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Reddit Reviews
I have two simple Vizio soundbars paired with my C3 and C4 TVs. I enjoy them. Was pleasantly surprised since they are only 2.1. One has atoms the other doesn’t. For around $100 they can’t be beat. If you have a higher budget then I’d just research a little. I’ve heard good things about the Sonos bars
I would say the Vizio all in one 2.1 soundbar, it has subwoofers integrated into the soundbar itself, it will let you hear the bass without bothering the neighbors. I used to own one of the older models, im assuming the newer models continued having good sound quality.....
i grabbed the vizio 2.1 on its current $79 black friday sale from walmart, and its just fine for what it is. all i needed was better sound projection (my tv speakers are rear-facing), and the built-in subs were just a bonus.
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.
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.
Find the original elevate.. only thing beats that your spend 2k … best budget sound bar I ever heard… you can probably find one on amazon or eBay
I have that soundbar and it is nice however there is an issue where audio won't start playing until three to four seconds after starting content. I've tried every troubleshooting option and can't resolve the issue. I've also tried it on both a CX and my current G4. Other than that its a great soundbar. I'm personally going to upgrade to the Samsung Q990F or possibly the Q990H.
I live in an apartment and i have neighbors, to me soundbar is the way to go in my case but there is something that i would love to change in a future soundbar (currently i have the vizio elevate) and is a way to have a more separate front left and right channels. It annoys me a little bit when something that is supposed to be in the left or right front channel just sound like the center, unless i sit really close to the soundbar. Is almost a nitpick but something that i’ll consider next time. Other than that i think soundbars are great when you don’t have all the privacy that you’d like.
Rankings by Use Case
Top recommendations from others in the same boat
Best for Apartments

Top pick
Sonos - Arc Ultra
Best for Dialogue clarity

Top pick
Sonos - Beam (Gen 2)
Best for Large open-concept rooms

Top pick
Sonos - Arc Ultra
Best for Music-first listening

Top pick
Sonos - Playbar
Best for Standalone setups

Top pick
Sonos - Arc Ultra





