MagniFi Mini AX

If dialogue is your main issue, a soundbar alone is already a big upgrade over TV speakers. Focus on models with strong voice clarity rather than power. You do not need a subwoofer right away. Soundbars like Sonos Arc, Bose Smart Soundbar 900, and Sony HT A5000 sound good on their own and let you add a sub later if needed. Dolby Atmos is nice but not essential in most apartments. Clear dialogue makes the biggest difference. For compact and affordable options, Polk MagniFi Mini AX is solid. If you want a premium buy once option, Sonos Arc or Bose 900 are safe choices most people stay happy with.

Polk Magnifi Mini AX +sub. My room bedroom is small so it’s perfect for me.

I went Polk Mini AX that I got of Amazon for $275 after taxes. Sounds good enough to my ears.

It totally depends on the soundbar. I am still impressed with the Vizio 5.1 system’s ability to produce a really nice sounding virtual atmos experience. I also have a Polk Mini ax and in my opinion it doesn’t compare to the Vizio. I also have a Vizio 5.1.2 system and I’ll still stand by that system as THE top of the line budget system. Saying all of that I’ll conclude by saying, none of those systems match my Sony HT-A9, but I wouldn’t expect them to. I had an LG SP7Y and took it back within hours of purchase. It soured me on LG soundbars quickly. Also, if you’re looking for a budget system, don’t count out ONN’s 5.1 or 5.1.2. They both are surprisingly good.

Polk magnifi mini ax will not work. It’s exactly 4 inches, but with power cord it’s more like 5.5 inches.

I’ve currently have a Samsung q990d, a Sony HT-A9 with SW5 sub, a Polk MagniFi Mini AX with surrounds, a Vizio 5.1.2 M512a-H6 and I’ve owned the Sonos Beam gen2, LG SP9Y, and an LG Eclair QP5. The 2 best are the Sony and the Samsung. I had the Sony first in my Theater Room and I bought the Samsung and immediately switched it to the Samsung. I’ve never owned a Samsung TV or soundbar before, so I’m not a Samsung fanboy, but I gotta tell you it’s FAR and AWAY the best system I’ve ever owned. It will shock you, it did me. People can complain about all the Samsung love, but I’m a believer. I haven’t tried the Sonos ultimate setup, or the new quads, but I have a SUPER hard time believing they’re “better”. They may be just as good, but better? I doubt it. I also haven’t tried the Nakamichi bars, but I paid $850 for my Samsung and there is no way it’s $2000+ better. Well, there is my 2 cents. Good luck.

I love my Polk Audio MagniFi Mini AX. It’s perfect for a living space where you still want a soundbar.

If you can get the discount (through education or EPP programs), the Samsung Q990D is the best soundbar+surround in that price range. If not, I was pretty satisfied with the Polk MagniFi MiniAX which was in the sub $300 range when I bought it a year or two ago. I had no complaints at all about it especially at that price, and only got rid of it recently when upgrading to the Q990D

If your work has an employee or corporate discount program, you can check to see if they have deals with Samsung. While it is outside your stated price, I got a q990d for $680 (plus tax) through my work's discount program. I think they also do student and military discounts, if you or someone you know qualifies. If you can afford the difference, it's got a noticeably better sound quality than the Polk MagniFi Minimax soundbar (which was pretty good, and I had bought for $308).

Polk Magnifi Mini AX

Sorry to hear your experience. I've been the guy who has shit experiences with well reviewed/allegedly reliable products before too. My Mini has worked in two apartments and I added the extra surround speakers. Granted I only spent $300 for the bar vs. 700 so that probably helps