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Vizio SV510X-0806 Soundbar Review

Tested using Methodology v1.3
Reviewed Oct 24, 2024 at 10:23 am
Vizio SV510X-0806 Picture
7.3
Mixed Usage
7.7
Dialogue/TV Shows
7.3
Music
7.1
Movies

The Vizio SV510X-0806 is a 5.1 soundbar that incorporates premium features like Dolby Atmos support and a wireless subwoofer at an accessible price point. The relatively compact size of all of its elements also makes it an appealing prospect for those who don't have a lot of space for their home theater setup, and the bar itself can even be attached to certain Vizio TVs. While it lacks a dedicated remote (relying instead on using the Vizio app with your smartphone) and HDMI In connectivity, it's hard to argue with the feature set it's able to provide without breaking the bank. Let's see if its performance is up to par.

Our Verdict

7.3 Mixed Usage

The Vizio 5.1 Soundbar SE is decent for mixed usage. Its dedicated subwoofer lends it some heft in the bass-range, though its compact size limits it from producing the booming lows you might expect from 808s in hip-hop, or high-speed car chases in movies. The boosted mid- and high-bass can sometimes carry over into the otherwise balanced mid-range, bloating the mix. That said, the dedicated center channel helps ensure dialogue and voices are clear and focused. The satellite speakers work well in tandem with the stereo field created by the bar to ensure that surround sound content is immersive and effects pan mostly accurately. All usages benefit from the bar's great dynamics performance, which allows it to get quite loud with much in the way of compression.

Pros
  • Compatible with all popular audio formats, including Atmos.

  • Compact design with wireless sub.

  • Balanced sound, with plenty of bass.

Cons
  • No HDMI In or Optical ports.

  • No graphic EQ, limited presets.

  • Not the sturdiest build quality.

7.7 Dialogue/TV Shows

The Vizio 5.1 Soundbar SE is good for dialogue and TV shows. Bolstered by its discrete center channel and balanced mid-range reproduction, speech, and dialogue come through with clarity and detail. Voices are well-localized and easy to follow within the stereo field. There's even a 'Clear Dialogue' control that can help further separate dialogue in the mix. This bar can also reach a decently loud max volume without much compression, so the purity of audio remains unaffected even when you crank the volume up.

Pros
  • Compatible with all popular audio formats, including Atmos.

  • Discrete satellites and center channel.

  • Balanced sound, with plenty of bass.

  • Minimal compression, even at max volume.

Cons
  • No HDMI In or Optical ports.

  • No remote.

  • No graphic EQ, limited presets.

7.3 Music

The Vizio 5.1 Soundbar SE is decent for music. There's a solid amount of thump and punch in the bass-range, thanks to the dedicated subwoofer, but it doesn't extend low enough to feel the sub-bass in boomy 808s and kicks. The bloated high-bass also seeps into the mid-range reproduction a little, muddying some lower mid-range frequencies. The bar's soundstage gives a good impression of stereo width, though, and it can get quite loud without any compression affecting the sound. While there's no graphic EQ available for in-depth sound tweaking, you can use the presets and dedicated bass and treble controls to customize the sound a little to your liking.

Pros
  • Discrete satellites and center channel.

  • Balanced sound, with plenty of bass.

  • Minimal compression, even at max volume.

Cons
  • No remote.

  • No graphic EQ, limited presets.

  • Not the sturdiest build quality.

7.1 Movies

The Vizio 5.1 Soundbar SE is decent for movies. It supports all popular audio formats, including Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital, and DTS. While it lacks the discrete upfiring speakers necessary for an immersive height experience, it's still able to produce a wide, immersive stereo soundstage with good tracking, courtesy of its satellite speakers and discrete center channel. The wireless sub provides plenty of punch in the mid and high-bass, though the bass doesn't extend low enough for atmospheric thuds to shake the floor. This boomy bass can sometimes extend into the otherwise balanced mid-range, muddying the mix. The bar does get quite loud and doesn't compress much, even when it hits max volume. Plus, there are a few different sound enhancement features you can edit to coax out the best sound for you.

Pros
  • Compatible with all popular audio formats, including Atmos.

  • Discrete satellites and center channel.

  • Minimal compression, even at max volume.

Cons
  • No HDMI In or Optical ports.

  • No remote.

  • No graphic EQ, limited presets.

  • 7.3 Mixed Usage
  • 7.7 Dialogue/TV Shows
  • 7.3 Music
  • 7.1 Movies
  1. Updated Oct 24, 2024: Review published.
  2. Updated Oct 15, 2024: Early access published.
  3. Updated Oct 08, 2024: Our testers have started testing this product.
  4. Updated Sep 25, 2024: The product has arrived in our lab, and our testers will start evaluating it soon.
  5. Updated Sep 12, 2024: We've purchased the product and are waiting for it to arrive in our lab.

Differences Between Sizes And Variants

The Vizio 5.1 Soundbar SE comes in one color variant: 'Black' (and here's its label). If you encounter another variant, please let us know in the comments, and we'll update our review.

Compared To Other Soundbars

The Vizio 5.1 Soundbar SE is a budget-priced 2024 5.1 soundbar with Dolby Atmos compatibility. You'll be hard-pressed to find another bar with its feature set and Atmos compatibility at such a competitive price point. Users who are willing to spend a bit more can opt for the Vizio M Series M512a-H6: a less compact 5.1.2 setup that offers small improvements in frequency response, dynamics, and soundstage, with 5.1 PCM playback. Unlike the Vizio 5.1 Soundbar SE, it also supports HDMI In and optical connections, though its surround speakers are more uneven in their response. If you feel you can live without surround speakers, the TCL Alto 8i is a good Atmos-compatible 2.1 option, though it suffers from poor surround sound performance and a lack of sound enhancement features.

See our recommendations for the best 5.1 soundbars, the best Vizio soundbars, and the best Dolby Atmos soundbars.

Vizio V Series V51x-J6

The Vizio V Series V51x-J6 and the Vizio SV510X-0806 are both compact 5.1 soundbar setups. Overall, the 2024 Vizio SV510X-0806 offers a bit more bang for your buck due to its Atmos compatibility, improved surrounds performance, and ability to integrate with Vizio TVs. The older Vizio V Series V51x-J6 model features optical support, though, which is a bonus for older TV owners. Beyond this, there's not much to split the two when it comes to performance, so both are viable choices.

Vizio V Series V51-H6

The Vizio V Series V51-H6 is an older soundbar compared to the 2024 Vizio SV510X-0806. While there's not much to split the two when it comes to performance, the newer model has some bells and whistles that edge it ahead. A major difference is the inclusion of Atmos support in the 2024 model, which is a welcome addition at a low price point. The older model also lacks DTS:X support and has a slightly worse surrounds performance. That said, the V Series has a more balanced frequency response out-of-the-box and a better dynamics performance, as well as optical support.

Vizio M Series M512a-H6

The Vizio M Series M512a-H6 features an expanded feature set and two upfiring drivers, compared to the more budget-minded Vizio SV510X-0806. Both bars are compatible with popular audio formats, like Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital, and DTS. However, the M Series offers improved performance when it comes to frequency response, soundstage, and dynamics, which is somewhat due to its larger sub and wider bar. It also features HDMI In and optical support, as well as 5.1 PCM playback, expanding its connectivity options. That said, the SV510X-0806's more compact size and superior surrounds performance make it a compelling option at a lower price point.

Samsung HW-Q700C with SWA-9500S

If you've got a bit more of a budget, the Samsung HW-Q700C with SWA-9500S offers quite a few improvements on the Vizio SV510X-0806. The Samsung combines a 3.1.2 setup with two satellites to create a more immersive sound with a better default frequency response. It's better built, with a more comprehensive suite of sound enhancement options and an HDMI In port so you can use the bar as a hub between your console and TV. That said, the Vizio has a better dynamics performance and compresses less at max volume.

Test Results

perceptual testing image
Design
Design
Style - Bar

The Vizio SV510X-0806 has an oblong shape, with rounded edges. The bar itself is made of black plastic, with mesh encasing the drivers at the front. There's a small orange tag to the right of the bar with the Vizio logo on it.

Design
Style - Subwoofer
Sub Wireless
Yes
Enclosure
Ported

The subwoofer is oval in shape, with a solid plastic construction. It's held up on four rubber feet that suspend it a few centimeters above the ground to prevent it from moving around too much.

Design
Style - Satellites
Satellite Wireless
Partial, wired to wireless sub

The satellite speakers are small and similarly oval in shape. They're constructed from a similar sturdy plastic, with their drivers covered by a tight mesh fabric.

Design
Dimensions - Bar
Width 33.0" (83.8 cm)
Height 2.3" (5.8 cm)
Depth 3.3" (8.3 cm)

This bar is relatively compact and should roughly fit between the legs of a 65-inch TV, though this will depend on your particular TV. Its low profile means it won't affect your view of the TV at all.

Design
Dimensions - Subwoofer
Width 6.1" (15.5 cm)
Height 7.1" (18.0 cm)
Depth 10.2" (26.0 cm)

As far as subs go, this one is definitely on the smaller side: a little smaller than the average mini PC tower. It's quite a bit narrower and shorter than other subs from this manufacturer.

Design
Dimensions - Satellites
Width 5.0" (12.6 cm)
Height 2.3" (5.8 cm)
Depth 3.2" (8.2 cm)

The satellites are also quite small and squat. While they can easily be tucked away on shelves or alcoves, they need a wired connection to function, so you'll need to accommodate some extra cables into your setup.

Design
Mounting
Mountable Bar
Yes
Bar Brackets Included
No
Mountable Satellites
Yes
Satellite Brackets Included
Yes

This soundbar features a nifty design that integrates a mounting plaque into the back of the bar. As a result, you don't need to attach any additional hardware beyond the mounting screws provided. This system also lets you seamlessly attach the bar to select Vizio TVs.

7.0
Design
Build Quality

This soundbar has a decent build quality. The bar, sub, and satellites are all constructed from a lightweight plastic. It doesn't exude quality but doesn't feel especially flimsy, either. The bar features a mesh covering the drivers. While the fabric isn't loosely fitted, it isn't completely taut either, so there's some give to the material. The sub is slightly elevated from the ground, courtesy of four rubber feet. It features ports on the back to connect the power cable and surround speakers. The satellite speakers are among the smallest we've tested, and they're extremely lightweight. They're connected to the sub with long, thin cables that look like they're susceptible to breakage if handled incorrectly.

Design
In The Box

  • Quick start guide & warranty
  • Wall mounting guide
  • Power cable x2 (8.5 ft / 2.6m and 4.9 ft / 1.5m)
  • Surround speaker cable x2 (RCA) (26 ft / 8.0m)
  • HDMI cable (6.2 ft / 1.9m)
  • Satellite mounting bracket x2
  • Satellite mounting screw x2
  • Bar mounting screw x2

Sound
7.3
Sound
Stereo Frequency Response
Channels
5.1
Tested Preset
Direct
Slope
-0.95
Standard Error
3.98 dB
Low-Frequency Extension
43.6 Hz
High-Frequency Extension
19.9 kHz

The Vizio SV510X-0806 has a decent stereo frequency response. Its default sound features an exaggerated mid- and high-bass response, thanks to the dedicated subwoofer. However, considering the smaller size of the sub, the bass doesn't extend as low as other Vizio soundbars, so the low-end is characterized by more punch than rumble. It's worth noting that the manufacturer recommends placing the subwoofer next to your couch, which results in a much more prominent bass response than if it's positioned by your TV. However, the strong high-bass can also lead to some muddiness that carries over into the otherwise well-balanced mid-range. So, blaring horns of atmospheric sub-bass can sometimes detract from instruments and voices in the mid-range. The treble range is slightly over-emphasized, lending some brilliance to sibilant sounds and higher-pitched vocals.

7.5
Sound
Stereo Frequency Response With Preliminary Calibration
Suggested Preset
Direct
Suggested Bass Setting
-4
Suggested Treble Setting
1
Slope
0.01
Standard Error
2.97 dB
Low-Frequency Extension
46.2 Hz
High-Frequency Extension
19.9 kHz

If you prefer a more balanced sound, you can use the onboard bass and treble adjustments to tweak the frequency response to counteract the often overpowering mid and high-bass. We recommend setting the bass to '-4' to help tame these boomier frequency bands and setting the treble to '+1' to bring out more harmonic content in the treble range. That said, there's still a lack of rumble in the low-bass that's a result of design limitations.

7.0
Sound
Stereo Soundstage
Crosstalk Error
2.78 dB

The stereo soundstage performance is decent. The stereo field extends just a bit further than the length of the bar. There's satisfactory focus, with no significant gaps that can make it challenging to locate voices within the soundstage.

8.2
Sound
Stereo Dynamics
SPL @ Max Volume
92.2 dB SPL
DRC @ 90dB
0.34 dB
DRC @ Max Volume
0.62 dB

The Vizio SV510X-0806 has a great stereo dynamics performance. It can get quite loud, considering it's a smaller setup, and there's hardly any compression as you turn up the volume, resulting in clean and pure audio reproduction, even if the volume is cranked.

8.0
Sound
Center
Localization
Discrete
Slope
-0.70
Std. Err.
3.60 dB
SPL @ Max Volume
91.2 dB SPL
Weighted THD @ 80dB
1.07
Weighted THD @ Max Volume
3.62

This bar has a great center performance. It features a discrete center channel that helps improve the clarity of vocals, dialogue, and speech. This dedicated center channel can really ensure voices are well anchored within the soundstage, and the balanced frequency response means they sound clear and natural within the mix, too.

7.7
Sound
Surround 5.1
Localization
Discrete
Slope
-1.25
Std. Err.
3.20 dB
SPL @ Max Volume
92.7 dB SPL
Weighted THD @ 80dB
0.94
Weighted THD @ Max Volume
1.43
7.1 Rears
No

The surround performance is good, courtesy of the two discrete satellite speakers. Despite their diminutive size, they help bring width and an immersive quality to the sound that can create an accurate representation of sound effects in the mix. While the frequency response skews towards being slightly bass-heavy, the small surrounds aren't capable of outputting much in this range anyway, so their output remains quite balanced.

5.5
Sound
Height (Atmos)
Localization
Phantom (Front Firing Bar and Front Firing Satellites)
Slope
-1.34
Std. Err.
4.24 dB
SPL @ Max Volume
77.4 dB SPL
Weighted THD @ 80dB
1.53
Weighted THD @ Max Volume
0.31

The Vizio SV510X-0806 supports Atmos playback, though its implementation suffers from a lack of dedicated upfiring speakers. As a result, the drivers contained in the bar and satellite speakers are capable of conveying some sense of height and depth, but the verticality of Atmos audio is inconsistent.

Subjectively, we found that the satellite speakers struggled to create the same impression of height as the bar, so height tracking would suffer when switching to the extremes of the stereo field. Sounds like ascending drones and helicopters do give some impression of verticality within the soundstage but lack presence and can easily be lost amid other sound effects.

7.4
Sound
Sound Enhancement Features
Room Correction
No
Dialogue Enhancement
Yes
Auto-Volume/Night Mode
Yes
Subwoofer Level Adjustment
Yes
Bass Adjustment
Yes
Treble Adjustment
Yes
EQ
Presets
Surround Level Adjustment
Yes
Rear Level Adjustment
No
Height Level Adjustment
Yes
Virtual Surround
Yes

The Vizio SV510X-0806 features a solid suite of sound enhancement features that give you a decent amount of control over certain parameters. You can choose between the 'Music,' 'Movie,' and 'Direct' EQ parameters or adjust the independent bass, treble, center, surround, height, and subwoofer levels instead. You can also adjust the 'Clear Dialogue' mode to improve the clarity of voices.

There's also a Virtual:X mode that can function as a virtual surround mode, as well as TruVolume, an auto-volume feature that can help normalize output between different content types. Finally, Night Mode turns down the subs and boosts dialogue volume, so you can enjoy movies late into the night without bothering anyone.

Connectivity
Connectivity
Inputs/Outputs - Bar
Optical Audio In
No
HDMI Out
eARC
HDMI 2.1 Class Bandwidth
No
Full HDMI In
No
Analog Audio In 3.5mm (Aux)
No
RCA In
No
USB for Files
1
Ethernet
No
Subwoofer Output
No

This soundbar connects to your TV via an HDMI ARC connection. Sadly, it lacks connections for older TVs, like an optical port and aux input, so you'll need to buy a separate conversion cable if your TV doesn't support HDMI.

9.7
Connectivity
Audio Format Support: ARC/eARC
Dolby Atmos
Supported
Dolby Digital
Supported
Dolby Digital Plus
Supported
Dolby TrueHD
Supported
DTS
Supported
DTS:X
Supported
DTS-HD MA
Supported
PCM Channels
2.0

The Vizio SV510X-0806 has amazing audio format support via ARC. It supports major audio formats like Dolby Digital and Dolby Atmos, which are commonly utilized by streaming services. There's also support for DTS and DTS:X formats to ensure your Blu-rays sound as intended. As is sometimes the case with budget soundbar setups, this speaker doesn't support more than two channels through PCM.

0
Connectivity
Audio Format Support: HDMI In
Dolby Atmos
Not Supported
Dolby Digital
Not Supported
Dolby Digital Plus
Not Supported
Dolby TrueHD
Not Supported
DTS
Not Supported
DTS:X
Not Supported
DTS-HD MA
Not Supported
PCM Channels
Not Supported
0
Connectivity
Audio Format Support: Optical
Dolby Digital
Not Supported
DTS
Not Supported
PCM Channels
Not Supported
7.6
Connectivity
Audio Latency: ARC
PCM-2.0 ch
70 ms
PCM-5.1 ch
N/A
Dolby MAT (PCM) Atmos
73 ms
Dolby Digital
113 ms
Dolby Digital Plus
83 ms
Dolby Digital Plus Atmos
117 ms

Audio latency via ARC is good. It's a bit higher with Dolby Digital and Dolby Digital Plus Atmos formats but its still low enough that you shouldn't notice much in the way of lip sync errors. We weren't able to test latency via PCM 5.1 due to the bar's hardware limitations. Different TVs and apps compensate for this differently though, and you can always manually adjust the AV Sync function on your TV.

not tested
Connectivity
Audio Latency: HDMI In
PCM-2.0 ch
N/A
PCM-5.1 ch
N/A
Dolby MAT (PCM) Atmos
N/A
Dolby Digital
N/A
Dolby Digital Plus
N/A
Dolby Digital Plus Atmos
N/A
not tested
Connectivity
Audio Latency: Optical
PCM-2.0 ch
N/A
Dolby Digital
N/A
0
Connectivity
Video Passthrough To TV
1080p Max Refresh Rate
Not Supported
1080p @ 4:4:4 Max Refresh Rate
Not Supported
4k Max Refresh Rate
Not Supported
4k @ 120Hz @ 10-Bit
Not Supported
4k @ 4:4:4 Max Refresh Rate
Not Supported
8k Max Refresh Rate
Not Supported
HDR10 Passthrough
No
HDR10+ Passthrough
No
Dolby Vision Passthrough
No
HDMI Forum VRR Passthrough
No
FreeSync Passthrough
No
G-SYNC Passthrough
No
ALLM Passthrough
No
6.0
Connectivity
Wireless Playback
Bluetooth
Yes
Wi-Fi Playback
No
Chromecast built-in
No
Apple AirPlay
No
Spotify Connect
No

The Vizio SV510X-0806 has Bluetooth connectivity, so you can wirelessly stream audio from your TV or mobile device. However, it lacks support for Wi-Fi or other wireless streaming methods.

Additional Features
Additional Features
Interface
Display
No

This soundbar has one small dot on the left side of the bar, which acts as the only visual interface. It lights up when the bar is powered on and flashes when you send an input via your smartphone. It will also light up blue if you're using Bluetooth or playing unsupported content. If you find the light bothersome, you can also turn it off via the app.

Additional Features
Bar Controls

There are a few basic controls located on the left hand side of the bar. You can power the bar on/off, adjust the input, activate Bluetooth pairing or adjust the volume up and down. 

Additional Features
Remote

This soundbar doesn't come with a remote control, so you'll need to use the Vizio app on a compatible mobile device to control the soundbar, as you can see in our video walkthrough. If you have a compatible Vizio TV, you can also use its remote to adjust the soundbar's settings.

Additional Features
Voice Assistants Support
Amazon Alexa
No
Google Assistant
No
Apple Siri
No
Microphone Mute
No

The Vizio SV510X-0806 doesn't have any built-in voice assistant capabilities. Even if you pair a phone that features Google Assistant or Alexa support, you still won't be able to control the bar with your voice.