There are 11 speakers built into the bar, and another 2 upward firing speakers to bounce sound off of the ceiling. A 6 inch downward firing, ported subwoofer powers the rear surround speakers. This system is designed to play Dolby Atmos and DTS:X encoded audio. This all adds up to movie theater experience that is amazing. The only drawback is that most TV programming is not in Dolby Atmos audio. However, using the handheld remote, you can select from EQ presets to maximize whatever sound source is driving it. We like to use the Direct EQ to enhance the clarity of dialogue. Hook up your Bluetooth mobile device and pump out your favorite tunes using the Music EQ and you'll hear crystal clear music. My dilemma is I have a 1 year old theater amp and a 5.1 speaker system that I don't know what to do with...
BTW, I debuted this Vizio M-Series 5.1.2 with the movie 6 Underground. That was a good choice to pump sound through all the speakers and fire off the subwoofer.

While previously owning 2 other Vizio sound bars, this was my first with Dolby Atmos. The sound is great, but did need a bit of fine tuning to appease my ear. It wasn't as simple as turning the bass/subwoofer up and adjusting the other levels. It did require a tempering of front end sounds to achieve the bass and subwoofer feedback that I was looking for. Once dialed in, it was a solid experience. The one snafu that has come up is with the HDMI input. I have an older tv that did not have a ARC input, but when powering up the bar it defaults back to ARC leading me to switch inputs every time. Annoying, but workable.

[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] If you’re looking for a sound bar with fantastic and advanced sound continue reading. I’m talking about the VIZIO 5.1 Sound Bar Speaker System M51a-H6. If you’re spending more time watching movies, you’ll be shopping for this unit this weekend.

If you want ATMOS and DTX:X audio this sound bar package packs it with nine speakers, yes 9. A great combination of sound bar speakers, remote subwoofer, and surround sound speakers.

One more GREAT point to keep you reading…shop, find it, and be absolutely surprised that you can get this quality at that price point.

So as you can tell I’m thrilled with this sound bar and my VIZIO TV. Plug and go. It’s that easy. I have been a fan of large speaker systems that take up a ton of room, wires everywhere because I wanted the sound that I thought you could only get from that setup. More good news. All the sound you’ll want you get with this setup.

In addition one remote and a powerful remote at that. If you don’t have a VIZIO TV I read that this remote can learn your TV remote to keep you at 1 remote.
Total control with the remote. You control left, center, right, sub, surround, height speaker, effects, equalizer, inputs etc. One really nice element is a remote with a display. Makes it really easy to understand and control your environment.

There are some cool things I haven’t done yet. I have used by smart speaker to control things but you can also connect your smart speaker directly to the sound bar.

Last the accessory package has everything you might need. HDMI, optical, wall mounts, etc. Ever buy something and then need to order a cable or HDMI cable, or something else. They even provided cable ties to keep your surround sound speaker wire nice and neat.

Bottom line, you’ll be thrilled.

Bought for Christmas setup, so easy great sound replaced old Vizio soundbar that I loved

Just installed. All i can say is Absolutely Amazing!!!. I even have a older 2009 Vizio TV with no Earc or Arc or dolby atmos... none of that.. And it still sounds outstanding. It blows away the old Bose Cinemate i was using for the past 12 years. Just waiting til i have to upgrade my TV so i can take advantage of the Dolby Atmos /DTSX etc.. since my old tv dont have all that. One question... Since it does not have wi fi. How do you do firmware updates to it?

[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] I bought this system for my Vizio quantum 55” tv. It’s a seamless connection with earc hdmi. It pairs with the satellite remote immediately. Sound is much better with the 11 speaker setup, compared to my old 6 speaker 5.1. Vizio soundbar. The up firing speakers make a difference.

[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] This system is what I wanted . clear crispy highs, and deep end. I live in an apartment and if I put it loud, I will get in trouble with my neighbors. It shakes the ground ! I was not convinced previously with only the main soundbar. Listen, you NEED the satellites for real deep and effortless surround sound.

I've owned multiple Vizio products for over 10 years (most are still working perfectly), and they have all served me well. This sound bar is amazing, even though I did have to update the firmware. Thank you for clear online instructions. Please keep making your great products!

Been working great since the last firmware update truly love the upfiring speakers that gives atmos and dts the true surround sound you get at the movies

I bought this one month ago for black friday to go with my new 85 inch tv and boom blown away . MOVIE NIGHT IS NOW AT HOME MOVIES LOOK AMAZING AND NOW HAVE THE SOUND TO GO WITH IT WITH DOLBY ATMOS AND DTSX JUST WOW ONLY GOING TO THE MOVIES JUST TO SEE MARVELMOVIES LIKE SPIDERMAN WOW