Polk Audio MagniFi Max AX SR
Score: 78/100
JBL Bar 500
Score: 81/100Rankings
The JBL Bar 500 delivers a compelling 5.1-channel experience with Dolby Atmos, strong total power and a wireless subwoofer, while offering a wide range of streaming and smart-home integrations. Its sleek design and app-driven setup make it user-friendly, though the lack of true rear speakers and occasional firmware issues may deter audiophiles.
The MagniFi Max AX SR is a flagship 7.1.2-channel soundbar system that delivers immersive Dolby Atmos and DTS:X performance with a powerful wireless subwoofer and two wireless surrounds, ideal for larger living rooms.
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
— | 590 Wbest | |
— | 35 Hzbest | |
— | 20,000 Hzbest | |
3best | 1 | |
1best | — | |
5best | 5best | |
| ↓ lower better | 17.815 kg | 12.8 kgbest |
12 monthsbest | 12 monthsbest |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
Video(1) | ||
HDMI Inputs | 3 | 1 |
Build & Design(1) | ||
Overall Weight (kg) | 17.815 kg | 12.8 kg |
Audio(2) | ||
Channel Configuration | 7.1.2 | 5.1 |
Supported Audio Formats | PCM, Dolby Mono, Digital, Digital Plus, Atmos, Atmos True HD, DTS Digital Surround, DTS-HD, DTS-HD Master Audio, DTS:X, DTS Virtual X | Dolby Atmos |
Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).
Professional reviewers from ListenUp and World Wide Stereo praise the MagniFi Max AX SR as a rare soundbar that truly delivers 7.1.2 channel immersion, highlighting its SDA-driven soundstage, OLED front display, and practical BassAdjust and VoiceAdjust features.
Everyday users consistently commend the system for its crystal-clear dialogue, powerful bass, and straightforward wireless setup, while noting occasional Wi-Fi instability and the IR remote's line-of-sight requirement.
“Dialogue is crystal clear”
“Bass is powerful and deep”
“Easy to set up”
Professional reviewers praise the Bar 500 for its effective MultiBeam virtualization, deep bass from the 10" subwoofer, and hassle-free integration with AirPlay 2, Chromecast and voice assistants, while noting that virtual surround cannot fully replace true discrete rear speakers and HDMI eARC can be temperamental on some TVs.
Everyday users appreciate the powerful sound, strong bass and easy app-driven setup, highlighting the wireless subwoofer and broad streaming options as major strengths, but complain about the missing AUX input, Bluetooth latency and occasional firmware-related shutdowns.
