Watch out, folks, because the Polk MagniFi Max SR surround soundbar system might just blow your head off. Announced in May 2017, Polk’s latest addition to the MagniFi soundbar line is making its first sounds at CEDIA 2017. We sat down for a brief audition and what we heard makes us think this could be the soundbar to beat this year.
Those who saw our review of the Polk MagniFi Mini soundbar will recall that we were impressed by the little guy’s powerful output and even more surprised by the price: $300 (currently available for $250 online). The new Polk MagniFi Max SR takes that energizing sound quality to the next level, adding a larger wireless subwoofer and optional wireless surround speakers while maintaining a slim, sexy shape. The Polk Maginifi Max SR Soundbar and Subwoofer Combo is available for pre-order for $500 while a bundle with included wireless surround speakers is just $600.
For connectivity, the MagniFi Max offers three 4K HDR HDMI inputs with HDCP 2.2 support along with one HDMI ARC output, a digital optical input (for which a cable is supplied in the box), an Ethernet input and an analogue auxiliary input. Bluetooth is supported, as well as Google Home and Google Cast.
With the latter two features, it’s possible to use voice commands through a Google Home speaker or a Google Home compatible TV for commands like playing Spotify, turning the volume up or down, and turning it on and off. For those who don’t have a Google Home device, casting content to your soundbar is as simple as pulling up on your smartphone, tablet or computer and pressing the Cast icon from supported apps and the Chrome browser.
The soundbar has discrete oval-shaped speakers (seven in total) for left, right and center channel output. The included wireless subwoofer has an 8-inch driver powered by an 80-watt amplifier. The wireless surround speakers included in the $600 package need only be plugged into the wall and will automatically connect to the MagniFi Max SR soundbar.
For those who have trouble understanding dialogue, Polk’s efficient “Voice Adjust” technology helps with clarity. Other sound modes are available, such as a night mode for late-night listening, along with music and movie modes.
We were impressed with the dynamic, powerful sound that the Polk Magnifi Max SR soundbar system was able to produce during our audition. Even in the extremely noisy showroom, the system managed to create a wide, expansive soundstage with well-placed surround effects and an almost adjacent transition between soundbar and surround speakers. The subwoofer was punchy and filled the lows extremely well, thanks to a seamless transition between the small speakers in the soundbar and satellites and the large speaker in the subwoofer. We found ourselves several times thinking that the MagniFi Max doesn’t sound like a compromise for a much larger surround system and among the best soundbars you can find. For those who want premium sound but are limited by space, this is a solution worth considering – especially at such a reasonable price.
Even more new stuff
In addition to releasing MagniFi Max SR audio for the first time, Polk is also taking advantage of CEDIA 2017 to show off a brand new addition to its entry-level Signa line of soundbars, the Signa Solo.
As the name implies, the Signa Solo works on its own, without the help of a separate subwoofer or surround speakers. Instead, the $130 soundbar solution uses four 2.5-inch drivers with specialized bass connectors to enhance bass and produce full sound from a simple, thin solution. Polk’s patented SDA surround technology provides surround effects without surround speakers, while the aforementioned Voice Adjust technology combines modes for music, movies and night listening to further enhance the experience.
We didn’t get a chance to hear the Signa Solo in action, but if Polk’s previous efforts are any indication, we expect this soundbar to punch well above its weight and price.
Brand new subwoofer
Finally, to complement its Signature Series speaker lineup, Polk introduced us to its new HTS subwoofers, headed by a 12-inch model that did a job of shaking the walls of the San Diego Convention Center (and adjacent booths, too, sadly, we’re sure ). Available in 10-inch and 12-inch models powered by 200-watt and 400-watt Class D amplifiers, these new bass boxes deliver bombastic low-end sounds thanks to the same power port technology found in the Signature Series speakers. The cropped image in the video tells the story of how it works, but the brief about the design is that it allows for a very long connection inside the subwoofer enclosure, making it easy to tune deep bass and reduce noise to near-inaudible levels.
Polk’s reinvigorated commitment to high-quality sound is underscored by the recent acquisition of the Marantz and Denon brands by its parent company (Sound United). Now that Polk, Definitive Technology, Boston Acoustics, Marantz and Denon are all under the same umbrella and sharing engineering resources, we’re sure to see even more advanced gear coming from the company, which is likely to be unveiled at CES 2018 this January.
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Categories: GAMING
Source: newstars.edu.vn