Depending on your needs, I have been researching to see if it is worth it to upgrade my Vizio M512a- H6. At the time it was highly rated. We are in the same budget range and these are the ones I reseached.
Hisense AX514OQ is a highly rated Budget soundbar with wireless subwoofer and rear speakers $350
Hisense AX700 identical to the 514OQ Doesn't have room calibration - $250
TCL Q65 is another recommended soundbar with subwoofer and no rear speakers. $350
Samsung HWQ600F - supposedly really good for movies, same as the TCL with no rear speakers and it's pricier $450. Maybe you can luck up and find it in your price range.
A proper room can do amazing things with just about any decent soundbar. I have a Vizio m512a-h6 in my basement which is perfectly boxed in and it blows my Q990D in my living room away by miles. The geometry of the room really does make that much of a difference.
OK I checked the Vizio, and it seems like your best option atm.
[Review](https://www.cnet.com/tech/home-entertainment/vizio-m512a-h6-review-the-best-dolby-atmos-soundbar-for-the-money/)
[R8tings](https://www.rtings.com/soundbar/reviews/vizio/m-series-m512a-h6)
For the money, I don't know what else to offer you, I think you will be in good hands, if you want to wait and check out more, then do this, but what you have posted seems like the best one for the money.
Just make sure the model number is the same from Amazon, to the reviews.
I’ve currently have a Samsung q990d, a Sony HT-A9 with SW5 sub, a Polk MagniFi Mini AX with surrounds, a Vizio 5.1.2 M512a-H6 and I’ve owned the Sonos Beam gen2, LG SP9Y, and an LG Eclair QP5. The 2 best are the Sony and the Samsung. I had the Sony first in my Theater Room and I bought the Samsung and immediately switched it to the Samsung. I’ve never owned a Samsung TV or soundbar before, so I’m not a Samsung fanboy, but I gotta tell you it’s FAR and AWAY the best system I’ve ever owned. It will shock you, it did me. People can complain about all the Samsung love, but I’m a believer. I haven’t tried the Sonos ultimate setup, or the new quads, but I have a SUPER hard time believing they’re “better”. They may be just as good, but better? I doubt it. I also haven’t tried the Nakamichi bars, but I paid $850 for my Samsung and there is no way it’s $2000+ better. Well, there is my 2 cents. Good luck.
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.
These commenters peer pressuring you to drop a thousand dollars you don’t want to spend need to go touch grass.
I have the Vizio m512a-H6 and I’ve been very happy. It’s around $350 USD, comes with two satellite speakers, and a subwoofer.
It’s not the craziest sounding but my budget was similar to yours and I’ve been very happy with it. And compared to the speakers in my Sony 65”, they’re night and day. Hope this helps OP!
You should 💯 be looking for a Vizio m series 5.1.2. Not to be confused with the Elevate. I have this unit and it slaps. Its performs well above its class. Honestly it has no business sounding as good as it does once dialed in. Anyone saying it isnt good either got a bad unit or more than likely had it placed poorly and or didnt dial it in. For reference I also own a Sennheiser Ambeo Max and a Samsung q990d.
https://ebay.us/m/igqqlk
Top Soundbars on Reddit
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Sonos
Beam (Gen 2)
77% positive of 417 users
Compact, easy setup, great value, but virtual Atmos disappoints.
cthunder067
