Soundbars were primarily made to provide powerful sounds with accurate bass responses. As more and more people switch to flat-screen monitor displays, the use of soundbars has steadily increased. Because early television sets and displays were predominantly CRT-based, the box was larger, allowing for larger, more responsive speakers. Yet, with the drastic decrease in depth of flat-panel television screens, it left little room for speakers. Because of this, the small built-in speakers do not respond to sound bass well. This is when soundbars became more popular.
Soundbars are typically less expensive than conventional stereo sound systems. They are also simple to set up and are relatively tiny, and can be placed under a display. Soundbars do not, however, fill an area with sound as effectively as distinct stereo systems due to their smaller build and limited positioning options. Nevertheless, when it comes to home entertainment, sound bars are more than enough to provide a cinematic experience or immersive gaming.
With that said, if you are looking for a budget-friendly sound bar that is decent enough to do the job, then the VIZIO 2.1 Sound Bar SB3821-C6 might be the one you are looking for.
The Design
While the majority of companies cover their sound bars with metal mesh, VIZIO opted to use a breathable black cloth. This offers the SB3820-C6 a sleek, contemporary look that should go perfectly with your living room decor. The sound bar’s end caps and logo both have an aluminum coating. This sound bar, although a larger unit, requires surprisingly little room, making it simple to integrate into the family’s entertainment system.
There appears to be a tendency in various industries toward creating attention-grabbing audio equipment. Therefore, it is good to see a straightforward, aesthetically pleasing design. No showy angles or flamboyance. With the majority of people, in our opinion, still, like straightforward concepts, the Vizio 2.1 Sound Bar belongs to the group of devices with a straightforward design. It is a well-thought-out piece of audio hardware.
You can complete the installation without the need for an additional pair of hands thanks to its lightweight construction. When you want to redesign your space, this also spares you the effort of removing and reinstalling. Overall, the construction quality is respectable, with a front and top covered in fabric and excellent quality plastic on the bottom and back. The cloth covering’s easy susceptibility to dust accumulation and punctures is the only drawback.
The Accessibility
As for the controls, they are located on the back of the soundbar. Since Vizio 2.1 is a three-inch-high soundbar, the Control placement is a bit challenging because the space is limited. They are hidden in the back. If you put the soundbar on the floor, it will be inelegant. If you decide to put it on the wall, it will be awkward. The fact that the unit comes with a wireless control suggests that this may be the cause of the current design. It is, however, difficult to use.
Nonetheless, the controls are simple to operate on their own. The speaker is joined to its source through optical and coaxial inputs. Moreover, there is a USB and a 3.5 socket available. Because the subwoofer is cordless, there is no need for additional wires on the floor.
The wireless woofer and soundbar have solid connectivity. There are no range issues as far as they are not overly far from the source. Up to 30 feet away should be all right, but you must have a clear view of the soundbar. Due to the integrated Bluetooth in this gadget, you can stream media from and to your gadgets. This covers computers, mobile devices, and tablets that support Bluetooth and offer a few external connection possibilities.
The Quality
The most important aspect of a sound system is its sound quality. With that said, the sound bar’s ability to produce up to 100dB is remarkable. It accomplishes this with a clear, sharp tone and minimal harmonic distortion. Higher pitches do not vibrate, allowing you to enjoy music without the jarring sound typically linked with bass tones. Thanks to 2.0 audio, you can clearly hear whispers in movies and tell who is speaking. While watching your favorite movie, you do not have to concentrate on the center because the sound was dispersed equally throughout the room.
Dolby Digital, the audio standard for streaming video as well as Blu-rays, DVDs, and movie theaters, powers the VIZIO Sound Bars. Any audio recordings you listen to have a lot more depth thanks to it. The sound bar also includes built-in TruSurround. The device can produce a real surround environment with its virtual surround capability, which improves your audio experience. You can stream as many audio files as you want from a compatible Bluetooth device using the Bluetooth connection as well.
With the push of a button, you can stream your favorite music to any area of your home. You’ll clearly hear a difference in the lower-end responses when the bass boost is on, though it’s not a huge improvement. Overall, VIZIO’s bass boost modules are dependable when you don’t want to add an extra subwoofer to the setup to boost the bass.
VIZIO 2.1 Sound Bar SB3821-C6 Specifications
- Weight: 5.7 pounds
- Wattage: 100 Watts
- Frequency: 60 Hz to 19 kHz
- Max Sound Range: 100dB
- Connectivity: Bluetooth, Aux, USB 2.0, Coaxial digital input/output, Analog audio input/output (RCA)
- Built-in Features: Dolby Digital, DTS Studio SoundTM, DTS Tru Volume TM, DTS TruSurround(TM)
- Product Dimensions: L 38.17 x W 3.00 x H 3.00 Inches
Overall Product Review
The VIZIO SB3821-C6 is a flexible way to improve your home audio system for $158.00. It’s a perfect substitute for complex home audio setups or sound system setups because it produces a sound that is up to 100dB louder while remaining distortion-free and of good quality. It features a lovely, straightforward design and may be mounted on a wall, a table, or the floor. It is well-built, features a subwoofer cabinet made of solid wood, and has all the necessary wireless connections. The additions of Dolby and DPS create an excellent surround sound experience.
With both analog and digital connectivity, the system as a whole generates excellent sound. Also, the cost is quite reasonable given the specifications it offers. It ought to offer a very affordable yet instantaneous sound enhancement for your TV.
Images courtesy of Walmart
