The catch
Polk MagniFi Max AX SR
Its HDMI passthrough maxes out at 4K 60 Hz.
Side by side
Polk MagniFi Max AX SR vs Samsung HW-Q990F compared: Samsung confirms 4K120 and saves subwoofer space, Polk has a third HDMI input
Quick verdict
Take the Max AX SR if you want three HDMI inputs and a narrower central bar. The Q990F is for 4K 120Hz sources, and its subwoofer takes substantially less floor space.
Before you buy
Why, and what it costs you
Measure the actual width beneath the TV
Across the central bar, MagniFi Max AX SR is 45 inches and HW-Q990F/ZA is 48.5 inches. The gap is 3.5 inches, before any docked rear speakers.
Where this comes from
Leave extra space for cables, TV legs and acoustic clearance. A measurement of the detached central bar leaves out removable rear speakers. Absolute cabinet width difference = |45 - 48.5|.
The catch
Samsung HW-Q990F
Both rear speakers have to be plugged into power as well.
Polk MagniFi Max AX SR
- Why pick it
- Three HDMI source devices need connecting
- The central bar has to be narrower
- The catch
- Its HDMI passthrough maxes out at 4K 60 Hz.
Samsung HW-Q990F
- Why pick it
- 4K 120Hz should pass through the soundbar
- The subwoofer footprint has to be smaller
- The catch
- Both rear speakers have to be plugged into power as well.
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What this page compares
Max AX SR is the pick for three HDMI inputs and a narrower central bar. The Q990F suits 4K 120Hz sources, and its subwoofer saves a lot of floor space.
One more direct source connection comes from Polk
Which one fits
Pick the situations that sound like you
Three HDMI source devices need connecting
More players fit on three HDMI inputs than on Samsung’s two. The documented Polk passthrough ceiling is 4K 60Hz, and that matters for a high-refresh console or PC.
- Polk MagniFi Max AX SR
- Better fit
- Samsung HW-Q990F
- Not suitable
4K 120Hz should pass through the soundbar
Documented 4K 120Hz passthrough is a Q990F feature. Its compact square subwoofer also takes far less cabinet floor area than the Polk subwoofer.
- Polk MagniFi Max AX SR
- Not suitable
- Samsung HW-Q990F
- Better fit
Look at the whole setup
A subwoofer and rear speakers are in both selected packages. Transmitting the audio wirelessly does not remove the need for power at those speaker locations.
- Polk MagniFi Max AX SR
- Depends
- Samsung HW-Q990F
- Depends
Samsung’s subwoofer cabinet footprint is about 49% smaller
Q990F takes about 96 square inches and Polk 187, ahead of ventilation and cable space.
- Polk MagniFi Max AX SR
- Depends
- Samsung HW-Q990F
- Depends
In practice
Differences you will notice
Measure the actual width beneath the TV
Across the central bar, MagniFi Max AX SR is 45 inches and HW-Q990F/ZA is 48.5 inches. The gap is 3.5 inches, before any docked rear speakers.
How we worked this out
Leave extra space for cables, TV legs and acoustic clearance. A measurement of the detached central bar leaves out removable rear speakers. Absolute cabinet width difference = |45 - 48.5|.
Count your source connections first, then think about a switch
HW-Q990F/ZA takes 2 direct HDMI sources and MagniFi Max AX SR takes 3. Any other players need suitable TV inputs or a switch you choose separately.
How we worked this out
Only HDMI source inputs are counted, and the HDMI output/eARC TV connection is left out. Recorded inputs: 3 and 2. You still need to check TV passthrough and supported video modes.
Samsung’s subwoofer cabinet footprint is about 49% smaller
Q990F takes about 96 square inches and Polk 187, ahead of ventilation and cable space.
How we worked this out
Start with 9.8 × 9.8 = 96.04 square inches and 11.9 × 15.7 = 186.83. Then (1 - 96.04 / 186.83) × 100 = 48.6%.
Plug in your numbers
Is there room for the soundbar under your TV?
Measure the clear space under your TV. Count only the devices you will plug into the soundbar. Leave out the ones already connected to the TV. The numbers below are placeholders until you enter yours.
Polk MagniFi Max AX SR
Check this one yourselfA cabinet measurement or your chosen connection is not confirmed for this exact model.
Samsung HW-Q990F
Fails these checksIt takes 48.5 inches of width, more than your 48 inches.
Measure the top of an open shelf. This check does not cover enclosed cubbies. Detachable speakers count toward the docked width. Leave extra depth for cables and the TV stand. This checks size and port count only. Dolby Atmos, 4K/120Hz passthrough and the audio formats your TV supports are outside it.
Option A
Polk Audio, MagniFi Max AX SR
Polk MagniFi Max AX SR
For a movie setup with several HDMI sources and room for powered rear speakers, the Max AX SR fits. The 10-inch subwoofer and both rears are bundled in. High-refresh consoles will run into its limit of 4K 60 Hz passthrough.
- Best for
- A full surround package for a disc player, a streaming box and a console
Facts we checked
- Two SR2 rear speakers and a 10-inch subwoofer come in the 7.1.2-channel package.
- Passthrough at 4K 60 Hz is supported on the three HDMI source inputs.
- An optical input and one eARC TV connection.
- The bar is 45 inches wide. Because the manufacturer's height and depth labels conflict, check the manual for exact clearance.
- Support covers upward-firing drivers, VoiceAdjust, Night Mode and Wi-Fi music.
Option B
Samsung, HW-Q990F/ZA
Samsung HW-Q990F
With the Q990F, the subwoofer and two rear speakers come in the same box, and two 4K 120 Hz sources can plug straight in. It is the one to pick if you have room under the TV and also have spots ready for the rear speakers.
- Best for
- Movies and two gaming consoles on a full surround package
Facts we checked
- A subwoofer and two rear speakers come in the 11.1.4-channel package.
- Passthrough at 4K 120 Hz is supported on the two HDMI source inputs.
- The bar is 48.5 × 2.79 × 5.43 inches.
- The subwoofer is 9.8 × 9.91 × 9.8 inches.
- Support covers HDMI eARC, an optical input, Wi-Fi, voice enhancement and Night Mode.
Spec by spec
Where they really differ
| Spec | Polk MagniFi Max AX SR | Samsung HW-Q990F | In practice |
|---|---|---|---|
| Central bar width | 45 in | 48.5 in | Docked, detachable rear speakers can make the unit wider. |
| Bar height | Confirm exact drawing | 2.79 in | Measure both the space below the screen and the infrared receiver. |
| HDMI source inputs | 3 | 2 | These source inputs do not include the TV eARC connection. |
| Separate subwoofer included | Yes | Yes | An included separate subwoofer is something other than a built-in bass driver. |
| Rear speakers included | Yes | Yes | Find out whether the included rear speakers need mains power or charging. |
| Upward-firing drivers | Yes | Yes | A suitable ceiling and a clear path upward are required for these. |
| Wi-Fi music | Yes | Yes | Bluetooth playback and Wi-Fi streaming connect in different ways. |
Trade-offs
What each pick costs you
With Polk MagniFi Max AX SR
- The rears run only from their supplied power adapters.
With Samsung HW-Q990F
- The bar measures 48.5 inches across.
Decision guide
How to decide
Max AX SR gives you three HDMI inputs and a narrower central bar. Q990F is the fit for 4K 120Hz sources, with a subwoofer that saves substantial floor space.
One more direct source connection comes from Polk
More players fit on three HDMI inputs than on Samsung’s two. The documented Polk passthrough ceiling is 4K 60Hz, and that matters for a high-refresh console or PC.
Samsung is the fit for faster video
Documented 4K 120Hz passthrough is a Q990F feature. Its compact square subwoofer also takes far less cabinet floor area than the Polk subwoofer.
Both require planning for rear-speaker power
A subwoofer and rear speakers are in both selected packages. Transmitting the audio wirelessly does not remove the need for power at those speaker locations.
What this page can’t tell you
- The conclusions here come from published specifications and the stated calculations. No hands-on performance test was involved.
By the numbers
What the data shows
What we found across the soundbars we compare, plus the checked facts behind each finding.
How many fit
This guide keeps all 31 models in play. The pick rests on the facts and trade-offs on this page.
31 models fit, out of 31 checkedShow the facts and the math
How we countedNo needs are preselected here. Open the matcher and add the ones that apply to your home, room or setup.
| Product | Needs it meets | Facts we checked | Sources |
|---|---|---|---|
| Polk MagniFi Max AX SR | None of these needs is a documented match |
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| Samsung HW-Q990F | None of these needs is a documented match |
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Ready to buy
See today’s price and what owners say
Open either model on Amazon for the current price, customer reviews and delivery options.
Polk MagniFi Max AX SR
Three HDMI source devices need connecting
See price & reviews on AmazonSamsung HW-Q990F
4K 120Hz should pass through the soundbar
See price & reviews on AmazonEach link opens in a new tab.
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