Polk Audio MagniFi Mini AX vs Denon DHT-S517 review

vs

The present review is aimed to compare two soundbars - Polk Audio MagniFi Mini AX vs Denon DHT-S517 that are meant to satisfy the needs of cinema and music lovers. Based on our rating, MagniFi Mini AX has a total rating of 7.6 out of 10 versus 5.4 for DHT-S517. The competitors' control buttons are different: power, source, demo, mute and power, source, demo, volume down, volume up, respectively.

Audio features

Both soundbars have active amplification type. A significant difference between the units in the number of channels, the Polk Audio MagniFi Mini AX has 3.1 versus 3.1.2 for the Denon DHT-S517. The output power is different and equal to 10 (overall) W for the MagniFi Mini AX versus 40 (overall) W for the DHT-S517. Competitors do not have a built-in subwoofer. Rivals have wireless connection to separate subwoofer. The Polk Audio MagniFi Mini AX got our rating of 4 out of 10, and the Denon DHT-S517 5 for its audio features and specs.

Streaming services

Spotify support is available on the MagniFi Mini AX.

Connectivity

Only the Polk Audio MagniFi Mini AX can connect to the Internet via WI-FI. Rivals from our review have Bluetooth support. The Polk Audio MagniFi Mini AX has 1/0 HDMI inputs/outputs versus 1/1 of the Denon DHT-S517. The HDMI Audio Return Channel (ARC) feature supports both devices. For connectivity, the MagniFi Mini AX received a rating of 5/10 versus 7/10, respectively.

Features

App control is available in every soundbar. A built-in microphone is present only on the MagniFi Mini AX. Soundbars do not have Multi-room support.

Multichannel surround

Both devices have support for Dolby Atmos multichannel audio format. A surround technology DTS:X is supported only by the MagniFi Mini AX. For multichannel surround Polk Audio MagniFi Mini AX got a rating of 10, and Denon DHT-S517 7 out of 10.

Advantages Polk Audio MagniFi Mini AX over Denon DHT-S517