16 Feb, 2023

Sonic sanctuaries: the perfect sound bar for your personal space

Article written by SARAH JONES

Woman watching tv with a compact sound bar.

It used to be that component speaker systems were the only way to enjoy big, cinematic sound at home. But sound bars have ushered in a new era of performance and convenience, providing high-fidelity sound in affordable, all-in-one systems that set up in seconds—making them game changers for both audiophiles and casual listeners.

Polk’s sound bars provide room-filling sonic immersion and come packed with audio-optimizing features that tailor your listening experience for any scenario so choosing the right model for your room comes down to space, budget, and a few personal preferences.

For small spaces like dorm rooms and bedrooms, an ultra-compact sound bar, such as the Polk MagniFi Mini AX, has you covered. Larger rooms are opportunities to go with more powerful sound bars and even additional surround speakers. If you want a cinema-style experience, seek sound bars with surround sound capabilities, which are available in systems of any size; add wireless surrounds to extend sound all around you in home theaters and other large rooms. Want to bring music streaming into the mix? Look for Bluetooth compatibility and wi-fi features like Google Chromecast and Apple AirPlay. For smart assistance, Polk’s “Alexa Built-in” devices let you directly access Alexa, controlling the device with your voice; while “Works with Alexa” device are controlled using the Alexa voice service.

Let’s look at Polk’s most popular sound bars and some of the spaces we like to use them in.

Compact soundbar sitting on a dresser.

MagniFi Mini AX: a 15-inch powerhouse

MagniFi Mini AX: huge sound in a tiny footprint

Great for: bedrooms, dorm rooms, kitchens, and offices

The MagniFi Mini AX, Polk’s smallest sound bar, measures less than 15 inches wide but packs a mighty punch, featuring Dolby Atmos and DTS:X-certified sound with Polk’s patented SDA 3D audio technology and an included wireless subwoofer for bass you can feel. Our patented VoiceAdjust mode makes dialog pop—even in the craziest action scenes—and Movie, Music, and Night modes dial in the clearest, most expansive sound in any scenario. (Yes, even those low-volume, late-night binges.)

Speaking of music, MagniFi Mini AX is set up to stream your favorite songs via wi-fi (Google Chromecast, Apple Airplay 2) or Bluetooth. And, it’s Roku TV Ready. 

Several audio components spread around a living room.

React, shown here with SR2 wireless surrounds 

React: smart sound bar with Alexa support

Great for: multipurpose spaces and connected homes

Polk’s React sound bar is ideal for both movies and music. Alexa Built-in lets you stream your favorite songs and play music across rooms with seamless voice control. Control smart home devices and take advantage of Alexa Calling and Messaging right from your sound bar using simple voice commands. Enjoy React’s built-in Dolby and DTS virtual surround sound or extend a 360-degree sound field around you with available SR2 wireless rear surround speakers. For deep bass, add a voice-controllable React Sub, which features self-regulating EQ that automatically adjusts to your React sound bar’s settings.

Preset Movie, Music, and Night modes let you dial in optimal sound using voice commands, keeping your hands free for snacking or showing off your signature dance moves. VoiceAdjust Technology delivers crisp, clear speech, so you’ll never miss another word of dialog again.

a couple watching TV with a large sound bar sitting under it.

Signa S4 elevates movie nights. 

Signa S4: cinematic soundscapes in a streamlined system 

Great for: living rooms and dens 

The MagniFi Mini AX, Polk’s smallest sound bar, measures less than 15 inches wide but packs a mighty punch, featuring Dolby Atmos and DTS:X-certified sound with Polk’s patented SDA 3D audio technology and an included wireless subwoofer for bass you can feel. Our patented VoiceAdjust mode makes dialog pop—even in the craziest action scenes—and Movie, Music, and Night modes dial in the clearest, most expansive sound in any scenario. (Yes, even those low-volume, late-night binges.)

Speaking of music, MagniFi Mini AX is set up to stream your favorite songs via wi-fi (Google Chromecast, Apple Airplay 2) or Bluetooth. And, it’s Roku TV Ready. 

A family sitting in a room. A man controls a sound bar with a remote.

MagniFi Mini AX SR, featuring wireless rear surrounds and subwoofer

MagniFi Max AX: an all-purpose entertainment powerhouse 

Great for: medium-size home theaters, music listening rooms 

MagniFi Max AX envelops you in the heart-pounding, cinematic thrills of 3D sound, thanks to its 11-speaker, Dolby Atmos-enabled array that features upfiring drivers for realistic height effects and Polk SDA technology for a super-wide soundstage. 

Tailor sound for any scenario using VoiceAdjust speech-clarifying technology and preset Music, Movie, and Night modes, and experience the kind of bass you feel in your bones with the included 10” wireless subwoofer. For more immersion, add Polk SR2 wireless rear surround speakers, available separately or as part of the MagniFi Max AX SR 7.1.2 Sound Bar System.

Stream music over Wi-Fi with Apple AirPlay 2, Google Chromecast, Spotify Connect, or any Works with Alexa-compatible music service.

A furnished room with a mounted TV and soundbar.

React Sound Bar

Polk Audio's sound bars offer bespoke sonic experiences in sleek, simple systems. By considering and comparing their features, you’ll discover the perfect sound bar that fits your room size and delivers the audio experience you crave. Got your new sound bar up and running? Try some of our favorite movies for showing off your sound system on your next night in!

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