Looking to get started with a Dolby Atmos soundbar that won’t break the bank, but give you the experience that everyone’s talking about? The Vizio M512a-H6 might be just what you’re looking for.
The Vizio M512a-H6 is a cost-effective option for those seeking a true Dolby Atmos experience with dedicated height speakers. Priced at $500, this soundbar system offers a full 5.1.2 surround sound setup and boasts a stylish design inspired by the premium Vizio Elevate. The M512a-H6 was released in 2021 and is a mid-range product from the manufacturer. It stands out in its price range by including rear satellites for a more immersive surround sound experience. However, the satellites need to be wired to the subwoofer, which may not be suitable for all living room setups. The lack of up-firing drivers on the satellites means it doesn’t provide as much immersion as the higher-end Vizio Elevate. But, the two up-firing drivers in the bar make a noticeable difference when playing Dolby Atmos content, especially compared to budget options like the Vizio M Series M51a-H6.
Related: Bring the theater home with Dolby Atmos
The details on the Vizio M512a-H6
The Vizio M512a-H6 soundbar boasts a sleek and stylish design, measuring 40 inches in width and standing at 2.68 inches high. The main speaker grille, crafted from fabric, hides three sets of mid-drivers and tweeters, while the perforated plastic grille covering the two upfiring drivers is placed closer to the center of the soundbar. The two upfiring drivers work effectively in projecting Dolby Atmos effects, creating a more immersive surround sound experience by directing sound upwards towards the ceiling. This compact and attractive sound system, which is compatible with any 5.1.2 setup, offers a wallet-friendly solution for those seeking a Dolby Atmos sound experience.
The Vizio M512a-H6 only has Bluetooth connectivity, which may be sufficient for some users, but it is limited compared to other soundbars that offer Wi-Fi connectivity and compatibility with Chromecast or Apple AirPlay. This means users won’t be able to stream music from their phones over Wi-Fi or control the soundbar using the Google Assistant. To get those features, users would need to upgrade to the more expensive Vizio Elevate, which is the only Vizio soundbar that offers Wi-Fi connectivity with Chromecast built in and Spotify Connect. That said, most users already have a dedicated smart TV or peripherals that should be able to carry the load on providing features like Spotify Connect.
Overall thoughts on the Vizio M512a-H6
I appreciated that Vizio provided two sets of hardware for mounting the rear speakers and the wiring for the speakers to the subwoofers wasn’t especially unsightly, but like I mentioned previously, that option might not be feasible for everyone’s living room.
Yes, the Vizio M512a-H6 soundbar offers a good value for its price and features. With its 5.1.2 surround sound setup, including rear satellites and two upfiring drivers, the bar provides an immersive Dolby Atmos experience. The bar also has sound enhancement features like subwoofer level adjustment and bass and treble controls, and its default sound is well-balanced. Despite the lack of Wi-Fi connectivity, the bar provides clear and present vocals and lead instruments, detailed dialogue and a powerful subwoofer for action-packed movie scenes.
Vizio M512a-H6 on Amazon
