What exactly is the Vizio M-Series All-In-One Sound Bar?
At its core, the Vizio M-Series All-In-One Sound Bar is a compact yet powerful audio solution designed to bring cinematic sound into your living room without the need for a roomful of speakers or a complicated setup. With features like Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, it aims to deliver an immersive audio experience that not only enhances your viewing pleasure but does so in a sleek, unobtrusive package. In today’s market, where space is at a premium, and simplicity is key, the Vizio M-Series stands out by offering a high-quality audio experience that fits just about anywhere.
Benefits of using this sound bar
- Immersive audio: The inclusion of Dolby Atmos and DTS:X technology means you’re not just hearing the sound; you’re living it. These technologies create a three-dimensional sound space that can make you feel like you’re inside the movie.
- Compact design: Its minimalist and sleek design ensures it can fit under most TVs without being an eyesore. Plus, the built-in subwoofers mean you don’t need an extra box on the floor to get that deep bass.
- Easy setup: With built-in wall hooks and a range of connectivity options, including Bluetooth, Optical, and HDMI, setting up this soundbar is a breeze.
Un-boxing & First Impressions
Upon unboxing the Vizio M-Series All-In-One Sound Bar, the first thing that struck me was its sleek design. The minimalist aesthetic is not only pleasing to the eye but also versatile enough to blend into any room setup. Measuring at 5.41 x 91.44 x 13.97 cm and weighing just 2.27 kg, it’s impressively compact for the sound punch it packs. The build quality felt sturdy, and the inclusion of built-in subwoofers was a pleasant surprise, hinting at the deep bass capabilities without the need for an external subwoofer. My initial thought? This could be the sound solution many have been looking for.
Features: Quick overview of what you’re getting
- Immersive audio with Dolby Atmos and DTS:X
- Built-in subwoofers
- Alexa compatibility
- Bluetooth, Optical, HDMI connectivity
- Compact dimensions
- Minimalist design
- Easy setup with built-in wall hooks
- Seamless integration with TCL TVs
- Deep bass
- Sturdy build quality
- Immediate eARC connection
- Lightweight at 2.27 kg
Each of these features contributes to the Vizio M-Series All-In-One Sound Bar’s appeal as a compact yet powerful audio solution. The Dolby Atmos and DTS:X support stand out as particularly important, offering a cinematic audio experience that’s rare in soundbars of this size and price point. However, it’s a real shame that there are compatibility issues with LG TVs, and the intense bass might not be everyone’s cup of tea, requiring some manual adjustments to get just right.
Smart Features
Delving into the smart capabilities of the VIZIO M-Series All-In-One Sound Bar, it’s clear that this device is designed to seamlessly integrate into your smart home ecosystem. With a focus on convenience and immersive sound, let’s explore the four main smart features that set it apart.
Alexa Voice Control – The sound bar’s compatibility with Alexa is a game-changer for hands-free operation. Whether you’re looking to adjust the volume, change the track, or simply ask for the weather, Alexa is ready to assist. This feature is particularly useful when you’re knee-deep in cooking or too comfy to move from your sofa.
What we liked about the VIZIO M-Series
Immersive Audio Experience
The inclusion of Dolby Atmos and DTS:X technology in the VIZIO M-Series Sound Bar is nothing short of revolutionary for its price point. These technologies create an immersive audio experience that envelops you in whatever you’re watching, making you feel like you’re right in the middle of the action. The sound bar’s ability to project sound in a three-dimensional space is a significant leap forward in home audio.
Deep Bass Without the Bulk
One of the most striking features of this sound bar is its built-in subwoofers. They manage to produce a deep, rich bass that can rival that of separate subwoofer units, without the need for additional space. This is particularly appealing for those with limited room or a preference for a minimalist setup. The bass is punchy and adds depth to music, movies, and games alike.
Seamless Integration with TCL TVs
We were really pleased to see how effortlessly the VIZIO M-Series Sound Bar connects with TCL TVs via the eARC connection. This seamless integration not only simplifies the setup process but also ensures that the audio and video are perfectly in sync, enhancing the overall viewing experience. It’s a real testament to VIZIO’s commitment to user convenience.
Design and Usability
The sound bar’s minimalist and compact design deserves a special mention. It fits just about anywhere and complements any room aesthetic. Moreover, the built-in wall hooks for simple wall mounting are a thoughtful addition, making installation a breeze. This design philosophy extends to the user interface, which is intuitive and straightforward, ensuring that you spend less time setting up and more time enjoying.
What we were disappointed with
Compatibility Issues
It’s a real shame that the VIZIO M-Series Sound Bar does not work with LG TVs. This limitation can be a deal-breaker for LG TV owners and somewhat narrows the product’s appeal. The company could improve future versions by expanding compatibility to include a wider range of television brands.
Overpowering Bass
While the deep bass is generally a plus, it can sometimes be too intense, overpowering the mids and highs. This imbalance might require manual tweaking, which can be a hassle for users who prefer a ‘set it and forget it’ setup. Offering a more refined bass adjustment feature in future models could address this issue.
US Power Supply Only
The inclusion of a US power supply only is a significant oversight for a product sold in markets with different power standards. This limitation not only inconveniences international customers but also necessitates the purchase of an adapter, adding to the overall cost. A universal power supply would make this sound bar much more accessible to a global audience.
Getting Set Up
Setting up the VIZIO M-Series All-In-One Sound Bar was, for the most part, a breeze, especially if you’re pairing it with a TCL TV. However, I did encounter a few hiccups along the way, which seem to be a common thread among other users. Here’s a step-by-step guide based on my experience and some additional tips to smooth over the process:
- Unbox the soundbar carefully and place it where you intend to use it. If you’re wall-mounting, now’s a good time to do that using the built-in hooks.
- Connect the soundbar to your TV using the HDMI eARC port for the best audio quality. If your TV doesn’t support HDMI ARC, you can use the optical connection instead.
- Plug in the power cable. Remember, it comes with a US power supply, so UK users will need an adapter or a UK power cable compatible with the device.
- Turn on your TV and the soundbar. They should connect automatically if you’re using the eARC/ARC HDMI connection. If not, you may need to dive into your TV’s sound settings to select the soundbar as your preferred audio output.
- For those wanting to use the Alexa functionality, download the VIZIO SmartCast app on your smartphone and follow the instructions to connect the soundbar to your Wi-Fi network and link it to your Amazon account.
While the setup is straightforward, it’s a real shame that compatibility issues with LG TVs can mar the experience for some. Additionally, the bass might come off as too intense for some tastes, requiring a bit of manual tweaking in the settings to get it just right.
Build Quality and Extras
Who is this product best suited to?
If You’re Short on Space
With its minimalist and compact design, the VIZIO M-Series All-In-One Sound Bar is a godsend for those with limited space. Whether you’re in a cosy studio apartment or a small bedroom, this soundbar delivers an immersive audio experience without taking up much room.
For the Audiophiles
The inclusion of Dolby Atmos and DTS:X technology makes this soundbar a real treat for audiophiles. If you’re after that cinematic audio experience in your living room, the depth and clarity of sound this device offers will not disappoint.
Seamless Integration Enthusiasts
If you own a TCL TV, the immediate eARC connection capability of this soundbar will appeal to you. The seamless integration ensures an enhanced audio experience over your TV’s speakers with minimal fuss.
Who should avoid this
- LG TV Owners: Given the noted compatibility issues, if you’re loyal to LG, you might face some frustration getting this soundbar to work seamlessly with your TV.
- Bass-sensitive Listeners: If you prefer a more balanced or treble-focused sound profile, the intense bass out of the box might be overwhelming. While adjustments are possible, it may not suit everyone’s tastes.
- International Users: The soundbar comes with a US power supply, which can be a deal-breaker for those not in the US unless you’re willing to find a workaround.
Value for Money
Considering its features like Dolby Atmos, built-in subwoofers, and seamless integration with TCL TVs, the VIZIO M-Series All-In-One Sound Bar offers great value for money. It’s competitively priced within its range, especially when you factor in the immersive audio experience it provides. While there are cheaper options on the market, they often lack the audio quality and features that this VIZIO model boasts. Therefore, if you’re after a soundbar that enhances your TV viewing without breaking the bank, this could be a worthwhile investment.
The verdict: Is the VIZIO M-Series All-In-One Sound Bar worth a buy?
The VIZIO M-Series All-In-One Sound Bar strikes a fine balance between price, performance, and features. Its immediate connectivity with TCL TVs, deep bass, and support for Dolby Atmos and DTS:X make it a strong contender in its category. However, its compatibility issues with LG TVs and the potential need for bass adjustments are points to consider. Comparing it with similar products, it holds its own, especially in terms of value for money.
In my opinion, if you’re in the market for a soundbar that delivers on sound quality and immersive audio experiences without requiring a plethora of external speakers, this is a product worth considering. However, ensure that its compatibility and power supply requirements align with your setup. For those who can work around its minor flaws, the VIZIO M-Series All-In-One Sound Bar could be a fantastic addition to your home entertainment system.
