l would like to share my experience after comparing and testing two soundbars – Sony HT-S40R vs Polk Audio MagniFi Mini AX. The Sony HT-S40R was rated 5.2, while the Polk Audio MagniFi Mini AX has a rating 7.6.
Each of the models under consideration has active amplification type. A noticeable difference is the number of channels that HT-S40R has 5.1 and MagniFi Mini AX has 3.1. These rivals can be compared in terms of power, 600 (overall) versus 10 (overall) according to devices. The built-in subwoofer is not implemented in any of these models. An external subwoofer connects to the HT-S40R via wired, but MagniFi Mini AX has wireless connection type. Rate 7 out of 10 received the Sony HT-S40R for audio features and specs, but the Polk Audio MagniFi Mini AX received 4 out of 10.
The MagniFi Mini AX can play audio from Spotify.
Wireless Internet connection is realized only in the MagniFi Mini AX. Soundbars from this comparison have Bluetooth support. There are 0/1 HDMI inputs/outputs in the Sony HT-S40R versus 1/0 HDMIs in the Polk Audio MagniFi Mini AX. As in the HT-S40R, so in the MagniFi Mini AX there is the HDMI Audio Return Channel (ARC). Connecting devices via USB is possible in both models. We rated the connectivity of the HT-S40R at 7 out of 10, while the MagniFi Mini AX was rated 5/10.
The manufacturer of the MagniFi Mini AX provides a device control application. The Polk Audio MagniFi Mini AX equipped with a microphone. The models under consideration cannot become part of a multiroom system.
Dolby Atmos audio decoder is onboard the MagniFi Mini AX. The MagniFi Mini AX can work with surround sound due to DTS:X support. The HT-S40R was rated 8/10, while the MagniFi Mini AX received a mark of 10/10 for multichannel surround.