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 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?
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.
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
LOL, You are me a year ago. I had the same doubts, and was using a perfectly fine Vizio (512a elevate) unit I was quite happy with.
I slid into a deal on a 990C at around $650, and yeah, this thing is in a different class entirely. You'll realize that when you first open the box. It's like I'd ordered a major appliance.
Beefy is a word that barely does it justice. The whole system is a chonk. One of the rear surrounds weighs as much as my Vizio soundbar did. They each contain an amp and wireless transmitter, so the only wiring is power to each of the 4 driver units.
Yes, get it. The sub is decent, it's an 8" driver and goes to around 37hz. Luckily you can upgrade that by opening it up and splicing to the speaker wire to add a second sub or bass transducers ( a project I hope to tackle soon).
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.
WannabeIntelectual
