Vizio 5.1.4 Dolby Atmos Soundbar Review | Big Sound, Small Budget

Vizio’s latest Dolby Atmos soundbar packs serious punch for a price so low it’ll make your head spin around. While this soundbar isn’t perfect, it’s loaded with features and packs a full 5.1.4-channel setup at well under $1,000. With the SB36514-G6, just about anyone can afford Atmos.
Vizio SB36514-G6:
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[@ericyoung3183]

The woofer on this speaker surprisingly packs a punch and offers deep bass that you will feel on the floor. Even the mediatek chipset inside helps with really smooth connectivity. Best $$$ I've ever spent tbh.

[@swantondude3]

Just found this for $300 and bought it now waiting for it to come in and I can’t wait

[@ecastro715]

What's the verdict?

[@swantondude3]

@@ecastro715 never got it in the order was cancelled by Costco I did get the 5.1.2 and it’s pretty good and also cheaper

[@simpleidea1319]

Judy got a refurbished renewed for $200 on eBay the seller has many years and 99.8% reviews there's also eBay money back guarantee if something goes wrong on top of the fact only 2 we're left out of 20 and all other reviews were 5 stars I'm excited to see if I got an absolute steal!

[@allen0088]

I just got this for $105. Its crazy this used to cost $800

[@bbbt8090]

Vizio makes great sound bars

[@VastKn]

Its Cad$ 335 right now. I am using it with LG OLED 8C Tv for now almost a year...... It rocks my home theater ... Worth buying

[@VastKn]

That's now Cad$298 for SB3651-F6 not the G6 model.

[@tonyvelez4483]

What's the the difference between the Vizio sb46514 F6 and vizio sb46514 G6?

[@Zoranurai13]

Bars like this often suck at their full retail but become interesting on sale. They often drop to about half/70% after a year

[@jamesw657]

Yeah I wouldn't spend more than $500 on a 5.1.4 soundbar system. U can build a solid Atmos system that's way more versatile for $700ish

[@Zoranurai13]

James Skyvaper well yeah for two channel music i could agree. Don’t get me wrong i have a great system at home. But what would you get in the audio world for that money? A cheapo 5.1 receiver will cost you $200, a subwoofer that’s better than a $700 soundbar woofer will cost something like $250,- you get something like jbl arena speakers for $150 a pair, then maybe a center speaker or two plastic speakers for $70 and then $30 worth of cables. I kinda think that $700 “7.1.4” won’t be that bad for a home theater experience

[@johnjay7961]

Onn 5.1 Atmos soundbar will probably match this soundbar for sound. For 300 dollers and has top firing speakers. Really good surround and Atmos.

[@coloniellizardt4191]

Looks nice I'd give it that but once more I'm sticking with my proper 5.1.2 Atmos/DTS:X speaker setup that altogether cost me pretty much around the same price as this soundbar. Atmos/X soundbars overall are just incredibly overpriced for what you'rd getting.

[@marshallhughes4514]

I tend to agree with this. I of course have not actually tested this and it may sound terrific. The problem is the quality of the components and how long they would last. I have personally gone thru 3 soundbars which suddenly stopped working. 2 were Vizios. (1 + the replacement) and i have given up on them. Mine just failed to connect/stopped working without any sort of abuse. how much nicer are the parts in this "only $700" soundbar vs the cheaper variants? God just seeing that cheap remote - just like my old ones - triggers me.

[@TheBlooRayChannel]

Can I ask what your current set up is?

[@coloniellizardt4191]

@@TheBlooRayChannel Denon AVR-S740H A/V Receiver Dayton Audio B652 speakers (3x; a pair for Fronts, a pair for Surrounds, and a pair for Front Heights) Dayton Audio C452 center speaker Dayton Audio 10 inch Subwoofer Yeah, basically a low budget 5.1.2 Atmos/DTS:X setup, but it sounds pretty good to my ears. Still obviously much better than the built-in TV speakers and most soundbars out there.

[@gteam2]

you’ve listed a bunch speakers, what about amp? I find it hard to believe those speakers + amp comes in under $700?

[@coloniellizardt4191]

@@gteam2 The Denon S740H AVR I brought it on Black Friday last year for just $349.

[@nabibutterfly5385]

It's on sale now at Costco for $299.99.

[@blomegoog]

That is not the same model as this.

[@jezza6575]

Height adjustment has always been achieved via their app! And btw, I only paid $700 for the 46” version 5.1.4

[@Barleyleg]

Jeremy Eisenhut Me too! It was on sale for a few days over the Black Friday weekend.

[@eduardfront]

The 46” bar it’s gonna be on sale at samsclub for 500 buck!, I can’t wait to upgrade.

[@supergunta2584]

I got it for like $300 this Christmas, it’s such a steal.

[@slightlyaboveaverage2235]

@@supergunta2584 should I pull the trigger on it?

[@epicsaves5644]

​@@supergunta2584how is it working? Do you still have it?

[@chava18192]

Wow Ryan barely blinks throughout the video 👀

[@SC-km5vc]

Just got the 46” soundbar 5.1.4 system for $579 at Costco (US). I’d say it’s worth that price but not $1k.

[@eduardfront]

S C It’s gonna be on sale at sams club for 498! I can’t wait!

[@TarynMilnes1]

Its 279 here in canada

[@mhm0110]

Please make review about nakamichi shockwafe ultra 9.2.4 sse

[@omaryabby9444]

quick question, I want to play movies through my PC to this bar- can it be done wirelessly? ANd is there a way to add or replace the woofer, say if I have some from my previous stereo system? thanks

[@tamimsuhail2380]

Looks like the 5.1.2

[@AshA-ww8hc]

It's 299 at Costco now.

[@manavsandhu4585]

deadass????

[@noobmaster1186]

@@manavsandhu4585 now its 79263922629728262828219127287727327728w7272928262gv fh sjwqaa8 dollars

[@eddieluna3970]

Can you guys do a review on the Nakamichi 9.2.4

[@BumpyBaluga]

Yes!!! I have an Ultra 9.2.4. Its amazing, sound everywhere.

[@DevAnimate]

@@BumpyBaluga I'm waiting on my Nakamichi 7.1.4 order I cant wait to try it out :P

[@BumpyBaluga]

@@DevAnimate youre gonna love it. The sound, the boom, i cant get enough of my system!!

[@DevAnimate]

@@BumpyBaluga cant wait! :)

[@DevAnimate]

@@BumpyBaluga will I feel the thump bass?

[@Lordbugbug]

let me know when they're around $400 lol

[@4waySaline]

Got mine for $479 on Prime Day. :)

[@KenG925]

@@4waySaline just got mine for $400 at best buy

[@4waySaline]

@@KenG925 i just got served. ;)

[@jamesw657]

@@4waySaline different one I think. There are like 4 or 5 Vizio Atmos bars now

[@ricksams4483]

Now $289.99

[@hunkim4327]

Does the vizio sub disconnect pretty frequently? Notice this happened with the lower model.

[@kenmbamsey991]

does not seem to be available in UK,shame

[@tonyvelez4483]

Do the rear speakers have a speaker on top that shoots sound up

[@davidlmoorehead]

yes they do

[@waveblaster22]

Thanks for the information

[@65sohc]

I just got an Amazon Firestick which supports Atmos. I use it with a projector and older Vizio soundbar. Since I'm using a projector the sound is via bluetooth. Will Atmos work with this type of bluetooth connection?

[@MikeMatu92]

no

[@chrislee7982]

are they still working after a year?

[@jinzo3159]

I've had the 2016 model since 2016 these things never die just a crapton of wires

[@stuartultra1981]

I love your tvs

[@blomegoog]

Just $700? My LG 75" UHD is less than that. Something seriously wrong when speakers cost more than the TV. This is not a tube amp or a LINN turntable.

[@chrismeder2376]

You state it does not support DTS X, but when you showed the inputs on the back, there is a DTS X logo. If it doesn't support, why is the logo there? Thanks.

[@garretts431]

Dtsx vs dts virtual x are different.

[@dylanwhisnant6772]

Where does one find dolby atmos tracks. They're so rare

[@coloniellizardt4191]

Blu-rays, 4K Blu-rays, certain 4K Netflix titles, and a few games on Xbox One.

[@dylanwhisnant6772]

@@coloniellizardt4191 talking about test tracks not content

[@coloniellizardt4191]

@@dylanwhisnant6772 Ohhh the trailer idents to test your system, is that correct?

[@1624patric]

Go to (The Digital Theater) They have a range of audio trailers you can download to test your audio system.

[@coloniellizardt4191]

@@1624patric And also Demolandia where they have even more DTS and Dolby stuff to download.

[@videogamevegasYeOldeAccount]

There's alot of "cut cost" speak in this review. I'm sure in 2 or 3 years, Vizio will be able to bring out a wireless version of this setup. Hopefully they'll succeed where Samsung's continued attempts at wireless Atmos have failed. vgv

[@polishdude001]

Videogame Vegas that depends on what you’re feeding it, I’m passing my Xbox through it.. pop in a 4K Blu-ray Atmos and it spins like a top

[@videogamevegasYeOldeAccount]

Simon, Yeah, Vizio make some pretty good products. I guess I'm just looking for a soundbar with wireless rear speakers that hits all my bases with a great price. Samsung makes the ultimate Atmos/DTS X soundbar systems with wireless rear speakers. Their setup actually fits my room type and haven't found another in its class that does that. On paper, they sound great, but even on their 3rd attempt, their soundbars STILL have issues. Samsung's price is hefty, and I wouldn't mind it so much if the rear speakers weren't ultra quiet and randomly disconnect at times. Also, the wireless rear speakers are prone to crosstalk noise when not playing an Atmos soundtrack (a constant crackling noise). Since DTS is still the dominant mix on most Blurays, 3D ones especially, this is unacceptable for that type of money. Oh, and Samsung's customer service and technical department suck. That's why I always have my eyes on Vizio. Vizio has been able to stand toe to toe with the big boys on the TV front. Now I want Vizio to bring out a soundbar with all the same features their competitors have, along with that patented Vizio low price, of course :) I know Vizio has it in them :) vgv

[@polishdude001]

Videogame Vegas my n950 does have an issue with switching inputs it’s annoying. I figured out hot update and the tears and sun separately.. looks like I got a good egg... I paid 500 for a store demo.. super happy. And you’re not wrong Samsung tech support sucks ass

[@TheHugginMonkey625]

Can I buy the satellite speakers from this one and attach it to my SB36512?

[@takistzelepis3730]

Have you done that? I'm thinking of the same thing but I haven't found an answer.

[@TheHugginMonkey625]

@@takistzelepis3730 i guess i'll just have to contact Vizio directly.

[@Mid-Life-Chrysler]

How does the sound compare to the Sony HT-Z9F?

[@Labios_Rotos]

There is no comparison, come on.

[@ryanwaniata690]

The Sony sounds fantastic, but can't do nearly as well when it comes to Atmos or surround effects based on its physical limitations. The only bar we've seen that comes close to giving good surround from the front is Sennheiser's Ambeo bar.

[@giodinho7641]

I'm pretty sure that the LG SK10Y is much better value, especially if you add the SPK8-S wireless rear speakers

[@jamesw657]

What a waste of money. You can build a way more versatile 5.1.2/4 Atmos system that'll sound 10x better than the SL/SK10Y for even less money. You can build an Atmos system that'll blow the most expensive Atmos soundbar out of the water for under $1,000.

[@ScotMatheson]

James Skyvaper what speakers do you recommend. I ha e kef 3005 6.1 egg but want to upgrade

[@rabbittmuffinable]

How long are those wires for the rears

[@jam92es]

I saw on Amazon they're 26 feet.

[@Alex-Johnson7]

Base is just fk'd up and I ended up returning it!

[@kkdeveauxgue2784]

Those numbers are important because you can't mix sh#t up you got to do it by the numbers

[@GokuInstinct1]

Can I connect my own sub to this?

[@Retread268]

No, I checked with Vizio, they say their subs are paired at the factory, so you could not even buy the 10 inch sub separately. If the sub died, the whole system has to be replaced. The price for low cost. I wonder if the wireless card can be pulled and swapped, but that requires dissection.

[@Retread268]

I expect they only want you to use their sub woofer, and you can only pair one of theirs. Since Visio themselves said you could not pair another brand sub, I did not invest the cash to test it . I did like a JBL sub so much, I considered opening it up to see if the used a separate wireless card and thought, "what if I could just swap the cards.". But it was too cost prohibitive to risk it. I ended up burning more cash in the end and got a Samsung q90r set up, but I miss that JBL sub. There is a scene in Baby Driver I used to test. The kid is driving down an alley and down shifts. With the JBL you could feel it. It's attack and decay was spot on. With the Vizio sub it was hollow and you could not feel it. I also found the bar itself had a hard attack and decay. So the Vizio sounded awesome for a moment and then it left you wanting. Any who the Vizio was a lot of bang for the buck. The JB 5.1 was ok, but with a great sub. The q90r has been good all around, but the sidefiring sub is not as good as the mini refrigerator JBl, and the rear speakers aren't very loud. I went with a sound bar despite a surround system with classic receiver/loudspeaker setup to save space. If you are testing you just have to have a few proven pieces of content and try the across several devices. I ordered and returned a few sound bars in my price range. And bit the bullet on the q90r. I seemed to have gotten a good deal as I am seeing them now about three hundred dollars more than I paid for mine, same sku. Any who, that is more than u asked. Hope this helped

[@jmcprotech9670]

Would’ve been nice to hear a demo of a movie instead of you just talking but you make a great pitch

[@ryanwaniata690]

Unfortunately, that wouldn't sound very accurate over KZbin. Thanks for watching, though!

[@b3amsvvti]

you want to hear a demo using your own speakers, how does that work pray tell

[@Zetler]

“Just $700...”

[@userjff182]

Near that price, you might as will pay for a premium professional wireless quality system, such as the Edifier S3000PRO.

[@priyonjoni]

Adam Jenssen that makes no sense

[@userjff182]

@Pri yon Joni sure it does. It doesn’t make sense to buy this overpriced VIZIO soundbar thing.

[@jamesorsby7553]

😂😂😂 Yeah, I hear you... even more with tax.

[@davidhenderson3988]

I think I will just stick with my 2 channel rp600m setup...............

[@1Ninjago_fan]

Just want a Great Sound Bar. That I can add speakers to Later.

[@carlosocasio2606]

It's on sale for 299.00 at costco

[@jamesw657]

You can build a decent 5.1.2 channel Atmos system for $700 that will sound 10x better. $300 Yamaha/Sony/Denon 7ch receiver, 5 speaker Onkyo/Polk/Monoprice/JBL system @ $100-300, 2 Polk OWM3s for height for $100 and a good sub later on for $300+ or a just ok one for $100 right away. $700 and u have a way more versatile system that u can add to and get new speakers or parts for in the future

[@matthewgaines10]

No DTS-X, one HDMI in, no capability for adding wireless rears. This isn't a particular value. It has a lower price for less features.

[@jamesw657]

You could build a much better sounding 3.1.2 or 5.1.2 system for around the same price buying speakers and a receiver independently

[@awwbollocksthen1359]

Dolby Atmos this Dolby Atmos that, I think people should be made aware if you buy any kind of Dolby Atmos soundbar or AV/receiver to use through streaming you need to get yourself at least £1,000 TV (lg OLED 2017+ or other brand oled makers 2018 or newer) the only other option to receive Dolby Atmos would be through a Blu-ray player! and I don't think most people want to start buying discs! ' I think the industry should be better regulated so people are not miss-informed or misguided'.

[@KILLERX14V2]

Vizio's higher end TV's have full Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos support. You no longer need a 1000+ TV to get the full experience. Also, the integration between the app, the TV and soundbar is on point.

[@awwbollocksthen1359]

@@KILLERX14V2 thank you for enlightening me, I assume your TV is pretty new also does the digital reading on your soundbar actually say atmoss if so I'm happy for you, just over 2 years ago I was trying to get at atmos through my Atmos enabled receiver with my Sony 4K Android TV and after doing some research which at that time the only TV with supported Atmos was the LG OLED even though Dolby Atmos is slightly better than the rest, By far the most crucial aspect in a audio soundtrack no matter what movie you are watching is the Way It Is 'mastered', regardless what decoding you're using PCM, Dolby d, Dolby d + or even Dolby Atmos!!!

[@KILLERX14V2]

Yes, there's a green light indicator on the sound bar for Atmos if it's on.

[@KILLERX14V2]

@@awwbollocksthen1359 To be exact, I have a P series 55 2018 and the 5.1.4. I get indicators for Dolby vision HDR 4k and Atmos. So I know for sure if I'm getting the full experience.

[@awwbollocksthen1359]

@@KILLERX14V2 there's one way for sure to find out if your TV has Atmos/Vision decoding is by putting Atmos/Vision content on and as it's being played turn off off your soundbar and then in the top right hand corner you should be able to see the Atmos/Vision wording come up on your TV, the thing is is I paid $900 exactly 2 years ago for the Sony 4K Android TV then I found out that I missed out for Atmos/Vision by 1 month, when did you actually purchase your TV?

[@Kareem-cx4fi]

Everything written on this review says it's the 5.1.4 but what he is using in this review looks like the 5.1.2. The 5.1.4 has a massive sub, like double the sub he is showing. I own the 5.1.2 and what he is reviewing looks like it.

[@TheAccordingtoyou]

Just 700? My 65inch tv was 800 so how is this feasible at this price.

[@dhcivic27]

This system is probably slowly disappearing in the market. My experience that the sound goes low on certain scenes. I don't know what is happening but if there's a lot of stuff happening on the movie, like explosions, sound effects and voices, certain sounds gets muffled. I don't get the cinema experience with this 5.1.4 system even though a lot of reviewers has positive praises. My experience this is not a great system. I even have the later version, the 36 inch G6 version vs the older 46 inch F6. Possibly because of the amplifier being used since it has to direct power on certain speakers at the same time. Has anyone else experience this muffled sound experience? It's connected through HDMI ARC.

[@Carlos-pi4xx]

Another crap $700 for smaller bar and wired no thank you wtf is wrong with vizio this will be on sale soon

[@PSYCHOV3N0M]

Wired > Wireless

[@santiagosalcedo7653]

Another crap? Please let us know a better option for that price... This looks pretty descent to me

[@bloblyblo]

Can review Sonic Carrier from creative please.

[@ArnoldNathan]

I need a good sound bar to go with an 85 inch tv

[@karangoraksh6859]

Jbl or bose go for it

[@DevAnimate]

Nakamichi 9.2.4, 7.2, 7.1

[@jamesw657]

Don't get a soundbar, you can build a really nice 5.1.2 system for under $800. If you really need a soundbar go with the Nakamichi Shockwafe 7.1.4 or 9.1.4. You could get a Yamaha or Onkyo full 5.1 system that's upgradeable for $300-600 tho. That would blow a $1200 Atmos soundbar outta the water

[@ArnoldNathan]

James Skyvaper you gotta help me out with this

[@supreme9080]

Before reading your comment I was about to send the same message lol. If James or anyone can truly assist in achieving a nice 5.1.2 system, for under or close to that $800 price, then I'm all in!!

[@stefanxhunga1681]

Trendy products!

[@userjff182]

At that near price, you might as will pay for a premium professional wireless quality system, such as the Edifier S3000PRO.

[@Otacon9611]

Hey your opinion..... I never asked for this

[@ricksams4483]

Found this exact unit for $289..

[@Gaur8n]

The smaller bar is a downgrade, not a plus. Audio separation of the front 3 channels can't be good in only 36" This is my only problem with soundbars.

[@mrnarason]

$700 for a sound bar wtf?

[@priyonjoni]

Victor P. It’s an Atmos system. Vizio are the least expensive ones with wireless sub and surround speakers on the market.

[@jptwentyfour887]

This is one cheap section of people here. Dolby Atmos costs anywhere from $1,000-$2,500. $700 is actually very cheap for this.

[@blomegoog]

still not worth it

[@svt400hp]

299 at costco now!!

[@Ichthys42]

DO NOT BUY THIS SOUNDBAR. Vizios latest line of atmos soundbars will fail on you, repeatedly. Mine was a nightmare and seemingly failed overnight. Vizio support did nothing. The sound was nice but Vizio has summoned their old reputation with their soundbars. Dont even get me started on their garbage app.

[@kevinfranzen9733]

No demo of the sound, and talking about that. That's a major letdown.

[@raymondleggs5508]

Sound is nothing special anyway

[@7plusofficialagent]

At 24 seconds into the video he lost me

[@jptwentyfour887]

The best Atmos soundbar the Sennheiser AMBEO which people say sound like a dedicated system, is $2,500.

[@PSYCHOV3N0M]

$700??? I can get a Yamaha sound bar with a BUILT-IN SUBWOOFER for that price. Vizio overpriced this one.

[@noncustody]

I paid $500 for my jbl sound bar, to me a sound over $500 dollars just isn't worth it.

[@ryanwaniata690]

It comes with a separate wireless subwoofer, which will be much more powerful than a built-in one. To me that's a better value, not to mention Dolby Atmos! :)

[@userjff182]

Guys. Near that price, you might as will pay for a premium professional wireless quality system, such as the Edifier S3000PRO. You can’t go wrong with this.

[@userjff182]

@Kenji JBL as a brand does not strike me at all that they are NOT aiming to be high fidelity audio quality standard to audiophiles.

[@priyonjoni]

PSYCHO these Vizio systems are something else. The subs sound way bigger than their size. I have the cheaper 5.1 system and folks are convinced I have a 10 inch sub in the room.

[@cosmin12365]

your homeless? just buy a house.... just do it

[@chickenmuffin]

Weird I have the 5.1.2 system and I swear to god it's shiite.

[@leosakalam]

First (great review btw)

[@Labios_Rotos]

Looks cheap... wires like we're in 2010

[@pandasdreamlygon]

soundbars are shit.. buy a receiver