Reviews Sb3651-e6 36 51 Vs Vizio Sb3621n-e8m 36 21 Sound Bar System Black

Test Results

Market place Context

The Vizio SB36512-F6 is a high-cease 2018 model from Vizio. This 36-inch long soundbar supports Atmos and is advertised as a premium dwelling house theater option from Vizio. Yet, there'due south also a v.ane.4 46-inch model with up-firing surround speakers, which the SB36512-F6 doesn't have. There's too a newer 2019 G6 model at present out, which nosotros program on reviewing. The main competitors of the SB36512-F6 are the Vizio SB46514-F6, the newer 2019 Vizio SB36512-G6, the LG SK9Y, and the Sony HT-Z9F.

Pattern

The bar of this setup is covered by material at the front and the meridian, which unfortunately can hands get dirty or damaged. The back and the underside are made of plastic and the 2 sides are covered by silver-colored plastic with the Vizio logo in the center.

The sub has a very similar style to the bar. It likewise has its front end and acme faces covered past fabric. The port is found on the back and is made of plastic. The 2 sides take large silverish-colored plates with the Vizio logo in the centre.

The satellites follow the same manner. Fabric at the front end and acme, plastic at the back, and two silverish-colored plates at the sides with the Vizio logo. If you want an Atmos soundbar only don't have space for satellites, check out the Polk Audio Signa S4.

Width 36.0" (91.five cm)

Superlative 2.6" (6.6 cm)

Depth 3.4" (eight.7 cm)

The bar isn't too wide, simply might non fit betwixt the legs of a 55" TV, depending on its stand. It's also not too tall, and so information technology's unlikely that it'll cake the lesser part of your screen unless your Idiot box sits affluent on the table, like the Sony A9F.

Width 7.0" (17.nine cm)

Summit eleven.5" (29.2 cm)

Depth 11.four" (29.0 cm)

The subwoofer is about the size of an boilerplate desktop PC and won't have up too much space. Dissimilar the Vizio SB36312-G6's subwoofer, this subwoofer can simply exist placed in an upright position.

Width 2.half dozen" (6.six cm)

Height 5.seven" (xiv.5 cm)

Depth 2.nine" (7.3 cm)

The satellites aren't besides big. Unfortunately, they don't pair wirelessly and have to connect to the sub by a cable to get their signal. This places some limitations as to where yous can place the sub, equally the satellites are surround speakers and have to be placed on the side, slightly behind your burrow for an optimal sound experience.

Bar Mounting Universal (holes on back)

The back of the bar is plastic and has two openings where the input ports are. If you wall-mount it, it won't sit flush on the wall due to its pattern.

Enclosure Ported

The back of the sub has the port in the middle. The ability cable connects at the bottom, so you lot can hands hide information technology. At the back, you lot'll likewise find the jacks for the two satellites and two buttons: one for ability and one for pairing with the bar.

Mounting Universal (holes on back)

The satellites have a apparently back. They only have i connection for the signal cable that connects to the sub and a hole for wall-mounting them.

The Vizio SB36512-F6 has decent build quality. All components of the setup have a very similar fashion, with a fabric covering the top and front faces and two argent-colored plates on the sides. Unfortunately, the cloth can easily collect dust and get ripped. The dorsum and the sides are made of good quality plastic but don't feel premium. If you're looking for a ameliorate built 5.1.2 setup, check out the LG SN9YG.

HDMI Cablevision Length ane.8 m (5.9 ft)

Digital Optical Cable Length 1.v m (4.9 ft)

• Transmission
• HDMI Cable
• Remote & Batteries
• Power Cables (x2)
• Satellite Speaker Audio Cables (x2)
• Stereo RCA to 3.5mm Audio Cable
• 3.5mm to 3.5mm Audio Cablevision
• Digital Optical Cable
• Wall-mounting brackets
• Wall-mounting screws

Audio

Tested Preset Directly

Gradient -0.49

Std. Err. 2.74 dB

Low-Frequency Extension 33.6 Hz

Loftier-Frequency Extension 19.nine kHz

The stereo frequency response of the Vizio SB36512-F6 is great. The low-frequency extension is quite low, which is proficient. This system will exist able to reproduce the deep rumble, thump, and punch of bass. However, in that location was aural sub-bass port noise in our testing. The rest of the response is quite accurate and apartment, resulting in a neutral sound contour with a scrap of extra bass.

Suggested Preset Directly

Suggested Bass Setting -4

Suggested Treble Setting 2

Slope 0.thirteen

Std. Err. two.43 dB

Low-Frequency Extension 34.1 Hz

High-Frequency Extension 19.6 kHz

Crosstalk Mistake 2.21 dB

When listening to the Vizio SB36512-F6, the soundstage is decent. Information technology seems the audio comes from the edges of the bar, just about the same width equally the Samsung HW-Q60R. The bar doesn't do whatever tricks to widen the soundstage fifty-fifty farther and sounds quite focused, which is practiced. Objects in the soundstage come from an authentic pinpoint location rather than a general area.

SPL @ Max Book 94.iv dB SPL

DRC @ Max Book 0.72 dB

The Vizio SB36512-F6 can get pretty loud and will be suited for large rooms and crowded environments. There'southward no audible dynamic range pinch in our testing, just we did notice some with real-life content.

Weighted THD @ 80dB 0.49

Weighted THD @ Max Volume 2.51

The THD operation of the Vizio soundbar is good. At a normal listening book, the amount of THD is within very good limits and the bar will reproduce pure and clean sound. However, when pushing the bar at its maximum volume, there's a noticeable jump in THD, peculiarly in the bass range.

Localization Discrete

Slope -0.12

Std. Err. 2.33 dB

SPL @ Max Volume 90.9 dB SPL

Weighted THD @ 80dB 0.41

Weighted THD @ Max Volume 1.75

This Vizio is a 5.1.2 system setup that has excellent functioning in the heart channel. Due to its configuration, the Vizio SB36512-F6 has a defended center speaker, which results in a clearer and more accurate audio reproduction of the dialog in movies. The frequency response is great beyond the whole range and you'll exist able to get a decent loudness level.

Localization Discrete

Gradient -1.91

Std. Err. v.46 dB

SPL @ Max Book 90.2 dB SPL

Weighted THD @ 80dB 0.47

Weighted THD @ Max Volume 2.26

7.1 Rears No

The Vizio SB36512-F6 has dedicated side surround speakers, but has fairly mediocre performance. The audio profile is very bass-heavy and nighttime. On the upside, thanks to their localization, surround objects seem to be coming effectually you rather than in front, like a typical stereo system, which is proficient. For an even more immersive experience, cheque out the Vizio SB46514-F6 or the Nakamichi Shockwafe Ultra ix.2Ch with its 4 defended surround audio satellite speakers.

Localization Phantom (Up Firing, Bar)

Slope 0.01

Std. Err. 4.64 dB

SPL @ Max Volume 90.two dB SPL

Weighted THD @ 80dB 1.91

Weighted THD @ Max Volume one.02

The Atmos operation of this Vizio soundbar is decent. The bar has two upwardly-firing speakers that ricochet the sounds off the ceiling, which creates the illusion of top. However, the localization of objects is diffused. It doesn't sound as existent every bit a discrete localization provided past down-firing speakers. The Atmos sound is also much quieter than the other sounds coming from the other speakers, so it might exist a scrap hard to hear the elevation sound furnishings. On the upside, there's a height level adjustment setting within the app, so you might demand to set it to your preference.

Room Correction No

Dialogue Enhancement No

Car-Book/Nighttime Mode Yes

Subwoofer Level Adjustment Yes

Bass Adjustment Yes

Treble Adjustment Yeah

EQ Presets

Surround Level Adjustment Yes

Rear Level Aligning No

Height Level Adjustment Yes

Virtual Environs Yes

Update 07/twenty/2020: Nosotros incorrectly listed this soundbar equally not having a Top Level Adjustment. Notwithstanding, this feature is available when using the Vizio SmartCast app. This review has been updated to reflect these changes.

The Vizio SB36512-F6 has sub-par audio enhancements. Information technology doesn't take a room correction feature, pregnant it might sound differently depending on your room. It besides lacks a dialog enhancement for making voices clearer. On the upside, information technology has both an automobile-book and a night-mode. You can as well customize the sound profile a flake thanks to the EQ presets and the individual bass and treble adjustments. Yous can turn the elevation speakers on/off, or use the Virtual setting, which creates a virtual summit speaker event using the front-firing speakers according to the manufacturer. You tin also adjust the height level via the companion app.

Connectivity

Optical Audio In 1

HDMI ARC ane (shared)

HDMI Out one (shared)

Total HDMI In one

Analog Audio In three.5mm (Aux) 1

RCA In No

USB for Files 1

Ethernet one

The Vizio SB36512-F6 is very versatile, every bit information technology has a pretty complete prepare of physical inputs. You should exist able to connect any device using one of the available inputs. Unlike the JBL Bar five.1 Surround, this bar fifty-fifty has an AUX port so that you can play audio from some older devices.

eARC No

Dolby Atmos Yes

Dolby Digital Yes

Dolby Digital Plus Yes

DTS Yes

DTS:10 (eARC just) No

Dolby TrueHD (eARC only) No

DTS-Hd MA (eARC merely) No

5.ane PCM (eARC simply) No

The Vizio SB36512-F6 has great sound format back up over ARC. It supports the common Dolby Digital and DTS surround sound formats found on streaming platforms and Blu-ray discs. It also offers a more immersive audio experience thanks to the support of Dolby Atmos, an object-based surround sound format. Unfortunately, there's no support for uncompressed audio formats like five.1 PCM, over this port. Likewise, unlike the Vizio K Serial M51a-H6, it doesn't back up DTS:X content.

Dolby Atmos Yeah

DTS:X No

Dolby Digital Aye

Dolby Digital Plus Yeah

DTS Yes

Dolby TrueHD Yes

DTS-HD MA Yes

5.1 PCM Yes

Splendid sound format support through the Full HDMI In. You'll be able to playback the most avant-garde sound formats. You can playback environs sound and object-based formats similar Dolby Atmos, or even lossless formats like PCM v.1. These sound formats are common in Blu-rays and streaming platforms like Netflix.

Dolby Digital Yes

DTS Yes

The Optical Audio has excellent back up for environs sound. Dolby Digital and DTS formats are unremarkably found on streaming platforms like Netflix or Blu-ray discs. DTS is usually found equally the fallback of the DTS-Hard disk MA which is common on most recent Blu-rays.

ARC 56 ms

Optical 53 ms

Total HDMI In -85 ms

Update 03/23/2021: There was a fault in our methodology where we measured the latency using every second frame (eg. 120fps). We now re-evaluated the footage using every frame at 240fps for more authentic results.

Bluetooth Aye

Wi-Fi Yes

Chromecast built-in Yep

Apple AirPlay No

Update 10/16/2019: A user pointed out that this bar does back up Wi-Fi and Chromecast congenital-in. The review and text have been updated.

The wireless playback on this bar is splendid. You can enjoy your music by connecting a telephone or a tablet wirelessly using Bluetooth, use Wi-Fi and cast content using the Chromecast congenital-in.

4k @ 60 Hz Passthrough Yes

4k @ 60 Hz @ x bit Passthrough Yes

4k @ 60 Hz @ 4:4:four Passthrough Yes

HDR10 Passthrough Yes

The Vizio SB36512-F6 tin can passthrough the highest bandwidth signals. This ways that when connected betwixt your PC and the Tv, text will await articulate on your TV.

Sub Wireless Yes

The subwoofer connects wirelessly to the bar, simply there's a wired connection to each of the two surround satellites and also the power cable.

Sat Wireless Partial, wired to wireless sub

The satellites connect to the sub using 2 very long cables. The sub connects to the bar wirelessly.

Additional Features

Display No

The interface consists of a gear up of lights in the front end face that flash co-ordinate to your settings. Unfortunately, they aren't piece of cake to tell apart and you'll have a hard fourth dimension distinguishing which i is which.

The Vizio SB36512-F6 has a set of concrete buttons on the superlative face under the fabric. They serve basic functions like power on/off, input selection, book control, and Bluetooth pairing.

Universal Remote No

The remote is fairly simple and allows you to command playback and basic functions of the bar. Information technology has a small screen on the top which is informing you lot of the inputs, etc. Unfortunately, it's very hard to read due to the lack of any backlight, which is either non-real or did not work in our case.

Amazon Alexa No

Google Assistant No

Apple Siri No

App Name Vizio SmartCast

iOS Yes

Android Yes

Acts Every bit A Remote Yep

Controls Soundbar'south Settings All

Casts Device Files No

The app serves equally a complete remote replacement but too does more than things similar allowing you to update the soundbar. Unfortunately, it'southward very laggy and doesn't requite you immediate feedback on the state of the soundbar. This tin can be abrasive at times, like in our instance where the soundbar updated itself and the app informed u.s. that it wasn't connected.

Ability Saving Motorcar-off

HDMI CEC (Idiot box Remote Command) Yes

The Vizio SB36512-F6 has an Auto-Off characteristic which will turn itself off after some fourth dimension of inactivity. As well, thanks to HDMI CEC support you can have basic control of the bar using the TV's remote.

Compared To Other Soundbars

The Vizio SB36512-F6 is a very good soundbar, peculiarly for the toll. Information technology has very good performance regardless of what blazon of content you're listening to and its full setup with a sub and satellites gives you an immersive listening experience. However, the satellites are wired to the sub, which isn't ideal, and the app is one of the most difficult to navigate seamlessly and without bugs. Meet our recommendations for the all-time soundbars, the all-time small soundbars, and the best soundbars for music.

The Vizio M Series M51a-H6 is a better soundbar than the Vizio SB36512-F6. The M Series has a more than neutral sound profile out-of-the-box, and it can become louder. Information technology has a meliorate surrounds functioning, more than sound enhancement features, and it supports DTS:X. However, the SB36512-F6 is Wi-Fi compatible and has Chromecast born.

The Vizio M Serial M512a-H6 is slightly ameliorate than the Vizio SB36512-F6. The Chiliad Serial is amend-built, with improve soundstage and surround performances. It also comes with more sound enhancement features like dialogue enhancement. That said, the SB36512-F6 supports more wireless playback options.

The Vizio M Serial M51ax-J6 is a bit better for mixed usage than the Vizio SB36512-F6. The 1000 Serial has a improve surrounds performance, and information technology comes with more audio enhancement features similar dialogue enhancement. Likewise, information technology has an AUX VA In port for connecting third-party vocalisation banana devices. Nonetheless, the SB36512-F6 has more wireless playback options.

The Vizio SB36512-F6 is a somewhat better soundbar for mixed usage than the standalone Sonos Arc. The Vizio offers more wireless playback options and reproduces a more extended low-bass. It comes with EQ presets and a Total HDMI In port, and a dedicated subwoofer and satellites. That said, the Sonos is better built and offers a better soundstage performance. It also has built-in voice assistant back up, a room correction feature, and a dialogue enhancement style. You can also upgrade it as the Sonos Arc with Sub + 1 SL Speakers for better performance.

The Vizio 46-inch 5.one.4 F6 isn't that much meliorate than the Vizio 36-inch v.1.2 F6 soundbar. Their performances are quite similar, but the 5.ane.iv soundbar setup has two additional upwardly-firing speakers on the surround satellites. We also measured a scrap more than compression on the 46-inch model, although we don't look most people to notice this. Notwithstanding, the 46-inch 5.1.4 F6 has a ameliorate overall surround performance. For most people, the 36-inch will offer better value.

The Vizio SB36512-F6 is a better overall soundbar than the Vizio 5 Series V51-H6. The SB36512-F6 supports Atmos content, and it has a meliorate surrounds operation. Also, it has more connectivity options, including a Full HDMI In port that allows for 4k passthrough, and Wi-Fi and Chromecast compatibility. That being said, the 5 Series has a dialogue enhancement feature, which information technology SB36512-F6 lacks.

The Vizio SB36512-F6 is a bit ameliorate for mixed usage than the Samsung HW-Q600A. The Vizio is a v.one.2 setup with discrete satellites that offers meliorate surround and Atmos performances. There'due south also less compression when you play it at max volume. However, it isn't as well-built every bit the Samsung. Too, the Samsung offers more sound enhancement features, like a graphic EQ.

The Vizio Elevate is meliorate than the Vizio SB36512-F6. The Elevate is improve built, and it has a unique design with sides that rotate upwards to help create a better soundstage operation. Information technology even comes with some more sound enhancement features, like dialogue enhancement mode.

The Vizio SB36512-F6 is a slightly amend soundbar setup than the Samsung HW-Q70R without satellites. The sub of the Samsung performs better, and both support Atmos. Withal, the Samsung completely cuts out environs content rather than downmixing, which is frustrating, while the environs performance of the Vizio is decent thank you to the dedicated satellites.

The Vizio SB36512-F6 and the LG SN9YG are similarly performing soundbars. The Vizio comes with two satellites, it has a slightly more neutral audio profile, and it can get as loud as the LG with less compression. Its middle and height performances are better, and it has an AUX port for older devices. The LG, on the other hand, feels much better built, its environs performance is better congenital, and it has more sound enhancement features available, including room correction. Information technology as well supports eARC and DTS:X via its full HDMI In port.

The Vizio SB36512-F6 is a much amend soundbar setup than the Vizio SB3220n-F6. The SB36512 has five.1.2 channels and tin support Dolby Atmos for a significantly superior surround sound feel. That said, the SB3220n is the better option if you lot're tight on space and want something easier to install and use.

The Vizio SB36512-F6 is a better overall soundbar than the LG SK9Y since we haven't tested the SK9Y with the optional satellites. The Vizio can get louder and has a bully stereo frequency response. Its defended middle channels also perform quite significantly amend for dialog, just the Vizio lacks a dialog enhancement feature, which the LG does have. The LG soundbar is besides amend-built and should perform improve with discrete surround speakers. It also has Wi-Fi compatibility and Chromecast built-in.

The Vizio SB36512-F6 is a better soundbar than the Vizio Yard-Series M21d-H8R. The v.1.ii SB36512-F6 has a more neutral sound profile and a better soundstage performance. Also, thanks to its defended center channel and defended surround speakers, it offers better eye and environs channel performances. It supports Atmos, too. However, the 2.i Thou-Series comes with a dialogue enhancement feature, which is handy.

The Vizio SB36512-F6 is amend than the Samsung HW-Q60R. The Vizio comes with rear satellite speakers that provide a much better surround sound experience. It also has a more than balanced sound signature and a wider selection of inputs. It supports more sound formats as well, merely the Samsung has a meliorate build quality and more than audio enhancement features.

The Vizio SB36512-F6 is better than the Samsung HW-A650. The Vizio is a 5.1.2 setup with discrete satellites that supports Dolby Atmos content, unlike the Samsung. It has a meliorate surrounds performance, and it gets louder with less compression at max volume. That said, the 3.ane Samsung is improve built.

The Samsung HW-Q90R is a meliorate soundbar organisation than the Vizio SB36512-F6. It's a 7.i.4 setup better built and has meliorate soundstage and surround performances. It tin also get louder with less compression at max book. There are even more sound enhancement features, such every bit a graphic EQ and a dialogue enhancement style.

The Vizio SB36512-F6 is a ameliorate soundbar system than the Nakamichi Shockwafe Ultra 9.2Ch for about people, especially for the toll. It has dandy overall functioning, with a very good, neutral sound contour. On the other manus, its environment sound listening experience isn't as immersive as the Nakamichi soundbar with its 4 dedicated environs speakers.

The Vizio SB36512-F6 is a better soundbar than the Vizio 5 Series V21-H8. The 5.1.2 SB36512-F6 has a better-balanced sound profile that's suited for an even wider assortment of audio content. It also has discrete surround speakers, and it supports Atmos content, unlike the 2.1 5 Serial. It too more connectivity options and is compatible with more than wireless playback options, like Chromecast and Wi-Fi. It can also be controlled via its companion app. That said, the V Series comes with a dialogue enhancement feature, which the SB36512-F6 lacks.

The Vizio SB36512-F6 is better than the Polk Audio Signa S4. The Vizio is a 5.i.2 setup with discrete satellites. It has a meliorate environs operation and can reproduce a more extended low-bass than the Polk. Unlike the Polk, information technology even has a Full HDMI In port for video passthrough. If you lot don't have space for satellites, the Polk is even so a decent choice.

The Vizio SB36512-F6 is a better soundbar than the LG SL6Y. The Vizio is an Atmos-enabled five.1.ii soundbar while the LG is only 3.1. The Vizio sounds much improve, does a much better task with surround content thanks to its dedicated satellite speakers, and has Wi-Fi for better wireless music playback. On the other paw, the LG feels ameliorate-built and has a screen on the bar to ameliorate run across your input selections.

The Samsung HW-Q80R is a slightly better 5.i.two soundbar setup than the Vizio SB36512-F6. Information technology can get louder and its stereo soundstage feels a bit wider likewise. Withal, we didn't test the Samsung with satellites. The surround performance of the Vizio is slightly meliorate due to the discrete localization of the surround speakers. On the other hand, the Samsung is Wi-Fi compatible and has an actress HDMI In port for you to use your bar as a hub for your different devices.

The Vizio SB36512-F6 is a better performing soundbar than the Sennheiser AMBEO Soundbar. It has a better stereo frequency response performance and has a dedicated sub and surround speakers, while the Sennheiser is only a bar that tries to do it all. On the other hand, the Sennheiser does have a virtual environment mode that is quite impressive for a stand-alone bar. It's also better-built, although very large and heavy.

The Vizio SB36512-F6 is a better v.1.two setup than the Monoprice SB-600. The Vizio has a more neutral audio profile and can produce a more than extended depression-bass. It likewise has a improve summit functioning, and it has support for Wi-Fi and born Chromecast. All the same, the Monoprice has a slightly more immersive surrounds performance, and information technology comes with a dialogue enhancement feature.

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Source: https://www.rtings.com/soundbar/reviews/vizio/sb36512-f6