I had a chance to test and compare two models: VIZIO SB36512-F6 vs Samsung HW-T550 and this review should help people who are looking for a good soundbar. The VIZIO SB36512-F6 was rated 7.4, while the Samsung HW-T550 has a rating 4.5. The soundbars are equipped with a different number of buttons, power, input, Bluetooth, volume down, volume up for the SB36512-F6 and volume down, volume up, power, source for the HW-T550.
Each of the models under consideration has active amplification type. A noticeable difference is the number of channels that SB36512-F6 has 5.1.2 and HW-T550 has 2.1. 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 8 out of 10 received the VIZIO SB36512-F6 for audio features and specs, but the Samsung HW-T550 received 6 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. There are 1/0 HDMI inputs/outputs in the VIZIO SB36512-F6 versus 1/1 HDMIs in the Samsung HW-T550. As in the SB36512-F6, so in the HW-T550 there is the HDMI Audio Return Channel (ARC). Connecting devices via USB is possible in both models. We rated the connectivity of the SB36512-F6 at 8 out of 10, while the HW-T550 was rated 6/10.
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 SB36512-F6 was rated 7/10, while the HW-T550 received a mark of 5/10 for multichannel surround.