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Samsung HW-Q850A vs Vizio M Series M51ax-J6
Side-by-Side Comparison
Products
Samsung HW-Q850A
Vizio M Series M51ax-J6
Tested using Methodology v1.0
Updated Jan 12, 2024 04:48 PM
SEE PRICE
Amazon.comTested using Methodology v1.3
Updated Sep 04, 2024 06:58 PM
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Amazon.com
Channels5.1.2
Channels5.1
Variants
- HW-Q850A (Black)
- M Series M51ax-J6 (Dark Charcoal)
Our Verdict
Samsung HW-Q850A
Vizio M Series M51ax-J6
Depending on your listening habits, you may prefer either the Vizio M Series M51ax-J6 or the Samsung HW-Q850A. The Vizio is a 5.1 setup that gets louder with less compression at max volume. It also has better center channel performance. However, the 5.1.2 Samsung is better built and has better soundstage, surround, and Atmos performance.
Notice: Two or more of the products selected have been tested with different test methodologies, so some of the results below aren't directly comparable. Learn how our test benches and scoring system work, and read more about the latest changes to our soundbars test methodology.
Main Differences for
Threshold
Mixed Usage
7.9
7.9
Stereo Dynamics
7.4
8.5
Full Comparison
Design
Style - Bar
Style photo - bar
Style - Subwoofer
Style photo - sub
Sub Wireless
Yes
Yes
Enclosure
Ported
Ported
Style - Satellites
Style photo - satellites
Satellite Wireless
Partial, satellites wired together
Partial, wired to wireless sub
Dimensions - Bar
Dimensions photo - bar
Width
38.6" (98.0 cm)
36.0" (91.5 cm)
Height
2.4" (6.0 cm)
2.3" (5.8 cm)
Depth
4.5" (11.5 cm)
3.5" (9.0 cm)
Dimensions - Subwoofer
Dimensions photo - sub
Width
8.0" (20.4 cm)
8.3" (21.0 cm)
Height
15.8" (40.1 cm)
9.9" (25.2 cm)
Depth
15.8" (40.1 cm)
8.3" (21.0 cm)
Dimensions - Satellites
Dimensions photo - satellites
Width
3.5" (9.0 cm)
5.7" (14.6 cm)
Height
5.8" (14.8 cm)
2.3" (5.8 cm)
Depth
3.5" (9.0 cm)
3.5" (9.0 cm)
Mounting
Bar Mounting Holes
Satellite Mounting Holes
Mountable Bar
Yes
Bar Brackets Included
Yes
Mountable Satellites
Yes
Satellite Brackets Included
Yes
Build Quality
8.0
7.0
Build quality photo
In The Box
In The Box photo
HDMI Cable Length
1.5 m (4.9 ft)
Digital Optical Cable Length
N/A
Back - Bar
Back photo - bar
Bar Mounting
Universal (holes on underside)
Back - Subwoofer
Back photo - sub
Enclosure
Ported
Ported
Back - Satellites
Back photo - satellites
Mounting
Universal (holes on back)
Sound
Stereo Frequency Response
8.0
7.9
Stereo Setup
Raw Frequency Response
Frequency Response Small
Channels
5.1.2
5.1
Tested Preset
Standard
Direct
Slope
0.92
-0.26
Standard Error
3.24 dB
3.35 dB
Low-Frequency Extension
33.2 Hz
33.6 Hz
High-Frequency Extension
19.9 kHz
19.9 kHz
Stereo Frequency Response With Preliminary Calibration
8.4
8.2
Frequency Response Calibrated
Suggested Preset
Standard
Direct
Suggested Bass Setting
3
-3
Suggested Treble Setting
N/A
0
Slope
0.46
-0.11
Standard Error
2.33 dB
2.37 dB
Low-Frequency Extension
29.5 Hz
33.2 Hz
High-Frequency Extension
19.9 kHz
19.6 kHz
Stereo Soundstage
7.5
7.0
Crosstalk Error
2.26 dB
2.16 dB
Stereo Dynamics
7.4
8.5
Dynamic Range Compression
SPL @ Max Volume
94.4 dB SPL
96.2 dB SPL
DRC @ 90dB
0.25 dB
DRC @ Max Volume
2.69 dB
1.40 dB
Stereo Total Harmonic Distortion
7.8
Weighted THD @ 80dB
0.39
Weighted THD @ Max Volume
2.21
Center
7.7
8.4
Center Setup
Frequency Response
Localization
Discrete
Discrete
Slope
1.32
-0.21
Std. Err.
4.43 dB
2.67 dB
SPL @ Max Volume
90.7 dB SPL
92.4 dB SPL
Weighted THD @ 80dB
0.52
1.17
Weighted THD @ Max Volume
4.70
2.09
Surround 5.1
8.2
7.5
Surround Setup
Frequency Response
Localization
Discrete
Discrete
Slope
0.50
-0.17
Std. Err.
2.54 dB
4.01 dB
SPL @ Max Volume
97.5 dB SPL
93.3 dB SPL
Weighted THD @ 80dB
0.62
0.34
Weighted THD @ Max Volume
3.46
1.02
7.1 Rears
No
No
Height (Atmos)
6.2
5.9
Height Setup
H Frequency Response
Localization
Phantom (Up Firing, Bar)
Phantom (Front Firing, Satellites)
Slope
1.06
-0.06
Std. Err.
3.55 dB
3.99 dB
SPL @ Max Volume
83.5 dB SPL
85.1 dB SPL
Weighted THD @ 80dB
0.47
2.60
Weighted THD @ Max Volume
0.88
0.32
Sound Enhancement Features
7.5
7.1
Room Correction
No
No
Dialogue Enhancement
Yes
Yes
Auto-Volume/Night Mode
Yes
Yes
Subwoofer Level Adjustment
Yes
Yes
Bass Adjustment
Yes
Yes
Treble Adjustment
Yes
Yes
EQ
Graphic + Presets
Presets
Surround Level Adjustment
No
Yes
Rear Level Adjustment
Yes
No
Height Level Adjustment
Yes
No
Virtual Surround
Yes
Yes
Connectivity
Inputs/Outputs - Bar
Physical Connections Bar Photo 1
Physical Connections Bar Photo 2
Optical Audio In
1
1
HDMI Out
1 (shared)
eARC
HDMI 2.1 Class Bandwidth
No
Full HDMI In
1
1
Analog Audio In 3.5mm (Aux)
No
1
RCA In
No
No
USB for Files
No
1
Ethernet
No
No
Subwoofer Output
No
HDMI ARC
1 (shared)
Audio Format Support: ARC/eARC
10
10
Dolby Atmos
Yes
Supported
Dolby Digital
Yes
Supported
Dolby Digital Plus
Yes
Supported
Dolby TrueHD
Yes
Supported
DTS
Yes
Supported
DTS:X
Yes
Supported
eARC
Yes
DTS-HD MA
Yes
Supported
PCM Channels
Up To 7.1
5.1 PCM (eARC only)
Yes
Audio Format Support: HDMI In
10
10
Dolby Atmos
Yes
Supported
Dolby Digital
Yes
Supported
Dolby Digital Plus
Yes
Supported
Dolby TrueHD
Yes
Supported
DTS
Yes
Supported
DTS:X
Yes
Supported
DTS-HD MA
Yes
Supported
PCM Channels
Up To 7.1
5.1 PCM
Yes
Audio Format Support: Optical
10
10
Dolby Digital
Yes
Supported
DTS
Yes
Supported
PCM Channels
2.0
Audio Latency: ARC
9.5
ARC Latency Video
PCM-2.0 ch
61 ms
PCM-5.1 ch
106 ms
Dolby MAT (PCM) Atmos
76 ms
Dolby Digital
65 ms
Dolby Digital Plus
70 ms
Dolby Digital Plus Atmos
74 ms
Audio Latency: HDMI In
7.3
6.9
HDMI Latency Video
Latency Video
PCM-2.0 ch
97 ms
PCM-5.1 ch
87 ms
Dolby MAT (PCM) Atmos
107 ms
Dolby Digital
124 ms
Dolby Digital Plus
115 ms
Dolby Digital Plus Atmos
122 ms
ARC
67 ms
Optical
48 ms
Full HDMI In
-86 ms
Audio Latency: Optical
7.0
Optical Latency Video
PCM-2.0 ch
147 ms
Dolby Digital
207 ms
Video Passthrough To TV
0.0
9.0
1080p Max Refresh Rate
120Hz
1080p @ 4:4:4 Max Refresh Rate
120Hz
4k Max Refresh Rate
120Hz
4k @ 120Hz @ 10-Bit
Not Supported
4k @ 4:4:4 Max Refresh Rate
60Hz
8k Max Refresh Rate
30Hz
HDR10 Passthrough
Yes
Yes
HDR10+ Passthrough
Yes
Dolby Vision Passthrough
Yes
HDMI Forum VRR Passthrough
Yes
4k @ 60 Hz Passthrough
Yes
FreeSync Passthrough
No
G-SYNC Passthrough
No
ALLM Passthrough
Yes
4k @ 60 Hz @ 10 bit Passthrough
Yes
4k @ 60 Hz @ 4:4:4 Passthrough
Yes
Wireless Playback
9.0
6.0
Bluetooth
Yes
Yes
Wi-Fi Playback
Yes
No
Chromecast built-in
No
No
Apple AirPlay
Yes
No
Spotify Connect
No
Connectivity - Subwoofer
Physical inputs subwoofer photo 1
Physical controls subwoofer photo 1
Sub Wireless
Yes
Yes
Connectivity - Satellites
Physical inputs satellites photo 1
Physical controls satellites photo 1
Sat Wireless
Partial, satellites wired together
Partial, wired to wireless sub
Additional Features
Interface
Interface photo
Display
Yes
No
Bar Controls
Controls photo
Remote
Remote photo
Universal Remote
No
Voice Assistants Support
Amazon Alexa
Yes (Built-in)
No
Google Assistant
No
No
Apple Siri
No
No
Microphone Mute
No
App
App image
App Name
Samsung SmartThings
iOS
Yes
Android
Yes
Acts As A Remote
Yes
Controls Soundbar's Settings
Some
Casts Device Files
Yes
Other Features
Power Saving
Auto-off
HDMI CEC (TV Remote Control)
Yes
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Samsung HW-Q850A
Vizio M Series M51ax-J6
Comments
Samsung HW-Q850A vs Vizio M Series M51ax-J6: Main Discussion
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