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Reddit Reviews
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 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 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. :)
I just replaced an M-Series Elevate with the Q990F. The Vizio was a terrific 5.1.2 soundbar but the Q990F is in a different league. I bought it on Woot for $967 with an Amazon Prime Visa (5% back in Amazon rewards) and RetailMeNot gave me another $50. I doubt you'll save much more over that on Black Friday.
I wonder if that system is manufactured by Vizio? maybe they haven't been part of Walmart long enough for that to be the case but awesome it works well for you. I have helped 2 family members get soundbars recently and each got the Vizio Elevate 5.1.2 which surprised me at how well it does with content generally. I love recommending this one for not to much money.
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.
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
Despite others dislike of sound bars, I’d consider one for your specific use. I use a full blown HT system for my main viewing room. For an entertainment room a sound bar works well. I use a Vizio elevate for the non HT room. Clear audio and wireless sub and surrounds. No need to run wire around the room.
Rankings by Use Case
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Best for Standalone setups

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