Polk Audio's two new soundbars promise big sound from tiny packages

They say that good things come in small packages. Polk Audio is trying to prove that with two new compact soundbars: the MagniFi Mini and Signa S1. Both promise to outperform their bigger rivals.

Polk claims the 35cm-long MagniFi Mini (above) can deliver fully immersive home theatre surround sound just as well as models twice its size.

How? It's all thanks to Polk's SDA speaker technology, 5.1 Dolby Digital and DTS decoding, as well as Polk's patented Voice Adjust technology. This last one improves vocal clarity, so dialogue should be clearer, even from the most gruff-voiced actors.

The MagniFi Mini will cost $300 (£245).

MORE: Best soundbars 2017

Polk also unveiled the Signa S1, its first soundbar under $200. Costing $180 (£145), the S1 stands less than 2in tall, but promises spacious sound and deep bass.

It too has 5.1 Dolby Digital decoding and Polk's Voice Adjust tech. It also has some handy preset EQ modes, like 'Movies', 'Music' and 'Night'. Select one, and the soundbar will tailor the settings to fit the mood.

Like the MagniFi Mini, it comes with a wireless subwoofer to add some rumble to proceedings. Both the Mini and S1 also double as wireless speakers, taking tunes from any device equipped with Bluetooth or Google Home.

As yet, there's no word on when either soundbar will go on sale in the UK.

MORE: Soundbars: reviews & products

Joe Svetlik

Joe has been writing about tech for 17 years, first on staff at T3 magazine, then in a freelance capacity for Stuff, The Sunday Times Travel Magazine, Men's Health, GQ, The Mirror, Trusted Reviews, TechRadar and many more (including What Hi-Fi?). His specialities include all things mobile, headphones and speakers that he can't justifying spending money on.