At 36.6 cm long and 7.9 cm high, the Magnifi Mini AX soundbar is extremely discreet. It will therefore know how to blend perfectly into any interior. In this, it does not differ from the first MagniFi Mini of the name which appeared in 2017 (see our Polk Audio MagniFi Mini news, compact Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and Chromecast soundbar). If the form remains unchanged or almost, on the other hand the background evolves drastically with new functionalities (see below).
Polk Audio MagniFi Mini AX, acoustic package
Technically, the Polk Audio MagniFi Mini AX soundbar incorporates five speakers, three 51mm midrange drivers, two 19mm tweeters. For its part, the subwoofer benefits from an ovoid woofer (see photo below) 12.7 x-17.8 centimeters. Namely, it is possible to upgrade the Polk Audio MagniFi Mini AX to a 5.1 configuration by adding a pair of SR2 surrounds (€179 per pair).
Polk Audio MagniFi Mini AX, Network Soundbar
On the menu of network features, we note AirPlay 2, Wi-Fi ac, Bluetooth 5.0 and Chromecast (integrated) compatibility to wirelessly enjoy content stored on suitable equipment or shared on the local network: tablet, smartphone, console game, computer... Precision, the Chromecast function also allows you to integrate the Polk Audio MagniFi Mini AX into a multiroom configuration. Still in the network chapter, know that it is possible to completely disconnect the Wi-Fi module from the MagniFi Mini AX. Finally, to be complete on the wireless capabilities of the Polk Audio MagniFi Mini AX, know that the surround speakers also work without using cables, in Wi-Fi.
Polk Audio MagniFi Mini AX, Dolby Atmos and DTS:X
Compared to the original MagniFi Mini, the Mini AX makes the difference in sound processing with Dolby Atmos and DTS:X compatibility. Of course, in the absence of Up-Fire speakers for the Height channels, rendering virtual 3D soundtracks is supported by proprietary SDA (Stereo Dimensional Array) technology for an expanded soundstage.
The DSP is also associated with five sound modes: Cinema, 3D, Stereo all channels, Music and Night to make the most of TV channel programs. Likewise, Polk Voice-Adjust technology guarantees crystal clear voices so you don't miss a single word of dialogue.
Finally, the Polk Audio MagniFi Mini AX has the good taste of being entirely “controllable” by the TV remote control, greatly simplifying the ergonomics of the audio-video system in the living room. Namely, its relatively small size, only 7.9 cm high, allows it to be placed under most televisions without obstructing the TV sensor on the remote control, nor the image.
Connectivity and design
The connection includes an HDMI eARC input, an optical input and a 3.5 mm mini-jack auxiliary to connect an external sound source. The USB port is only used for product diagnostics in the event of a fault. Of course, automatic switching between the different sources is required here.
The floor to Frank Sterns, president of Polk Audio
"With MagniFi Mini AX, we set out to create the world's highest performing ultra-compact Dolby Atmos soundbar," said Frank Sterns, President of Polk Audio. By integrating the immersive surround capabilities of Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, then optimizing them with Polk's patented SDA technology, we've created a product that's not only as enveloping as a soundbar three times the size, but with a level of soundstage precision unmatched in its class,” added Mr. Sterns.
Availability announced for the end of March. Indicative price: 479 euros.
Reminder of the key features of the Polk MagniFi Mini AX:
• Type: soundbar
• System: 3.1
• Total power: NC
• Speaker: 51 mm x 3 midrange, 19 mm x 2 tweeters
• Subwoofer: yes, external wireless (ovoid woofer 12.7 x 17.8 cm)
• Technology(ies): Polk Voice -Adjust
• AirPlay 2 compatibility
• eARC compatibility
• Bluetooth 5.0 compatibility
• Wi-Fi ac compatibility
• Connections: 1 HDMI eARC input, 1 optical input , 1 x 3.5 mm mini-jack input
• Dolby Atmos decoder
• DTS:X decoder
• Dolby Digital decoder
• Dolby Digital Plus decoder
• Dolby TrueHD
• Dimensions (W x H x D, mm): 366 x 79 x 104 mm, 182 x 371 x 396 mm for the subwoofer
