Polk Audio Magnifi 2 Home Theater Sound Bar System Quick Start Guide

: June 12, 2024
: Polk Audio

Polk Audio Magnifi 2 Home Theater Sound Bar System

What’s in the Box

Setup

Connecting to Your TV
Placing the Sound Bar
For the best listening experience, center the sound bar under your TV. If you are setting the sound bar on an entertainment center or TV stand, place it on the frontmost edge. A mounting template is provided for wall mounting the soundbar. For proper installation, please refer to the instructions printed on the template.
Connecting the Sound Bar to an AC Outlet
The initial startup will take up to a minute.
Placing the Subwoofer
For best performance, place it on the same wall as the TV, no more than 30ft (10m) from the bar.
Connect the Subwoofer to an AC Outlet
A green light will be visible on the back of the subwoofer to indicate that it is paired with the soundbar.
Installing Remote Batteries
Insert the provided AAA batteries.
Verifying your Connections
Turn on your TV and start playing content. Adjust the volume of the sound bar using the provided Polk remote or your existing TV remote. You should now hear sound from your sound bar. If you are playing content on your TV and hear an echo or do not hear any sound at all, see page 19 for troubleshooting.
Setting Up Chromecast built-in
Go to http://g.co/home/setup to download the free Google Home app and follow the in-app instructions to connect the Polk MagniFi 2 to your Wi-Fi network. When streaming from a Chromecast-enabled app, a white light will appear on the soundbar. For more detailed setup information about Google Home and Chromecast built-in for audio, visit https://support.google.com/googlenest and https://support.google.com/chromecastbuiltin.

Listening to Music via Chromecast built-in

Chromecast built-in Beneﬁts

MagniFi 2 features Chromecast built-in, which lets you easily

Stream music from your favorite apps over Wi-Fi.
Create a whole-home audio experience. Multi-room sync lets you play the same song across Chromecast built-in compatible speakers in your house at the same time.
Stream media to your MagniFi 2 from any Google Assistant-enabled speaker; use your voice to cast your favorite content, change the volume, and ﬁnd information about what you are listening to.
Receive automatic updates.

Receiving Automatic Updates – Highly Recommended

Polk will periodically provide software updates to improve performance and expand compatibility with new products.

We highly recommend that you connect your sound bar to your home network. To receive automatic updates, you do not need to register your product or provide your email address. Simply connect your sound bar to your network via Wi-Fi using the Google Home app on iOS or Android ™ devices.

Listening to Music via Bluetooth

Connecting a Bluetooth Device

Press the Bluetooth button on the sound bar or remote control. You should now see a blinking blue light on the front of the soundbar.
Navigate to the Bluetooth settings in your phone or tablet and select “Polk MagniFi 2”. Within a few seconds, your device should connect and the blue light on the sound bar should go solid.
You’re all set – play music from an app of your choice.

Note: If the light on the sound bar is solid blue, this means that a Bluetooth device is already connected. You will not be able to pair a new device until you disconnect that device ﬁrst.

Automatic Reconnect

When you press the Bluetooth button, the soundbar will attempt to automatically reconnect to the Bluetooth device that was most recently connected.

Disconnecting a Bluetooth Device

You can disconnect from the Bluetooth settings on your phone or tablet. Alternatively, you can disconnect by pressing and holding the Bluetooth button for 3 seconds. Upon disconnecting, the soundbar will enter pairing mode, and you will see a blinking blue light that will allow you to pair another device.

Sound Bar Top Panel

Sound Bar Back Panel

Visual Indicators

The front of the sound bar contains a horizontal row of lights that provides status indications such as source, volume, and listening modes. Note: These LEDs will fade out after two seconds.

Optimizing Your Listening Experience

Bass Control: Easily adjust low-frequency volume for more or less impact.

Easily adjust dialogue levels to improve clarity when watching TV shows, movies, and sports.

Remote Control

For future use. Not compatible with Polk SR1 Wireless Surrounds.

Using Your TV, Cable, or Satellite Remote to Control the MagniFi 2

There are several ways to use your TV, cable, or satellite remote to control the MagniFi 2.

HDMI CEC Control
If the MagniFi 2 is connected to your TV via HDMI and your TV supports CEC: Volume, Mute, and Power the MagniFi 2 can be controlled by a TV remote without any further setup.
Preloaded Remote Control
If your TV does not support CEC or you have chosen to connect your MagniFi 2 to your TV with the Optical cable, you will likely be able to control volume and mute with your TV’s existing remote control. The MagniFi 2 is pre- conﬁgured to respond to volume and mute commands from most popular TV remotes including Samsung, LG, Sony, VIZIO, and other major brands.*
Remote Control Learning Function
If your TV is connected to the MagniFi 2 using the Optical cable and it is not one of the more popular brands, you can teach your remote to control volume, mute and other functions (such as source selection or bass volume) on your sound bar.

All other trademarks, product names, logos, and brands referenced herein are the property of their respective owners.

Using the Remote Control Learning Function

IMPORTANT: Hold both remotes about 12 in(30cm) directly in front of the MagniFi 2 when pressing their respective buttons and make sure your remotes have fresh batteries.

Entering Remote Control Learn Mode **

**

Make sure your sound bar is powered on, then press and hold the Source button on the sound bar for about 3 seconds. When you hear a two-note tone, release the button. You should now see white lights on the front of the sound bar bouncing left and right.

STEP 1: Select a Button on your MagniFi 2 Remote
Press and release the button on the MagniFi 2 remote that you want to learn (ex: Volume Up). You will hear a single tone and see all white lights fading in and out together.
STEP 2: Select a Button on your TV Remote
Press and release the button on your TV remote that you want to assign to the button you selected in Step 1.
STEP 3: Verify the Results
- If you see the white lights fading in and out again, repeat step 2.
- If you hear a two-note tone and see •••••••••• the command was not learned.
- If you hear a single tone and see •••••••••• the command was successfully learned.
STEP 4: Learn Another Code
When you see the white lights on the front of the sound bar bouncing left and right again, you are ready to select your next function to learn by repeating steps 1-3.

Exiting Remote Control Learn Mode
Press and hold the Source button on the sound bar again for about 3 seconds. When you hear a two-note tone, release the button.

NOTE: The sound bar will automatically exit IR learn mode if it has not received any IR commands for 60 seconds. All learned IR commands will automatically be saved.

Clearing Learned Remote Control Codes
Press and hold the Source button on the sound bar for about 10 seconds. You will hear a two-note tone. Continue holding the button and release the button after you hear a three-note tone.

Advanced Setup

Connecting a Cable Box, Game Console, or other HDMI Sources for your MagniFi 2

MagniFi 2 supports up to three HDMI sources. It will pass through 4K and HDR signals to your TV if you are using the HDMI-ARC connection between the sound bar and TV. You will need to use High-Speed HDMI cables for 4K content.
Using the Optical Input for an Audio Source

If you want to use the Optical input on the sound bar for another audio source such as a CD player, follow these steps:

Connect your TV to MagniFi 2 using HDMI-ARC.
Connect the supplied Optical cable between the CD player and the soundbar.
The TV button on the remote will toggle between the HDMI-ARC (4 white lights) and Optical (5 white lights) input sources as long as the audio is available.

Wall Mounting your MagniFi 2

A mounting template is provided for wall mounting the soundbar. For proper installation, please refer to the instructions printed on the template.

Sound Modes

Music Mode
Gives you balanced sound and smoother bass while minimizing spatialization effects to ensure more natural sound reproduction.
Movie Mode
Acoustically optimized for both movie and TV content. It also provides a bass boost, increased specialization, and enhances Voice Adjust levels for improved dialogue clarity. It is the default sound mode for HDMI and Optical input sources.
Night Mode
Reduces bass and volume dynamics while improving voice intelligibility for low-volume listening.
Sports Mode
Enhances dialogue-rich content, like sporting events, newscasts, and talk shows. Uses Voice Adjust to boost dialogue clarity and optimizes the subwoofer volume levels.
3D Mode
Creates virtual height channels to deliver a three-dimensional sound experience.

Troubleshooting

I Do Not Hear Sounds from My Sound Bar

Check that the sound bar is powered on and that light is visible on the front.
Check that all wires are connected correctly.
Press the Volume “+” button on top of the sound bar until at least 2 white lights appear.
Using the provided Polk remote, select the desired input. White lights should display corresponding to the input button you pressed.

I Hear an Echo From My TV or Sound Bar.

If your TV is connected to the sound bar via HDMI ARC, check that HDMI CED/ARC is enabled in your TV’s Settings menu.
Check that the TV speakers are disabled. Consult your TV’s user manual for details.

I Do Not See Lights on the Front of My Sound Bar.

Press the power button on the top of the soundbar.
Check that the connections are secure between the sound bar, power supply, and power outlet.
Unplug power from the sound bar for 30 seconds and plug it back in.
Try another wall outlet.

My Remote Isn’t Working

Get closer to the soundbar and aim the remote at the front of the soundbar.
Install fresh batteries in the remote.

I Do Not Hear Sounds from My Subwoofer

Check that the sound bar is powered on and playing audio.
Turn up the bass using the provided Polk remote.
Check that the power cable is secure in the back of the subwoofer and wall outlet.
Check that a solid green light is visible on the back of the subwoofer.
Unplug power from the subwoofer for 30 seconds and then plug it back in.
If the light on the back of the subwoofer is ﬂashing green, you will need to reconnect the sub-woofer to the sound bar using the instructions below.

Pairing the Subwoofer to the Sound Bar

Check that the sound bar is powered on. A light should be visible on the front of the soundbar.
On the back of the sound bar, press and hold the CONNECT button for 3-5 seconds. The SUB and SURR lights on the back of the soundbar should now be blinking green.
On the back of the subwoofer, press and hold the CONNECT button for 3-5 seconds. The light on the back of the subwoofer should now be solid green.
On the back of the sound bar, press the CONNECT button to exit pairing mode.

Factory Reset

Performing a factory reset will erase all settings in the sound bar including Bluetooth pairings and Wi-Fi connection. To perform a factory reset, press and hold the Power button on top of the sound bar for 15 seconds. You can release the button when you hear the factory reset sound effect. The bar will reboot and be ready to use again in about a minute.

About Polk SDA® Technology

The MagniFi 2 features patented Polk SDA Surround technology creating an expansive multi-dimensional soundstage and detailed stereo image. SDA both heightens and widens the sound stage providing an immersive room-ﬁlling sound without sacriﬁcing clarity. SDA also compliments Dolby and DTS encoded content creating an incredible cinematic experience.

About Built-in Polk VoiceAdjust® Technology

The MagniFi 2 features customizable voice levels in the sound bar allowing you to tailor your listening experience however you prefer, to reproduce clear, crisp dialogue and never miss a single word of your favorite movie, TV show or sporting event.

Thank you for your Polk purchase!

If you have a question or comment, please feel free to call or email us.

Technical Assistance

In North America, call Polk Customer Service at 800-377-POLK(7655)

Hours of Operation: 10 AM–6 PM EST Mon-Fri / 12 PM–8 PM EST Saturday Outside the US, call +1-410-358-3600

Polk FAQs: Polk.custhelp.com
Email: polkcs@polkaudio.com

Polk Audio, LLC 5541 Fermi Court Carlsbad, CA 92008 U.S.A Polk Audio is a DEI Holdings, Inc. Company. Polk Audio and Polk, are registered trademarks of Polk Audio, LLC. Google, Android, Google Play, Google Home, and other marks are trademarks of Google LLC. Google Assistant is not available in certain languages and countries. All other trademarks, product names, logos, and brands referenced herein are the property of their respective owners.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is the Polk Audio Magnifi 2 Home Theater Sound Bar System?

The Polk Audio Magnifi 2 is a home theater sound bar system that combines a sound bar and a wireless subwoofer to deliver immersive audio for your TV viewing experience.

What are the key features of the Polk Audio Magnifi 2?

The Polk Audio Magnifi 2 offers features such as Dolby Digital and DTS decoding, wireless subwoofer connectivity, voice adjust technology, Chromecast built-in, Bluetooth streaming, HDMI ARC support, night mode, and a sleek design.

Does the Polk Audio Magnifi 2 support virtual surround sound?

Yes, the Polk Audio Magnifi 2 utilizes advanced audio processing and virtual surround sound technology to create a spacious and immersive soundstage, enhancing the cinematic experience.

How many channels does the Polk Audio Magnifi 2 have?

The Polk Audio Magnifi 2 is a 3.1-channel sound system. It consists of three front channels in the sound bar and a dedicated wireless subwoofer for low- frequency effects.

What is the power output of the Polk Audio Magnifi 2?

The Polk Audio Magnifi 2 has a total power output of 260 watts, which ensures impactful and dynamic sound reproduction.

Can the Polk Audio Magnifi 2 be wall-mounted?

Yes, the Polk Audio Magnifi 2 can be wall-mounted using the included brackets and mounting hardware. This provides flexibility in terms of placement options.

Does the Polk Audio Magnifi 2 come with a remote control?

Yes, the Polk Audio Magnifi 2 comes with a compact remote control that allows you to adjust volume, change audio modes, control settings, and access various features.

Can I stream music wirelessly to the Polk Audio Magnifi 2?

Yes, the Polk Audio Magnifi 2 supports wireless music streaming via Bluetooth. You can easily connect your compatible devices, such as smartphones or tablets, and enjoy your favorite music wirelessly.

Does the Polk Audio Magnifi 2 have HDMI inputs?

The Polk Audio Magnifi 2 features an HDMI ARC (Audio Return Channel) input, which allows for a simplified connection to your TV using a single HDMI cable. It also supports HDMI CEC (Consumer Electronics Control) for easy control through your TV remote.

What is the purpose of the Voice Adjust technology in the Polk Audio Magnifi 2?

The Voice Adjust technology in the Polk Audio Magnifi 2 allows you to fine- tune and adjust the vocal levels in movies, TV shows, and other content. This ensures clear and intelligible dialogue, even at lower volume levels.

Can I use the Polk Audio Magnifi 2 with my universal remote control?

Yes, the Polk Audio Magnifi 2 can be programmed to work with most universal remote controls. It supports IR (infrared) learning, allowing you to consolidate control of multiple devices with a single remote.

Does the Polk Audio Magnifi 2 support 4K passthrough?

Yes, the Polk Audio Magnifi 2 supports 4K passthrough. It can pass the 4K video signal from your source device, such as a Blu-ray player or streaming device, to your 4K TV without compromising video quality.

Can I control the Polk Audio Magnifi 2 with voice commands?

The Polk Audio Magnifi 2 does not have built-in voice assistant capabilities. However, if you have a separate voice assistant device, such as Amazon Echo or Google Home, connected to your home theater setup, you can control the soundbar through voice commands via the voice assistant.

Can I connect the Polk Audio Magnifi 2 to my TV wirelessly?

The Polk Audio Magnifi 2 is primarily designed for wired connectivity. However, if your TV supports Bluetooth audio output, you can establish a wireless connection between the TV and the sound bar to stream audio.

Can I use the Polk Audio Magnifi 2 with gaming consoles?

Yes, the Polk Audio Magnifi 2 can be connected to gaming consoles, such as PlayStation or Xbox, for an enhanced audio experience during gaming sessions. Simply connect the console to your TV, and the sound will be routed through the sound bar.