Polk Audio MagniFi Max AX SR
Score: 83/100
Bose Smart Ultra
Score: 82/100Rankings
The Polk MagniFi Max AX SR provides a flagship 7.1.2-channel wireless system with rear surrounds, supporting Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, and extensive streaming options. Its premium price and limited warranty may be drawbacks for some buyers. Designed for enthusiasts seeking a full-home-theater experience without extensive wiring.
The Bose Smart Ultra Soundbar offers premium nine-speaker Dolby Atmos performance with ADAPTiQ calibration and dual-assistant voice control. Its lack of an integrated subwoofer and bright tuning may limit bass impact, making it ideal for users seeking high-end features in a single bar.
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
— | 5best | |
| ↓ lower better | 5.83 kg | 5.75 kgbest |
1 yearsbest | 1 yearsbest | |
114.3 cmbest | 104.5 cm | |
11.8 cmbest | 5.82 cm | |
7.2 cm | 10.69 cmbest |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
Audio(3) | ||
Audio Channels | 7.1.2 | 5 |
Supported Audio Formats | PCM, Dolby Mono, Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby Atmos, Dolby Atmos True HD, DTS Digital Surround, DTS-HD, DTS-HD Master Audio, DTS:X, DTS Virtual:X | Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby TrueHD, DTS, DTS:X, DTS-HD MA, PCM |
Wireless Subwoofer | true | false |
Design(4) | ||
Soundbar Weight (kg) | 5.83 kg | 5.75 kg |
Soundbar Width (cm) | 114.3 cm | 104.5 cm |
Soundbar Height (cm) | 11.8 cm | 5.82 cm |
Soundbar Depth (cm) | 7.2 cm | 10.69 cm |
Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).
Professional reviewers praise the Bose Smart Ultra for its AI Dialogue clarity, TrueSpace upmixing, and ADAPTiQ room calibration, noting its accurate and spacious sound. However, they criticize the bright default tuning, limited height immersion without satellites, and the absence of a bundled subwoofer, which reduces bass impact compared to larger systems.
Everyday users love the ultra-crisp vocals, immersive surround feel, and the convenience of voice control, while consistently noting that the sound can become treble-heavy and that bass lacks punch without an optional subwoofer. Sync issues with non-eARC TVs are also a recurring complaint.
