than conventional TV speakers.”
The included wireless subwoofer is relatively small in size, making it easy to place in the room. The Polk Audio MagniFi MAX SR comes with two external power supplies, one for the subwoofer and one for the soundbar. As already noted, the soundbar and subwoofer are distinguished by high-quality manufacturing and finishing, characteristic of high-end models.
The included SR1 wireless rear speakers connect to the system automatically. Satellites are needed to provide full surround sound, but a sound bar can be purchased separately, without additional speakers and an external subwoofer. For signal transmission, MagniFi MAX was equipped with four HDMI ports with HDCP 2.2, AUX, and Ethernet. You can also stream audio to the soundbar via Bluetooth.
The soundbar has separate amplifiers for the high-frequency and low-frequency speakers (four amplifiers in total), the signal to which comes from the DSP. This model features Virtual Surround sound mode, Dialogue Enhance Mode, and Night Mode for limiting the dynamic range of audio when watching movies late.
The initial setup of the soundbar consists only of pairing with a wireless subwoofer, which is literally done with one click of a button. When connected via HDMI, the Polk Audio MagniFi MAX SR demonstrated very dense and rich sound, with a well-echeloned picture in depth and width. Given the stereo configuration, the soundbar is not designed to generate surround sound, but turning on the Virtual Surround function allows you to add additional volume to the picture. The subwoofer was well integrated into the overall sound, and while accurately processing the low-frequency component of the signal, it was practically not defined as a sound source.
The presence of Chromecast support deserves special attention. This function will allow MagniFi MAX to be integrated into the Google Home system and, accordingly, the user will be able to launch content with a voice command. Chromecast also expands streaming capabilities
The Polk Audio MagniFi MAX SR delivers signature Polk Audio sound—punchy and dynamic—for both movies and music. This is one of the rare soundbars in its price range that is perfect for sounding at parties. In terms of reliability in transmitting music of most genres, it can easily compete with a pair of speakers of comparable cost – and this is taking into account the fact that in this case you also get all the necessary electronics. Of course, we couldn’t resist the pleasure of testing Chromecast in action, and its performance was also beyond praise. Songs recorded in lossless format on a phone used as a remote control sounded energetic and generally neutral, with good treble detail and focused bass.
The Polk Audio MagniFi Max SR set consists of:
Two wireless speakers (model SR1), connected to the soundbar via Wi-Fi and capable of broadcasting in a separate stereo mode;
An audio hub, the role of which here is played by a sound bar with four full-range emitters, two tweeters, and a central 1-inch driver;
Subwoofer (MagniFi Max model) 8 inches.
Included: 2m high-speed HDMI cable, 1.8m optical cable, 1.8m AUX cable with 3.5mm jack, two wall mounting brackets (nuts and bolts not included).
Characteristics of Polk Audio MagniFi Max SR
Total system power 400 W (soundbar: 180 W, subwoofer: 160 W, satellites: 60 W)
Frequency range 35 Hz – 20 kHz
The soundbar body is bass reflex, ports are located on the sides
Soundbar speakers 4 oval midrange/bass -drivers, 1″ x 3″ (25 x 76 mm), 2 x 0.75″ (19 mm) tweeters, central 1″ midrange driver
Supported decoders Dolby Digital 5.1, DTS
Wi-Fi support 802.11 a/b/g /n/AC, 2.4/5 GHz
Bluetooth support built-in Bluetooth circuit
VoiceAdjust technology for separate adjustment of the center channel responsible for dialogue yes
Surround detailed sound technology Stereo Dimensional Array (SDA) yes
Built-in equalizer 3 EQ presets
Full Complement bass enhancement technology Bass yes
Soundbar inputs 3.5 mm analog Aux, optical, 4 x HDMI (with support for HDCP 2.2 and 4K resolution)
Soundbar outputs HDMI with support for the ARC return channel
Other switching service USB port
The subwoofer housing is bass reflex, the port is located in the lower part of the cabinet
The driver of the subwoofer 1 x 8 ”(203 mm) Woopher, aimed at the floor
of the satellite driver 3” (76 mm) AC/ourselves-dynamic
remote control deluxe remote
dimensions of the soundbar (SHHVHGG) 1092x53x96 mm
dimensions of the subwoofer 371x369x30 mm,
the weight of the soundbar 2, weight 7 kg
Subwoofer weight 6.1 kg
