Sony HT-X8500 vs Polk Audio MagniFi 2 review

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I had a chance to test and compare two models: Sony HT-X8500 vs Polk Audio MagniFi 2 and this review should help people who are looking for a good soundbar. The Sony HT-X8500 was rated 6, while the Polk Audio MagniFi 2 has a rating 6.6. The soundbars are equipped with a different number of buttons, power, volume down, volume up, input, Bluetooth for the HT-X8500 and power, source, demo, volume down, volume up for the MagniFi 2.

Audio features

Each of the models under consideration has active amplification type. By the number of channels, the devices do not differ. A built-in subwoofer is available only in the Sony HT-X8500. Rate 6 out of 10 received the Sony HT-X8500 for audio features and specs, but the Polk Audio MagniFi 2 received 4 out of 10.

Streaming services

The MagniFi 2 can play audio from Spotify.

Connectivity

Wireless Internet connection is realized only in the MagniFi 2. Soundbars from this comparison have Bluetooth support. There are 1/1 HDMI inputs/outputs in the Sony HT-X8500 versus 3/1 HDMIs in the Polk Audio MagniFi 2. As in the HT-X8500, so in the MagniFi 2 there is the HDMI Audio Return Channel (ARC). Connecting devices via USB is possible in both models. We rated the connectivity of the HT-X8500 at 8 out of 10, while the MagniFi 2 was rated 5/10.

Features

The manufacturer of the MagniFi 2 provides a device control application. The Polk Audio MagniFi 2 equipped with a microphone. The models under consideration cannot become part of a multiroom system.

Multichannel surround

Dolby Atmos audio decoder is onboard the HT-X8500. The HT-X8500 can work with surround sound due to DTS:X support. The HT-X8500 was rated 10/10, while the MagniFi 2 received a mark of 5/10 for multichannel surround.

Advantages Sony HT-X8500 over Polk Audio MagniFi 2

Advantages Polk Audio MagniFi 2 over Sony HT-X8500