I had a chance to test and compare two models: VIZIO SB2821-D6 vs VIZIO SB36512-F6 and this review should help people who are looking for a good soundbar. The VIZIO SB2821-D6 was rated 4.8, while the VIZIO SB36512-F6 has a rating 7.4. Soundbars have the same set of buttons - power, input, Bluetooth, volume down, volume up.
Each of the models under consideration has active amplification type. A noticeable difference is the number of channels that SB2821-D6 has 2.1 and SB36512-F6 has 5.1.2. The built-in subwoofer is not implemented in any of these models. An external subwoofer can be connected to any of the units in this comparison. Rate 6 out of 10 received the VIZIO SB2821-D6 for audio features and specs, but the VIZIO SB36512-F6 received 8 out of 10.
Soundbars do not have AirPlay support. The SB36512-F6 can play audio from Spotify.
Wireless Internet connection is realized only in the SB36512-F6. Soundbars from this comparison have Bluetooth support. The HDMI Audio Return Channel (ARC) is implemented only in the SB36512-F6. Connecting devices via USB is possible in both models. We rated the connectivity of the SB2821-D6 at 4 out of 10, while the SB36512-F6 was rated 8/10.
The manufacturer of the SB36512-F6 provides a device control application. Soundbars in this review are not equipped with a microphone. The VIZIO SB36512-F6 may become part of a multiroom system.
Dolby Atmos audio decoder is onboard the SB36512-F6. Devices from this comparison cannot process surround sound due to lack of DTS:X. The SB2821-D6 was rated 5/10, while the SB36512-F6 received a mark of 7/10 for multichannel surround.