12 Best Whole House Audio Systems (2023 Updated)

This review is for the Polk Audio-MagniFi AX Dolby Atmos compatible soundbar. All the specs will be at the end of my review. This MagniFi Ax soundbar weighs 28 pounds, so Polk has put some really good quality speakers with substantial magnets in it.

It comes with a 10 inch wireless subwoofer. I watched three movies with Dolby Atmos and overhead sounds and direction were quite good. Atmos effects really are never a overly significant part of 95 percent of Atmos recorded soundtracks, and should be considered a bonus and not a good reason to judge a soundbar.

What this soundbar does do well is reproduce a pretty darn good range of all the individual sound ranges. The 10-inch subwoofer is a heavy subwoofer and does what it should do, really well. It has three HDMI in ports and one HDMI out that will work with both ARC and eARC.

It also has optical in, but you won’t get Atmos with optical. Video is passed through with no reduction of quality, 4K and HDR included. Inputs are easily selected from the remote. It has five sound configurations that include Auto, TV, Music, Movie, which is designed to work with Dolby Atmos and Stereo only if you have the satellite Surround speakers.

This model I received did not have the surround speakers, so I purchased them from Best Buy. The Polk SR2 Bluetooth speakers work with this bar and are easy to pair. I suggest buying the package with the surround speakers as it will only cost 100 dollars more, whereas I had to pay almost twice that to purchase them separately.

The speakers are Bluetooth enabled, but they have to be plugged into a wall socket. So, they aren’t truly wireless, but placement flexibility is more easily varied without speaker wires. The soundbar comes with wall mounting hardware and the surround speakers easily mount on a wall with a small screw to hang them on.

If you want the best effect of surround sound then I recommend the surround speakers, but with that being said if you have a small room, the soundbar by itself will be really impressive. Overall, I think it is a good sounding soundbar with a great subwoofer.

It has some flaws in the controls. You can adjust the surround speaker’s volume, but you can’t adjust L-R balance on them or the soundbar. You can adjust subwoofer volume, there is a voice volume adjustment, but I am not sure if it has a dedicated center channel speaker.

You can adjust Bass, Treble and height volume. There is no artificial height feature. You can also adjust delay if your sound is out of sync. Some will think it is pricy, but you are getting a top-quality subwoofer and really good speakers in the bar.

Setup was easy. It is packaged well, so shipping damage should not be a problem. In conclusion it lacks some adjustment features and if you get the surround speakers, they are not height speakers. They are only forward firing, but it sounds very good and well worth checking it out if you are in the market for a quality soundbar.

These are the specifics from the Best Buy site. Key Specs Voice Assistant Built-in No Wireless Connectivity Bluetooth, Wi-Fi Bluetooth Enabled Yes Wireless Subwoofer Connectivity Yes Input(s) HDMI, Optical Digital Audio, USB, Auxiliary Compatibility Voice Assistant Built-in No General Product Name MagniFi Max AX SR Dual 2.

5” Drivers Three 0. 75” Tweeters and Four 1” X 3” Mid-Woofers Sound Bar with Wireless Subwoofer Brand Polk Audio Model Number MAGMAXAXATMOSSR Color Black Color Category Black Audio Number of Channels 7.

1. 2 Surround Sound Supported Dolby Atmos, DTS:X High Resolution Audio Yes Connectivity Wireless Connectivity Bluetooth, Wi-Fi Wireless Multi-Room Audio Yes Bluetooth Enabled Yes Wireless Subwoofer Connectivity Yes Satellite Speakers Included HDMI Audio Return Channel (ARC) Yes Input(s) HDMI, Optical Digital Audio, USB, Auxiliary Number of HDMI Inputs (Total) 3 Number Of USB Inputs 1 Output(s) HDMI, Subwoofer Number of HDMI Outputs (Total) 1 Video Video Pass-through 2160 (4K), 3D Feature Wall Mountable Yes Dialogue Enhancement Yes Speaker Subwoofer Included Number of Drivers Included 2 Woofer Size 10 inches Dimension Product Height 2.

8 inches Product Width 45 inches Product Depth 4. 6 inches Product Weight 12. 85 pounds Subwoofer Height 15. 7 inches Subwoofer Width 11. 9 inches Subwoofer Depth 16 inches Subwoofer Weight 26. 3 pounds Included Remote Control Included Yes Cable(s) Included HDMI, AC power, Optical digital audio Mounting Hardware Included No Certifications Listings & Approvals ENERGY STAR Certified Yes Warranty Manufacturer’s Warranty – Parts 3 years Manufacturer’s Warranty – Labor 3 years.

The Polk Audio Magnifi AX is the best Sound System that I have ever heard. I am a big fan of Bass and it delivers as advertised. The Polk Audio Magnifi AX setup was a little different after connecting the Polk Audio Subwoofer into the power outlet, I was able to connect the Polk subwoofer directly to my Roku Ultra Streaming device and Amazon Firestick using two of the three 4K HDMI inputs.

My Roku Ultra is connected to HDMI 1 and gives me Dolby Atmos MAT, while my Amazon Firestick is connected to HMDI 2 and gives me Dolby Digital Plus 5. 1. Still working myself around the Polk remote and how to get the most out in controling my Smart TV.

What more could you want that gives the best output sound from the Dolby Atmos DTX plus Polk Audio 11 speaker array with height drivers. Polk Audio (SDA) Stereo Deminsional Array technology is amazing at expanding the sound field all around.

The Polk Audio Magnifi AX comes with a 10 inch subwoofer to take care of the powerful deep Bass to fill any room. I had a 3. 1. 2 that the Polk Audio Magnifi replaced and 5. 1. 2 Surround System is a big improvement.

You can adjust the Bass, Treble to your taste and there is a special feature called PolkVoiceAdjust where volume is controled in clarifying speech. They also have additional wireless rear surround speakers available to increase sound and audio capability.

It has a super wireless music streaming hub that supports wi-fi and bluetooth streaming with my favorite Google and Spodify connect. There is so much you can do with the new Polk Audio Magnifi AX sound system to get the best audio and sound by using the included remote to control your Smart TV.

WiFi was easily set up through my Google Home App on my smartphone where I can also control my Smart TV volume. Polk has stepped out and made Dolby Atmos and DTS X thier own with the surround sound bar up firing drivers that gives you a complete experience in setting the mark for others to follow.

I’ve been a sound bar user for a number of years – my thinking was always that while a sound bar traded off some on overall sound stage depth and quality, you gained a good bit on simplicity of setup since you didn’t have to wire in / mount satellites and whatnot.

It also made the wiring significantly easier without the need for a large receiver (thanks to TVs with optical out and, more recently ARC/eARC). And mind you, this was not with cheap sound bars. So I usually ran a sound bar in my living room and a full multi-piece surround setup in my family room/theater.

But with this set, Polk has worked some sort of black magic and squeezed sound and features better than an entire (and more expensive) receiver + individual satellites/subwoofer. I mean, the sound is just incredible.

The sound stage is astonishingly deep and the clarity is wonderful. Even without the wireless rear speakers (which I did end up adding, more for completeness than anything), it’s really room filling sound.

It can also replace a receiver because it has multiple inputs that it can act as the switch for – 3 HDMI and optical audio inputs – as well as it’s own built WiFi, Bluetooth and streaming applications, including a built-in Chromecast.

Just crazy. The push-button enhancements do actually work as they say, boosting voices (which some setups tend to lose a bit) and boosting bass. And it supports the latest sound standards in Dolby Atmos and DTS: X which really (Atmos that is) increase the directional audio – the speakers in the sound bar aim in different directions to help create great directional audio even from a single sound bar that’s in one place.

It’s not the smallest sound bar (though Polk does offer a more compact option / version if you want it – I did not test that one as I did not have that particular need). And it’s certainly not the cheapest – the old adage of “you get what you pay for” does certainly apply here AND it was still much cheaper than buying a high end set of receiver + speakers.

What it is then is simply the BEST sound bar I’ve ever used. Or heard. Period. And I can highly recommend it if you want great sound for your set up.

I’ve been thinking of buying this hifi since it first appeared on Sony’s website and a couple of weeks ago decided to get it. And well, it’s good and not so good. Here’s what I think. The sound quality is good and loud, but for me that’s where the good ends I’m sorry to say.

I don’t know if I have a faulty one or this is how they are, but for a start. The party lights, are just party lights, they’re not in time to music or beat, they just flash randomly. The sound while good, is spoiled by the metal grills on the bass speakers, because when I turn the volume past 80% they start to vibrate.

Turning the bass boost off lets me go a little higher before vibrating. The speakers cables as someone has mentioned in another review, really are to short and so far I’ve not found anywhere that sells extension cables.

A bit disappointing, but not completely. I’ve had or used other hi-fi’s like this over the past year and this floors all of them with sound quality alone, just a shame about the speaker grills and lights.

still worth 4 stars though.

Great sound quality, EQ settings covers a lot of music genres and can be customised. It can also play DVDs’ and has long stretchable speaker cables. It also has 2 mic inputs, DJ sound effects and the speaker lights can be turned off.

It also has party chain, which allows you to connect other sound systems and have them play the same music at the same time. Has a built in video output port and auxiliary ports also. I placed the speakers on a speaker stand and the bass is still amazing, the sound pressure horn really makes a difference; its not just a gimmick.

I normally play music at volume 20 using my laptop, it is so loud and powerful that I don’t bother to go higher than 25; the max volume is 50. The user manual is very straight forward and helpful, also tells you how to reset the system to it’s factory settings.

Remote control has all the buttons you need and you can use the SongPal app to control the Hi-Fi and Fiestable app for sound effects etc. Fiestable won’t work without SongPal.

Pros: Absolutely incredible soundsystem. Sony has incorporated some incredible tech into this. The audio quality is outstanding and is something that I’ve never before heard in a system this big. Contains fail safe mechanisms to prevent the product from breaking which is a comforting thought (e.

g. System will shut down if you take it to maximum volume without letting it warm up, preventing stress on the circuitry). The design is sleek and I absolutely love the flashing LED lights.

Bought a pair of these as I needed a low profile speaker to match in wall speakers in another location. These were just to get me by until I had money for a better set. Went in expecting not much, but I am blown away.

Using these as front channels driven by a Pioneer Home Theater, and they have incredible highs and even decent mid bass for a super shallow speaker. Very impressed!.

Speakers are slim and actually sound very good. Coupled with a subwoofer provides good surround sound with minimal clutter. Easily mounts with a single pan head screw into drywall, Highly preferred over the box type speakers that they replaced.

These flat speakers are great. I was kind of skeptical about buying them, but after putting them up the sound is amazing and I love the way they look on my wall. No speaker sticking out from the wall.

For the price, you can’t beat this receiver. It has plenty of power, sounds great, and has all the features you need in a modern receiver. I wanted a receiver that I could attach an external power amp to and also a powered subwoofer.

I also wanted something with bluetooth so I could stream from my phone/tablet. This is one of the few receivers I found in this price range that had the pre-outs needed to attach both my amp & sub. I’m a rocker and listen to my music on the louder side and was a bit skeptical ordering this due to the brand and price.

But after getting things set up (which didn’t take long at all) I was quite floored with how good it sounded. This thing rocks! I replaced a Sony 5. 1 surround sound receiver that was waaay more expensive than this receiver and this receiver sounds much, much better! The only negative I’ve run into so far is the fact that receiver automatically defaults to cd input every time you turn it on so you need to manually switch it to radio or bluetooth every time.

But for the price, I can deal with it.

Overall its a good receiver and does what I need it to do. The only issue I have is the annoying thing that every time you turn it on, no matter what function you were using before you turned it off, the unit defaults to the DVD function and 10 decibels for volume.

Every morning I need to adjust the volume and change the function to RADIO. Ive never experienced anything like that before.

Wanted an Amp/ receiver that provided a good sound, power, functionality ( able to hook up a Subwoofer & 2 pair of speakers) and this item did. Easy use and set up. One very little downside to this unit is the feel of the push button features on the front face.

Maybe soften the feel with a rubber/ silicone cover. Very pleased though.

I bought these for my garage and couldn’t be happier with the sound for the money.

I ratgd 5* is because it does the job I expect. Honestly, if you use this amp itself, it won’t be 1000W, I think around 300W. Reason I used 5* due to I have a really power Mixer and use this one as out put for another pair of speakers so it does the job I expected.

It sounds great and deliver the bass to my Sub perfectly. it fitted me but not sure it will fit you. Be sure, review what you need to use.

My previous home theater system (Vizio 5. 1) had a blown sub speaker, and the rattling was driving me nuts. But, I endured it for several months, because I was lazy, and also because I didn’t want to waste money on another “bargain” of a home theater system.

But, when my 70″ 4K TV started to go out, I bought a new OLED TV, and decided I needed an equally immersive sound system. I did a lot of research, and decided on the Beam 2. I only bought the Beam 2 sound bar (No sub or rear speakers).

It performed well, was very easy to setup, and produced crystal clear sound and clear dialog, even in scenes with loud sound effects, something none of my other previous systems did very well. I spent several years, trying in vain to adjust levels to allow me to hear the dialog in action movies.

But, despite the quality of the Beam’s sound performance, something was missing. The room where my home theater system is located is it family room, which is connected to the kitchen, making it very wide (approximately 40′), and approximately 18′ deep.

The Beam soundbar sounded great, but lacked sufficient bass on its own, and the surround sound performance was good, but not nearly as immersive as I was hoping for. At $450, I guess I was expecting too much from a lone sound bar.

Don’t get me wrong, the Beam 2 is high quality, but to fill a room with immersive sound, I’m a firm believer that you have to have a subwoofer and rear speakers, unless you have a very small room. So, I broke down and reluctantly coughed up the $750 for the Sonos subwoofer and another $400 for two One SL speakers to function as the rear surround speakers.

Oh, and I also spent the $65 for the wall mounts for the One SL’s. I’m so glad I did. Despite the large investment, I definitely made the right decision. With the sub and rear speakers, this system rocks my family room.

The surround and Atmos performance is very immersive, and I’m thrilled with the whole setup.

Man, SONOS you changed my listening life!!! For 1 million years, I’ve been an exclusive BOSE faithful. However, lately, I’ve been dissatisfied with the BOSE quality in the recent BOSE soundbar and portable speaker I purchased.

As a result, I began researching if there was anything better and found a lot of talk about SONOS. After extensive research I decided to test the water with a SONOS Move. Though the size and weight was bigger and heavier than my portable BOSE, I couldn’t wait to see if the SONOS was actually better than the BOSE.

Setup was extremely easy and as soon as I turned on my SONOS I was totally BLOWN AWAY!!!! This was exactly the sound I was looking for in a portable speaker. So just to be sure my experience wasn’t a one off, I bought a SONOS soundbar to possibly replace my BOSE soundbar.

Once again, BOOYA, I was BLOWN away with my SONOS and immediately placed my BOSE for sale. So far 2 for 2 with my SONOS. So my final challenge was to see if the SONOS sub was all of that. After paring with the 2nd SONOS bar I purchased, I was almost in tears!!!!!.

The sound quality was as if I was in an IMAX theater. I am in listening heaven with my SONOS and the ease / configs to choose which speakers to play is amazing. SONOS is the best system I’ve ever had and worth every penny I thought no one would be better than BOSE, boy was I wrong.

SONOS has a new diehard fan and I don’t see myself with any other system outside of SONOS in the near future. GREAT JOB SONOS !!!!.

Everything is good, have no problems overall, but my one complaint is they should have put a HDMI port on them because you can’t get streaming services thru them. That is one of the reasons I got them.

They should let you know you can’t stream on them because it won’t go through an optical cable. If I’m doing something wrong please let me know what to do. Other than that they are great.

These speakers sound great. The packing for the trip cross country was outstanding. Got a lot of cardboard for recycling lol. The “manual” was a little vague but served its purpose. I thought an optical cord was provided but it wasnt a big deal.

I usually go with a sound bar for the tv but this was a great buy. Especially like the fact i can play itunes music through my computer and ipod. Also i like the look.

So far, I really like these speakers. The Subs are not overwhelming, but the 250W onboard power is plenty and clean. Bluetooth and RCA connections are sound. Like the Eq features as well.

I bought this MUSO 2 because I wanted to treat myself to the ‘best all in one streamer money can buy’. It has been a source of immense frustration since the day I had it and I am now ready to throw it away to preserve my sanity after 3 weeks of ownership.

Quite simply it’s a streamer that cannot stream as it cannot hold a wifi connection for more than 20 minutes or so. The online advice from Naim is to reboot everything you can find: Muso, Router, Modem, Fridge, Wife etc.

Occasionally this buys you another 20 minutes, but much of the time is has no effect and I still have a dead device. Then you get to do device resets by poking a needle in a hole on the side; again maybe buys you another 20 minutes until all goes quiet.

Then there was the consideration that I had the wrong flavour of wi fi, bit like wrong kind of snow in my book, but the kit is all brand new and faultlessly delivers 350MBS all over the house with 95% signal strength.

I also have a new IPhone so it’s not that either. Everything that connects to my wi fi works perfectly, especially my SONOS kit which streams perfectly reliably; it’s described on the box as a streamer and does just that unlike the Muso.

I thought I could stay sane just by using the turntable and the USB port but – of course – you need to connect to it via wi fi through the App or take your chances pot luck with many permutations you can get through with the remote.

The latest crime that I seem to have committed which is causing my MUSO to fail to function, is that I may be using the wrong type of Gigaherz’s. Gave up trying to follow at this point and went back to my knitting.

Looking at online forums this is a really common complaint that everyone seems to put up with. I’m no engineer, but this product doesn’t work and they must be able to fix it with a software update or something so you can just plug and play.

Don’t buy unless you are very patient or a rocket scientist.

Super finicky WiFi. I have tried to get it to connect to WiFi for a solid 3 days – no dice. This means no AirPlay. Bluetooth connected, but it drops out frequently from my PC and iPhone 13. Chromecasting never worked, even wired.

The sound is good, but what’s the point when it sounds like it’s skipping very few minutes on basic bluetooth? There are tons of forum posts about the buggy WiFi connection and Naim just doesn’t seem like they care enough to fix it.

There’s a lot of deflection – it’s your network’s fault and have you tried turning it off and on again? – slinging around from them. No, Naim, every other device just connects just fine, and stays connected, without having to fiddle with router settings.

Also, who had the horrible idea to put all of the inputs on the bottom of the cabinet in this weird recessed bit? You have to flip this thing over or balance it on the side to hope to even connect the power cable.

Really poor UX. The top dial looks cool when it’s powering up, but that’s about it. It also suffers pretty bad UX issues, mystery meat navigation, lack of contrast to show you what’s active/not, etc.

The app has another slew of usability issues, especially around establishing a connection. I’m sending mine back. It is effectively unusable.

I’m a great Naim fan and have the first Muso version in my kitchen, which is in constant use. I wanted to get away from the grey for my living room and went for the wood case under the tv – and was surprised just how “glossy” it was, annoyingly reflecting the tv.

Still, easily connected using the Arc port, which allows use of my tv/Sky remotes seamlessly. Generally the 2 seemed much easier to connect to my router through the App than the first edition Muso and QBs I have, although they still, frustratingly drop out from multi-room from time to time.

Brilliant to use with Spotify and internet radio – just fab. I do prefer the simplicity of the functions on the original control dials and just find the 2 dial plain confusing, preferring to use the App.

Anyway I’m still a huge fan and can hear the improvement in the sound quality with the 2. The price uplift was a bit staggering but still, I’m banking on having it for a good few years or at least until Muso 3 appears.

Enjoy.