VIZIO - M-Series 5.1 Home Theater Sound Bar (M51a-H6)

When I saw that deal post I wanted to jump on it for absolutely no practical reason. At this time in my life I wouldn't pay full price. Right now I'm using a Vizio M51a-H6 which I think sounds pretty good. I would have gladly paid the deal price for that upgrade.

VIZIO has good middle of the road soundbars, which is enough since you are settling for second level sound quality anyway for modern features like Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, and convenience. I paid $249 for mine in 2021. Frankly, it doesn't compare to a true channel based AVR/Amplifier system with dedicated speakers, but it will suffice. I have a VIZIO M-Series M51a H6 Soundbar that fulfills my needs for the family room, but I also have a Sony STR-DH750 7.2 Channel (5.1.2 setup) AVR system in my Retreat for a greater home theater experience.

Sam’s Club has a good deal right now for the Vizio 5.1 system, check it out. I just purchased it for $160 and set it up today. It’s performing good so far for my front living room space (smaller-medium sized room).

I really like the Samsung Q990. I have multiple systems in my home and I think 3.1, 5.1 and above soundbar systems are awesome. I have an inexpensive Vizio 5.1 soundbar system that I am very happy with. It’s set up in an upstairs loft in my home paired to a matching 55” Vizio 4K TV and is perfect in that area. I have a 100” projector setup in a large family room with a full 5.2.4 Atmos surround sound. It’s a lot of amps, speakers and subwoofers that take up significantly more space than a soundbar. I have no issues with soundbars or ARV setups. Good quality products do make a difference though.

I second the Vizio. Very reliable for the price.

I have that Vizio 5.1 and it's definitely worth it for the price

It totally depends on the soundbar. I am still impressed with the Vizio 5.1 system’s ability to produce a really nice sounding virtual atmos experience. I also have a Polk Mini ax and in my opinion it doesn’t compare to the Vizio. I also have a Vizio 5.1.2 system and I’ll still stand by that system as THE top of the line budget system. Saying all of that I’ll conclude by saying, none of those systems match my Sony HT-A9, but I wouldn’t expect them to. I had an LG SP7Y and took it back within hours of purchase. It soured me on LG soundbars quickly. Also, if you’re looking for a budget system, don’t count out ONN’s 5.1 or 5.1.2. They both are surprisingly good.

Apple TV 4K gen 1 > Vizio M Series Soundbar w Atmos > Phillips Hue SYNC box > 65” Vizio P-series LED (2018) I have no reason to update any of these just yet. But I want an OLED. When I do, I will pair it with the latest Apple TV.

Found a Vizio M series for 80 bucks, it was a steal. It’s really good

[Here’s a list of top soundbars for under $300](https://www.rtings.com/soundbar/reviews/best/by-price/under-300) The Vizio M series is probably your best bet for a budget soundbar and overall sound experience. Note that dialogue usually only comes out of the soundbar itself and not the surround speakers, the surrounds are there to add an immersive experience for action scenes where sounds are coming from behind/around you but generally dialogue is limited to the soundbar itself due to the audio mix, so focus on a soundbar with good dialogue vs thinking that adding surround speakers will make your dialogue sound better.