Although most soundbars are wide and thin, Polk Audio offers one that is not only ultra-compact (only 14.5 inches) wide, it’s packed with a lot of features that you might not expect. If you are looking for a soundbar for a smaller space, smaller screen TV, PC, or even a compact video projector, the Polk Audio MagniFi Mini AX might just have the capabilities you are looking for. Let’s check out what it offers and see if might be the right solution for you.
What the Polk Audio MagniFi Mini AX Offers
Product Design: The Polk Audio MagniFi Mini AX is an ultra-compact soundbar that easily fits below most TVs without obstructing the screen. The package also comes with a vertically standing compact wireless subwoofer that takes up very little floor space.
- Soundbar Dimensions (W x D x H): 14.5 x 4.1 x 3.5 inches
- Subwoofer Dimensions (W x D x H): 7.2 x 15.6 x 14.6 inches
Tip: The soundbar portion of the MagniFi Mini AX is not designed to be wall-mounted, although it is small enough to fit on some wall shelves.
Speaker Complement: The Polk Audio MagniFi Mini AX houses 3 2-inch midrange drivers, one each for L/C/R channels. For the high frequencies, there are 2 .75-inch tweeters (assigned to the L and R channels).
Wireless Subwoofer: The MagniFi Mini AX wireless subwoofer incorporates single 5 x 7-inch down-firing driver supported by a rear-mounted port for added low-frequency extension.
Audio Format Support: Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, Polk SDA 3D Audio Technology. The MagniFi Mini AX doesn’t have physical vertically firing speakers for Dolby Atmos or DTS:X height channel effects. The overhead sound and 3D immersive sound stage is created virtually. Polk incorporates the fourth generation of its own patented SDA technology which provides a wider soundstage and video height that goes well beyond the physical borders of the MagniFi Mini AX soundbar.
VoiceAdjust™: The dedicated center channel speaker in the MagniFi Mini AX is paired with Polk’s patented VoiceAdjust™technology. This feature improves dialogue presence without affecting the other channels. This is great for improved listening with movies, and sporting events, and when viewing at lower volumes, such as nighttime.
Bass Adjust: The MagniFi Mini AX includes a Bass Adjust feature that controls the low-frequency output on both the sound bar and subwoofer.
Sound Modes: In addition to VoiceAdjust and Bass Adjust, the MagniFi Mini AX also provides Sound Mode/EQ presets for Movie, Music, and Night Listening (Night Mode). The Night Mode automatically attenuates bass output and dialogue clarity to avoid disturbing sleeping neighbors or family members during late-night binge-watching sessions.
Streaming: Stream Music using MagniFi Mini AX Wi-Fi (Google Chromecast, Apple AirPlay 2, Spotify) or Bluetooth (supports ver 5.0).
Setup: The MagniFi Mini AX is easy to set up and use. With the included HDMI cable, the built-in HDMI eARC can pass through eight channels of uncompressed audio, which supports Dolby Atmos and DTS:X. The MagniFi Mini AX is also Roku TV Ready.
Tip: HDMI cable included, digital optical and analog audio cables are an optional purchase.
Control: Onboard control buttons (located on the top of the soundbar) are provided for power, input selection, Bluetooth pairing, mute, and volume. The MagniFi Mini AX also comes with a wireless remote control which provides more extensive setting options and is pre-programmed to work with most TV remotes.
Connections
The connections provided with the MagniFi Mini AX include:
- (1) HDMI (ARC/eARC) Connection
- (1) Digital optical input
- (1) Analog 3.5mm input (Aux)
- (1) USB-A (for firmware updates and service only)
What Comes in the Box
- Soundbar
- Subwoofer
- Remote control
- Power cords for soundbar and subwoofer.
- HDMI cable
- 2 x AAA batteries
- Quick Start Guide
- Registration card
- Safety document
Pricing and Availability
The Polk Audio MagniFi Mini AX is available now, direct from PolkAudio.com or through authorized Polk dealers for an MSRP of $499.99 (U.S.).
Get a fuller surround sound experience by adding Polk’s optional SR2 Wireless Surround Speakers, available for $199.99 at Amazon.
If you are looking for a more traditional size soundbar, check our recent introductory report and follow-up hands-on review of the Polk Audio Signa S4, which also offers Dolby Atmos.
Related reading: Best Soundbars
