Most individuals are searching for one in every of two issues in a soundbar: probably the most reasonably priced choice or the best-sounding one. Whereas it’s straightforward to seek out merchandise that match a type of standards, Vizio’s M-Sequence Elevate tries to satisfy each.
When it comes to value, options, and high quality, this $700 soundbar system nestles within the hole between the corporate’s $500 M-Sequence and its $1,000 Elevate. Just like the original Elevate we reviewed in 2021, the brand new M-Sequence Elevate makes use of rotating, ceiling-firing drivers for the Dolby Atmos top channels. Nevertheless, the brand new bar opts for a wired setup and ditches additional options like Wi-Fi to chop prices.
This “better of each worlds” method may have simply mired the M-Sequence Elevate in a no man’s land of compromises, however it manages to be a type of uncommon Goldilocks choices that delivers great-sounding 5.1.2 Dolby Atmos in a comparatively cheap bundle.
Out of the Field
One of many predominant reasons to choose a soundbar over a whole speaker configuration is the convenience of setup, and the M-Sequence Elevate completely nails it. It makes use of a principally wired setup (through which every speaker is bodily wired to the subwoofer, relatively than simply to an influence outlet), which can disappoint some customers, however the course of is remarkably straightforward.
The soundbar connects to your TV through an HDMI ARC/eARC port, and you may join an exterior machine like a streaming field or online game console through an extra HDMI enter. You may as well hook the soundbar as much as your TV or different gadgets by way of USB or digital optical audio cables, that are included.
The 2 encompass audio system hyperlink as much as the subwoofer through included 3.5-mm cables and an influence cable. The one wi-fi element within the core setup is the subwoofer, which syncs to the soundbar mechanically while you flip it on; there’s no pairing step to take care of, and its wi-fi nature means no ugly cable operating by way of the center of your room. As a result of the surrounds hook up with the subwoofer, it is higher to place it within the center or rear of your room.
Optionally, you may join an Echo Dot speaker to the soundbar to allow voice controls, and you may pair it with a smartphone or different Bluetooth machine to stream music to the M-Sequence Elevate.
Aesthetically, the M-Sequence Elevate is refined and can simply slot in with most individuals’s decor. The soundbar is barely rounded and lined in a easy charcoal-gray material, and the encompass audio system and subwoofer function the identical modern design. Little or no in regards to the setup stands proud—although the encompass audio system are oriented horizontally and can fairly actually stand out from the wall just a few inches if mounted. That stated, they’re sufficiently small to suit on most cabinets.
The one standout visible function is the tiny audio system that come out at each ends of the soundbar in Dolby Atmos mode. These tiny drivers rotate upward to behave as ceiling-facing top channels. Customizable coloured LEDs contained in the audio system make the Atmos Mode much more apparent, however you may flip off the lighting if it’s not your model. It’s value noting that this function provides a smidge to the soundbar’s footprint—one thing to remember when you’ve got restricted house.
Sound Design
{Photograph}: Vizio
The bodily setup is easy, however dialing within the M-Sequence Elevate’s settings will be tedious, relying in your wishes. To Vizio’s credit score, the bar is filled with choices, and I admire the granular management you’ve gotten over each facet of the listening expertise. The issue is definitely simply navigating all these menus.
