VIZIO - M-Series Elevate 5.1.2 Immersive Sound Bar (M512E-K6)

I had the M-Series elevate and can say it's an excellent soundbar. If you can find one and it's in the budget, go for it. I just upgraded to the Q990F because, well, because I always want a new toy. :)

[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.

The Elevate SL512X-0806 is a waste of money, if you're going to go for the Vizio Elevate it has to be the M series M512E-K6, [see comparison here](https://www.rtings.com/soundbar/tools/compare/vizio-m-series-elevate-m512e-k6-vs-vizio-elevate-se-sl512x-0806/33243/78229). [List of top 5 soundbars for under $500](https://www.rtings.com/soundbar/reviews/best/by-price/under-500)

Depends on what you’re looking for really, the SL only has eARC connection and nothing else. No HDMI IN, no video passthrough, no optical, no remote and has overall lower ratings across the board than the M Series elevate. The M Series Elevate has been on sale for $450 in the past ([see here](https://camelcamelcamel.com/product/B09ZX1W6Q6?cpf=amazon-new)). Even at $500 it’s still a better overall product than the SL given all the extras and overall better sound quality.

I own a 5.1.2 Vizio sound bar (M512E-K6), and I had a 5.1 Polk prior to that. Personally, I think the .2 is worth it. Is it going to sound as good as discrete down-firing ceiling mounted Atmos speakers? Of course not. But, the .2 does add a sense of verticality, especially if you choose the right system. As a Vizio owner, I’m biased, but there are a plethora of reputable reviews out there praising Vizio sound bars for their Atmos performance, especially for the price. If you’re going to pick between the two you have in the screenshots, I would definitely go with the Vizio Elevate. It’s reviewed well, and discreet height speakers are always going to be an improvement over none at all, even if they’re up-firing.

Yeah, like I said, it’s nothing like down firing ceiling mounted but for certain models, you can definitely hear overhead effects, with mine you can especially if LFE. I think it also depends on room, size ceiling, height, and all that. Even if they don’t produce overhead effects, they do improve the sound stage vertically, at least a little bit, and in OP’s case, that Elevate is the better system, especially for $100 less. Like I said if he had to pick between those two, I would definitely get the extra drivers, especially for less, why not?

I’ll second this, as same, I love mine. The auto-rotate feature when Atmos kicks on is soooooo satisfying

I got a Vizio Elevate 5.1.2 on sale for $250. I love it.

LOL, You are me a year ago. I had the same doubts, and was using a perfectly fine Vizio (512a elevate) unit I was quite happy with. I slid into a deal on a 990C at around $650, and yeah, this thing is in a different class entirely. You'll realize that when you first open the box. It's like I'd ordered a major appliance. Beefy is a word that barely does it justice. The whole system is a chonk. One of the rear surrounds weighs as much as my Vizio soundbar did. They each contain an amp and wireless transmitter, so the only wiring is power to each of the 4 driver units. Yes, get it. The sub is decent, it's an 8" driver and goes to around 37hz. Luckily you can upgrade that by opening it up and splicing to the speaker wire to add a second sub or bass transducers ( a project I hope to tackle soon).

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.

The Vizio m series 5.1.2 is a great budget atmos soundbar, 500 bucks you get the soundbar subwoofer and rear speakers. Well worth it, the bass isn’t anything special but if you’re in an apartment it’s probably perfect won’t rattle your Neihbors pictures off the wall, dialogue sounds great, separation and soundstage are impressive for that price, music isn’t great through it if that’s a deal breaker for you

I actually have a newer vizio 5.1.2 in my living room. I literally just want a sound bar. It's for a playroom that used to be a breakfast room right off my kitchen. I want it as low profile as possible and do not want a sub taking up space.

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.