Sound quality:
Polk Audio's MagniFi Max AX has acceptable overall sound quality - this model reproduces music and dialog reasonably well despite the obvious shortcomings in its sound. In the Music sound mode the bass has decent impact, is a bit subdued and boomy and doesn't go deep. The midrange is echoey and somewhat nasal, hazy, plasticky, and grainy. The treble is fairly extended but is a bit subdued and sizzly and somewhat smeared. This model only does a so-so job of recovering room ambience, the echoey quality of the midrange can give the sound an artificial "processed" quality, and the overall sound is somewhat congested. The two channel sound field extends a bit above and beyond the sides of the soundbar enclosure, but lacks depth.
There was no significant difference in sound quality between the HDMI, optical, Bluetooth, USB and WiFi inputs.
Multichannel
When 5.1 channel program material is played back in the Music EQ mode the width and height of the sound stage expands, and depending on the program material extends well beyond the height and width of the soundbar enclosure.
Dolby Atmos or DTS:X
When Dolby Atmos or DTS:X material is played back in the Movie EQ mode the width and height of the sound stage expands and depending on the program material can fill the front end of the room; audio imaging can extend up and above from the front of the room to almost directly overhead depending on the program material, but there was no sense of depth and there was no rear surround effect; sounds that should have been in the rear come from the front.
Sound Modes
The various sound modes have a noticeable effect on the sound field and tonal balance regardless of the type of program material being played.
TV ease of use: Excellent overall.
Features ease of use: Excellent overall.
