I had a chance to test and compare two models: LG SL5Y vs Polk Audio MagniFi 2 and this review should help people who are looking for a good soundbar. The LG SL5Y was rated 5, 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, function for the SL5Y and power, source, demo, volume down, volume up for the MagniFi 2.
Each of the models under consideration has active amplification type. By the number of channels, the devices do not differ. 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 LG SL5Y 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 1/1 HDMI inputs/outputs in the LG SL5Y versus 3/1 HDMIs in the Polk Audio MagniFi 2. As in the SL5Y, 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 SL5Y 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 SL5Y or MagniFi 2. Devices from this comparison cannot process surround sound due to lack of DTS:X. The SL5Y was rated 6/10, while the MagniFi 2 received a mark of 5/10 for multichannel surround.