I had a chance to test and compare two models: Samsung S50B vs Polk Audio MagniFi 2 and this review should help people who are looking for a good soundbar. The Samsung S50B was rated 4.6, while the Polk Audio MagniFi 2 has a rating 6.6.
Each of the models under consideration has active amplification type. A noticeable difference is the number of channels that S50B has 3.0 and MagniFi 2 has 2.1. The built-in subwoofer is not implemented in any of these models. An external subwoofer can be connected to any of the units in this comparison. Rate 6 out of 10 received the Samsung S50B 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 0/1 HDMI inputs/outputs in the Samsung S50B versus 3/1 HDMIs in the Polk Audio MagniFi 2. As in the S50B, 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 S50B at 7 out of 10, while the MagniFi 2 was rated 5/10.
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.
Dolby Atmos audio decoder support is not implemented in either the S50B or MagniFi 2. Devices from this comparison cannot process surround sound due to lack of DTS:X. The S50B was rated 6/10, while the MagniFi 2 received a mark of 5/10 for multichannel surround.