Sound quality:
Vizio's V51-H6 delivers sound quality that fall in the Good range. In the Direct EQ sound mode the bass has good impact and goes deep, but is slightly prominent and somewhat boomy. Midrange is fairly even, but is somewhat grainy, hazy, soft, and congested. Treble is fairly extended but somewhat subdued. Does a so-so job of recovering room ambience, but the overall sound is somewhat congested. When playing stereo program material in the Direct EQ mode the sound field doesn't extend much above or beyond the ends of the front speaker array, and lacks front to back depth. No sound is heard from the rear speakers regardless of the Surround mode setting.
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.
Multichannel
When playing 5.1 channel program material in the Direct EQ mode no sound is heard from the rear speakers regardless of the surround mode setting; however, the sound field may be wider and taller than with stereo program material. When using the various DSP modes 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.
Sound Modes
When using the various DSP modes (Movie, Music, Game, and DTS: Virtual X) with the rear surround speakers positioned behind the listener and the Surround mode set to on there is sound from the rear speakers, the sound field gets more expansive above and to the sides of the speaker array 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.
TV ease of use: Excellent overall.
Features ease of use: Very good overall.
