It is notably inexpensive to experience the audio intricacies of a scene from the third installment of the John Wick franchise, where the character, played by Keanu Reeves, uses a book to break the neck of a real-life NBA player. For approximately $200—or slightly less during a sale—Vizio offers a 5.1 soundbar system that enhances the auditory experience, allowing listeners to hear the subtle sounds of the action. Historically, achieving such immersive sound quality would have cost hundreds or even thousands more. The setup is straightforward: connect a single HDMI cable to an eARC port on a display device, such as the 130-inch Hisense laser projector currently being evaluated, and viewers can enjoy a more immersive experience than possible with a single central soundbar.
The setup is simple, although there may be some minor inconvenience from a few stray wires connecting the surround speakers to the subwoofer. For those undecided about purchasing a soundbar while saving for a comprehensive home theater system, starting with this setup provides a cost-effective solution that delays the need for an upgrade.
The system comprises a slim, 33-inch main soundbar, small wired surround speakers, and a wireless subwoofer to create a 5.1 setup. Users might need to purchase stands for the rear speakers unless planning to wall-mount them, as mounting holes are included. A unique feature for Vizio TV owners is the quick fit system, allowing easy attachment of the soundbar to the bottom of compatible late-model Vizio TVs. This soundbar is particularly recommended for those considering a TV like the latest Vizio 4K model recently reviewed, which received a WIRED rating of 7/10.
A primary drawback to this system, which partly explains its affordability compared to other sound systems providing similar quality, is the presence of wires. At about 20 feet in length, these cables are sufficient for most average-sized living rooms or apartments but may be inconvenient compared to wireless systems.
After the initial setup, connecting a single HDMI cable from the main soundbar to the TV allows the eARC functionality to manage the audio system. As long as the TV is equipped with ARC or eARC, the TV remote (or a projector remote, in specific testing scenarios) can be used to adjust the soundbar’s volume, eliminating the need to handle the included Vizio remote.
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