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Vizio M Series M51a-H6 vs Samsung HW-Q850A
Side-by-Side Comparison
Products
Vizio M Series M51a-H6
Samsung HW-Q850A
Tested using Methodology v1.3
Updated Sep 04, 2024 08:43 PM
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Amazon.comTested using Methodology v1.0
Updated Jan 12, 2024 04:48 PM
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Amazon.com
Channels5.1
Channels5.1.2
Variants
- M Series M51a-H6 (Black)
- HW-Q850A (Black)
Our Verdict
Vizio M Series M51a-H6
Samsung HW-Q850A
The Samsung HW-Q850A and the Vizio M Series M51a-H6 are both versatile 5.1 setups, but the Vizio scores better overall. The Vizio gets louder with less compression at max volume and has a better center channel performance. It can reproduce a more extended low bass; some users may prefer its more neutral sound out-of-the-box. That said, the better-built Samsung has better soundstage and surround performances. Unlike the Vizio, it also has built-in voice assistant capabilities.
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M Series M51a-H6
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HW-Q850A
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HW-Q850A
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Samsung.comNotice: 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
8.0
7.9
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, wired to wireless sub
Partial, satellites wired together
Dimensions - Bar
Dimensions photo - bar
Width
36.0" (91.5 cm)
38.6" (98.0 cm)
Height
2.3" (5.8 cm)
2.4" (6.0 cm)
Depth
3.5" (9.0 cm)
4.5" (11.5 cm)
Dimensions - Subwoofer
Dimensions photo - sub
Width
8.3" (21.2 cm)
8.0" (20.4 cm)
Height
9.9" (25.2 cm)
15.8" (40.1 cm)
Depth
11.7" (29.7 cm)
15.8" (40.1 cm)
Dimensions - Satellites
Dimensions photo - satellites
Width
5.7" (14.6 cm)
3.5" (9.0 cm)
Height
2.3" (5.8 cm)
5.8" (14.8 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
7.0
8.0
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
8.0
Stereo Setup
Raw Frequency Response
Frequency Response Small
Channels
5.1
5.1.2
Tested Preset
Direct
Standard
Slope
-0.46
0.92
Standard Error
3.35 dB
3.24 dB
Low-Frequency Extension
31.3 Hz
33.2 Hz
High-Frequency Extension
19.9 kHz
19.9 kHz
Stereo Frequency Response With Preliminary Calibration
8.0
8.4
Frequency Response Calibrated
Suggested Preset
Direct
Standard
Suggested Bass Setting
-5
3
Suggested Treble Setting
1
N/A
Slope
-0.20
0.46
Standard Error
3.29 dB
2.33 dB
Low-Frequency Extension
30.8 Hz
29.5 Hz
High-Frequency Extension
19.9 kHz
19.9 kHz
Stereo Soundstage
7.0
7.5
Crosstalk Error
2.47 dB
2.26 dB
Stereo Dynamics
8.4
7.4
Dynamic Range Compression
SPL @ Max Volume
96.0 dB SPL
94.4 dB SPL
DRC @ 90dB
0.23 dB
DRC @ Max Volume
1.94 dB
2.69 dB
Stereo Total Harmonic Distortion
7.8
Weighted THD @ 80dB
0.39
Weighted THD @ Max Volume
2.21
Center
8.4
7.7
Center Setup
Frequency Response
Localization
Discrete
Discrete
Slope
-0.17
1.32
Std. Err.
2.85 dB
4.43 dB
SPL @ Max Volume
93.5 dB SPL
90.7 dB SPL
Weighted THD @ 80dB
0.74
0.52
Weighted THD @ Max Volume
1.68
4.70
Surround 5.1
7.5
8.2
Surround Setup
Frequency Response
Localization
Discrete
Discrete
Slope
-0.10
0.50
Std. Err.
4.15 dB
2.54 dB
SPL @ Max Volume
94.7 dB SPL
97.5 dB SPL
Weighted THD @ 80dB
0.32
0.62
Weighted THD @ Max Volume
1.06
3.46
7.1 Rears
No
No
Height (Atmos)
5.9
6.2
Height Setup
H Frequency Response
Localization
Phantom (Front Firing, Satellites)
Phantom (Up Firing, Bar)
Slope
-0.03
1.06
Std. Err.
4.06 dB
3.55 dB
SPL @ Max Volume
86.9 dB SPL
83.5 dB SPL
Weighted THD @ 80dB
2.29
0.47
Weighted THD @ Max Volume
0.33
0.88
Sound Enhancement Features
7.1
7.5
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
Presets
Graphic + Presets
Surround Level Adjustment
Yes
No
Rear Level Adjustment
No
Yes
Height Level Adjustment
No
Yes
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
eARC
1 (shared)
HDMI 2.1 Class Bandwidth
No
Full HDMI In
1
1
Analog Audio In 3.5mm (Aux)
1
No
RCA In
No
No
USB for Files
1
No
Ethernet
No
No
Subwoofer Output
No
HDMI ARC
1 (shared)
Audio Format Support: ARC/eARC
9.9
10
Dolby Atmos
Supported
Yes
Dolby Digital
Supported
Yes
Dolby Digital Plus
Supported
Yes
Dolby TrueHD
Supported
Yes
DTS
Supported
Yes
DTS:X
Supported
Yes
eARC
Yes
DTS-HD MA
Supported
Yes
PCM Channels
Up To 5.1
5.1 PCM (eARC only)
Yes
Audio Format Support: HDMI In
9.9
10
Dolby Atmos
Supported
Yes
Dolby Digital
Supported
Yes
Dolby Digital Plus
Supported
Yes
Dolby TrueHD
Supported
Yes
DTS
Supported
Yes
DTS:X
Supported
Yes
DTS-HD MA
Supported
Yes
PCM Channels
Up To 5.1
5.1 PCM
Yes
Audio Format Support: Optical
10
10
Dolby Digital
Supported
Yes
DTS
Supported
Yes
PCM Channels
2.0
Audio Latency: ARC
7.3
ARC Latency Video
PCM-2.0 ch
98 ms
PCM-5.1 ch
105 ms
Dolby MAT (PCM) Atmos
103 ms
Dolby Digital
99 ms
Dolby Digital Plus
105 ms
Dolby Digital Plus Atmos
121 ms
Audio Latency: HDMI In
9.0
7.3
HDMI Latency Video
Latency Video
PCM-2.0 ch
105 ms
PCM-5.1 ch
82 ms
Dolby MAT (PCM) Atmos
95 ms
Dolby Digital
93 ms
Dolby Digital Plus
82 ms
Dolby Digital Plus Atmos
90 ms
ARC
67 ms
Optical
48 ms
Full HDMI In
-86 ms
Audio Latency: Optical
5.6
Optical Latency Video
PCM-2.0 ch
240 ms
Dolby Digital
156 ms
Video Passthrough To TV
8.7
0.0
1080p Max Refresh Rate
120Hz
1080p @ 4:4:4 Max Refresh Rate
120Hz
4k Max Refresh Rate
60Hz
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
Yes
G-SYNC Passthrough
No
ALLM Passthrough
Yes
4k @ 60 Hz @ 10 bit Passthrough
Yes
4k @ 60 Hz @ 4:4:4 Passthrough
Yes
Wireless Playback
6.0
9.0
Bluetooth
Yes
Yes
Wi-Fi Playback
No
Yes
Chromecast built-in
No
No
Apple AirPlay
No
Yes
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, wired to wireless sub
Partial, satellites wired together
Additional Features
Interface
Interface photo
Display
No
Yes
Bar Controls
Controls photo
Remote
Remote photo
Universal Remote
No
Voice Assistants Support
Amazon Alexa
No
Yes (Built-in)
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
Check Price
Black
M Series M51a-H6
SEE PRICE
Amazon.comBlack
HW-Q850A
SEE PRICE
Amazon.comBlack
M Series M51a-H6
SEARCH
B&HBlack
HW-Q850A
SEE PRICE
BestBuy.comBlack
M Series M51a-H6
SEARCH
BestBuy.comBlack
HW-Q850A
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Walmart.comBlack
M Series M51a-H6
SEARCH
Walmart.comBlack
HW-Q850A
SEARCH
B&HBlack
HW-Q850A
SEARCH
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Vizio M Series M51a-H6
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Vizio M Series M51a-H6 vs Samsung HW-Q850A: Main Discussion
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