DKRanger22
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- First ReviewMarch 6, 2014
- Last ReviewMarch 6, 2014
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DKRanger22's Reviews
VIZIO - 5.1 Channel Soundbar System with Bluetooth and 6" Wireless Subwoofer - Black
This VIZIO S4251w-B4 soundbar system features 2 rear satellite speakers and a 6" wireless subwoofer for rich, immersive audio across a broad aural spectrum. Bluetooth technology lets you stream music from a compatible device.
Best Surround / Sound Bar Package for the Money
Customer Rating
5.0
Sound Quality
4.0
What's great about it: Loud, Fulfilling Sound, Great Value, Excellent Bluetooth Compatibility
What's not so great: Sub Rumbles w/ Lots of Base, but sometimes, too much
I wouldn't consider myself an "audiophile", but I do enjoy a good sound system. In my family room, I spent a little bit of money on an Energy system (sound bar w/ wireless sub). I am very happy with that unit - lots of power, VERY loud, and very clear sound. However, with the absense of rear speakers, you don't get a true "surround sound" effect.
Having just finished my basement (smaller area than my family room), I wanted to install a surround system for that area as well, but didn't want a system that could get as loud as the Energy system (it would literaly blow you out of the room), nor did I want to spend the $600. My research led me to the Vizio 5.1 system, which seemed to have nothing but glowing reviews on almost every website you can check. Normal price for this system is $299 (I missed the boat on a Black Friday sale @ $199). I had been scouting my local Best Buy for an open box deal for a few months, and finally came across one for $230 and pulled the trigger.
Setup on this unit is a breeze. I used the supplied optical cable, which is as straightforward as it gets (1 cord). The subwoofer then plugs into any 110 outlet, and you simply connect the two rear speakers to the sub. No wires running all the way from the back of the room to your soundbar. Just two small cables to the rear sub. Excellent design which eliminates the need to hide tons of wires / cables.
Seeing as how my TV is wall-mounted, I wanted my soundbar on the wall as well. This was the most time consuming part of the setup, as I had to drive in wall anchors into my drywall in order to hang the wall-mount brackets for the bar. If you are not wall-mounting your soundbar, setup is literaly 5 minutes or less. If you are wall-mounting, count on about 20 minutes (provided you have everything needed to do the job - tape measure, pencil to mark your holes, drill, wall anchors, and the supplied mounting hardware). Note that wall anchors are NOT provided with this unit. This thing is about as close to "plug and play" as it gets for any surround sound system.
One of the best features on this system is the Bluetooth compatibility. My more expensive Energy system does not have this option, but seeing as how I run a Roku box on that setup, it's not the end of the world. But for a $230 system, I think this is a fantastic option to have and makes it an excellent value. The system quickly recognizes my Bluetooth devices and pairing is almost instantaneous.
As for the sound, it's hard to believe that this unit only set me back $230 for the quality that it puts out. The soundbar itself is fantastic - loud, crisp, and plenty of range. The subwoofer has a thunderous rumble to it - enough that it sends the dog hiding under the bed - but one of my only complaints is that in some instances (depending on the song or video playing), is almost seems as if the subwoofer is trying "too hard". This might be "user error", as I have only had the system for a week and may still need to dial in the appropriate settings. I think I would have to give the subwoofer nod to my Energy system, but it is also almost twice the size. The sub found in the Vizio 5.1 system is still quite impressive for its size.
As for the rear speakers, sometimes it's hard to tell whether or not they're putting out much sound, as there is so much sound coming out of that fantastic sound bar and thunderous subwoofer. However, when I find myself walking outside of the "surround zone" where I have the back speakers pointed towards, it is clear that you are losing that "surround" effect when leaving that area, so the back speakers are definitely giving me that surround sound effect that I was looking for.
In summary, I challenge anyone to find another system that is priced anywhere close to $230 that gives you this kind of sound for the money. I am extremely pleased with my selection of this unit. This system is very simple to install, has a fantastic sound bar, loud subwoofer that rumbles (sometimes too much, sometimes not enough, but in general, is very good for the size), and rear speakers that I wish put out a little more sound, but still give you that true surround sound effect. If you are on the fence about which surround sound system to buy, do yourself a favor and go out and buy this unit now.
I would recommend this to a friend!
My Best Buy number: 2932138127
+4points
4out of 4found this review helpful.
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DKRanger22's Answers
VIZIO - 5.1 Channel Soundbar System with Bluetooth and 6" Wireless Subwoofer - Black
This VIZIO S4251w-B4 soundbar system features 2 rear satellite speakers and a 6" wireless subwoofer for rich, immersive audio across a broad aural spectrum. Bluetooth technology lets you stream music from a compatible device.
Are the satellite speackers wireless also
No, they are not wireless. They plug into the rear subwoofer.
10 years, 2 months ago
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Posted by:
DKRanger22
from
Cleveland, OH