Your browser is not supported or outdated so some features of the site might not be available.
TCL Alto 8i vs Vizio M Series M215aw-K6
Side-by-Side Comparison
Products
TCL Alto 8i
Vizio M Series M215aw-K6
Tested using Methodology v1.1
Updated Sep 24, 2024 02:05 PM
SEE PRICE
Amazon.comTested using Methodology v1.0
Updated May 29, 2023 03:14 PM
SEE PRICE
Amazon.com
Channels2.1
Channels2.1
Variants
- Alto 8i (Black)
- M215aw-K6 (Black)
Our Verdict
TCL Alto 8i
Vizio M Series M215aw-K6
The Vizio M Series M215aw-K6 is better than the TCL Alto 8i. They're both 2.1 setups that support many different audio formats, including Dolby Atmos. However, only the Vizio has a dedicated subwoofer to add more bass. The Vizio supports more audio formats, including DTS content, and has more sound enhancement features. The TCL's standalone design is great if you're low on space, but if you have room for a sub, the Vizio is the better pick overall.
Check Price
Black
Alto 8i
Searching
Finding storeBlack
M215aw-K6
Searching
Finding storeBlack
Alto 8i
Searching
Finding storeBlack
M215aw-K6
Searching
Finding storeBlack
Alto 8i
Searching
Finding storeBlack
M215aw-K6
Searching
Finding storeBlack
Alto 8i
Searching
Finding storeBlack
M215aw-K6
Searching
Finding storeBlack
Alto 8i
Searching
Finding storeBlack
M215aw-K6
Searching
Finding storeNotice: 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
6.8
7.6
Stereo Frequency Response
7.3
8.2
Dialogue Enhancement
No
Yes
Full Comparison
Design
Style - Bar
Style photo - bar
Style - Subwoofer
Style photo - sub
Sub Wireless
No
Yes
Enclosure
Integrated
Ported
Style - Satellites
Style photo - satellites
Satellite Wireless
No
No
Dimensions - Bar
Dimensions photo - bar
Width
39.0" (99.0 cm)
35.9" (91.3 cm)
Height
2.6" (6.5 cm)
2.2" (5.6 cm)
Depth
5.2" (13.3 cm)
3.5" (8.9 cm)
Dimensions - Subwoofer
Dimensions photo - sub
Width
N/A
8.3" (21.1 cm)
Height
N/A
9.9" (25.2 cm)
Depth
N/A
8.3" (21.1 cm)
Dimensions - Satellites
Dimensions photo - satellites
Width
N/A
N/A
Height
N/A
N/A
Depth
N/A
N/A
Mounting
Bar Mounting Holes
Satellite Mounting Holes
Mountable Bar
Yes
Bar Brackets Included
Yes
Mountable Satellites
No
Satellite Brackets Included
No
Build Quality
7.0
7.0
Build quality photo
In The Box
In The Box photo
HDMI Cable Length
1.9 m (6.2 ft)
Digital Optical Cable Length
1.5 m (4.9 ft)
Back - Bar
Back photo - bar
Bar Mounting
Universal (holes on underside)
Back - Subwoofer
Back photo - sub
Enclosure
Integrated
Ported
Back - Satellites
Back photo - satellites
Mounting
No
Sound
Stereo Frequency Response
7.3
8.2
Stereo Setup
Raw Frequency Response
Frequency Response Small
Tested Preset
Music
Direct
Slope
-1.25
0.26
Std. Err.
3.29 dB
2.59 dB
Channels
2.1
2.1
Low-Frequency Extension
49.0 Hz
34.1 Hz
High-Frequency Extension
19.9 kHz
19.9 kHz
Stereo Frequency Response With Preliminary Calibration
7.4
8.2
Frequency Response Calibrated
Suggested Preset
Music
Direct
Suggested Bass Setting
-2
0
Suggested Treble Setting
3
0
Slope
-0.15
0.26
Std. Err.
2.67 dB
2.59 dB
Low-Frequency Extension
50.4 Hz
34.1 Hz
High-Frequency Extension
19.9 kHz
19.9 kHz
Stereo Soundstage
7.0
7.0
Crosstalk Error
2.82 dB
2.38 dB
Stereo Dynamics
7.3
6.9
Dynamic Range Compression
SPL @ Max Volume
95.1 dB SPL
97.3 dB SPL
DRC @ Max Volume
3.03 dB
4.44 dB
Stereo Total Harmonic Distortion
7.2
7.8
Weighted THD @ 80dB
0.61
0.35
Weighted THD @ Max Volume
2.64
2.71
Center
6.2
7.1
Center Setup
Frequency Response
Localization
Phantom
Phantom
Slope
-1.55
0.17
Std. Err.
3.96 dB
2.46 dB
SPL @ Max Volume
89.3 dB SPL
98.0 dB SPL
Weighted THD @ 80dB
0.46
0.25
Weighted THD @ Max Volume
2.89
2.84
Surround 5.1
3.4
4.7
Surround Setup
Frequency Response
Localization
Stereo (Downmix)
Stereo (Downmix)
Slope
-2.24
0.16
Std. Err.
4.75 dB
2.46 dB
SPL @ Max Volume
87.1 dB SPL
97.9 dB SPL
Weighted THD @ 80dB
0.63
0.35
Weighted THD @ Max Volume
2.77
3.02
7.1 Rears
No
No
Height (Atmos)
3.1
4.2
Height Setup
H Frequency Response
Localization
Stereo (Downmix)
Stereo (Downmix)
Slope
-2.55
0.20
Std. Err.
5.08 dB
2.48 dB
SPL @ Max Volume
81.5 dB SPL
86.1 dB SPL
Weighted THD @ 80dB
1.81
2.49
Weighted THD @ Max Volume
0.97
0.65
Sound Enhancement Features
3.8
6.6
Room Correction
No
No
Dialogue Enhancement
No
Yes
Auto-Volume/Night Mode
Yes
Yes
Subwoofer Level Adjustment
No
Yes
Bass Adjustment
Yes
Yes
Treble Adjustment
Yes
Yes
EQ
Presets
Presets
Surround Level Adjustment
No
No
Rear Level Adjustment
No
No
Height Level Adjustment
No
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 ARC
1 (shared)
1 (shared)
HDMI Out
1 (shared)
1 (shared)
Full HDMI In
1
1
Analog Audio In 3.5mm (Aux)
1
1
RCA In
No
No
USB for Files
1
1
Ethernet
No
No
Subwoofer Output
No
Audio Format Support - ARC
7.4
10
eARC
No
Yes
Dolby Atmos
Yes
Yes
Dolby Digital
Yes
Yes
Dolby Digital Plus
Yes
Yes
DTS
No
Yes
DTS:X (eARC only)
No
Yes
Dolby TrueHD (eARC only)
No
Yes
DTS-HD MA (eARC only)
No
Yes
5.1 PCM (eARC only)
No
Yes
Audio Format Support - Full HDMI In
8.6
10
Dolby Atmos
Yes
Yes
DTS:X
No
Yes
Dolby Digital
Yes
Yes
Dolby Digital Plus
Yes
Yes
DTS
No
Yes
Dolby TrueHD
No
Yes
DTS-HD MA
No
Yes
5.1 PCM
Yes
Yes
Audio Format Support - Optical
6.0
10
Dolby Digital
Yes
Yes
DTS
No
Yes
Latency
5.4
7.6
Latency Video
ARC
158 ms
79 ms
Optical
147 ms
84 ms
Full HDMI In
94 ms
52 ms
Wireless Playback
6.0
6.0
Bluetooth
Yes
Yes
Wi-Fi Playback
No
No
Chromecast built-in
No
No
Apple AirPlay
No
No
Spotify Connect
No
Other Input Specifications
4k @ 60 Hz Passthrough
Yes
Yes
4k @ 60 Hz @ 10 bit Passthrough
Yes
Yes
4k @ 60 Hz @ 4:4:4 Passthrough
Yes
Yes
HDR10 Passthrough
Yes
Yes
Connectivity - Subwoofer
Physical inputs subwoofer photo 1
Physical controls subwoofer photo 1
Sub Wireless
No
Yes
Connectivity - Satellites
Physical inputs satellites photo 1
Physical controls satellites photo 1
Sat Wireless
No
No
Additional Features
Interface
Interface photo
Display
Yes
No
Bar Controls
Controls photo
Remote
Remote photo
Universal Remote
No
Voice Assistants Support
Amazon Alexa
No
No
Google Assistant
No
No
Apple Siri
No
No
Microphone Mute
No
App
App image
App Name
No App
iOS
No
Android
No
Acts As A Remote
No
Controls Soundbar's Settings
No
Casts Device Files
No
Other Features
Power Saving
Auto-off
HDMI CEC (TV Remote Control)
Yes
Check Price
Black
Alto 8i
Searching
Finding storeBlack
M215aw-K6
Searching
Finding storeBlack
Alto 8i
Searching
Finding storeBlack
M215aw-K6
Searching
Finding storeBlack
Alto 8i
Searching
Finding storeBlack
M215aw-K6
Searching
Finding storeBlack
Alto 8i
Searching
Finding storeBlack
M215aw-K6
Searching
Finding storeBlack
Alto 8i
Searching
Finding storeBlack
M215aw-K6
Searching
Finding store
You have 10/10 free reviews left
To access
and
Become an Insider
unlimited full product reviews,
product prices
other exclusive site features
TCL Alto 8i
Vizio M Series M215aw-K6
Comments
TCL Alto 8i vs Vizio M Series M215aw-K6: Main Discussion
What do you think of these products? Let us know below.
Looking for a personalized buying advice from the RTINGS.com experts? Insiders have direct access to buying advice on our insider forum.