Low-end TV maker Vizio has announced its new M-Series soundbar lineup for 2022-2023, with the update led by the M-Series Elevate, a less expensive version of the original but with the same Dolby Atmos speakers. swivel.
Like many of the best soundbars, the new $800 M-Series Elevate is a 5.1.2 model and comes with wired surround speakers and a wireless subwoofer that delivers bass up to 45 Hz. Like its predecessor, it has speakers on the outer edges of the bar that automatically rotate up for Atmos and DTS:X service, then rotate down to contribute to enhanced reproduction of regular stereo and surround sources.
Connections on the M-Series Elevate include HDMI eARC and standard HDMI ports with Dolby Vision HDR pass-through, plus an optical digital audio input. When connected to a Vizio TV using HDMI eARC, a built-in soundbar control menu lets you configure Elevate settings on the device’s screen, and there’s also a voice assistant input for connecting a Google or Amazon Alexa speaker.
M-Series All-in-One: Dolby Atmos for $200
Along with Elevate, Vizio also announced the M-Series All-in-One, a 2.1-channel soundbar that supports Dolby Atmos for just $200.
Atmos and DTS:X sound in the All-In-One is handled through DTS:X Virtual processing, while the soundbar’s front speakers are augmented by a pair of woofers for enhanced bass output. Additionally, the Vizio’s budget soundbar features the same connectivity options as the M-Series Elevate, including a voice assistant input.
Both the M-Series Elevate and All-In-One will be available in July.
Analysis: Does Elevate operate on the same plane as the Sonos Arc?
When reviewed the original Vizio Elevate soundbar, we criticized it for a relative lack of features compared to similar flagship soundbars like the $900 Sonos Arc.
While having speakers that automatically rotate up when a Dolby Atmos input is detected and then automatically retract is an undeniably cool feature, at $1,099 when it launched, the original Elevate seemed pricey, especially for a Vizio product.
At $800, the new M-Series Elevate is a more reasonable request for that same stylish feature, and Vizio’s decision to downsize it from an Atmos 5.1.4 speaker setup to a 5.1. devastating loss for most listeners. The M-Series Elevate is certainly one of the most attractive soundbars on the market, and its support for DTS:X along with Dolby Atmos sets it apart from many other soundbar options.
When all is said and done, however, the Sonos Arc’s ability to connect over Wi-Fi to other Sonos speakers – including the Sub – and stream audio directly through the company’s app or AirPlay 2 puts it ahead of the M -Series Elevate, which does not offer any wireless streaming options other than Bluetooth. And it also has Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant built in so you don’t have to plug in a separate smart speaker for voice control, along with Trueplay room calibration – another category of features the M-Series Elevate lacks.
Who does the M-Series Elevate make sense for? Mainly movie fans looking to get great home theater sound, but with the added benefit – and bragging rights – of automated Dolby Atmos speakers. For those who fit that description, Vizio’s new M-Series soundbar will be an attractive option, albeit at just $100 less than the Sonos Arc, a tough choice to make.
