Sound quality: Vizio's M51ax-J6 Good overall sound quality - this model reproduces music and dialog reasonably well despite the obvious shortcomings in its sound. In the Direct EQ sound mode the bass has good impact and goes deep, but is a bit prominent and boomy. Midrange is fairly even, but is slightly grainy, hazy, and a touch etched. Treble is extended but is slightly prominent and smeared. Does a decent job of recovering room ambience. When playing stereo program material in the Direct EQ mode the sound field extends somewhat above and a bit beyond the ends of the front speaker array, and lacks front to back depth. In the Direct mode no sound is heard from the rear speakers regardless of whether the surround mode is turned on or off. When the rear surround speakers are positioned behind the listener and the surround mode is set to on when using the various DSP modes (Movie, Music, Game, Night, and DTS: Virtual X) the sound field gets more expansive above and to the sides of the speaker array, there is sound from the rear speakers, and each of the DSP modes have a different, noticeable effect on the sound field and tonal balance. With the rear speakers properly positioned behind the listener and with the proper listener position and adjustment of center and rear speaker volume levels this soundbar can provide an enveloping experience. When playing 5.1 channel program material in the Direct EQ mode sound no sound is heard from the rear speakers when the surround mode is set to "off", but the speaker array sound field may be wider and taller than with stereo program material. When the surround mode is set to "on" or any setting other than "off", using the Direct EQ sound mode or any of the various DSP modes results in a sound field gets more expansive above and to the sides of the speaker array, and sound from the rear speakers; and each of the DSP modes have a different, noticeable effect on the tonal balance. With the rear speakers properly positioned behind the listener and with the proper listener position and adjustment of center and rear speaker volume levels this soundbar can provide an enveloping experience. There was no significant difference in sound quality between HDMI, optical, analog, USB, and Bluetooth inputs. The system can provide satisfying volume in a medium sized room.
TV ease of use: Very good overall.
Features ease of use: Acceptable overall.
