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Home » Vizio Elevate Soundbar Review: Rotating Drivers for Cinematic Atmos Effects

Vizio Elevate Soundbar Review: Rotating Drivers for Cinematic Atmos Effects

Vizio Elevate Soundbar Review

Imagine being in a cinema, surrounded by sound and feeling the bass. Now, imagine bringing that feeling home. The Vizio Elevate Soundbar does just that, with its unique rotating speakers and support for Dolby Atmos and DTS:X.

When you open the Vizio Elevate, you’ll find a sleek soundbar, a strong subwoofer, and rear speakers. They all work together to give you a movie-like sound experience. The soundbar has 13 drivers, including a center channel and five tweeters. This ensures every detail of your favorite shows and music is clear.

Key Takeaways

  • Vizio Elevate is a 5.1.4 Dolby Atmos and DTS:X soundbar system with rotating speakers
  • Features a large 11″ x 14″ x 16″ wireless subwoofer for powerful bass performance
  • Capable of producing up to 107 decibels of sound, suitable for even the largest living rooms
  • Rotating side speakers automatically adjust for Dolby Atmos and DTS:X content
  • Offers a wide range of connectivity options, including HDMI, optical, Bluetooth, and Chromecast

Introducing the Revolutionary Rotating Speaker Design

The Vizio Elevate Soundbar has a unique feature – motorized front speakers that rotate. This sets it apart from other soundbars. It offers an immersive audio experience that changes with the content.

How the Rotating Mechanism Works

When you play Dolby Atmos or DTS:X, the speakers move up. This creates a three-dimensional sound around you. The technology adapts to the audio format, pulling you into the action. You’ll see logos for Atmos and DTS:X when it’s on.

Adaptive Sound Technology Benefits

The Elevate’s sound technology is more than just the rotating speakers. It has 18 high-performance speakers for a great Dolby Atmos and DTS:X experience. Whether it’s a movie or a game, you’ll hear amazing, lifelike sound all around you.

Build Quality and Materials

The Vizio Elevate Soundbar is both advanced and stylish. It’s made of sleek, anodized aluminum with a unique design. This makes it not only sound great but also look good in your home.

“The VIZIO Elevate Sound Bar features 107dB of output, aimed at providing a more immersive experience to the listener.”

Feature Specification
Audio Configuration 5.1.4 channel system
Total Speakers 18 high-performance speakers
Maximum Sound Output 107 decibels
Subwoofer Size 8-inch wireless subwoofer
Subwoofer Frequency Range Down to 30Hz

Technical Specifications and Features Overview

The Vizio Elevate soundbar is a powerful 5.1.4 channel audio system. It delivers an immersive surround sound experience. It has 13 high-performance speakers, including left, right, center, and height channels, plus two satellite speakers and an 8-inch wireless subwoofer.

This setup supports both Dolby Atmos and DTS:X audio formats. It provides a cinematic surround sound experience in your home.

The Vizio Elevate’s unique feature is its adaptive sound technology. The side speakers rotate upwards when playing Dolby Atmos or DTS:X content. This design creates a wider, more enveloping soundstage.

The system is powered by Class D amplifiers. It delivers up to 107 decibels of output. This ensures ample volume and dynamic range for your entertainment needs.

Specification Details
Channel Configuration 5.1.4
Supported Audio Formats Dolby Atmos, DTS:X
Total Speaker Drivers 13
Subwoofer 8-inch wireless
Output Power Up to 107 decibels
Amplifier Type Class D

The Vizio Elevate soundbar is a feature-packed audio solution. It brings a cinematic Dolby Atmos and DTS:X experience to your home. Its innovative rotating speaker design, powerful audio output, and connectivity options make it a compelling choice for immersive, high-quality audio.

Design and Build Quality Analysis

The Vizio Elevate soundbar has a sleek, modern design that fits well with today’s TVs. It measures 48 x 7 x 2.5 inches and weighs about 12 pounds. Its anodized aluminum shell gives it a premium look. Its small size makes it easy to place under or next to your TV, keeping your space tidy.

Dimensions and Weight Considerations

The Elevate soundbar is only 2.5 inches tall, fitting well with modern TVs. Its light weight of 12 pounds makes it easy to move. You can mount it on the wall or place it under a Vizio OLED TV.

Port Placement and Accessibility

The Elevate soundbar has lots of ways to connect, with three HDMI ports and one with eARC. It also has an optical input and 3.5mm jacks. This means it works well with many HDMI connectivity and audio devices.

Visual Integration with Modern TVs

The Elevate’s design and low profile make it perfect for today’s TV models. Its anodized aluminum shell matches the look of modern TVs. This creates a beautiful and cohesive home entertainment setup.

“The Vizio Elevate soundbar is a prime example of how a well-designed audio solution can enhance the overall viewing experience in a living room.”

Connectivity Options and Setup Process

The Vizio M-Series Elevate soundbar system has many ways to connect to your home entertainment. It includes an HDMI eARC connection for top-notch audio from your TV. It also has several HDMI inputs for devices like streaming boxes or gaming consoles.

Setting up the Elevate is easy. First, connect the soundbar to your TV and the wireless subwoofer to the main unit. Then, connect the surround speakers to the subwoofer for a neat setup. Next, use the Vizio SmartCast app to connect it to your Wi-Fi network. Some users might face connectivity problems during this step.

“The Elevate features a one-cable solution for easy setup, ensuring seamless device integration.”

After setting it up, you can adjust the sound settings through your TV’s menu or the remote. This lets you customize the sound to your liking and the room’s acoustics.

Vizio Elevate Soundbar Connectivity

The Vizio M-Series Elevate soundbar system offers a wide range of connectivity options. Its easy setup and flexible settings make it great for an immersive Dolby Atmos experience at home.

Vizio Elevate Soundbar Review: Performance Testing

The Vizio Elevate soundbar impresses with its Dolby Atmos. Its rotating speakers create a wide, immersive soundstage. This makes you feel like you’re in a dome of immersive sound. The height channels add overhead effects, giving you a cinematic audio experience.

In terms of music playback quality, the Elevate sounds balanced and detailed. But, some find the sound a bit bright in certain modes. The subwoofer can also overpower the mix at times. Adjusting the channel levels can help balance the sound better.

Gaming Audio Experience

Gaming fans will love the Vizio Elevate’s surround sound and height channels. The immersive 3D sound enhances the game’s ambiance. It improves spatial awareness and makes gaming more engaging.

“The Vizio Elevate soundbar is a true powerhouse, delivering a cinematic Dolby Atmos experience that rivals traditional home theater setups.”

Feature Performance
Dolby Atmos Excellent
Music Playback Good, with some brightness issues
Gaming Audio Immersive and engaging

The Vizio Elevate soundbar shines in providing an immersive audio experience. Its Dolby Atmos performance is a standout. While there’s room for tweaking the audio in some cases, the Elevate is a great choice for home theaters and gamers.

Subwoofer and Satellite Speakers Integration

The Vizio Elevate soundbar system comes with a wireless 8-inch subwoofer and two satellite speakers. This setup offers a full 5.1.4 surround sound experience. The subwoofer’s bass is strong, but some might find it too loud.

The satellite speakers have special drivers for both forward and up-firing sound. This makes the audio feel like you’re right in the action. It’s perfect for movies and games.

Feature Vizio Elevate Soundbar Vizio M-Series M512a-H6 Vizio SV510X-0806
Subwoofer Size 8 inches 6 inches 5 inches
Satellite Speakers Wireless Wired Wired
Surround Sound 5.1.4 5.1.2 5.1
Price $534 (Amazon) $800 $399 (B&H)

The Vizio Elevate system’s design is key to its sound quality. It offers a complete surround sound experience. This makes it great for watching movies, listening to music, and playing games.

Vizio Elevate Soundbar Subwoofer and Satellite Speakers

Smart Features and Mobile App Control

The Vizio Elevate soundbar comes with smart features and mobile app integration. It has Chromecast built-in for easy streaming of music and podcasts. You can also control it with voice commands through voice assistant compatibility like Google Assistant or Amazon Alexa.

The Vizio SmartCast app lets you control the soundbar from your phone. You can tweak sound settings like bass and treble. But, some users face app connectivity issues that need fixing.

SmartCast Integration

The Chromecast built-in feature in the Vizio Elevate soundbar makes streaming easy. You can stream audio from your phone or computer to the soundbar. This gives you a wireless experience and lets you control playback from your device.

Voice Control Capabilities

The Vizio Elevate soundbar supports voice control through devices like Google Assistant or Amazon Alexa. This lets you adjust volume and change inputs with voice commands. It offers a hands-free way to control your audio experience.

Audio Format Compatibility

The Vizio Elevate soundbar offers a top-notch audio experience. It supports many high-quality audio formats. This includes Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, Dolby TrueHD, and DTS-HD Master Audio.

Dolby Atmos and DTS:X stand out, giving you an immersive, three-dimensional sound. The soundbar’s HDMI eARC connection lets you enjoy high-resolution audio. This makes your home feel like a cinema.

Need a smaller surround sound setup? The Vizio Elevate has DTS Virtual:X. It creates a wide soundfield without extra speakers.

Whether you’re watching movies, gaming, or listening to music, the Vizio Elevate is ready. It handles many audio formats well. This makes it a great choice for any home theater.

Dolby Atmos

Room Size and Placement Considerations

When setting up the Vizio Elevate soundbar, room size and placement matter a lot. This system is made for medium to large rooms, aiming to give you a movie-like sound. To get the best sound, you need to place the soundbar, subwoofer, and satellite speakers just right.

Optimal Setup Guidelines

To enjoy your Vizio Elevate to the fullest, follow these tips:

  1. Put the soundbar right under your TV for the best look and sound.
  2. Place the subwoofer near the front of the room, like in a corner or against a wall, for better bass.
  3. Put the satellite speakers behind or to the sides of where you sit, at ear level or a bit higher, for the best surround sound.

Acoustic Environment Impact

The Vizio Elevate’s special speakers work best in rooms with flat ceilings. This setup lets the sound bounce off the ceiling, creating a full Dolby Atmos or DTS:X experience. But, if your ceiling is angled or irregular, the Atmos effect might not be as strong. Yet, the sound will be amazing.

By considering room size and placement, you can fully enjoy the Vizio Elevate’s innovative speakers. You’ll get a movie-like sound in your own home.

Value Proposition and Price Analysis

The Vizio Elevate soundbar is a great deal for those who want a top-notch Dolby Atmos experience without spending too much. It costs $800 and has features usually found in pricier soundbars. This makes it a smart audio investment for your home theater.

Compared to the $900 Sonos Arc, the Elevate is $100 cheaper but offers the same 5.1.4 Atmos setup. While the Sonos Arc has smart features like voice assistants and Trueplay room calibration, the Elevate’s rotating speakers and sound quality make it a good choice for those on a budget.

The Elevate is also more cost-effective because it doesn’t need a separate AV receiver. This saves money in a home theater setup. It has everything needed for Atmos in one package, making it easy to set up.

Product Price Channels Atmos Support Smart Features
Vizio Elevate $800 5.1.4 Yes No built-in voice assistants
Sonos Arc $900 5.1.2 Yes Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant
Vizio M-Series All-in-One $200 2.1 Yes No built-in voice assistants

Dolby Atmos soundbars have gotten cheaper, making the Elevate a great value. It has rotating speakers, surround sound, and a sleek design. It’s perfect for those who want a great home theater experience without spending a lot.

Vizio Elevate soundbar

Comparison with Competing Soundbars

The Vizio Elevate soundbar is up against big names like the Sonos Arc and Samsung Q-Series. But it has something special: its rotating speakers and 5.1.4 channel setup. These features make it stand out.

Compared to the Sonos Arc, the Elevate has more channels and a better Dolby Atmos experience. The Arc is sleek and smart home-friendly. But the Elevate’s speakers give a more movie-like sound, perfect for Atmos content.

Specification Vizio Elevate Sonos Arc Samsung Q-Series
Channels 5.1.4 5.0.2 7.1.2
Mid-Bass Output 107.2 dB 106.8 dB 114.7 dB
Low-Bass Output 91.6 dB 93.6 dB 97.2 dB
Price $500 $899 $1,099

In the high-end soundbar market, the Elevate goes head-to-head with the Samsung Q-Series. It’s cheaper but has its own special feature: rotating speakers. The Q-Series has better bass and more channels. But the Elevate is a great choice for Atmos fans who don’t want to spend a lot.

The Vizio Elevate soundbar is a top pick in its price range. It offers great features, sound, and design. It’s a strong competitor to the Sonos Arc and Samsung Q-Series.

Known Issues and Solutions

The Vizio Elevate soundbar is a top-notch audio system. Yet, some users face occasional software glitches and connectivity problems. Luckily, Vizio has fixed many of these issues with firmware updates.

Adjusting the subwoofer levels is a common fix for bass imbalance. You can do this through the on-screen menu or the mobile app. Also, the remote’s lack of backlighting can be a problem in dark rooms. But, you can get used to the button layouts to solve this.

Some users have had trouble with the soundbar disconnecting from the SmartCast app. Vizio has released software updates to fix this. If you’re having ongoing problems, Vizio’s customer support team is ready to help.

The Vizio Elevate soundbar offers an amazing audio experience. Vizio is dedicated to solving software issues with timely firmware updates and quick customer support. By following the troubleshooting steps and keeping your software up-to-date, you can enjoy the Elevate’s Dolby Atmos sound.

Conclusion

The Vizio Elevate soundbar system is a great mix of Dolby Atmos sound, cool rotating speakers, and a good price. It’s perfect for anyone wanting to improve their home theater. It offers amazing sound for movies, music, and games, making it feel like you’re in a cinema.

Even though it has some small problems, like software bugs and uneven bass, these issues are minor. The Elevate also has lots of ways to connect, like many HDMI ports and eARC support. This makes it even more valuable for different home entertainment setups.

In short, the Vizio Elevate soundbar is a top pick for anyone looking to boost their home theater. It combines top-notch sound and smart design with a price that’s easy on the wallet. It’s a standout choice in the soundbar market.

FAQ

What is the Vizio Elevate Soundbar?

The Vizio Elevate is a 5.1.4 soundbar system. It has innovative rotating speakers that adjust for Dolby Atmos and DTS:X. It comes with a main soundbar, wireless subwoofer, and rear satellite speakers for an immersive audio experience.

What is the unique feature of the Vizio Elevate?

The Elevate’s unique feature is its motorized front speakers. They rotate upward for Atmos/DTS:X content and forward for standard audio. This adaptive technology optimizes the sound based on the content being played.

What are the technical specifications of the Vizio Elevate?

The Elevate offers a 5.1.4 channel configuration with 13 drivers total. It supports Dolby Atmos and DTS:X formats. It also features Class D amplifiers with up to 107 decibels of output.

How does the Vizio Elevate’s design and build quality compare?

The Elevate soundbar measures 48 x 7 x 2.5 inches and weighs about 12 pounds. It has a sleek design with an anodized aluminum shell. It’s designed to integrate visually with modern TVs and can be wall-mounted or docked under Vizio OLED TVs.

What are the connectivity options and setup process for the Vizio Elevate?

The Elevate offers multiple connectivity options including HDMI eARC, optical, and analog inputs. Setup involves connecting the soundbar to the TV, pairing with the wireless subwoofer, and connecting to Wi-Fi using the Vizio SmartCast app.

How does the Vizio Elevate perform in terms of audio quality?

The Elevate delivers impressive Dolby Atmos performance. It has a wide, immersive soundstage and effective height effects. Music playback is good but can sound bright in some modes. The system offers ample bass that some users found overpowering.

How do the subwoofer and satellite speakers integrate with the Vizio Elevate?

The Elevate system includes a wireless 8-inch subwoofer and two satellite speakers. The subwoofer provides powerful bass, sometimes considered too aggressive. The satellite speakers feature both forward-firing and up-firing drivers for surround and height effects.

What smart features and mobile app control does the Vizio Elevate offer?

The Elevate features Chromecast built-in for audio streaming from compatible apps. It supports voice control through external devices but lacks a built-in voice assistant. The Vizio SmartCast app allows for remote control and settings adjustment, though some users experienced connectivity issues.

What audio formats does the Vizio Elevate support?

The Elevate supports a wide range of audio formats. This includes Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, Dolby TrueHD, and DTS-HD Master Audio. It’s also compatible with high-resolution audio through its HDMI eARC connection and includes DTS Virtual:X for enhanced virtual surround sound.

What are the room size and placement considerations for the Vizio Elevate?

The Elevate is suitable for medium to large rooms. Optimal placement involves centering the soundbar under the TV, positioning the subwoofer near the front of the room, and placing satellite speakers behind or to the sides of the listening area. Room acoustics can impact the effectiveness of the up-firing speakers.