Denon DHT-S517 vs Polk Audio MagniFi Mini AX
Quick Verdict
The Denon DHT-S517 suits TV owners who want a straightforward lower mid range Atmos soundbar with a dedicated center channel, up firing drivers, and a wireless sub, but no smart features. The Polk Audio MagniFi Mini AX fits small rooms and streaming-focused buyers who want DTS:X, Wi-Fi, AirPlay 2, Chromecast, and a sub with a 10 inch driver. Denon's simple HDMI or optical setup and Dialogue Enhancer are safer for pure TV use, while Polk's compact design and expandable surrounds offer more flexibility. Choose Denon for core TV audio, Polk for connected convenience.
| Spec | Denon DHT-S517 | Polk Audio MagniFi Mini AX |
|---|---|---|
| Channels | Not published in listing; driver array indicates three front channels, two up firing channels, and a wireless subwoofer. | Not published in listing |
| Drivers | Two 1 inch tweeters, two 4.7 by 1.6 inch midrange drivers, one 1 inch center channel driver, and two up firing speakers as listed. | Advanced 5 driver array |
| Power | Not published in listing. | Not published in listing |
| Subwoofer | Included wireless subwoofer; driver size, amplifier power, and enclosure type not published in listing. | Wireless subwoofer included with 10 inch down firing driver |
| Dolby Atmos and DTS | Dolby Atmos support listed; DTS support not stated in listing. | Certified Dolby Atmos and DTS:X |
| HDMI eARC and inputs | HDMI eARC or ARC compatibility and optical input listed; number of extra HDMI inputs not published. | Not published in listing |
| Wireless and streaming | Bluetooth wireless streaming listed; no Wi-Fi, AirPlay, or Chromecast mentioned. | Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Apple AirPlay 2, Chromecast, Spotify Connect, SR2 wireless surround compatible |
| Dimensions | Height under 3 inches listed; exact width, depth, and weight not published, subwoofer dimensions not published. | Not published in listing |
| Remote and app | TV remote control via HDMI CEC described; no companion app or standalone Denon remote mentioned in listing. | Included remote; no app details published |
| Included accessories | Cables and Quick Start Guide included per listing; wall mount hardware not specifically detailed but wall mountable design stated. | Wireless subwoofer, remote control |
Sound Quality
The Denon DHT-S517 scores 23 out of 30 for sound quality, one point higher than the Polk MagniFi Mini AX at 22. Denon publishes a driver array with two 1 inch tweeters, two 4.7 by 1.6 inch midrange drivers, one 1 inch center channel driver, and two up firing speakers. Polk lists only an advanced 5 driver array without specific driver sizes or channel counts, making direct comparison harder. Denon's dedicated center channel and Dialogue Enhancer are explicit advantages for vocal clarity.
Denon also offers a Pure Mode that removes surround processing for music listeners who want a purist sound. Polk does not mention a similar music mode, though its VoiceAdjust feature is designed to improve dialogue clarity. Neither listing includes power output, so maximum loudness and headroom cannot be compared on paper. Denon's published driver layout suggests a more traditional three front channel design.
For TV dialogue and movie soundtracks, Denon's dedicated center driver and center channel tuning should provide anchored voices. Polk's compact form may rely on digital processing to simulate a center image, though that is not specified in the listing. Buyers who prioritize clear speech over smart features will find Denon's sound quality details more reassuring.
Surround, Atmos and Audio Formats
Denon supports Dolby Atmos with two up firing speakers, which bounce height effects off the ceiling. DTS support is not stated in the Denon listing. Polk is certified for both Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, giving it a format advantage for DTS encoded content. Neither system includes rear surround speakers out of the box.
Denon's up firing drivers are a hardware solution for height channels, which can be more convincing than virtual processing. Polk's Atmos implementation is not described in the listing, and its cons note that surround without SR2 add ons relies on virtual processing. However, Polk can be expanded with SR2 wireless surrounds for true rear channels, which Denon cannot.
For buyers with a large DTS library, Polk's DTS:X certification is meaningful. Denon's Atmos focus may be sufficient for streaming services that primarily use Dolby Digital Plus with Atmos metadata. Both bars lack rear speakers, but Polk offers an upgrade path, while Denon's soundstage remains limited to its internal drivers and subwoofer.
Subwoofer and Bass
Denon includes a wireless subwoofer, but the listing does not state its driver size, amplifier power, or enclosure type. Polk includes a wireless subwoofer with a 10 inch down firing driver. That published size suggests potentially deeper bass output than Denon's unspecified sub, though actual performance is unverified without listening.
Both subwoofers connect wirelessly, simplifying placement in the room. Denon's lack of published subwoofer specifications may be a concern for buyers who want to know what they are getting. Polk's 10 inch down firing design is a concrete detail that indicates a focus on low frequency impact in a compact package.
If bass extension is a priority, the Polk's published 10 inch driver is a stronger on paper indicator than Denon's mystery sub. Denon may still provide adequate bass for smaller rooms, but without specifications, it is harder to evaluate. Buyers who value documented subwoofer performance may lean toward Polk for this reason alone.
Connectivity and TV Setup
Denon lists HDMI eARC or ARC compatibility and an optical input, offering a simple wired connection to a TV. The number of extra HDMI inputs is not published. Bluetooth is included for wireless streaming, but there is no Wi-Fi, AirPlay, or Chromecast. Setup uses HDMI CEC for TV remote control, according to the listing.
Polk's HDMI eARC and input details are not published, which is a drawback for buyers who need specific connections before purchase. However, Polk includes Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Apple AirPlay 2, Chromecast, and Spotify Connect, making it far more capable for network streaming. It also includes a remote control.
For a straightforward TV hookup with HDMI or optical, Denon is more transparent about its connection options. For a living room where streaming from a phone or network is essential, Polk's broad wireless support is a clear advantage, even though its HDMI details are missing. Both lack wired extra HDMI inputs according to the listings.
Features, Apps and Voice Control
Denon has no companion app or voice assistant support per the listing. Its features center on Dialogue Enhancer and Pure Mode. The bar can be controlled via the TV remote through HDMI CEC, but there is no smart home integration or app based customization.
Polk also does not publish app details, and voice assistant support is not mentioned. However, its feature set includes VoiceAdjust for dialogue, streaming platform compatibility, and expansion with SR2 surrounds. There is no room correction mentioned for either model.
Both are limited in app based control. Denon is more basic, focusing on physical TV integration and simple sound modes. Polk offers more streaming and expansion features, but without a published app, users may rely on the included remote and streaming protocols. Neither supports voice assistants based on the listings.
Design and Fit Under a TV
Denon lists a height under 3 inches, making it low profile and suitable for placing in front of most TVs without blocking the screen. Wall mount hardware is not specifically detailed, but the design is stated as wall mountable. Exact width, depth, and weight are not published.
Polk does not publish its dimensions, which is a significant omission for a product marketed as ultra compact. The MagniFi Mini AX is described as ideal for small rooms, but without physical measurements, buyers cannot verify fit. The included subwoofer with a 10 inch driver may be larger than the bar itself.
For TV fit, Denon's published height is helpful, though the missing width and depth still leave uncertainty. Polk's compact marketing and small form factor are appealing, but the lack of dimensions is a con. Buyers with tight spaces should check the actual product dimensions from the retailer if possible, as the listings are incomplete here.
Who Should Buy It
Buyers who want a traditional soundbar with a dedicated center channel, up firing Atmos drivers, and a simple HDMI or optical connection should consider the Denon DHT-S517. It suits TV owners who do not need Wi-Fi streaming, apps, or voice control, but want better dialogue and height effects than TV speakers.
Buyers who prioritize a compact footprint, wireless streaming, and DTS:X support should consider the Polk MagniFi Mini AX. It fits small rooms and can be expanded with SR2 surrounds. The included 10 inch subwoofer is a plus for those wanting more bass without a large bar.
Neither is a full home theater replacement for large rooms or those wanting discrete surrounds out of the box. Denon is more straightforward, while Polk is more feature rich but with missing published specs. Your choice depends on which trade offs matter more.
The Deciding Question
The key question is whether you value a simpler, more transparent soundbar focused on TV audio, or a compact, connected soundbar with versatile streaming and expansion. Denon gives you a known HDMI connection, up firing Atmos, and a dedicated center, but no smart features.
Polk gives you Wi-Fi, AirPlay 2, Chromecast, DTS:X, and a larger published subwoofer driver, but its HDMI and physical specs are not published. If you can live with unknown HDMI details and want streaming, Polk is compelling. If you want a plug and play TV upgrade without network complexity, Denon is safer.
Think about your room size and content sources. For streaming movies with Atmos, both work. For music streaming from a phone, Polk's AirPlay and Chromecast are significant. For pure TV dialogue, Denon's center channel and Dialogue Enhancer may edge out Polk.
Who Should Buy Which
Choose the Denon DHT-S517 if you want a low profile soundbar with a dedicated center channel and up firing Atmos drivers, and you do not need Wi-Fi, app control, or rear surrounds. Its simple HDMI or optical setup with TV remote integration is ideal for older TVs or straightforward living rooms.
Choose the Polk Audio MagniFi Mini AX if you want a compact soundbar with broad streaming options, DTS:X support, and a wireless sub with a 10 inch driver. Its expandability with SR2 surrounds makes it a better long term solution for small rooms where you might want rear channels later.
If published specifications are essential to you, neither is perfect. Denon lacks full power and subwoofer details, while Polk lacks dimensions and HDMI details. In that case, check the manufacturer's site or retailer listing for more complete data before deciding. But on the facts given, Denon suits TV centric users, Polk suits streaming and compact space users.
Denon DHT-S517
Pros
- Includes wireless subwoofer in the box
- Dolby Atmos with dedicated up firing drivers
- Dedicated center channel and Dialogue Enhancer for voices
- Low profile under 3 inches with wall mount option
- Easy HDMI eARC or ARC setup with optical fallback
- Pure Mode removes surround processing for music purists
Cons
- No Wi-Fi, AirPlay, or Chromecast streaming
- No companion app or voice assistant support
- Key specifications like power output and subwoofer size not published
- No rear surround speakers included
- DTS support not stated
Polk Audio MagniFi Mini AX
Pros
- Ultra compact size with Dolby Atmos and DTS:X
- Wireless subwoofer with 10 inch down firing driver
- VoiceAdjust clear dialogue feature
- Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, AirPlay 2, Chromecast, Spotify Connect
- Expandable with Polk SR2 wireless surrounds
- Included remote control
Cons
- HDMI eARC and input details not published
- Power output and dimensions not published
- No published app or room correction support
- Surround without SR2 add ons relies on virtual processing
Who Should Buy Each
Denon DHT-S517
- Living room viewers upgrading from TV speakers who want better dialogue clarity
- Buyers seeking an all in one Atmos bar with a subwoofer and no separate purchases
- Renters or apartment dwellers who want a low profile bar with Night Mode
- Denon brand fans who prefer a straightforward home theater device
Polk Audio MagniFi Mini AX
- Small room and apartment viewers wanting Atmos branding without a huge bar
- Buyers who want a wireless subwoofer with a larger 10 inch driver
- Music streamers using AirPlay 2, Chromecast, or Spotify Connect
- Existing Polk users who may add SR2 surrounds later
Quick Decision Guide
| If you want a compact soundbar with Wi-Fi, AirPlay 2, Chromecast, and DTS:X | Choose Polk Audio MagniFi Mini AX |
| If you want a low profile bar with a dedicated center channel and upfiring Atmos drivers | Choose Denon DHT-S517 |
| If you need a simple HDMI eARC/ARC or optical connection with no smart features | Choose Denon DHT-S517 |
| If you want expandable rear surround speakers later | Choose Polk Audio MagniFi Mini AX |
| If you want a dedicated remote control included in the box | Choose Polk Audio MagniFi Mini AX |
FAQ
About This Comparison
Mandrillis Team
The Mandrillis editorial team researches and compares audio and music gear using manufacturer documentation, verified specs and real buyer feedback, so you can make a confident purchase without wading through marketing claims.
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