Polk MagniFi Mini AX review: a small soundbar that has everything of a big one – News

The MagniFi Mini AX should not be confused with the MagniFi Mini (all short) and which can still be a smart choice considering its list price drop which now positions it at 229€. At this price, however, you do not have the new features brought by the mini AX and which justifies a more attractive price.

The MagniFi Mini AX with its rounded edges and dark gray fabric finish is elegant. We also appreciate the large OLED display in transparency under the fabric which indicates the source, the volume or the mode of listening, with sensitive buttons on the top. Due to its compactness we understand that it can fit under a small diagonal television but it is not ridiculous in front of a 160 cm. The MagniFi Mini AX has 5 speakers; 1 woofer for the central channel towards the listening area framed by 2 tweeters very slightly oriented to the side. The 2 woofers for the stereo are directed at around 70° to the sides to promote a wide stereo space. The box is Bass-reflex with dorsal vent and has a rectangular loudspeaker directed towards the ground.

Importantly, the MagniFi Mini AX can be transformed into a 5.1 configuration by being connected to two Polk SR2 wireless surround speakers (€179 per pair) of identical aesthetics, with possible wall mounting.

The MagniFi Mini AX is designed to be connected to an ARC television. Do not put away the (mini) remote control which will be useful for choosing sources, listening mode, lip synchro, stereo balance or adjusting the relative level of the subwoofer or the optional surround speakers. In addition to the TV connection, Wi-Fi or Bluetooth audio streaming is possible in AirPlay 2 or Chromecast.

Polk offers its SDA technology which widens the stereo by sending sound beams to the side. A 3D mode is also proposed, which we propose to activate on stereo programs, causing a more vertical sound envelope. Do not neglect either the Voice Adjust mode which makes it possible to better bring out the dialogues in noisy sequences.

But the big news is support for Dolby Atmos and DTS:X. However, as you have understood from the description of the loudspeaker crew, the vertical sensations promised will be achieved thanks to electro-acoustic subterfuges.

listening
With the MagniFi Mini AX and in Music mode, audio streaming, music shows or video clips are propelled with surprising energy considering the volume of the speaker, sorry the bar. Thus she gives real enthusiasm to musical listening, fully assuming that the objective is not to be in tonal respect but in a festive accompaniment. And it suits him very well, with the subwoofer which perfectly absorbs the percussions and other rhythm boxes, the whole thing fills a beautiful space with conviction. In series or films, the spirit is the same but with a Cinema mode which slightly refocuses the sounds for better consistency with what is happening on the screen. Looking at Adam through time in Dolby Atmos (Netflix) the sequences of chases in space or close combat on Earth are felt with force. DTS compatibility also allowed us to take advantage of the release of Spider-Man: No Way Home in IMAX Enhanced on the Sony Bravia Core platform. For the two films, the bar propels the sound effects with vigor and speed towards the listening area while the subwoofer diffuses heavy and percussive bass; it never seemed useful to us to operate the BassAdjust to amplify the impact of the bass. The couple harmonizes without difficulty at the level of the cut-off frequency. If we can blame it for a little lack of finesse and contouring, we think we are facing a much larger bar and lovers of strong sound sensations will be in heaven. We liked to regularly and easily perceive effects on the sides, but as far as vertical effects are concerned, it is much more diffuse.

In conclusion
The MagniFi Mini AX is very attractive due to its physical compactness which does not prevent a powerful and wide sound reproduction. The streaming functions that its little sister lacked are now implemented. Dual Dolby Atmos and DTS:X compatibility is a strong point that will certainly take on real interest with the addition of surround speakers.

Indicative price 479€

connectors

– 1 HDMI ARC port
– 1 stereo optical input
– 1 3.5mm input
– 1 USB-A port (system update)

Technical characteristics

Dimensions (W x H x D) / weight:
Bar: 36.6 x 10.4 cm 7.9 x / 1.7 kg
Box: 18.2 x 39.6 x 37.1 cm / 5 kg
Average consumption: 35 W (bar + box)

More info on the Polk website by following this link