What’d he just say? Polk’s new MagniFi sound bar aims for crystal clear dialog

By Ryan Waniata October 16, 2014

Magnifi sound bar — Image used with permission by copyright holder

While much of the tech world had Apple on the brain this week, Polk Audio slipped in some sleek new pieces of hardware to add to its impressive arsenal, including the new MagniFi sound bar, designed to offer smooth, full-bodied sound matched by clear, intelligible dialog.

Comprised of a slim fin and wireless subwoofer capped with the curves of a vintage pin-up model, Polk’s newest sound bar system enters a packed field of competitors with an ample arsenal of audio weaponry. Top on the list of MagniFi’s latest advances is Polk’s patent-pending VoiceAdjust system, which offers an adjustable three-driver array designed to optimize dialog and center channel effects for any position in the room.

The bar achieves its centralized sound via a unique trio of 3 x 1-inch full range drivers, while the subwoofer boasts a nimble 7-inch driver. The system is powered by a claimed 300 watts of total amplification, and reaches a claimed frequency response of 40Hz-20kHz. The bar is also armed with Polk’s “Full Complement Bass Drive Technology” and tuned ports for a rich lower midrange that extends into the upper bass region, helping the sub and bar blend together for a more seamless sound.

Underlining Polk’s strive for minimalism with the MagniFi, the system offers few inputs, including only a single Optical digital input, supplemented by a 3.5mm analog input, and Bluetooth wireless connection with aptX for near CD-quality audio streaming from capable devices. Other features for the system include Dolby Digital 5.1 decoding, bass control to optimize the wireless sub’s position in the room, and DJ Stream, which allows up to 4 users to control wireless streaming from the system at once. The MagniFi is also able to learn basic TV remote commands for seamless control.

Polk’s new MagniFi sound bar is available now at Amazon for $500.

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Former Digital Trends Contributor

Ryan Waniata is a multi-year veteran of the digital media industry, a lover of all things tech, audio, and TV, and a…

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