l would like to share my experience after comparing and testing two soundbars – Sony HT-Z9F vs Vizio M21d-H8. The Sony HT-Z9F was rated 7.2, while the Vizio M21d-H8 has a rating 5. The soundbars are equipped with a different number of buttons, power, input, Bluetooth, music service, volume down, volume up for the HT-Z9F and power, volume down, volume up, source, Bluetooth for the M21d-H8.
Each of the models under consideration has active amplification type. A noticeable difference is the number of channels that HT-Z9F has 3.1 and M21d-H8 has 2.1. A built-in subwoofer is available only in the Vizio M21d-H8. Rate 7 out of 10 received the Sony HT-Z9F for audio features and specs, but the Vizio M21d-H8 received 5 out of 10.
Soundbars do not have AirPlay support. The HT-Z9F can play audio from Spotify.
Wireless Internet connection is realized only in the HT-Z9F. Soundbars from this comparison have Bluetooth support. There are 2/0 HDMI inputs/outputs in the Sony HT-Z9F versus 1/1 HDMIs in the Vizio M21d-H8. As in the HT-Z9F, so in the M21d-H8 there is the HDMI Audio Return Channel (ARC). Connecting devices via USB is possible in both models. We rated the connectivity of the HT-Z9F at 8 out of 10, while the M21d-H8 was rated 6/10.
None of these soundbars can be controlled using the app. The Vizio M21d-H8 equipped with a microphone. The Sony HT-Z9F may become part of a multiroom system.
Dolby Atmos audio decoder is onboard the HT-Z9F. The HT-Z9F can work with surround sound due to DTS:X support. The HT-Z9F was rated 8/10, while the M21d-H8 received a mark of 5/10 for multichannel surround.