Polk Audio introduced Thursday its MagniFi 2 soundbar equipped with the company’s patented SDA surround sound technology, 5.1 audio decoding and new 3D audio DSP.
The Polk MagniFi 2, which will arrive in August at a $499 suggested retail price, offers Polk’s performance-tuned, six-driver Stereo Dimensional Array (SDA) technology that was developed to present “a huge sound stage and outstanding fidelity,” the company said.
The soundbar delivers immersive 3D audio surround sound with height sound effects from a “3D Audio Mode” that combines 3D-specific digital signal processing (DSP) techniques with Polk’s SDA technology. 3D Audio mode uses 3D-specific DSP settings from Polk Audio’s Stereo Dimensional Array technology,which is defined as “an acoustic means of cancelling interaural crosstalk, to enhance the front, surround and low frequency channels in a 5.1 soundtrack,” the company said.
Polk said that applying the technology to the front and surround channels on the MagniFi 2 widens the soundstage while delivering “convincing height effects.” This is further enhanced with a beefier bass response in advanced 3D listening mode.
The MagniFi 2 features a simple setup and ships with HDMI and digital optical cables.
The sound bar has three HDMI 2.0 inputs, including one with Audio Return Channel (ARC), and CEC interoperability for flexibility of use with leading 4K HDR TVs.
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The MagniFi 2 is designed to work automatically with the volume control on Samsung, LG, Vizio, TCL, Sony and other CEC-enabled TV remotes. In addition, the MagniFi 2 features Polk Audio’s patented Voice Adjust Technology that allows customizing voice levels for clear dialog.
The Polk MagniFi 2 will also work with Chromecast to easily stream content from Amazon Music HD, Apple Music, Roon, Qobuz, Spotify, Tidal and other leading streaming music services controlled using voice commands when Google Assistant-enabled smart speaker is connected.
Users can also change volume and find information about selected music with voice commands.
The MagnFi 2 will also connect wireless via Bluetooth to stream music on the MagniFi 2 from a smartphone, tablet, or other compatible device.
The MagnFi 2 soundbar is outfitted with four 1-inch by 3-inch full-range drivers, two 0.75-inch tweeters and an included 8-inch ported subwoofer.
The included subwoofer produces greater bass punch than the sound of an average television set, giving movies with a more dynamic and realistic sound experience.
The soundbar also provides several preset EQ settings for Movies, Music and Sports, which enable tweaking sound levels for the greatest impact and clearly discernible dialog.
A Nightmode button is offered to quickly and easily lower the bass and increase dialog with he push of a button.
For those who like to tweak their sound, the MagniFi 2 is customizable with manual adjustments for voice control and bass settings to fine tune the perfect mix for the content and the room acoustics.
Convenience features in the MagniFi 2 sound bar include Polk Smart Remote Compatibility that in addition to CEC interoperability, includes built-in support for popular IR TV remote codes from Samsung, LG, Sony and Vizio for easy use. In IR Learn mode, the sound bar can learn to work with the TV remote if the codes are not already supported.
The MagniFi 2 has a low-profile design, measuring just over 2-inches tall to fit under the screen of most TVs without blocking the TV’s remote sensor.
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By Greg Tarr
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