Polk MagniFi Max AX SR vs. Vizio Elevate M-Series
Compares the MagniFi Max AX SR system with Vizio's Elevate M-Series soundbar.
Polk Audio · 2022
Polk MagniFi Max AX SR
Polk's complete 7.1.2 Atmos and DTS:X system with wireless rears, a 10-inch sub and three HDMI inputs, though passthrough stops at 4K 60Hz.
Where to buy
List $899
Also check
Prices change. Each shows when it was last checked. We may earn a commission when you buy through these links; it never affects what we recommend. Amazon prices are not displayed.
The verdict
On paper it is one of the most complete systems at its level, with real rear speakers, a large subwoofer, three HDMI inputs and both Atmos and DTS:X. Evidence about its sound comes from a smaller outlet and owners rather than major reviewers, so it best suits buyers who value the full package and plenty of inputs; gamers who need 4K 120Hz passthrough should look elsewhere.
The MagniFi Max AX SR is Polk's flagship soundbar system: an 11-driver Dolby Atmos and DTS:X bar using Polk's SDA stereo-widening design, a 10-inch wireless subwoofer and two wireless surround speakers, for a 7.1.2 layout. It has three 4K HDMI inputs plus eARC and optical, streams over Wi-Fi with AirPlay 2, Chromecast and Spotify Connect, and includes VoiceAdjust dialogue control. Polk launched it in 2022 as its flagship system. No full review from a major outlet was read for this entry; HiFi Report's hands-on test and owner comments praise its bass and simple wireless setup.
Strengths
- A complete 7.1.2 package in one box: an 11-driver bar, a 10-inch wireless subwoofer and two wireless surround speakers.
- Three 4K HDMI inputs with HDR and Dolby Vision passthrough plus eARC and optical, more inputs than most soundbars.
- Handles Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, and Polk says the eARC link carries Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio.
- Wi-Fi streaming with AirPlay 2, Chromecast and Spotify Connect, plus Bluetooth and Works with Alexa.
- VoiceAdjust raises dialogue on its own, Night Mode tames bass, and HiFi Report found the subwoofer's bass full and well blended.
Weak spots
- HDMI passthrough is limited to 4K at 60Hz, so it cannot pass 4K 120Hz gaming signals.
- Polk lists no automatic room calibration and no Ethernet port.
- The wireless surrounds and subwoofer still need their own power outlets.
- No full review from a major outlet was read for this entry.
Great for
- Buyers who want real rear speakers and a subwoofer in one box
- Setups with several 4K HDMI sources
- Roku TV owners, since it plugs into Roku TV sound settings
Skip if
- Gamers who need 4K 120Hz passthrough
- Rooms without power outlets near the seating for the rear speakers
Full specifications
From the manufacturer unless noted. Shown for this model.
Sound
- ChannelsWritten as bar.sub.height, or total channels. 5.1.2 means five main channels, a subwoofer and two overhead “height” channels.
- 7.1.2
- Subwoofer included
- Yes
- Rear speakers included
- Yes
- Dialogue enhancementA setting that lifts voices above music and effects, useful if dialogue is hard to follow.
- VoiceAdjust adjustable dialogue level, plus Night Mode
Audio formats
- Dolby Atmos
- Yes
- DTS:X
- Yes
- DTS decoding
- Yes
- Dolby TrueHD
- Yes
Connections
- eARC
- Yes
- HDMI inputsExtra HDMI inputs let you plug a console or player into the soundbar. Most people plug devices into the TV and use eARC instead.
- 3
- HDMI outputs
- 1
- Optical input
- Yes
- HDMI video passthrough
- Three HDMI inputs pass 4K at 60Hz with HDR and Dolby Vision
Wireless
- Wi-Fi
- Yes
- Bluetooth
- Bluetooth (version not listed)
- Apple AirPlay
- Yes
- Google Cast
- Yes
- Spotify Connect
- Yes
Size & placement
- Bar width
- 1,143 mm
- Bar weight
- 5.83 kg
- Wall mountable
- Yes
Warranty
- Warranty
- 1 years
Primary source: polkaudio.com
Setup notes
- Connects to the TV through HDMI eARC; three HDMI inputs pass 4K 60Hz video with HDR and Dolby Vision.
- Polk says the eARC connection carries Dolby TrueHD, DTS-HD Master Audio and Dolby Atmos, and the bar supports DTS:X.
- Has an optical input and a USB port used only for firmware updates; there is no Ethernet port.
- The subwoofer and each wireless surround need mains power; Polk includes power adapters for the surrounds.
- Integrates with a Roku TV's sound settings and can be controlled with a Roku remote, per Polk.
- Polk's pages disagree on whether the bar is 2.8 or 4.6 inches tall, so check the clearance under the TV before buying.
Video reviews
Each video was checked to exist and to be about the Polk MagniFi Max AX SR.
Polk MagniFi Max AX SR Review: Is It Worth It?
A review that asks whether the MagniFi Max AX SR system is worth buying.
What reviewers found
Summaries in our own words. Follow the link to read each review in full.
In a hands-on test of the full system, the reviewer found the 10-inch subwoofer gave ample, punchy bass with clearly improved layering that blended naturally with the surrounds, judged the default settings fine for small and mid-size rooms, and rated music playback as natural and spacious.
Read the original
What owners are saying
From Reddit and forums, paraphrased with a link to the original discussion. Community reports are anecdotal.
This owner lived with the AX SR system for about three years while saving up, then moved on to a full Polk Reserve 5.1.2 speaker setup, treating the soundbar as a long-term stepping stone.
Read the originalRates the system as outstanding and among the best soundbars around, stressing that the sub and rears are wireless, so setup only takes four power outlets and works straight out of the box.
Read the original
Questions
What is the difference between the MagniFi Max AX and the Max AX SR?
Both use the same 11-driver bar and 10-inch wireless subwoofer. The AX SR adds two wireless surround speakers for a 7.1.2 system, while the plain Max AX is sold by Polk as a 5.1.2 bar-and-subwoofer set.
Does the MagniFi Max AX SR support 4K 120Hz passthrough?
No. Polk lists its three HDMI inputs and its eARC output at 4K 60Hz. Connect a 120Hz console directly to the TV and let the TV send sound to the bar over eARC.
Does it support DTS:X?
Yes. Polk lists both Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, and says the eARC connection carries Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio as well.
Are the rear speakers battery powered?
No. Each wireless surround plugs into a wall outlet with its own power adapter, which Polk includes in the box; only the audio link to the bar is wireless.
More soundbars
Sources for this page
Last reviewed Nov 10, 2026. Released October 2022. Spotted an error? Tell us.