Are you in the market for an affordable soundbar that does not skimp on quality? You're in luck! Today, we're comparing two excellent soundbars in the budget-friendly range: the Sony HT-G700 and the Vizio M-Series M512a-H6. Both of these soundbars have garnered attention for their impressive features and performance without breaking the bank. Let's dive into what each offers, evaluating their sound quality, features, design, and overall value.
Sound Quality
The Sony HT-G700 boasts a 3.1ch Dolby Atmos/DTS:X, promising an immersive audio experience. The soundbar leverages Sony's unique Vertical Surround Engine to create a feeling of height while delivering clear dialogues and a broad soundstage. Its dedicated center speaker ensures that voices are crystal clear, making it excellent for movies and TV shows.
On the other hand, the Vizio M-Series M512a-H6 steps up the game with a 5.1.2 setup, including rear satellite speakers and a wireless subwoofer, offering a true surround sound experience. It supports both Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, utilizing up-firing speakers to bounce sound off the ceiling for a genuinely immersive audio performance. When it comes to delivering a room-filling home theater experience, the Vizio seems to have an edge, especially with its additional speakers providing more precise spatial audio cues.
Features
Both soundbars are packed with modern features, but their offerings differ slightly, catering to different preferences.
Sony HT-G700:
- Comes with a simple, user-friendly remote.
- Supports eARC, allowing it to handle high-bitrate audio formats over HDMI.
- Has multiple sound modes, including Cinema, Music, Voice, and Night.
- Offers Bluetooth connectivity for wireless music streaming.
Vizio M-Series M512a-H6:
- Features a 6-inch wireless subwoofer for impactful bass.
- Includes two up-firing speakers on the bar and rear satellite speakers for enveloping sound.
- Offers Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity, enabling music streaming and smart features like voice control via Google Assistant, Siri, or Alexa with compatible devices.
- Comes with a dedicated app for settings and adjustments.
When it comes to features, your choice may hinge on whether you prioritize simple operation and pure sound enhancement (Sony) or a more connected, tech-savvy experience with versatile control options (Vizio).
Design and Build
Design might not be the top priority for all buyers, but it's worth considering how these soundbars can blend into your living space.
The Sony HT-G700 sports a sleek, minimalist design with a metal grille front. Its dimensions are compact enough to fit under most TVs without obstructing the screen or IR sensors. The build quality feels premium and fits well into most home décors.
Conversely, the Vizio M-Series M512a-H6 has a more aggressive design, with its unique satellite speakers and larger subwoofer. It might take up more space, but it's designed with performance in mind. The main soundbar is sleek and should fit well in most setups, but you'll need to find spots for the satellite speakers and subwoofer.
Price and Value
When it comes down to price, both soundbars offer great value, but the Vizio M-Series M512a-H6 typically comes in a bit cheaper than the Sony HT-G700. Considering the additional speakers (satellite and subwoofer) that come with the Vizio, it presents a compelling value proposition for those looking for a full surround sound setup out of the box.
However, the Sony HT-G700's superior dialogue clarity and sophisticated virtual surround technology might justify its higher price tag for those who prioritize audio quality and brand reliability over a complete surround system.
Conclusion
Choosing between the Sony HT-G700 and the Vizio M-Series M512a-H6 depends on what you value most in a soundbar. If you're after a simple setup with virtual surround sound, excellent dialogue clarity, and a premium design, the Sony HT-G700 is a fantastic choice. On the other hand, if you prefer real surround sound with physical rear speakers, extensive connectivity options, and don't mind managing a few more components, the Vizio M-Series M512a-H6 offers an impressive bang for your buck.
Both soundbars stand out in the affordable range for their sound quality, features, and value, making them worthy considerations for enhancing your home entertainment experience.