I had a chance to test and compare two models: Sony HT-Z9F vs VIZIO SB36512-F6 and this review should help people who are looking for a good soundbar. The Sony HT-Z9F was rated 7.2, while the VIZIO SB36512-F6 has a rating 7.4. 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, input, Bluetooth, volume down, volume up for the SB36512-F6.
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 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 7 out of 10 received the Sony HT-Z9F for audio features and specs, but the VIZIO SB36512-F6 received 8 out of 10.
Soundbars do not have AirPlay support. Each of the competitors can play content from Spotify.
Both models have a wireless Wi-Fi interface. Soundbars from this comparison have Bluetooth support. There are 2/0 HDMI inputs/outputs in the Sony HT-Z9F versus 1/0 HDMIs in the VIZIO SB36512-F6. As in the HT-Z9F, so in the SB36512-F6 there is the HDMI Audio Return Channel (ARC). Connecting devices via USB is possible in both models. The connectivity of each of the models was estimated at 8/10. The manufacturer of the SB36512-F6 provides a device control application. Soundbars in this review are not equipped with a microphone. The models under consideration can become part of a multiroom system.
Manufacturers equipped both units with Dolby Atmos audio decoder. The HT-Z9F can work with surround sound due to DTS:X support. The HT-Z9F was rated 8/10, while the SB36512-F6 received a mark of 7/10 for multichannel surround.