One could state Vizio's witticism has for quite some time been "Anything you can do, we can do less expensive." It's worked out truly well for the brand's TVs — including the element stuffed (and dazzling) Vizio P-arrangement — and it's likewise an entirely decent approach to win the soundbar war. The organization's most recent exertion on that front is a 5.1.4 Atmos soundbar, which passes by the title "Vizio Home Theater Sound System with Dolby Atmos," or the exceedingly long model number, SB46514-F6.
Awful names aside, the SB46514 offers a powerhouse of highlights, including discrete encompass sound and four upfiring drivers to firmly display Samsung's prevalent HW-K950 and HW-N950 bars, the two of which helped set the standard for strong Atmos sound in an across the board arrangement. The wind? At $1,000, Vizio's rendition undermines those adversaries by as much as $700. We invested some quality energy with the bar to see whether Vizio's new Atmos incentive conveys.
OUT OF THE BOX
We're utilized to some truly difficult work with regards to Atmos bars, yet the SB46514 wins the prize for most ungainly rigging pull. This thing is substantial, so lift with alert. Opening the L-formed box is likewise an unbalanced undertaking, flush with froth bundling, a sizable extras box, and a lot of folds and embeds to spread out.
Vizio Dolby Atmos Soundbar
Rich Shibley/Digital Trends
It didn't take long to find what was burdening the bundle, as we almost slipped a plate hauling out the huge subwoofer square. It's equipped in Vizio's mark dark and-silver shading plan, including a layer of dark barbecue along the top and front that is coordinated by smooth aluminum sections along the edges for some amazing style. A sizable bass port sits at the rear by contributions for the included satellite speakers (more on that beneath) and a power port.
The slight satellites and soundbar are comparably embellished, with the last spreading over a solid 46-crawls crosswise over and bearing a rubber treated control cushion on top. Riding in the bundle are a reiteration of links and different frill, including power links for the bar and sub, connector links for the double encompass speakers, various computerized and simple association links (counting HDMI), and the equivalent reused remote stuffed with for all intents and purposes each Vizio bar, total with essential route keys and a Casio-style advanced menu screen.
GETTING Moving
Setup is moderately direct, however a multi-part framework, for example, this requires more exertion than your normal soundbar. As referenced over, one marker of the SB46514's semi-spending status is that, not normal for Samsung's bars (among different contributions), the encompass speakers aren't remote and expect you to connect them to the sub by means of extensive wires. The speakers are shading coded to help with association, yet the way that the left is hued (blue) and the privilege is white distracted us (RCA links are the invert) — and we associated it inaccurately at first.
Vizio Dolby Atmos Soundbar
Vizio Dolby Atmos Soundbar
Vizio Dolby Atmos Soundbar
Vizio Dolby Atmos Soundbar
Curve HDMI is the best strategy for interfacing the framework to your TV if your TV underpins it, taking into account the best solid, just as control of volume and power from your TV remote. (Note: You may need to draw in CEC in your TV's menu, just as set sound yield to Speakers or Receiver). In the event that your TV doesn't have ARC, there are various different approaches to interface, and you may likewise have the capacity to program your TV's remote to control the bar. In the event that you need to stream music over Wi-Fi by means of Chromecast, you'll likewise need to download the SmartCast application and adhere to the guidelines to associate with your system.
SPEAKERS TO SPARE
It takes a ton of drivers to cover every one of those channels, with eight speakers in the bar alone, including an oval-molded driver coordinated by a ¾-inch tweeter for the left, focus, and right channels. There are additionally double upfiring drivers set at an edge. That is a great accumulation at this cost. For correlation, an additional $500 for Samsung's HW-K950 gets you an extra 2.5-inch driver per channel, however Vizio likewise incorporates double detached radiators along the edges to amplify midbass, just as a ported focus channel.
Eight speakers in the bar alone is a noteworthy accumulation at this cost.
The SB46514's satellite speakers include four additional drivers (two of which are upfiring), while the subwoofer bureau sports a 10-inch woofer — a gigantic cone for a soundbar framework that exceeds (the extent that we can recall) each other bar we've run over.
As referenced above, there are various approaches to associate, including computerized Optical and Coaxial data sources, 3.5mm simple association, and Bluetooth to oblige Wi-Fi spilling. There's likewise Ethernet, too a HDMI contribution to associate a part legitimately to the bar for uncompressed sound, however we would have jumped at the chance to have seen somewhere around one more included at this cost.
Vizio Dolby Atmos Soundbar
Rich Shibley/Digital Trends
Different highlights incorporate 4K HDR passthrough (counting HDR10 and Dolby Vision), and obviously, Dolby Atmos translating close by Dolby TrueHD and Dolby Digital Plus. Most DTS groups are likewise bolstered, including DTS-HD, however DTS:X, the greatest Atmos rival, isn't. When utilizing the framework's Direct EQ mode, you'll just get 5.1 sound from DTS:X content, however utilizing Movie mode will permit Dolby handling to bolster the stature speakers for 5.1.4 sound. In all honesty, DTS:X is getting increasingly hard to discover in the wild, at any rate, and for those keeping track of who's winning, Samsung's HW-K950 just offers stereo DTS deciphering.
Outdated CONTROL
One more sign that Vizio has spared its marbles for the sonic punch is the SB46514's interface, which utilizes a similar person on foot interface as Vizio's less expensive bars. All menu controls, including station levels, Bluetooth blending, and the bar's sound handling modes (Movie, Music, and Direct, recorded under "EQ Mode"), show up on the remote's highly contrasting screen that looks somewhat like a '80s Game Boy. Comparing LEDs on the bar's left corner offer a vertical pointer for your dimensions, including a couple at the middle that go about as the zero meter for capacities like left and right parity. It's not actually advantageous, however it works.
On the off chance that you're sitting in front of the TV, at that point choose to start up your soundbar-associated amusement reassure, the unit won't auto-change to it.
Not at all like most more up to date soundbars at this value point (or beneath), the bar doesn't intuit input exchanging great. For instance, on the off chance that you're staring at the TV, at that point choose to start up your soundbar-associated amusement comfort, the SB46514 won't auto-change to it, so you'll have to keep the remote available. All things considered, control monstrosities like yours really value having more straightforward control of the framework.
One parameter you can't control, tragically, is the dimension of the stature channels. There's a lot of elbowroom for the middle channel, encompasses, and the subwoofer, yet statures are set. We didn't have to change them in testing, however this could liken to less Atmos rate of profitability for those with high roofs.
Vizio Dolby Atmos Soundbar
Rich Shibley/Digital Trends
One other peculiarity is that turning Surround off doesn't appear to do as such. Rather, you'll have to change to Direct mode for stereo sound, notwithstanding when spilling Spotify or other stereo sources. Indeed, once in a while, the bar just appeared to default to encompass, notwithstanding when we'd recently picked the Direct mode over Music or Movie modes. As per Vizio, the bar once in a while peruses a stereo source as 5.1. We'd regularly anticipate that Music should default to stereo when Surround is killed.
Execution
As we find frequently wind up saying about Vizio items, we wouldn't fret a couple of peculiarities or slips by in extravagance with the SB46514, on the grounds that what it needs in premium trappings, it compensates for in execution for your dollars: When it comes to offering clear, vivid, animal power Atmos punch, this soundbar conveys.
Revving up the framework with Dolby Laboratory's delicious accumulation of demo tracks got our hearts hustling from the get-go. We started with Dolby's Amaze track, and the name was fitting, as the framework stacked our live with slamming thunder, whistling crickets and whirling wind, and pouring precipitation that began at eye-level before deceiving us into gazing toward the roof to watch the virtual drops lurch down on us.
What the framework needs in premium trappings, it compensates for in execution.
While the little drivers inside the satellite speakers will in general lean somewhat light with regards to replicating metal or lavish strings, they stream superbly with the remainder of the framework, and their tallness speakers appeared to meet with the front-terminating set in an ideal pinnacle to splendidly total the 3D side of the equator of sound.
As we proceeded down the rundown of Atmos grandstands, we wondered about how well the framework held up to Samsung's HW-N950 with regards to sheer exactness of the numerous impacts in play. The Atmosphere demo, a lot of enlivened melodic balls bobbing every which way enabled us to pinpoint every component flawlessly in space, while the reckless spaceships in the Horizon cut pitched overhead with great gravitas.
Vizio Dolby Atmos Soundbar
Rich Shibley/Digital Trends
Discussing gravitas, trust us when we state the SB46514's subwoofer is no doubt. In the case of siphoning up the muscle-vehicle motors of Star-Lord's ship in our most loved Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 space fight, or venturing down into the storm cellar with oak-like unbending nature on The Weeknd's Starboy at room-shaking volumes, the individuals who like to stick out the bass will discover a companion in that 10-inch sub.
The framework does really well with less specific soundscapes, as well, however it descends a couple of levels from the taking off statures proffered by our most loved Atmos scenes. Try not to misunderstand us, there are a lot of subtleties uncovered by the bar's front channels, and discourse is in every case irrefutable, yet lesser-delivered content like sitcoms or your nearby news communicate sound somewhat level and do not have the flavorful surfaces and hues you'd get from, state, a pleasant pair of bookshelf speakers or without atmos lead soundbars at this value point.
The equivalent can be said for less bass-overwhelming music like acoustic tracks or jazz. These tracks are consummately listenable and available — we put in almost no time commenting on the exquisite reverberation in a guitar or piano track all over — however it won't wow you similarly as the Atmos content. In any case, in case you're here for convincing, unmistakable artistic sound first, you won't be disillusioned with the sonic incentive on offer.
OUR TAKE
Vizio's 5.1.4 Dolby Atmos soundbar is a beast constrain plane with capacity to save and a convincing portion of true to life 3D sound. While the framework doesn't offer all the extravagant highlights you'll discover in pricier Atmos bars, it acquires the clamor all the correct ways and does as such at a value that comes in well underneath similar frameworks in the space.
Is there a superior option?
In the event that you should have the big enchilada, you'll need to look at Samsung's oft-referenced HW-N950, which offers better highlights and improved execution for non-Atmos content. All things considered, we'd take Vizio's SB46514 over Samsung's past HW-K950 at $500 less, and Vizio's bar additionally beats the N950 with regards to bass yield. Vizio likewise has a 5.1.2 soundbar that costs just $500, however it's additionally very downsized.
In case you're searching for great virtual sound for somewhat less money, you could likewise look at Sony's incredible HT-Z9F, which goes for as meager as $700, however can't submerge you like a discrete encompass framework. Obviously, there are additionally a lot of conventional Atmos frameworks on offer, yet they cost much more and occupy more room for sure.
To what extent will it last?
While the fabricate quality is more midrange than premium, Vizio's 5.1.4 soundbar should last a decent while, and highlights like 4K HDR passthrough and Atmos will keep it current for quite a long time.
Would it be advisable for you to get it?
Indeed. In case you're searching for irrefutably the most value for your Atmos money in a 5.1.4, across the board arrangement, Vizio's SB46514-F6 will be difficult to beat.
Awful names aside, the SB46514 offers a powerhouse of highlights, including discrete encompass sound and four upfiring drivers to firmly display Samsung's prevalent HW-K950 and HW-N950 bars, the two of which helped set the standard for strong Atmos sound in an across the board arrangement. The wind? At $1,000, Vizio's rendition undermines those adversaries by as much as $700. We invested some quality energy with the bar to see whether Vizio's new Atmos incentive conveys.
OUT OF THE BOX
We're utilized to some truly difficult work with regards to Atmos bars, yet the SB46514 wins the prize for most ungainly rigging pull. This thing is substantial, so lift with alert. Opening the L-formed box is likewise an unbalanced undertaking, flush with froth bundling, a sizable extras box, and a lot of folds and embeds to spread out.
Vizio Dolby Atmos Soundbar
Rich Shibley/Digital Trends
It didn't take long to find what was burdening the bundle, as we almost slipped a plate hauling out the huge subwoofer square. It's equipped in Vizio's mark dark and-silver shading plan, including a layer of dark barbecue along the top and front that is coordinated by smooth aluminum sections along the edges for some amazing style. A sizable bass port sits at the rear by contributions for the included satellite speakers (more on that beneath) and a power port.
The slight satellites and soundbar are comparably embellished, with the last spreading over a solid 46-crawls crosswise over and bearing a rubber treated control cushion on top. Riding in the bundle are a reiteration of links and different frill, including power links for the bar and sub, connector links for the double encompass speakers, various computerized and simple association links (counting HDMI), and the equivalent reused remote stuffed with for all intents and purposes each Vizio bar, total with essential route keys and a Casio-style advanced menu screen.
GETTING Moving
Setup is moderately direct, however a multi-part framework, for example, this requires more exertion than your normal soundbar. As referenced over, one marker of the SB46514's semi-spending status is that, not normal for Samsung's bars (among different contributions), the encompass speakers aren't remote and expect you to connect them to the sub by means of extensive wires. The speakers are shading coded to help with association, yet the way that the left is hued (blue) and the privilege is white distracted us (RCA links are the invert) — and we associated it inaccurately at first.
Vizio Dolby Atmos Soundbar
Vizio Dolby Atmos Soundbar
Vizio Dolby Atmos Soundbar
Vizio Dolby Atmos Soundbar
Curve HDMI is the best strategy for interfacing the framework to your TV if your TV underpins it, taking into account the best solid, just as control of volume and power from your TV remote. (Note: You may need to draw in CEC in your TV's menu, just as set sound yield to Speakers or Receiver). In the event that your TV doesn't have ARC, there are various different approaches to interface, and you may likewise have the capacity to program your TV's remote to control the bar. In the event that you need to stream music over Wi-Fi by means of Chromecast, you'll likewise need to download the SmartCast application and adhere to the guidelines to associate with your system.
SPEAKERS TO SPARE
It takes a ton of drivers to cover every one of those channels, with eight speakers in the bar alone, including an oval-molded driver coordinated by a ¾-inch tweeter for the left, focus, and right channels. There are additionally double upfiring drivers set at an edge. That is a great accumulation at this cost. For correlation, an additional $500 for Samsung's HW-K950 gets you an extra 2.5-inch driver per channel, however Vizio likewise incorporates double detached radiators along the edges to amplify midbass, just as a ported focus channel.
Eight speakers in the bar alone is a noteworthy accumulation at this cost.
The SB46514's satellite speakers include four additional drivers (two of which are upfiring), while the subwoofer bureau sports a 10-inch woofer — a gigantic cone for a soundbar framework that exceeds (the extent that we can recall) each other bar we've run over.
As referenced above, there are various approaches to associate, including computerized Optical and Coaxial data sources, 3.5mm simple association, and Bluetooth to oblige Wi-Fi spilling. There's likewise Ethernet, too a HDMI contribution to associate a part legitimately to the bar for uncompressed sound, however we would have jumped at the chance to have seen somewhere around one more included at this cost.
Vizio Dolby Atmos Soundbar
Rich Shibley/Digital Trends
Different highlights incorporate 4K HDR passthrough (counting HDR10 and Dolby Vision), and obviously, Dolby Atmos translating close by Dolby TrueHD and Dolby Digital Plus. Most DTS groups are likewise bolstered, including DTS-HD, however DTS:X, the greatest Atmos rival, isn't. When utilizing the framework's Direct EQ mode, you'll just get 5.1 sound from DTS:X content, however utilizing Movie mode will permit Dolby handling to bolster the stature speakers for 5.1.4 sound. In all honesty, DTS:X is getting increasingly hard to discover in the wild, at any rate, and for those keeping track of who's winning, Samsung's HW-K950 just offers stereo DTS deciphering.
Outdated CONTROL
One more sign that Vizio has spared its marbles for the sonic punch is the SB46514's interface, which utilizes a similar person on foot interface as Vizio's less expensive bars. All menu controls, including station levels, Bluetooth blending, and the bar's sound handling modes (Movie, Music, and Direct, recorded under "EQ Mode"), show up on the remote's highly contrasting screen that looks somewhat like a '80s Game Boy. Comparing LEDs on the bar's left corner offer a vertical pointer for your dimensions, including a couple at the middle that go about as the zero meter for capacities like left and right parity. It's not actually advantageous, however it works.
On the off chance that you're sitting in front of the TV, at that point choose to start up your soundbar-associated amusement reassure, the unit won't auto-change to it.
Not at all like most more up to date soundbars at this value point (or beneath), the bar doesn't intuit input exchanging great. For instance, on the off chance that you're staring at the TV, at that point choose to start up your soundbar-associated amusement comfort, the SB46514 won't auto-change to it, so you'll have to keep the remote available. All things considered, control monstrosities like yours really value having more straightforward control of the framework.
One parameter you can't control, tragically, is the dimension of the stature channels. There's a lot of elbowroom for the middle channel, encompasses, and the subwoofer, yet statures are set. We didn't have to change them in testing, however this could liken to less Atmos rate of profitability for those with high roofs.
Vizio Dolby Atmos Soundbar
Rich Shibley/Digital Trends
One other peculiarity is that turning Surround off doesn't appear to do as such. Rather, you'll have to change to Direct mode for stereo sound, notwithstanding when spilling Spotify or other stereo sources. Indeed, once in a while, the bar just appeared to default to encompass, notwithstanding when we'd recently picked the Direct mode over Music or Movie modes. As per Vizio, the bar once in a while peruses a stereo source as 5.1. We'd regularly anticipate that Music should default to stereo when Surround is killed.
Execution
As we find frequently wind up saying about Vizio items, we wouldn't fret a couple of peculiarities or slips by in extravagance with the SB46514, on the grounds that what it needs in premium trappings, it compensates for in execution for your dollars: When it comes to offering clear, vivid, animal power Atmos punch, this soundbar conveys.
Revving up the framework with Dolby Laboratory's delicious accumulation of demo tracks got our hearts hustling from the get-go. We started with Dolby's Amaze track, and the name was fitting, as the framework stacked our live with slamming thunder, whistling crickets and whirling wind, and pouring precipitation that began at eye-level before deceiving us into gazing toward the roof to watch the virtual drops lurch down on us.
What the framework needs in premium trappings, it compensates for in execution.
While the little drivers inside the satellite speakers will in general lean somewhat light with regards to replicating metal or lavish strings, they stream superbly with the remainder of the framework, and their tallness speakers appeared to meet with the front-terminating set in an ideal pinnacle to splendidly total the 3D side of the equator of sound.
As we proceeded down the rundown of Atmos grandstands, we wondered about how well the framework held up to Samsung's HW-N950 with regards to sheer exactness of the numerous impacts in play. The Atmosphere demo, a lot of enlivened melodic balls bobbing every which way enabled us to pinpoint every component flawlessly in space, while the reckless spaceships in the Horizon cut pitched overhead with great gravitas.
Vizio Dolby Atmos Soundbar
Rich Shibley/Digital Trends
Discussing gravitas, trust us when we state the SB46514's subwoofer is no doubt. In the case of siphoning up the muscle-vehicle motors of Star-Lord's ship in our most loved Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 space fight, or venturing down into the storm cellar with oak-like unbending nature on The Weeknd's Starboy at room-shaking volumes, the individuals who like to stick out the bass will discover a companion in that 10-inch sub.
The framework does really well with less specific soundscapes, as well, however it descends a couple of levels from the taking off statures proffered by our most loved Atmos scenes. Try not to misunderstand us, there are a lot of subtleties uncovered by the bar's front channels, and discourse is in every case irrefutable, yet lesser-delivered content like sitcoms or your nearby news communicate sound somewhat level and do not have the flavorful surfaces and hues you'd get from, state, a pleasant pair of bookshelf speakers or without atmos lead soundbars at this value point.
The equivalent can be said for less bass-overwhelming music like acoustic tracks or jazz. These tracks are consummately listenable and available — we put in almost no time commenting on the exquisite reverberation in a guitar or piano track all over — however it won't wow you similarly as the Atmos content. In any case, in case you're here for convincing, unmistakable artistic sound first, you won't be disillusioned with the sonic incentive on offer.
OUR TAKE
Vizio's 5.1.4 Dolby Atmos soundbar is a beast constrain plane with capacity to save and a convincing portion of true to life 3D sound. While the framework doesn't offer all the extravagant highlights you'll discover in pricier Atmos bars, it acquires the clamor all the correct ways and does as such at a value that comes in well underneath similar frameworks in the space.
Is there a superior option?
In the event that you should have the big enchilada, you'll need to look at Samsung's oft-referenced HW-N950, which offers better highlights and improved execution for non-Atmos content. All things considered, we'd take Vizio's SB46514 over Samsung's past HW-K950 at $500 less, and Vizio's bar additionally beats the N950 with regards to bass yield. Vizio likewise has a 5.1.2 soundbar that costs just $500, however it's additionally very downsized.
In case you're searching for great virtual sound for somewhat less money, you could likewise look at Sony's incredible HT-Z9F, which goes for as meager as $700, however can't submerge you like a discrete encompass framework. Obviously, there are additionally a lot of conventional Atmos frameworks on offer, yet they cost much more and occupy more room for sure.
To what extent will it last?
While the fabricate quality is more midrange than premium, Vizio's 5.1.4 soundbar should last a decent while, and highlights like 4K HDR passthrough and Atmos will keep it current for quite a long time.
Would it be advisable for you to get it?
Indeed. In case you're searching for irrefutably the most value for your Atmos money in a 5.1.4, across the board arrangement, Vizio's SB46514-F6 will be difficult to beat.
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