Nov 22, 2019
Read MoreSony HT-Z9F vs VIZIO SB36512-F6 review
VIZIO SB36512-F6 review
Comparing VIZIO SB 36512-F6 vs Sony HT-Z9F, Vizio SB 36512-F6 is one of the most inexpensive ways to get the Dolby Atmos element in your arsenal of home speakers. The compact design includes dedicated rear speakers and the number of inputs exceeds the number of competitors with Bluetooth, HDMI input / output and Chromecast Wi-Fi music. The superb Vizio SB 36512-F6 combines Dolby Atmos effects into a compact soundbar with rear speakers and subwoofer - and all this at a very affordable price. There are 5.1.2 built-in channels. 
Sony HT-Z9F review
In terms of control, this soundbar is more confusing than the IKEA store plan. The first thing to understand when comparing Sony HT-Z9F vs VIZIO SB 36512-F6 is that the separate Vertical S button on the remote control does not enable Vertical Surround mode. Instead, it includes a boost upmixer for dual channel and regular 5.1 sound. When a Dolby Atmos or DTS: X stream enters the soundbar, the Vertical Surround Engine turns on automatically. However, you can control the sound manually using the Dolby Speaker Virtualiser (in the audio menu), which disables the vertical sound engine. Its power is 400W and it features 3.1 built-in channels. 
VIZIO SB 36512-F6 pros & cons
Pros
- The satellite speakers have color coded inputs of blue and gray to help indicate which speaker is which
- I’ve also Chromecasted music from my Google Play Music library directly onto the soundbar and having the sound setting being defaulted to “music” instead of “direct” also blew my mind away
Cons
- It does not process HDR color information accurately with apple tv 4k
Sony HT-Z9F pros & cons
Pros
- It targets a specific buyer - those who really appreciate sound but don't want to spend ridiculous money
- No issues connecting with my PS4PRO and being able to still use all my smart TV functions
Cons
- If you have a smart TV and use its smart features, you still need to maintain two remotes
Sony HT-Z9F vs VIZIO SB36512-F6
Sony and VIZIO
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Common
Product
Sony HT-Z9F
VIZIO SB36512-F6
Model
HT-Z9F
SB36512-F6
Brand
Sony
VIZIO
Reviews
349
150
General
Placement type
table-top, wall-mountable
table-top, wall-mountable
Connection to source
wired, wireless
wired, wireless
Soundbar buttons
power, input, Bluetooth, music service, volume down, volume up
power, input, Bluetooth, volume down, volume up
Audio features
Built-in channels
3.1
5.1.2
Amplification type
active
active
Output power, W
400 (overall)
Separate speaker (in package)
0
2
Separate speaker connections
has not
wireless
Subwoofer
Built-in subwoofer
Separate subwoofer (in package)
Separate subwoofer connections
wireless
wireless
Streaming services
Apple Music (AirPlay)
Amazon Music
Spotify
Other streaming services
Chromecast
Pandora, TIDAL, VIZIO SmartCast, Chromecast
Connectivity
WI-FI
Bluetooth
Ethernet (RJ45)
1
1
NFC
HDMI input/output
2/0
1/0
HDMI ARC
HDMI eARC
HDMI CEC
Optical digital input/output
1/0
1/0
USB
1 (USB 2.0)
1 (USB 2.0)
Coaxial digital input/output
0/0
1/0
Analog audio input/output (RCA)
1/0
1/0
Headphone output
0
0
Subwoofer output
0
0
Features
Voice control
Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant
App control
Microphone
Remote control
Multi-room
Multichannel surround
Dolby Atmos
Dolby (other)
Dolby Digital
Dolby Digital
DTS:X
DTS (other)
has not
has not
Dimensions
Size (Wx H x D), cm/in
100 x 6.4 x 10/39.4 x 2.5 x 3.4
91.4 x 6.3 x 8.1/36 x 2.5 x 3.1
Weight, kg/pounds
3.1/6.6
2.5/5.6
Other
Release year
2018
2018
Soundbars CHooseratoR comparison rating
- 7.2Sony HT-Z9F
- 7.4VIZIO SB36512-F6
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