Vizio M512E-K6

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?

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

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.

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.

I actually have a newer vizio 5.1.2 in my living room. I literally just want a sound bar. It's for a playroom that used to be a breakfast room right off my kitchen. I want it as low profile as possible and do not want a sub taking up space.

Apple TV 4K gen 1 > Vizio M Series Soundbar w Atmos > Phillips Hue SYNC box > 65” Vizio P-series LED (2018) I have no reason to update any of these just yet. But I want an OLED. When I do, I will pair it with the latest Apple TV.

Vizio M series if you want surround sound. Hard to beat for the price (around $350) Only thing is the rear surround is wired to the sub, but the sub itself is wireless to the sound bar.

I went with the Vizio M series, cost me like $180 on Amazon during a sale. Is it an audiophile system? By no means. But it blows the doors off of the C1 built in speakers and the surrounds add a lot. It's a nice way to dip your toes into a surround system.