I had a chance to test and compare two models: Samsung S800B vs Polk Audio MagniFi 2 and this review should help people who are looking for a good soundbar. The Samsung S800B was rated 8.6, 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 S800B has 3.1.2 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 7 out of 10 received the Samsung S800B for audio features and specs, but the Polk Audio MagniFi 2 received 4 out of 10.
Each of the competitors can play content from Spotify. Audio streaming from Pandora, SoundCloud is in each of the presented soundbars.
Both models have a wireless Wi-Fi interface. Soundbars from this comparison have Bluetooth support. There are 0/1 HDMI inputs/outputs in the Samsung S800B versus 3/1 HDMIs in the Polk Audio MagniFi 2. As in the S800B, so in the MagniFi 2 there is the HDMI Audio Return Channel (ARC). We rated the connectivity of the S800B at 7 out of 10, while the MagniFi 2 was rated 5/10.
Each of the soundbars can be controlled using the application. The soundbars in this review are equipped with a microphone. The models under consideration cannot become part of a multiroom system.
Dolby Atmos audio decoder is onboard the S800B. The S800B can work with surround sound due to DTS:X support. The S800B was rated 10/10, while the MagniFi 2 received a mark of 5/10 for multichannel surround.