I used the Samsung Q990F for more than a week extensively for movies and music, but I ended up returning it. Don't get me wrong, I'm not hating on the system; it's just that the subwoofer was underwhelming, to say the least. It always left me wanting more; it never hit the lows quite right or produced the rumble that a few scenes required.
After continuing my research for a few more days, I finally pulled the trigger on the Polk Magnifi Max AX SR. I'm fully impressed; the subwoofer is amazing with a 10-inch driver. It hits the notes correctly and produces that rumble wherever it is required. The movie-watching experience is just next level. It may be a few hundred dirhams more expensive than the Samsung, but it's worth every penny. I'm keeping it.
Footnote: I had already tried and returned the Sonos Arc Ultra plus Sub Gen 4 prior to the Samsung because it never really justified its price tag with its performance.
I've been very pleased with both music and especially movies with my Polk MagniFi Max AX SR. For under $800 it's hard to beat with 7.1.2, Dolby Atmos, functioning wireless surround, good base, and overall ease of use.
I changed the comparison to the 990D since thats the model I found $22 more than the Polk, and it was still favored by the same scores, but I think I'm going for the Polk since they're an audio company and not a do-everything like Samsung
I have the same.
Polk Magnifi MAX AX SR for the bedroom and Polk XT Atmos setup for the living room.
I've tried other brands in the past like Klipsch (the treble on those horns is too much a lot of times), and always come back to Polk. They're just a well balanced speaker.
Polk Magnifi MAX AX SR.
Comes with everything; 10" subwoofer and surrounds (don't believe for a minute the bouncy room angled speakers in soundbars even come close to proper surround)
When I get speakers I get them from companies that only make speakers.
I did have Klipsch for a bit but their connectivity was horrendous (using a USB dongle in 2025 and pressing and holding buttons, then dropping out once an hour and requiring it to be done over again).
Polk literally connects on its own once plugged in and stays that way.
That being said, if you ONLY want a soundbar, the Klipsch Core 300 is insane. The built in subwoofers are no joke.
Avoid the Core 300. Had it, would not stay connected to any of the surrounds and required constant rebinding.
Check around, others have the same issue.
For an expensive premium soundbar, it uses the cheapest, USB dongle technology to connect.
I do have a soundbar (Polk Magnifi Max AX), but moved that to the bedroom.
Nothing can come close to an actual AVR setup, so that's in the living room.
If you aren't concerned about the look or setup, go with an actual home theater.
The Polk SR is probably the most underrated, does everything really good soundbar available especially for the price. I believe the surround speakers don’t have upfiring drivers and I’d bet that’s why most people don’t know how good it is and yes, for a soundbar, it does have a better sub than most. Heck, I’m still waiting on my new sw9 sub for my Quads which I absolutely love and the sub cost more than the whole Polk system.
He definitely isn’t biased and adds humor in a cool way. Polk Magnifi is definitely a solid choice. That’s why I love the guy, how many people have you seen do a thorough review on the Polk? Basically Zero, but when enough people leave comments about a certain model he almost always makes a review. Enjoy your Polk Buddy
Polk Magnifi Max AX SR is a stellar soundbar. The sub is terrific, far superior to most ive heard on soundbars. Additionally, I know you dont necessarily need the surrounds but they work extremely well for creating a small theater feel. Also wireless surrounds but they will need to be near plugs. Hope this helps.
Not enough people mention the Polk Magni Fi Max AX. Its $900 and by far has the best subwoofer Ive heard on a soundbar, surrounds are also fantastic. From the choices you listed I'd choose it over any of those.
BaseVoid31
