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  1. Table of Contents
  2. Top
  3. Main Differences
  4. Design
    1. Style - Bar
    2. Style - Subwoofer
    3. Style - Satellites
    4. Dimensions - Bar
    5. Dimensions - Subwoofer
    6. Dimensions - Satellites
    7. Mounting
    8. Build Quality
    9. In The Box
  5. Sound
    1. Stereo Frequency Response
    2. Stereo Frequency Response With Preliminary Calibration
    3. Stereo Soundstage
    4. Stereo Dynamics
    5. Center
    6. Surround 5.1
    7. Height (Atmos)
    8. Sound Enhancement Features
  6. Connectivity
    1. Inputs/Outputs - Bar
    2. Audio Format Support: ARC/eARC
    3. Audio Format Support: HDMI In
    4. Audio Format Support: Optical
    5. Audio Latency: ARC
    6. Audio Latency: HDMI In
    7. Audio Latency: Optical
    8. Video Passthrough To TV
    9. Wireless Playback
  7. Additional Features
    1. Interface
    2. Bar Controls
    3. Remote
    4. Voice Assistants Support
  8. Comments

Sonos Arc vs Vizio M Series M51ax-J6

Side-by-Side Comparison

Products

Sonos Arc
Vizio M Series M51ax-J6

Tested using Methodology v1.3

Updated Nov 28, 2024 02:21 PM

SEE PRICE
Amazon.com

Tested using Methodology v1.3

Updated Sep 04, 2024 06:58 PM

SEE PRICE
Amazon.com
Sonos Arc Picture
Vizio M Series M51ax-J6 Picture

Variants

  • Arc (Black)
  • Arc SL (Shadow Edition)
  • Arc (White)
  • M Series M51ax-J6 (Dark Charcoal)

Our Verdict

Sonos Arc

Vizio M Series M51ax-J6

The Vizio M Series M51ax-J6 is a better soundbar than the standalone Sonos Arc. The Vizio reproduces a more extended low bass and offers a better surround performance. It also comes with EQ presets for sound customization and a Full HDMI In port, unlike the Sonos. The Sonos is better built with better soundstage and Atmos performance. It also can be upgraded to the Sonos Arc with Sub + One SL Speakers for better performance. It also has built-in voice assistant support, whereas the Vizio only supports voice assistants when you connect a third-party device.

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Dark Charcoal
M Series M51ax-J6
SEE PRICE
Amazon.com
Shadow Edition
Arc SL
Searching
Finding store
Dark Charcoal
M Series M51ax-J6
SEE PRICE
BestBuy.com
Dark Charcoal
M Series M51ax-J6
SEE PRICE
Walmart.com
 
Dark Charcoal
M Series M51ax-J6
B&H

Main Differences for
Mixed Usage

Threshold 

0.10

Mixed Usage 

7.4
7.9

Stereo Frequency Response 
 

7.2
7.9

Audio Format Support: HDMI In 
 

0.0
10

Stereo Soundstage 
 

8.0
7.0

Full Comparison

Design

Style - Bar  

Style photo - bar  

Sonos Arc Style photo - bar
Vizio M Series M51ax-J6 Style photo - bar
Show Text 

Style - Subwoofer  

Style photo - sub  

Sonos Arc Style photo - sub
Vizio M Series M51ax-J6 Style photo - sub

Sub Wireless 
 

No
Yes

Enclosure 
 

No Subwoofer
Ported
Show Text 

Style - Satellites  

Style photo - satellites  

Sonos Arc Style photo - satellites
Vizio M Series M51ax-J6 Style photo - satellites

Satellite Wireless 
 

No
Partial, wired to wireless sub
Show Text 

Dimensions - Bar  

Dimensions photo - bar  

Sonos Arc Dimensions photo - bar
Vizio M Series M51ax-J6 Dimensions photo - bar

Width  

44.9" (114.1 cm)
36.0" (91.5 cm)

Height  

3.4" (8.7 cm)
2.3" (5.8 cm)

Depth  

4.7" (12.0 cm)
3.5" (9.0 cm)
Show Text 

Dimensions - Subwoofer  

Dimensions photo - sub  

Sonos Arc Dimensions photo - sub
Vizio M Series M51ax-J6 Dimensions photo - sub

Width  

N/A
8.3" (21.0 cm)

Height  

N/A
9.9" (25.2 cm)

Depth  

N/A
8.3" (21.0 cm)
Show Text 

Dimensions - Satellites  

Dimensions photo - satellites  

Sonos Arc Dimensions photo - satellites
Vizio M Series M51ax-J6 Dimensions photo - satellites

Width  

N/A
5.7" (14.6 cm)

Height  

N/A
2.3" (5.8 cm)

Depth  

N/A
3.5" (9.0 cm)
Show Text 

Mounting 
 

Bar Mounting Holes  

Sonos Arc Bar Mounting Holes
Vizio M Series M51ax-J6 Bar Mounting Holes

Satellite Mounting Holes  

Sonos Arc Satellite Mounting Holes
Vizio M Series M51ax-J6 Satellite Mounting Holes

Mountable Bar 
 

Yes
Yes

Bar Brackets Included 
 

No
Yes

Mountable Satellites 
 

No
Yes

Satellite Brackets Included 
 

No
Yes
Show Text 

Build Quality 
 

8.0
7.0

Build quality photo  

Sonos Arc Build quality photo
Vizio M Series M51ax-J6 Build quality photo
Show Text 

In The Box 
 

In The Box photo   

Sonos Arc In The Box photo
Vizio M Series M51ax-J6 In The Box photo
Show Text 
Sound

Stereo Frequency Response 
 

7.2
7.9

Stereo Setup  

Sonos Arc Stereo Setup
Vizio M Series M51ax-J6 Stereo Setup

Raw Frequency Response  

See details on graph tool
See details on graph tool

Frequency Response Small  

See details on graph tool
See details on graph tool

Channels 
 

5.0.2
5.1

Tested Preset 
 

No Preset
Direct

Slope 
 

0.37
-0.26

Standard Error 
 

3.33 dB
3.35 dB

Low-Frequency Extension 
 

51.1 Hz
33.6 Hz

High-Frequency Extension 
 

19.9 kHz
19.9 kHz
Show Text 

Stereo Frequency Response With Preliminary Calibration 
 

7.2
8.2

Frequency Response Calibrated  

See details on graph tool
See details on graph tool

Suggested Preset 
 

No Preset
Direct

Suggested Bass Setting 
 

0
-3

Suggested Treble Setting 
 

-3
0

Slope 
 

-0.09
-0.11

Standard Error 
 

3.08 dB
2.37 dB

Low-Frequency Extension 
 

51.1 Hz
33.2 Hz

High-Frequency Extension 
 

19.9 kHz
19.6 kHz
Show Text 

Stereo Soundstage 
 

8.0
7.0

Crosstalk  

See details on graph tool
See details on graph tool

Crosstalk Error 
 

2.28 dB
2.16 dB
Show Text 

Stereo Dynamics 
 

8.1
8.5

Dynamic Range Compression  

See details on graph tool
See details on graph tool

SPL @ Max Volume 
 

91.6 dB SPL
96.2 dB SPL

DRC @ 90dB 
 

0.28 dB
0.25 dB

DRC @ Max Volume 
 

0.75 dB
1.40 dB
Show Text 

Center 
 

7.8
8.4

Center Setup  

Sonos Arc Center Setup
Vizio M Series M51ax-J6 Center Setup

Frequency Response  

See details on graph tool
See details on graph tool

Localization 
 

Discrete
Discrete

Slope 
 

-0.40
-0.21

Std. Err. 
 

2.94 dB
2.67 dB

SPL @ Max Volume 
 

76.5 dB SPL
92.4 dB SPL

Weighted THD @ 80dB 
 

0.32
1.17

Weighted THD @ Max Volume 
 

1.56
2.09
Show Text 

Surround 5.1 
 

5.7
7.5

Surround Setup  

Sonos Arc Surround Setup
Vizio M Series M51ax-J6 Surround Setup

Frequency Response  

See details on graph tool
See details on graph tool

Localization 
 

Phantom (Side Firing, Bar)
Discrete

Slope 
 

0.01
-0.17

Std. Err. 
 

3.27 dB
4.01 dB

SPL @ Max Volume 
 

75.1 dB SPL
93.3 dB SPL

Weighted THD @ 80dB 
 

0.39
0.34

Weighted THD @ Max Volume 
 

0.98
1.02

7.1 Rears 
 

No
No
Show Text 

Height (Atmos) 
 

6.1
5.9

Height Setup  

Sonos Arc Height Setup
Vizio M Series M51ax-J6 Height Setup

H Frequency Response  

See details on graph tool
See details on graph tool

Localization 
 

Phantom (Up Firing, Bar)
Phantom (Front Firing, Satellites)

Slope 
 

0.55
-0.06

Std. Err. 
 

2.91 dB
3.99 dB

SPL @ Max Volume 
 

62.0 dB SPL
85.1 dB SPL

Weighted THD @ 80dB 
 

1.07
2.60

Weighted THD @ Max Volume 
 

0.18
0.32
Show Text 

Sound Enhancement Features 
 

5.7
7.1

Room Correction 
 

Yes
No

Dialogue Enhancement 
 

Yes
Yes

Auto-Volume/Night Mode 
 

Yes
Yes

Subwoofer Level Adjustment 
 

No
Yes

Bass Adjustment 
 

Yes
Yes

Treble Adjustment 
 

Yes
Yes

EQ 
 

No
Presets

Surround Level Adjustment 
 

No
Yes

Rear Level Adjustment 
 

No
No

Height Level Adjustment 
 

Yes
No

Virtual Surround 
 

No
Yes
Show Text 
Connectivity

Inputs/Outputs - Bar 
 

Physical Connections Bar Photo 1  

Sonos Arc Physical Connections Bar Photo 1
Vizio M Series M51ax-J6 Physical Connections Bar Photo 1

Physical Connections Bar Photo 2  

Sonos Arc Physical Connections Bar Photo 2
Vizio M Series M51ax-J6 Physical Connections Bar Photo 2

Optical Audio In 
 

Adapter into HDMI ARC
1

HDMI Out 
 

eARC
eARC

HDMI 2.1 Class Bandwidth 
 

No
No

Full HDMI In 
 

No
1

Analog Audio In 3.5mm (Aux) 
 

No
1

RCA In 
 

No
No

USB for Files 
 

No
1

Ethernet 
 

1
No

Subwoofer Output 
 

No
No
Show Text 

Audio Format Support: ARC/eARC 
 

9.6
10

Dolby Atmos 
 

Supported
Supported

Dolby Digital 
 

Supported
Supported

Dolby Digital Plus 
 

Supported
Supported

Dolby TrueHD 
 

Supported
Supported

DTS 
 

Supported
Supported

DTS:X 
 

Not Supported
Supported

DTS-HD MA 
 

Not Supported
Supported

PCM Channels 
 

Up To 7.1
Up To 7.1
Show Text 

Audio Format Support: HDMI In 
 

0.0
10

Dolby Atmos 
 

Not Supported
Supported

Dolby Digital 
 

Not Supported
Supported

Dolby Digital Plus 
 

Not Supported
Supported

Dolby TrueHD 
 

Not Supported
Supported

DTS 
 

Not Supported
Supported

DTS:X 
 

Not Supported
Supported

DTS-HD MA 
 

Not Supported
Supported

PCM Channels 
 

Not Supported
Up To 7.1
Show Text 

Audio Format Support: Optical 
 

10
10

Dolby Digital 
 

Supported
Supported

DTS 
 

Supported
Supported

PCM Channels 
 

2.0
2.0
Show Text 

Audio Latency: ARC 
 

8.5
9.5

ARC Latency Video  

PCM-2.0 ch 
 

42 ms
61 ms

PCM-5.1 ch 
 

41 ms
106 ms

Dolby MAT (PCM) Atmos 
 

59 ms
76 ms

Dolby Digital 
 

92 ms
65 ms

Dolby Digital Plus 
 

101 ms
70 ms

Dolby Digital Plus Atmos 
 

101 ms
74 ms
Show Text 

Audio Latency: HDMI In 
 

0.0
6.9

HDMI Latency Video  

PCM-2.0 ch 
 

N/A
97 ms

PCM-5.1 ch 
 

N/A
87 ms

Dolby MAT (PCM) Atmos 
 

N/A
107 ms

Dolby Digital 
 

N/A
124 ms

Dolby Digital Plus 
 

N/A
115 ms

Dolby Digital Plus Atmos 
 

N/A
122 ms
Show Text 

Audio Latency: Optical 
 

9.0
7.0

Optical Latency Video  

PCM-2.0 ch 
 

99 ms
147 ms

Dolby Digital 
 

129 ms
207 ms
Show Text 

Video Passthrough To TV 
 

0.0
9.0

1080p Max Refresh Rate 
 

Not Supported
120Hz

1080p @ 4:4:4 Max Refresh Rate 
 

Not Supported
120Hz

4k Max Refresh Rate 
 

Not Supported
120Hz

4k @ 120Hz @ 10-Bit 
 

Not Supported
Not Supported

4k @ 4:4:4 Max Refresh Rate 
 

Not Supported
60Hz

8k Max Refresh Rate 
 

Not Supported
30Hz

HDR10 Passthrough 
 

No
Yes

HDR10+ Passthrough 
 

No
Yes

Dolby Vision Passthrough 
 

No
Yes

HDMI Forum VRR Passthrough 
 

No
Yes

FreeSync Passthrough 
 

No
No

G-SYNC Passthrough 
 

No
No

ALLM Passthrough 
 

No
Yes
Show Text 

Wireless Playback 
 

3.0
6.0

Bluetooth 
 

No
Yes

Wi-Fi Playback 
 

Yes
No

Chromecast built-in 
 

No
No

Apple AirPlay 
 

Yes
No

Spotify Connect 
 

Yes
No
Show Text 
Additional Features

Interface 
 

Interface photo  

Sonos Arc Interface photo
Vizio M Series M51ax-J6 Interface photo

Display 
 

No
No
Show Text 

Bar Controls 
 

Controls photo  

Sonos Arc Controls photo
Vizio M Series M51ax-J6 Controls photo
Show Text 

Remote  

Remote photo  

Sonos Arc Remote photo
Vizio M Series M51ax-J6 Remote photo
Show Text 

Voice Assistants Support 
 

Amazon Alexa 
 

Yes (Built-in)
No

Google Assistant 
 

Yes (Built-in)
No

Apple Siri 
 

No
No

Microphone Mute 
 

Yes
No
Show Text 

Check Price

Dark Charcoal
M Series M51ax-J6
SEE PRICE
Amazon.com
Shadow Edition
Arc SL
Searching
Finding store
Dark Charcoal
M Series M51ax-J6
SEE PRICE
BestBuy.com
Dark Charcoal
M Series M51ax-J6
SEE PRICE
Walmart.com
 
Dark Charcoal
M Series M51ax-J6
B&H

Sonos Arc

Vizio M Series M51ax-J6

Comments

  1. Comparison

Sonos Arc vs Vizio M Series M51ax-J6: Main Discussion

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