I had a chance to test and compare two models: Nakamichi Shockwafe Ultra 9.2 eARC vs VIZIO M512a-H6 and this review should help people who are looking for a good soundbar. The Nakamichi Shockwafe Ultra 9.2 eARC was rated 6.6, while the VIZIO M512a-H6 has a rating 5.6.
Each of the models under consideration has active amplification type. A noticeable difference is the number of channels that Shockwafe Ultra 9.2 eARC has 9.2.4 and M512a-H6 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 10 out of 10 received the Nakamichi Shockwafe Ultra 9.2 eARC for audio features and specs, but the VIZIO M512a-H6 received 8 out of 10.
Soundbars do not have AirPlay support. The units in this comparison do not support Spotify.
Both models do not have a wireless Wi-Fi interface. Soundbars from this comparison have Bluetooth support. There are 3/1 HDMI inputs/outputs in the Nakamichi Shockwafe Ultra 9.2 eARC versus 1/1 HDMIs in the VIZIO M512a-H6. As in the Shockwafe Ultra 9.2 eARC, so in the M512a-H6 there is the HDMI Audio Return Channel (ARC). Connecting devices via USB is possible in both models. We rated the connectivity of the Shockwafe Ultra 9.2 eARC at 9 out of 10, while the M512a-H6 was rated 8/10.
None of these soundbars can be controlled using the app. Soundbars in this review are not equipped with a microphone. The models under consideration cannot become part of a multiroom system.
Manufacturers equipped both units with Dolby Atmos audio decoder. Units from this comparison can process surround sound due to DTS:X support. The Shockwafe Ultra 9.2 eARC was rated 10/10, while the M512a-H6 received a mark of 8/10 for multichannel surround.