I had a chance to test and compare two models: Bose Smart Soundbar 600 vs Polk Audio MagniFi 2 and this review should help people who are looking for a good soundbar. The Bose Smart Soundbar 600 was rated 8.4, 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 Smart Soundbar 600 has 5.1.2 and MagniFi 2 has 2.1. The built-in subwoofer is not implemented in any of these models. An external subwoofer connects to the Smart Soundbar 600 via wired, but MagniFi 2 has wireless connection type. Rate 8 out of 10 received the Bose Smart Soundbar 600 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 1/1 HDMI inputs/outputs in the Bose Smart Soundbar 600 versus 3/1 HDMIs in the Polk Audio MagniFi 2. As in the Smart Soundbar 600, 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 Smart Soundbar 600 at 9 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 Smart Soundbar 600. Devices from this comparison cannot process surround sound due to lack of DTS:X. The Smart Soundbar 600 was rated 6/10, while the MagniFi 2 received a mark of 5/10 for multichannel surround.