If you don't have space in your setup for satellite speakers, you may prefer a different Atmos setup like the Polk Audio Signa S4. 42" 5.1. It handled our bass test track, The Knifes Silent Shout, at maximum, ear-ringing volumes without distortion, while the subwoofer provided a good sense of thump. Your browser is not supported or outdated so some features of the site might not be available. The M Series is a better built setup that supports Dolby Atmos content. The M Series is better-built, with better soundstage and surround performances. (, Well priced for a system with a subwoofer and rear satellites, Good surround imaging with Dolby Atmos and DTS:X support, Treble isn't quite as crisp as it could be, Read Great Stories Offline on Your Favorite, PC Magazine Digital Edition (Opens in a new window), How to Free Up Space on Your iPhone or iPad, How to Save Money on Your Cell Phone Bill, How to Convert YouTube Videos to MP3 Files, How to Record the Screen on Your Windows PC or Mac, Read Our TCL Alto R1 Roku TV Wireless Soundbar Review, The Best Bluetooth and Wireless Speakers for 2022, Sound Upgrade: How to Use Your Amazon Echo as a Speaker for Your Television, Fire Emblem Warriors: Three Hopes (for Nintendo Switch) Review, Samsung 55-Inch Class The Frame QLED TV Review, Samsung 75-Inch Class The Frame QLED TV Review, Vizio M-Series 5.1 Sound Bar (M51ax-J6) Specs. The Vizio is a 5.1.2 setup with a dedicated sub and satellites.
It has better soundstage and surround performances. The satellites don't have clear labels that indicate which is the left or right, but the colors of the RCA ports (white or blue) match those of the same connections on the subwoofer (blue for left and white for right). The Vizio M512a-H6 is a 5.1.2 soundbar released in 2021. It can reproduce a more extended low-bass, and unlike the Polk, it supports height content. The Vizio is better built, and unlike the Polk Audio, it supports Dolby Atmos content. The Vizio gets louder than the Sony with less compression at max volume. That said, the LG is better built with more wireless playback options. The Vizio M512a-H6 is great for dialogue-centric content like TV shows. The five high-performance woofers and tweeters deliver depth, detail and spaciousness while the 5 wireless subwoofer unleashes powerful, rumbling bass. The Vizio M512a-H6 comes with several physical inputs. Unfortunately, it lacks more premium sound enhancement features like room correction, so it may sound different depending on the room you're listening in. The Vizio supports Dolby Atmos content, and it has better soundstage, center, and surround performances. It comes with discrete surround speakers, so surround objects like voices are clearly and accurately represented in the soundstage. Regardless of the surround effect, the explosions of airships crashing get plenty of low-end response, both with rumble from the subwoofer and the slightly higher, punchier bass from the soundbar. Note: We bought and tested another unit in compliance with ourout-of-spec policy. The back also has a power cable connection, RCA ports for the satellites, and a power button. Both soundbars will go on sale this month. Its voice assistant support is built into the bar, whereas you need a third-party voice assistant-enabled device to use them with the Vizio. It also comes with room correction, unlike the Vizio. Its soundstage is better, too, and unlike the onn, it has DTS support. The Vizio M Series M512a-H6 is a bit better for mixed usage than the LG SP9YA. They need to be wired to the sub to work.
However, the localization of objects is diffused, especially compared to the discrete localization found with down-firing speakers in home theater setups. The bar is mostly made of plastic, which feels solid and durable, and there's a metal grille on the top middle of the bar to help protect the up-firing speakers. Ty Pendlebury is a journalism graduate of RMIT Melbourne, and has worked at CNET since 2006. Unlike the Vizio, it has voice assistant support built into the bar as well as a graphic EQ to customize its sound. The back of each satellite has a square recess with an RCA port for connecting to the wireless subwoofer, along with a screw mount for attaching it to a stand. Its dedicated sub can accurately reproduce the deep rumbling bass in bass-heavy music and action-packed movies. There are EQ presets and bass and treble adjustments so you can customize its sound more to your liking. It also supports more wireless playback options. It also reproduces a more extended low-bass. Get updates on savings events, special offers, new items, in-club events and more. The Vizio M Series Sound Bar has an auto-off function that shuts off the bar after a period of inactivity. The Samsung HW-Q950A is better than the Vizio M Series M512a-H6. The Vizio M Series Sound Bar can passthrough the highest bandwidth signals. However, only the Samsung has a graphic EQ, which some users may prefer for sound customization. It comes with a graphic EQ and built-in voice assistant support. Update 02/16/2022: Added more information about the setup's behavior with each EQ preset. Update 09/17/2021: We've updated our test results and the text after testing a new unit. The M512a-H6 is better for music. When you play surround files on 'Direct' mode, audio plays from the subwoofer and the satellites. The new M-series All-In-One features DTS Virtual:X. That said, the Vizio has a more neutral sound profile out-of-the-box, which some users may prefer. There are discrete surround speakers to enhance your listening experience, and it supports Dolby Atmos content. Directional imaging is accurate across the soundbar and satellites. Im an ISF-certified TV calibrator and a THX-certified home theater professional, and Im here to help you understand 4K, HDR, Dolby Vision, Dolby Atmos, and even 8K (and to reassure you that you dont need to worry about 8K at all for at least a few more years). For an affordable 5.1 system, however, it's hard to do better than the M51ax-J6, earning it our Editors' Choice award. Meanwhile, the second model to be announced is the the M-Series All-In-One ($200) which is an update on the candy-likeM21d-H8 to include Dolby Atmos and DTS:X support. It offers HDMI ARC and HDMI in, Bluetooth and a dedicated Voice Assistant Input. Update 09/17/2021: We've updated our test results, as well as the text after testing a new unit. 1996-2022 Ziff Davis. Subscribing to a newsletter indicates your consent to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. It can reproduce a more extended low-bass than the Polk, too. The Vizio M512a-H6 comes in Black, and you can see the label for the model we tested here. It also reproduces a more extended low-bass. However, this isn't considered built-in support, since it requires that you purchase a third-party device. It even has Dolby Atmos support, unlike the standalone M21d-H8R. It hasbetter surrounds and soundstage performances. If you don't have space for satellites in your room, the Polk is still a fair option with Dolby Atmos support. Unlike the JBL, it also supports Dolby Atmos content. There's even a dialogue enhancement feature to make voices more crisp and an auto-volume mode to balance the volume across different programs. The Vizio M Series M512a-H6 is a better soundbar for mixed usage than the standalone Sonos Arc. It gets louder, and it has built-in voice assistant support. Also, there's a dialogue enhancement feature to make voices more clear and crisp and a night mode feature that helps balance the volume level across different programs. The Vizio M Series M512a-H6 is better than the onn. The Vizio M Series M512a-H6 is better than the Klipsch Cinema 600. It also has a neutral frequency response that's quite balanced in the mid-range, so vocal-heavy content like dialogue is reproduced clearly and accurately. The right recess houses an HDMI input, an HDMI output for eARC and video pass-through from the input to the TV, an optical audio input, and a USB port. When the track properly kicks in, the bassline stands out with the guitar strums and hi-hat poking through the mix, leaving the vocals to settle a bit in the background. The Vizio is a 5.1.2 setup with satellites. As a result, it's suitable for listeners who like to crank up the volume to fill up large spaces and crowded parties, since your audio remains clean at loud volumes. If the item details above arent accurate or complete, we want to know about it. It offers a better surrounds performance, and it gets louder with less compression at max volume. The satellites are fairly small. Vizio has unveiled two new Dolby Atmos soundbars including an update to its original 'Toblerone'. The Vizio M512a-H6 has a simple design. The Vizio M Series M512a-H6 is better than the Samsung HW-Q700A. It also offers a better surrounds performance. This soundbar doesn't have an interface. There's a small jump in THD when the bar is pushed to max volume; however, this can be hard to hear with real-life content. The M-Series 2.1 Home Theater Sound Bar from VIZIO, Americas #1 Sound Bar Brand, delivers virtualized immersive audio with Dolby Atmos and DTS:X for cinematic sound that seems to come from all around you, even from above.
Vizios M51ax-J6 soundbar is an affordable and worthwhile option for 5.1-channel home theater sound with support for Dolby Atmos. The Vizio M Series M512a-H6 is better than the Samsung HW-Q59CT. It also has a better stereo soundstage and a better center channel performance. The back of the sub has a port. The 3.1.2 Samsung is better built with more wireless playback options. At a $100 saving on the Sonos Arc, the new M-Elevate's surround package may make it more appealing to potential users, though users may trade up to $1,000 to get Wi-Fi music streaming. The Vizio M Series Sound Bar has an AUX VA In port that lets you connect voice assistant-enabled devices like an Amazon Echo to the bar. The satellites connect to the subwoofer using the included cables. The wall-mounting brackets and screws are included with the bar, which is nice. The Vizio is more versatile, and it's a 5.1.2 setup that comes with a dedicated sub and satellites. In compliance with our out-of-spec policy, we purchased and retested another unit and can confirm that that was the case. The Vizio M Series 5.1.2 Soundbar has a good surrounds performance. Also, it comes with more sound enhancement features, like bass and treble adjustments as well as dialogue enhancement. Also, it can reproduce a more extended low-bass out-of-the-box. WhiletheM51ax-J6can get slightly louder, theM512a-H6 has slightly less compression present at max volume, resulting in cleaner audio at louder volume levels. So too the new All-In-One offers the potential ability to decode Atmos (even if it is simulated) without the $400 price tag of models such as the Sonos Beam Gen 2. Unlike the Sonos, it supports Atmos content and has a Full HDMI In port for high-quality passthrough. Its soundstage is perceived to be a bit wider than the bar itself, and its focus is very good. The Vizio comes with discrete satellites and offers a better surround performance. Instead, there are a series of vertical lights on the left side of the bar that flash different patterns depending on the settings you control. They need to be wired to the sub to get them to work, but they don't require a power cable, which is handy. The Vizio M Series M512a-H6 is better than the Samsung HW-Q800T. The satellites are also mostly made of plastic, with fabric covering the front and the sides. It's better built, and it has better soundstage, center, and surround performances. The Vizio M Series M512a-H6 is better than the Samsung HW-Q600A. We wish it had a better visual control panel, but that doesn't change the fact that this soundbar products strong cinematic audio for the price, earning it our Editors' Choice award for affordable surround sound systems. We purchase our own soundbars and The Samsung is better built, though. All rights reserved. The Vizio M512a-H6 is very good for music. That said, the new unit we tested offered a slightly more immersive height performance when its height level was increased, though this isn't part of our testing process. The sub is mostly made of melamine, and the top is made of plastic. The Vizio M Series M512a-H6 is better than the JBL Bar 9.1. There are also some EQ presets and bass and treble adjustments so you can customize its sound. Seeour recommendations for the best 5.1 soundbars, the best Vizio soundbars, and the best Dolby Atmos soundbars. The opening acoustic guitar plucks get plenty of lower-frequency resonance, but there isnt quite enough high-end finesse to bring out all the texture in the strings. Some users may also prefer its more compact design. The Vizio M Series M512a-H6 is better than the LG SP8YA. Depending on your listening habits, you may prefer either theVizio M Series M512a-H6 or the standalone Bose Smart Soundbar 900. The Vizio M Series M512a-H6 is better than the Polk Audio SIGNA S2. It also comes with discrete surround speakers, so surround objects are clearly and accurately localized within the sound image. The Vizio is a 5.1.2 setup with dedicated satellites. It doesnt have quite the high-frequency finesse as pricier alternatives, but with its rumbling bass and strong presentation of vocals, it's ideal for watching movies and TV shows. Vizio's $349.99 M51a-H6 soundbar impressed us by offering a high-quality 5.1-channel surround sound experience in an affordable package. It also has less compression at max volume, so your audio sounds cleaner during louder listening sessions. Unlike the V Series, it supports Atmos content and comes with a Full HDMI In port. Depending on your listening habits, you may prefer either the Vizio M Series M512a-H6 or theBose Smart Soundbar 900 with Speakers + Bass Module. Delivered Wednesdays. The Vizio is a 5.1.2 setup that comes with discrete satellite speakers, so it offers a better surround performance. "Membership is required to complete an in-club or curbside pickup purchase at Sam's Club.". Unfortunately,it lacks premium sound enhancement features like a full graphic EQ to customize its sound to your liking. Latency can vary based on different factors, including the apps and TV you use, so your experience may vary. It reproduces a more extended low-bass, and it has better soundstage, surround, and Atmos performances. The Vizio M512a-H6 has a good build quality. Unlike the Samsung HW-Q59CT, it also lacks a graphic EQ. This 5.1.2 setup also has better soundstage and surround performances.
TheVizio M Series M512a-H6 is better than the Vizio M Series M51a-H6. The back of the soundbar features two recesses for connections. You can customize its sound using its EQ presets: 'Direct', 'Movie', 'Music', and 'Game'. The Vizio M Series Soundbar has a middling Atmos performance. If you don't agree it's a great value, you can remove it from your cart at anytime. This tool will clearly show you the differences, Use our data and table to find the best soundbar for your needs, Want to see us review a specific soundbar? In the middle of the bar, there's a metal grille protecting the two up-firing speakers.
If you want to spend even less money and don't need a subwoofer, the Roku Streambar Pro ($179.99) offers strong sound and all of the media streaming functions of a Roku media hub. The sides of the bar are draped with a tight fabric, though this could collect dust easily. The Vizio comes with discrete satellites, and it has a better surrounds performance. Audio seems to be coming from all around you, rather than just from speakers placed in front of you. That said, it isn't very tall, so it shouldn't block your TV screen unless your TV sits flush on the table. The Arc costs twice as much, however, and can't provide the same surround experience because it lacks rear satellites. The Vizio M Series M512a-H6 is better than the Samsung HW-Q65T. That said, the soundbar's imaging from the front is a bit limited because the three forward-facing driver sit across a space of only 36 inches. When connected between your PC and your TV, text on the screen appears clear and crisp. However, if you prefer a more neutral sound profile, its default settings already have a slope within the ideal range. However, it doesn't get as loud as the Samsung, and its surround sound performance isn't quite as impressive. Depending on your listening habits, you may prefer either the Sonos Arc with Sub + One SL Speakers or the Vizio M Series M512a-H6.
It also supports more wireless playback options. Unlike the Klipsch, it also supports Atmos content and has a Full HDMI In port for high-quality passthrough. The audio that you hear is in sync with the video that you see, so it's a solid choice for watching videos over these connections. The Elevate is better built and has a better Atmos performance. It also gets louder, and it has a better surrounds performance. The LG SN11RG and theVizio M Series M512a-H6 offer similar overall performances. The Vizio is a 5.1.2 setup that gets louder with less compression at max volume. It also comes with two up-firing speakers. Its dedicated subwoofer helps reproduce an extended low-bass, meaning that you feel the deep thump and rumble in bass-heavy music and action-packed movies.
It has a better soundstage, and it can reproduce a bit more low-bass. Unlock state-of-the-art 4K Dolby Vision pass-through to the TV through a simplified setup with HDMI eARC connectivity.
https://www.pcmag.com/reviews/vizio-m-series-51-sound-bar-m51ax-j6, Since 1982, PCMag has tested and rated thousands of products to help you make better buying decisions. The Vizio M Series M512a-H6 is slightly better than the Vizio M Series M51ax-J6 overall. The main soundbar is a narrow, rectangular black speaker with rounded corners that measures 36.0 by 2.2 by 3.5 inches (HWD). It supports more wireless playback options. The Vizio M Series M512a-H6 is better than the JBL Bar 5.1 Surround. The satellites are mostly made of plastic. The Vizio M Series M512a-H6 is better for most uses than the Sonos Beam (Gen 2). Unlike the Samsung, it has built-in voice assistant support. Soundbars store-bought and tested, supported by you via. It strongly favors bass and mids, with a bit of a drop-off in treble response. The Vizio is better built, with a more neutral sound profile out-of-the-box. And if you want to go all out, the JBL Bar 9.1 ($999.95) incorporates upward-firing drivers for more directional dound. The Vizio M Series 5.1.2 has an impressive stereo dynamics performance. No cherry-picked units sent by brands. Thanks to its dedicated subwoofer, it can accurately reproduce the extended low-bass found in bass-heavy music like EDM and hip-hop. We've tested the new unit and have updated the review accordingly. The Vizio M Series M512a-H6 is better than the Vizio SB46514-F6. The Vizio comes with discrete satellites, and it has better surround and Atmos performances. However, Apple and Google users may be disappointed that it doesn't support Apple AirPlay or Chromecast built-in. There are also universal holes on the underside of the bar so you can mount it to your wall. Power, input, and Bluetooth buttons flank the circular navigation pad, while a volume rocker, mute button, and settings buttons are below. A monochrome alphanumeric LCD sits near the top of the remote; it lets you view the active input and navigate different soundbar settings one line at a time. The Vizio M Series M512a-H6 is better than the Sonos Beam. However, the JBL is better built with more wireless playback options. You can probably massage a more balanced sound by playing with the bass and treble levels of the soundbar, but, out of the box, it leans low. However, the Bose is better built with a better Atmos performance. The dedicated Voice Assistant Input offers the convenience of a voice assistant you are already accustomed to (sold separately) letting you operate it directly through the sound bar for an upgraded audio experience. The subwoofer measures 9.9 by 8.3 by 8.3 inches; it features a 5-inch downward-firing driver and an open, rear-facing bass port. Because this is below the manufacturer's minimum advertised price, they won't let us show it here and require you add it to the cart to verify your interest. Stereo files play from the bar and the subwoofer on all four EQ modes.