I had a chance to test and compare two models: Samsung HW-S40T vs Polk Audio MagniFi 2 and this review should help people who are looking for a good soundbar. The Samsung HW-S40T was rated 5, while the Polk Audio MagniFi 2 has a rating 6.6. The soundbars are equipped with a different number of buttons, volume down, volume up, power, source for the HW-S40T and power, source, demo, volume down, volume up for the MagniFi 2.
Each of the models under consideration has active amplification type. A noticeable difference is the number of channels that HW-S40T has 2.0 and MagniFi 2 has 2.1. A built-in subwoofer is available only in the Samsung HW-S40T. Rate 6 out of 10 received the Samsung HW-S40T for audio features and specs, but the Polk Audio MagniFi 2 received 4 out of 10.
The MagniFi 2 can play audio from Spotify.
Wireless Internet connection is realized only in the MagniFi 2. Soundbars from this comparison have Bluetooth support. There are 1/0 HDMI inputs/outputs in the Samsung HW-S40T versus 3/1 HDMIs in the Polk Audio MagniFi 2. The HDMI Audio Return Channel (ARC) is implemented only in the MagniFi 2. Connecting devices via USB is possible in both models. We rated the connectivity of the HW-S40T at 6 out of 10, while the MagniFi 2 was rated 5/10.
Each of the soundbars can be controlled using the application. The Polk Audio MagniFi 2 equipped with a microphone. The models under consideration cannot become part of a multiroom system.
Dolby Atmos audio decoder support is not implemented in either the HW-S40T or MagniFi 2. Devices from this comparison cannot process surround sound due to lack of DTS:X. The same score of 5/10 was put to the soundbars for multichannel surround support.