Vizio Sound Bar
Could the Vizio Sound Bar Be the Perfect Home Theater System?
Visio is certainly not the new kid on the block, with a history as “America’s HDTV Company”; they’ve cut their teeth on producing high end audio equipment that literally “Rocks”. When they moved into home audio, it’s only natural they’d have to make a bold statement, offer superior quality and price it affordably. They’ve risen to the task.
SPECS:
VIZIO VSB210WS Universal HD Sound Bar with Wireless Subwoofer
- A high performance 32-bit, 15-MHz audio platform
- Outstanding sound pressure measuring 98dB SBL
- Thermal and over-current/voltage integrated
- 24-Bit PCM to PWM engine
- State of the art volume leveling tech.
- SRS TruSuround
The Vizio soundbar (when purchased with the subwoofer) eliminates the necessity to purchase a separate AV receiver and is the first to offer superior quality at an affordable price.
It’s easy enough to read a review, but the true test only happen when you lay down the cash, hook up the equipment and get prepared to be blown away.
FULL DISCLOUSRE: I have a home theater in my basement and take pride in using top shelf equipment that produces killer sound. When my friends come over (and especially after a drink or two) I want them saying… “Man, this sounds as good as the cinema”. That said I’m not going to pull any punches or endorse something I haven’t fully tested.
Step one was do some price comparison, pretty easy in today’s world, I ended purchasing from Amazon. While I could have obtain the unit locally (and been blown away on Day 1), the online savings made the few day wait manageable.
I have two of these sound bars in my household. One for my personal computer; and the other for my family room TV. These are slim sounds bars; that can fit along the TV entertainment center; while still allowing you to conceal the wires. These sound bars deliver “very good” quality surround sound, with out the need for “multiple speakers” in multiple locations. For the price and quality, I recommend this sound bar for any household. Walrmarts price is vey competivie; and I had to goto several stores to find it. If your local store does not have it in stock; goto walmart.com and order it online – and have it shipped to the store – near your residence; this way you pay zero shipping fees. They will send you an email and text message to let you know the product has arrived. Very effecient system.
“Tested MANY soundbars, opted for this 1 – Read review!” on November 27, 2009 by Supergenie (2 reviews)
Pros: WAY better sound then one would think for the price! Toslink , SRS works very well, Sub and 2 RCA inputs. Great looks to boot! Solid construction. Decently loud. Clean sound – not a tin can performer by any means!
Cons: Would have been really nice if it had a headphone out jack! Remote usually needs to be directly in line.
Summary: OK, I tested many soundbars including Yamaha, Sony, Panasonics and others. They are all good, but here was a hands down winner. What makes this soundbar so good?
Firstly, for those who like their sound quality, this will surprise even the audiophile enthusiast. The 20 Watts/per Channel is a serious 20 watt. So it has a very good punch. As far as its ability to reproduce highs and lows, extremely impressive. In fact, if you close your eyes, you will in no way believe the sound is coming from that small speaker!
Also, if you buy the soundbar by itself without the wireless sub,you can save tons and that particular soundbar has a Sub-out. That is the one I opted for. I was able to plug my own choice of Sub to it. Having done that, all I can say is “WOW!!!!!!. THe 2 soundbars are identical for specs and sound. Just that one has the wireless Sub.
Having said that, I tested several types of music on this soundbar. Country, rock, pop, metal, jazz. Reproduction of Horns was impressive. High notes had no harshness. This unit does not sound like it is in a can. The SRS adds that third dimension that really works extremely well. Movies sound great too.
I was surprised that this entry level is upper end sound, upper end looks and upper end quality build. Hats off to VIZIO on such a great product! I would strongly recommend this to people whose budget is not way up there but don’t want to compromise their ears!