Vizio M512E-K6

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.

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.

Could always position the rears in the front or elsewhere. I've seen where you can change the positioning of the rears in some apps, not sure which though. I mounted mine (Samsung Q990C & Vizio Elevate). But they do make the bar sound better. If rear speakers are just hated maybe the Sonos Arc?

Don't listen to people telling you you're dumb for buying it, unless you have the ability to *comfortably* buy a better one. Any soundbar is going to be better than a TV's speakers, and I remember seeing that one on a huge sale. If/when you're able to, grab a soundbar with a bass and preferably with rear speakers as well. 5 years or so ago I was able to snag a 5.1.1 Vizio soundbar that was Atmos capable and came with two rear speakers for around $250. It was great for the price and revolutionized gaming for me. Just this year I grabbed the Samsung Q990D on Woot for $750, and while it is an incredible setup and the best I've personally heard, it wouldn't have been worth paying $1,500-2,000 for it like it used to be.