The home audio landscape has changed dramatically in recent years. TV manufacturers keep making displays thinner, which leaves little room for decent speakers. This has made soundbars an essential upgrade for anyone who cares about audio quality. Let's compare two popular but very different options: the Sonos Ray ($279) and the Polk MagniFi Max AX ($799).
The Sonos Ray launched in 2022 as an entry-level option that still delivers the premium Sonos experience. It's part of a broader trend toward more affordable but still high-quality audio solutions. Meanwhile, the Polk MagniFi Max AX represents the modern mid-range home theater segment, offering features like Dolby Atmos that were previously only available in much more expensive systems.
The Ray takes a streamlined approach with a 2.0 stereo configuration. This means two channels (left and right) without a separate subwoofer. While this might sound basic, Sonos has packed impressive audio processing into this compact unit. The soundbar uses waveguides (special chambers that shape sound waves) and custom-designed speakers to create a surprisingly wide soundstage from a small package.
The MagniFi Max offers a 3.1.2 setup, which breaks down like this:
This configuration delivers a more cinematic experience, with dedicated speakers for dialogue (center channel) and those satisfying low frequencies that make action movies exciting.
The Ray excels at dialogue clarity and creates a balanced sound that works well in smaller rooms. I've found it particularly impressive for TV shows and news, where clear speech is crucial. However, it can struggle with complex movie soundtracks, especially in scenes with lots of bass.
The MagniFi Max, on the other hand, delivers a much more immersive experience. Those up-firing speakers create a sense of height when watching Dolby Atmos content - imagine hearing a helicopter actually sound like it's flying overhead. The included subwoofer adds impact to explosions and music that the Ray simply can't match.
Here's where we see some interesting tradeoffs:
The Ray keeps it simple with:
The MagniFi Max offers more flexibility:
When we talk about value, it's not just about the price tag. The Sonos Ray at $279 represents excellent value if you:
The Polk MagniFi Max AX at $799 makes sense if you:
For home theater use, these products serve different audiences. The Ray can certainly improve your TV audio, but it's not designed for a dedicated home theater setup. It lacks the power and features for a truly cinematic experience.
The MagniFi Max, however, was built with home theater in mind. Its Dolby Atmos support, powerful subwoofer, and multiple HDMI inputs make it a proper home theater solution. I've tested it with various content, from quiet dialogue scenes to explosive action sequences, and it handles everything well.
Since the Ray's release in 2022, Sonos has provided several software updates improving its sound processing and integration with other Sonos products. The basic hardware capabilities remain unchanged, but the software refinements have enhanced its performance.
The MagniFi Max represents Polk's latest technology, incorporating lessons learned from previous models. Its HDMI 2.1 support ensures compatibility with the latest gaming consoles and video sources, while its wireless capabilities have been expanded to include modern streaming protocols.
Consider these key factors:
The right choice depends heavily on your specific needs. The Sonos Ray excels as a compact, high-quality TV sound solution that can grow into a whole-home audio system. The Polk MagniFi Max AX delivers a more complete home theater experience with its additional channels and modern features.
Both products represent good value in their respective categories, but they serve different purposes. Choose based on your room size, primary use case, and whether you prioritize simplicity or features. Remember, the best soundbar is the one that fits your specific needs and space.
| Sonos Ray Soundbar ($279) | Polk MagniFi Max AX 3.1.2 Soundbar ($799) |
|---|---|
| Channel Configuration - Determines how spacious and immersive the sound will feel | |
| 2.0 (basic stereo) | 3.1.2 (fuller sound with height channels) |
| Included Subwoofer - Critical for experiencing deep bass in movies and music | |
| None (can add separately) | Yes, wireless subwoofer included |
| Dolby Atmos Support - Enables 3D surround sound for compatible content | |
| No | Yes, with dedicated up-firing speakers |
| Room Size Suitability - Crucial for matching power to your space | |
| Small rooms (under 200 sq ft) | Medium to large rooms (200-500 sq ft) |
| Connectivity Options - Affects what devices you can connect | |
| Optical only, Wi-Fi, AirPlay 2 | HDMI eARC, multiple HDMI inputs, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, AirPlay 2, Chromecast |
| Multi-Room Capability - Important if you want whole-home audio | |
| Full Sonos ecosystem integration | Basic group play with AirPlay/Chromecast |
| Voice Enhancement - Helps clarify dialogue in movies and TV | |
| Yes, basic enhancement | Yes, advanced with dedicated center channel |
| Maximum Volume Output - Important for filling larger spaces | |
| 85 dB (suitable for small rooms) | 95 dB (can fill larger spaces) |
| Primary Use Case - Choose based on your main listening needs | |
| TV shows, streaming content, music | Home theater, movies, gaming, music |
The Polk MagniFi Max AX ($799) is significantly better for home theater use, offering Dolby Atmos support, a wireless subwoofer, and dedicated height channels. The Sonos Ray ($279) is more suited for basic TV audio enhancement.
The Ray handles dialogue clearly but lacks the deep bass and surround capabilities needed for a full movie experience. For serious movie watching, the MagniFi Max AX provides a more immersive experience.
The Sonos Ray is ideal for small spaces, offering quality sound in a compact design. The Polk MagniFi Max AX might be overkill for very small rooms.
The Polk MagniFi Max AX includes a wireless subwoofer. The Sonos Ray doesn't come with one, but you can add a Sonos Sub (sold separately) if you want more bass.
The Polk MagniFi Max AX is better for gaming due to its HDMI inputs, lower latency, and superior surround sound capabilities. The Sonos Ray is limited to optical input only.
Both can stream music, but through different methods. The Ray uses Sonos's ecosystem and AirPlay 2, while the MagniFi Max AX offers Bluetooth, AirPlay 2, and Chromecast.
The MagniFi Max AX's wider soundstage and dedicated center channel make it better for sports, creating a more stadium-like atmosphere. The Ray is adequate for casual sports viewing.
The Polk MagniFi Max AX uses HDMI eARC for best performance. The Sonos Ray only has optical input, which is simpler but more limited.
Both soundbars can be wall-mounted, though brackets may need to be purchased separately. The Ray's smaller size makes it easier to mount in tight spaces.
Both offer good dialogue clarity, but the Polk MagniFi Max AX has an advantage with its dedicated center channel. The Sonos Ray uses digital processing to enhance dialogue.
The Polk MagniFi Max AX has multiple HDMI inputs for different sources. The Sonos Ray can only connect to one TV at a time via optical.
The Polk MagniFi Max AX is more future-proof with its Dolby Atmos support, HDMI connectivity, and more advanced features. However, the Ray benefits from regular Sonos software updates.
We've done our best to create useful and informative comparisons to help you decide what product to buy. Our research uses advanced automated methods to create this comparison and perfection is not possible - please contact us for corrections or questions. These are the sites we've researched in the creation of this article: techradar.com - soundandvision.com - youtube.com - appleinsider.com - youtube.com - sonos.com - cnet.com - howtogeek.com - pcrichard.com - en.community.sonos.com - epicsystems.tech - en.community.sonos.com - cepro.com - videoandaudiocenter.com - youtube.com - avsforum.com - rtings.com - rtings.com - bestbuy.com - walts.com - hometheaterreview.com - polkaudio.com - pcrichard.com
