VIZIO - Vizio M512E-K6

[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 have a Vizio M512E-K6, which is 5.1.2 (2 up-firing in the bar) and while it definitely makes a difference. I do hear sound effects above my head, especially if they’re bass heavy. Does it compare to discrete down-firing height speakers? No, but it does sound immersive, and it’s definitely better than no height drivers at all. Also, make sure to crank the height levels to the max.

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'm ngl foe the price the vizo m series 5.1.2 is alright...I mean don't get me wrong none of these are even CLOSE to my all klipsch 5.1.4 system w/ the new klipsch rp1200sw sub, but for my bedroom the vizio m series does great...I will say tho, anyone that wants a GREAT surround system, a subwoofer with a low freq response is SO important...my old sub was the r12sw, which had a frwq response down to 30hz...my new one, goes down to 16.5hz...its literally like an earthquake in movies

It doesn’t come close to my component 5.1.2 setup in my living room, but in my bedroom have a Vizio 5.1.2 m series sound bar that is pretty decent for being a sound bar. It has little rear surround speakers and a sub. Then upfiring atmos speakers in the bar itself. It was like 450 when I got it 3-4 years ago. [doesn’t appear to be available anymore though](https://www.bestbuy.com/site/sku/6446231.p?skuId=6446231&sb_share_source=PDP)

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.

Vizio M Series 5.1.2 and call it a day. Great freaking soundbar for the money. Heck, it rivals my Samsung Q850 which is normally a $1000 system.

100%, best systems for the money and it's not even close.

I would steer you towards Vizio. I’ve got a Vizio 512 and it’s really, really good for the price.

Ya i like my 9.2.4 eArc 2 10” subs and 4 surrounds blends nice in a open concept kinda area. It was a almost 1800$ back when i got it for 200$ off an older couple a subwoofer plate fried so subs and surrounds didn’t work i called Nakamich ended up sending me 2 new plates for me to swap out after trying a couple things first. They didn’t chsrge me a dime just asked if it worked if i would send mine back w/shipping label they had sent so they could see what happened. You cant get much better customer care then that and they knew I bought it used. Also have a Vizio Mseries 5.1.2 and a jbl 9.1 i do like there 10” sub im using it as a blutooth speaker in my lil garage part of my basement.

The best stand alone is definitely the ambeo max. But I suspect with some creativity could use a surround unit despite your room configuration and if you can pull that off you can get some truly terrific sound for far less. The (VIZIO M Series 5.1.2) is amazing and can be found new for around $300 sometimes. I’ve seen them on the secondary market for $100. I promise you it is the best you can get dollar for dollar.

Vizio M-series? Really good 5.1 for the price range for sure. V-series has a major issue though

Be careful with soundbars and TV combinations with a PC, I cannot get my x570 PC to pass 5.1 channels through the TV (LGCX ) to the soundbar (Vizio M-series) via eArc.

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

M series is what i would buy. Reviews have looked like it punches above its price point.

Vizio's sound bars are surprisingly great. I have an old 5.1 system. The only issue I've encountered is one where it shuts off randomly, but maybe the new systems like that one don't have that problem.

3.1.2 is the soundbar with 3 integrated speakers (Left, Center, Right), 1 subwoofer, and 2 upfiring speakers integrated into the soundbar that bounces sound off your ceiling. It will not give you real surround sound compared to a 5.1 or 5.1.2 atmos system. I would go with Vizio if you want surround sound (Left, Center, Right, Rear Left, Rear Right, Subwoofer). Vizio also has Atmos-Surround solutions with their Elevate series.

Congrats OP! I did this early last year. I went from a basic ass Bose sounds to a Vizio 5.1 with atmos. Had to get a sound isolation pad under my subwoofer because I’m in an apartment building