VIZIO M512a-H6 vs JBL BAR 500

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Votes 1 1
Rating 5 5

M512a-H6 vs BAR 500 comparison chart

Overall
VIZIO M512a-H6
5.6
JBL BAR 500
8.6
4
9
Multichannel surround
8
7

VIZIO M512a-H6 vs JBL BAR 500 review

VIZIO M512a-H6
vs
JBL BAR 500

Let's compare VIZIO M512a-H6 and JBL BAR 500 for an overview of all their audio functions. And according to the comparison results, we can see that BAR 500 is superior to M512a-H6 in quality and number of functions. According to the results of our comparison, M512a-H6 received 5.6 points out of 10 possible, and BAR 500 was rated 8.6 points.

Advantages VIZIO M512a-H6 over JBL BAR 500

  • Comes with 2 separate speakers
  • Surround sound with DTS:X support

Advantages JBL BAR 500 over VIZIO M512a-H6

  • Available the Apple Music service
  • Available the Amazon Music service
  • Stream music with Spotify
  • Wireless connection via Wi-Fi
  • App for remote control
  • Built-in microphone

Audio features

The M512a-H6 is rated 8 of 10 against 7 for the BAR 500 according to the audio features rating.

M512a-H6
8
BAR 500
7

It worth understanding the difference between the two types of amplification: a passive soundbar does not have its own amplifier and receives amplification from the signal source, while an active soundbar has a built-in amplifier. The same active type of amplification is used in the M512a-H6 and the BAR 500.

There are stereo soundbars and multichannel ones. It is with the help of multichannel devices that you can get volumetric sound. It is worth noting one of the main differences, the M512a-H6 has 5.1.2 channels, while the BAR 500 has 5.1 channels.

M512a-H6 BAR 500
Built-in channels5.1.25.1
Amplification typeactiveactive
Output power, WN/A620 (overall)
Separate speaker (in package)20
Separate speaker connectionswirelesshas not

Subwoofers

Soundbars can have a built-in or external subwoofer. The first type is inseparable from the soundbar body, but for the second, you can choose a good location for deep bass. Both reviewed devices are equipped with an external subwoofer. Competitors support wireless connection to a separate external subwoofer.

M512a-H6 BAR 500
Built-in subwoofer
Separate subwoofer (in package)
Separate subwoofer connectionswirelesswireless

Multichannel surround

Unlike stereo, when reproducing multichannel sound, each specific direction of sound corresponds to its dedicated channel with a separate independent loudspeaker, which creates a three-dimensional sound stage. The M512a-H6 received rating 8 out of 10 for multichannel audio processing, but the BAR 500, in the same category, earned 7 out of 10 points.

M512a-H6
8
BAR 500
7

The peculiarity of Dolby Atmos is that this format is object-oriented, that is, each object of the audio signal is sounded separately and linked to its spatial location. If we consider the models in terms of support for Dolby Atmos, then both soundbars can work with this technology.

DTS:X is an algorithm for processing sound scenes by the processor, linking directly to objects, rather than channels, and calculating the optimal distribution of sound output in a room. The manufacturer has implemented DTS:X technology only in M512a-H6.

M512a-H6 BAR 500
Dolby Atmos
Dolby (other)
DTS:X
DTS (other)

Streaming services

The possibility to listen online to millions of songs from one device has become a reality thanks to streaming services.

M512a-H6
0
BAR 500
10

The popular Spotify service is available on the BAR 500.

M512a-H6 BAR 500
Apple Music (AirPlay)
Amazon Music
Spotify
Other streaming serviceshas notPandora, SoundCloud

Connectivity

The existence of a sufficient number of current connectors significantly expands the functionality of the device. For example, only through HDMI is it possible to implement the transfer of object-oriented formats, and the presence of a Bluetooth connection will allow remote control, etc. The devices received different ratings for connectivity: VIZIO M512a-H6 was rated 8 out of 10, and JBL BAR 500 was rated 10 out of 10.

M512a-H6
8
BAR 500
10

The presence of Wi-Fi in the soundbar allows you to get rid of wires when connected to a sound source and get minimal audio latency when playing content from streaming services. Wireless connection via Wi-Fi is possible on the BAR 500.

Bluetooth connection is now one of the main communication protocols for speaker systems, which provides excellent quality and minimal audio latency. The availability of Bluetooth protocol, we can see in both models. The competitors in this comparison has 1/1 HDMI inputs/outputs.

HDMI ARC is a very usefull technology that creates a two-way communication channel between a TV and another device. This is convenient since there is no need to use optical and other cables in the system. HDMI ARC is basic for both soundbars. Connecting external devices via USB can be done on both models.

M512a-H6 BAR 500
WI-FI
Bluetooth
Ethernet (RJ45)00
NFC
HDMI input/output1/11/1
HDMI ARC
HDMI eARC
HDMI CEC
Optical digital input/output1/01/0
USB1 (USB 2.0)1 (USB 2.0)
Coaxial digital input/output0/00/0
Analog audio input/output (RCA)0/00/0
Headphone output00
Subwoofer output00

Features

Voice control is designed to make operating the device more convenient. This allows you to control basic soundbar functions from anywhere in the room.

Proprietary applications allow you to control your soundbars remotely. This is possible both via Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. The BAR 500 has its own remote control application. Only JBL BAR 500 has a built-in microphone.

Some soundbars can be part of a multi-room system and it is an affordable solution for sounding the whole house. However, it is impossible to create a multiroom system based on each of these soundbars.

M512a-H6 BAR 500
Voice control
App control
Microphone
Remote control
Multi-room

Dimensions

M512a-H6 BAR 500
Size (Wx H x D), cm/in101.6x6.8x10.3/40x2.6x4101.7x5.6x10.3/40x2.2x4
Weight, kg/pounds5.2/11.52.8/6.2
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