While traditional multi-channel surround sound systems employ a receiver and separate speakers, a soundbar offers a much simpler, cleaner set up. And since soundbars with true surround sound are readily available, it’s totally possible to replace your receiver with a soundbar. Dolby Atmos offers a revolutionary new advancement in home theatre audio technology with spatial rather than channel-based audio processing. Vizio’s SB36512-F6 is a great budget soundbar that packs Dolby Atmos. Learn why it’s the best cheap Dolby Atmos soundbar on the market in our hands-on review!
What is Dolby Atmos?
In a surround sound configuration, multiple independent channels provide audio. Typically, a multi-channel home theater system includes speakers situated around the listener, along with a low-end or subwoofer. In a 5.1 surround sound configuration, there will be five speakers and a sub: Front left and right, a center channel, then rear left and right. Usually, a multi-channel surround sound track features audio separated out by channel. For example, dialogue typically comes through the center channel, with music and effects from the front left and right channels.
However, Dolby Atmos ushers in a revolutionary method of audio handling. Rather than opting for a channel-based means of broadcasting sounds, Atmos instead takes a spatial approach that groups sounds by object rather than speaker channel. By adding height with upfiring speakers that bounce sound off of the ceiling, Dolby Atmos is thus able to achieve a more immersive surround sound effect. Rather than audio panning from, for instance, the right front to right rear channel, an effect might pan across an entire wall. The overall experience provides a cleaner, more realistic quality over a channel-based surround sound effect.
What is the Vizio SB36512-F6?
The Vizio SB36512-F6 is a Dolby Atmos-compatible soundbar. With 5.1.2 channels, the SB36512-F6 features five separate speakers: Front left and right, center channel, rear left and right. There’s a subwoofer along with a pair of upfiring speakers. The wireless subwoofer plugs into the wall for power and connects to the rear satellite speakers via standard stereo cables.
An HDMI input lets you connect various devices such as Blu-ray players, game consoles, and streaming devices. Aside from its solitary HDMI input, the Vizio SB36512-F6 includes an HDMI output with audio return channel (ARC) for passing audio sent to a compatible TV or project back to the soundbar. There’s also Bluetooth, Wi-Fi streaming, Chromecast, Vizio SmartCast, an auxiliary input, and optical TOSLink. In addition to Dolby Atmos compatibility, the SB36512-F6 is compatible with DTS Virtual:X and a slew of other audio codecs. On the video side, the Vizio SB36512-F6 supports 4K high dynamic range (HDR) passthrough including Dolby Vision support.
Vizio SB36512-F6 specs:
- 5.1.2-channel Dolby Atmos-capable soundbar: 5 x surround channels, 1 x subwoofer, 2 x upfiring speakers
- Supports Dolby Atmos, DTS Virtual:X, and more audio codecs
- Connectivity: 1 x HDMI input, 1 x HDMI out with ARC, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Chromecast, Vizio SmartCast, USB, 1 x optical TOSLink, 1 x stereo AUX
- Wireless 6-inch subwoofer and wireless rear speakers
- Compact form factor
Vizio SB36512-F6 Review – The Best Budget Dolby Atmos Soundbar on the Planet
The sound quality from the Vizio SB36512-F6 is simply outstanding. Generally, a home cinema surround sound system with a receiver and separate speakers will trounce a soundbar. But with its 5.1.2-channel speaker array and Dolby Atmos onboard, the SB36512-F6 holds its own. Compared to my 5.1 surround sound set up with Infinity Alpha 20 fronts and an Infinity Alpha center paired with a Denon receiver, the SB36512-F6 blows the 5.1 out of the water. It’s capable of getting loud without distorting. What’s more, its sound quality is phenomenal.
Dialogue rings clear and crisp. The up-firing speakers provide height when Atmos soundtracks kick in for an immersive listening experience. Bass response is heavy, though the 6-inch sub can be turned down if it’s overpowering. There’s a solid soundstage that sounds great for multi-channel and stereo tracks alike.
Aside from Atmos, the SB36512-F6 supports Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital Plus, DTS, Dolby TrueHD, DTS-HD MA, and 5.1 PCM via HDMI in. Over optical, you’ll find DTS and Dolby Digital compatibility. Using ARC, the Vizio SB36512-F6 can process Dolby Atmos in a container such as Dolby DIgital Plus, Dolby Digital, and DTS. Unfortunately, while the Vizio includes ARC, it lacks eARC or enhanced ARC for carrying uncompressed audio tracks. As such, for lossless audio handling, you’ll need to use the sole HDMI input.
Connectivity is excellent with an HDMI input, HDMI out with ARC, 3.5mm aux input, USB port, Ethernet, Wi-FI, and optical TOSLink. Boasting a smattering of different connections including legacy ports such as a 3.5mm jack, the Vizio SB36512-F6 can hook up to a variety of devices. There’s even Bluetooth and Chromecast for wireless streaming. With a single HDMI input, you’re a bit limited. If you have multiple devices such as a streaming box and Blu-ray player and need to play lossless audio from both, you’ll need to use an HDMI switcher. Although most streaming services are limited to lossy surround sound tracks, home server enthusiasts running the likes of Plex and Emby may require lossless audio streaming support.
The front features a simple display with dots that indicate the volume and may be used to show levels of bass, treble, and other EQ options. Additionally, dots on the front glow to indicate various audio tracks such as Dolby, DTS, or stereo. The sleek front-located soundbar measures 36 x 2.6 x 3.4 in. A pair of rear satellite speakers plug into the wireless subwoofer. Yet, while the sub doesn’t have to be connected directly to the soundbar, it still needs power which is delivered via a standard two-prong cord. Additionally, the rear speakers must be plugged into the woofer. So there are some wires, to connect. The soundbar, satellite speakers, and sub consist of plastic sides with cloth speaker grilles. Build quality is quite good.
While audio format support over ARC, HDMI, and optical is excellent, the Vizio SB36512-F6 lacks DTS:X handling even over HDMI. The subwoofer is wireless, however the rear speakers are tethered to the sub. As such, this somewhat limits placement in the room. With a pair of up-firing speakers, the Vizio SB36512-F6 delivers an impressive, immersive listening experience. Atmos soundbars with more height speakers do offer slightly louder effects, but the SB36512-F6 is no slouch.
Vizio SB36512-F6 Review Final Thoughts
Ultimately, the Vizio SB36512-F6 is a phenomenal soundbar with Dolby Atmos that doesn’t break the bank. It handles movies, music, and gaming with equal grace. A bevy of connectivity options both wired and wireless, along with loud, high-quality, distortion-free speakers provide a fantastic listening experience. Its Atmos compatibility and up-firing speakers deliver an incredibly lifelike audio profile. There’s a great soundstage that tackles both stereo and multi-channel soundtracks with confidence. Lack of eARC and DTS:X support might disappoint some power users. But overall, the Vizio SB36512-F6 is the best Dolby Atmos soundbar for the money.
Your turn: What soundbars with Atmos do you recommend?
Vizio SB36512-F6
Pros
- Dolby Atmos soundbar, compatibility with DTS Virtual X and more
- Affordable
- Excellent connectivity
- Great soundstage - handles stereo and multi-channel tracks well
- 4K UHD HDR video passthrough with Dolby Vision support
Cons
- Lacks eARC
- No DTS:X support
Recent Comments