Get insider access
Preferred store
Your browser is not supported or outdated so some features of the site might not be available.
  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. Stereo Total Harmonic Distortion
    6. Center
    7. Surround 5.1
    8. Height (Atmos)
    9. 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. Latency
    6. Video Passthrough To TV
    7. Wireless Playback
  7. Additional Features
    1. Interface
    2. Bar Controls
    3. Remote
    4. Voice Assistants Support
  8. Comments

Vizio SB36512-F6 vs Nakamichi Shockwafe Ultra 9.2Ch

Side-by-Side Comparison

Products

Vizio SB36512-F6
Nakamichi Shockwafe Ultra 9.2Ch

Tested using Methodology v1.2

Updated Jan 12, 2024 04:18 PM

SEE PRICE
Amazon.com

Tested using Methodology v1.1

Updated Jan 11, 2024 05:16 PM

SEE PRICE
Amazon.com
Vizio SB36512-F6 Picture
Nakamichi Shockwafe Ultra 9.2Ch Picture

Variants

  • SB36512-F6
  • Shockwafe Ultra 9.2Ch (Black)

Our Verdict

Vizio SB36512-F6

Nakamichi Shockwafe Ultra 9.2Ch

The Vizio SB36512-F6 is a better soundbar system than the Nakamichi Shockwafe Ultra 9.2Ch for most people, especially for the price. It has great overall performance, with a very good, neutral sound profile. On the other hand, its surround sound listening experience isn't as immersive as the Nakamichi soundbar with its four dedicated surround speakers.

0

Check Price

Standard
SB36512-F6
Searching
Finding store
Black
Shockwafe Ultra 9.2Ch
Searching
Finding store
Standard
SB36512-F6
Searching
Finding store
Black
Shockwafe Ultra 9.2Ch
Searching
Finding store
Standard
SB36512-F6
Searching
Finding store
Black
Shockwafe Ultra 9.2Ch
Searching
Finding store
Standard
SB36512-F6
Searching
Finding store
Black
Shockwafe Ultra 9.2Ch
Searching
Finding store
Standard
SB36512-F6
Searching
Finding store
Black
Shockwafe Ultra 9.2Ch
Searching
Finding store

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 

0.10

Mixed Usage 

7.8
7.4

Stereo Frequency Response 
 

8.1
6.9

Dialogue Enhancement 
 

No
Yes

Full Comparison

Design

Style - Bar  

Style photo - bar  

Vizio SB36512-F6 Style photo - bar
Nakamichi Shockwafe Ultra 9.2Ch Style photo - bar

Show text

Style - Subwoofer  

Style photo - sub  

Vizio SB36512-F6 Style photo - sub
Nakamichi Shockwafe Ultra 9.2Ch Style photo - sub

Sub Wireless 
 

Yes
Yes

Enclosure 
 

Ported
Ported

Show text

Style - Satellites  

Style photo - satellites  

Vizio SB36512-F6 Style photo - satellites
Nakamichi Shockwafe Ultra 9.2Ch Style photo - satellites

Satellite Wireless 
 

Partial, wired to wireless sub
Partial, wired to wireless sub

Show text

Dimensions - Bar  

Dimensions photo - bar  

Vizio SB36512-F6 Dimensions photo - bar
Nakamichi Shockwafe Ultra 9.2Ch Dimensions photo - bar

Width  

36.0" (91.5 cm)
45.6" (115.8 cm)

Height  

2.6" (6.6 cm)
3.5" (9.0 cm)

Depth  

3.4" (8.7 cm)
3.1" (8.0 cm)

Show text

Dimensions - Subwoofer  

Dimensions photo - sub  

Vizio SB36512-F6 Dimensions photo - sub
Nakamichi Shockwafe Ultra 9.2Ch Dimensions photo - sub

Width  

7.0" (17.9 cm)
12.4" (31.6 cm)

Height  

11.5" (29.2 cm)
20.3" (51.6 cm)

Depth  

11.4" (29.0 cm)
13.6" (34.5 cm)

Show text

Dimensions - Satellites  

Dimensions photo - satellites  

Vizio SB36512-F6 Dimensions photo - satellites
Nakamichi Shockwafe Ultra 9.2Ch Dimensions photo - satellites

Width  

2.6" (6.6 cm)
8.0" (20.4 cm)

Height  

5.7" (14.5 cm)
5.6" (14.3 cm)

Depth  

2.9" (7.3 cm)
4.8" (12.1 cm)

Show text

Mounting 
 

Bar Mounting Holes  

Vizio SB36512-F6 Bar Mounting Holes
Nakamichi Shockwafe Ultra 9.2Ch Bar Mounting Holes

Satellite Mounting Holes  

Vizio SB36512-F6 Satellite Mounting Holes
Nakamichi Shockwafe Ultra 9.2Ch Satellite Mounting Holes

Mountable Bar 
 

Yes
Yes

Bar Brackets Included 
 

Yes
Yes

Mountable Satellites 
 

Yes
Yes

Satellite Brackets Included 
 

Yes
Yes

Build Quality 
 

7.0
8.0

Build quality photo  

Vizio SB36512-F6 Build quality photo
Nakamichi Shockwafe Ultra 9.2Ch Build quality photo

Show text

In The Box 
 

In The Box photo   

Vizio SB36512-F6 In The Box photo
Nakamichi Shockwafe Ultra 9.2Ch In The Box photo

Show text

Sound

Stereo Frequency Response 
 

8.1
6.9

Stereo Setup  

Vizio SB36512-F6 Stereo Setup
Nakamichi Shockwafe Ultra 9.2Ch 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

Tested Preset 
 

Direct
DSP Off

Slope 
 

-0.49
0.07

Std. Err. 
 

2.74 dB
3.62 dB

Channels 
 

5.1.2
9.2.4

Low-Frequency Extension 
 

33.6 Hz
48.3 Hz

High-Frequency Extension 
 

19.9 kHz
7.1 kHz

Show text

Stereo Frequency Response With Preliminary Calibration 
 

8.2
6.9

Frequency Response Calibrated  

See details on graph tool
See details on graph tool

Suggested Preset 
 

Direct
DSP Off

Suggested Bass Setting 
 

-4
5

Suggested Treble Setting 
 

2
5

Slope 
 

0.13
0.07

Std. Err. 
 

2.43 dB
3.62 dB

Low-Frequency Extension 
 

34.1 Hz
48.3 Hz

High-Frequency Extension 
 

19.6 kHz
7.1 kHz

Stereo Soundstage 
 

7.0
7.5

Crosstalk  

See details on graph tool
See details on graph tool

Crosstalk Error 
 

2.21 dB
1.65 dB

Show text

Stereo Dynamics 
 

8.4
7.7

Dynamic Range Compression  

See details on graph tool
See details on graph tool

SPL @ Max Volume 
 

94.4 dB SPL
101.1 dB SPL

DRC @ Max Volume 
 

0.72 dB
3.61 dB

Show text

Stereo Total Harmonic Distortion 
 

7.4
7.5

THD  

See details on graph tool
See details on graph tool

Weighted THD @ 80dB 
 

0.49
0.56

Weighted THD @ Max Volume 
 

2.51
1.76

Show text

Center 
 

8.5
8.4

Center Setup  

Vizio SB36512-F6 Center Setup
Nakamichi Shockwafe Ultra 9.2Ch Center Setup

Frequency Response  

See details on graph tool
See details on graph tool

Localization 
 

Discrete
Discrete

Slope 
 

-0.12
-1.06

Std. Err. 
 

2.33 dB
3.84 dB

SPL @ Max Volume 
 

90.9 dB SPL
101.5 dB SPL

Weighted THD @ 80dB 
 

0.41
0.41

Weighted THD @ Max Volume 
 

1.75
1.66

Show text

Surround 5.1 
 

6.8
8.3

Surround Setup  

Vizio SB36512-F6 Surround Setup
Nakamichi Shockwafe Ultra 9.2Ch Surround Setup

Frequency Response  

See details on graph tool
See details on graph tool

Localization 
 

Discrete
Discrete

Slope 
 

-1.91
-0.61

Std. Err. 
 

5.46 dB
4.24 dB

SPL @ Max Volume 
 

90.2 dB SPL
102.3 dB SPL

Weighted THD @ 80dB 
 

0.47
0.14

Weighted THD @ Max Volume 
 

2.26
1.90

7.1 Rears 
 

No
Yes

Show text

Height (Atmos) 
 

6.0
6.4

Height Setup  

Vizio SB36512-F6 Height Setup
Nakamichi Shockwafe Ultra 9.2Ch Height Setup

H Frequency Response  

See details on graph tool
See details on graph tool

Localization 
 

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

Slope 
 

0.01
-0.89

Std. Err. 
 

4.64 dB
5.04 dB

SPL @ Max Volume 
 

90.2 dB SPL
100.2 dB SPL

Weighted THD @ 80dB 
 

1.91
2.18

Weighted THD @ Max Volume 
 

1.02
0.95

Show text

Sound Enhancement Features 
 

5.9
6.8

Room Correction 
 

No
No

Dialogue Enhancement 
 

No
Yes

Auto-Volume/Night Mode 
 

Yes
Yes

Subwoofer Level Adjustment 
 

Yes
Yes

Bass Adjustment 
 

Yes
No

Treble Adjustment 
 

Yes
Yes

EQ 
 

Presets
Presets

Surround Level Adjustment 
 

Yes
Yes

Rear Level Adjustment 
 

No
Yes

Height Level Adjustment 
 

Yes
No

Virtual Surround 
 

Yes
Yes

Show text

Connectivity

Inputs/Outputs - Bar 
 

Physical Connections Bar Photo 1  

Vizio SB36512-F6 Physical Connections Bar Photo 1
Nakamichi Shockwafe Ultra 9.2Ch Physical Connections Bar Photo 1

Physical Connections Bar Photo 2  

Vizio SB36512-F6 Physical Connections Bar Photo 2
Nakamichi Shockwafe Ultra 9.2Ch Physical Connections Bar Photo 2

Optical Audio In 
 

1
1

HDMI ARC 
 

1 (shared)

HDMI Out 
 

ARC
1 (shared)

HDMI 2.1 Class Bandwidth 
 

No

Full HDMI In 
 

1
3

Analog Audio In 3.5mm (Aux) 
 

1
1

RCA In 
 

No
No

USB for Files 
 

1
1

Ethernet 
 

1
No

Subwoofer Output 
 

No
No

Show text

Audio Format Support: ARC/eARC 
 

8.3
8.4

Dolby Atmos 
 

Supported
Yes

Dolby Digital 
 

Supported
Yes

Dolby Digital Plus 
 

Supported
Yes

Dolby TrueHD 
 

Not Supported
No

DTS 
 

Supported
Yes

DTS:X 
 

Not Supported
No

eARC 
 

No

DTS-HD MA 
 

Not Supported
No

PCM Channels 
 

2.0

5.1 PCM (eARC only) 
 

No

Show text

Audio Format Support: HDMI In 
 

9.7
10

Dolby Atmos 
 

Supported
Yes

Dolby Digital 
 

Supported
Yes

Dolby Digital Plus 
 

Supported
Yes

Dolby TrueHD 
 

Supported
Yes

DTS 
 

Supported
Yes

DTS:X 
 

Not Supported
Yes

DTS-HD MA 
 

Supported
Yes

PCM Channels 
 

Up To 5.1

5.1 PCM 
 

Yes

Show text

Audio Format Support: Optical 
 

10
10

Dolby Digital 
 

Supported
Yes

DTS 
 

Supported
Yes

PCM Channels 
 

2.0

Show text

Latency 
 

7.4
8.1

Latency Video  

ARC 
 

56 ms
69 ms

Optical 
 

53 ms
70 ms

Full HDMI In 
 

-85 ms
-28 ms

Show text

Video Passthrough To TV 
 

7.8
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 
 

No

Dolby Vision Passthrough 
 

No

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

Show text

Wireless Playback 
 

9.0
6.0

Bluetooth 
 

Yes
Yes

Wi-Fi Playback 
 

Yes
No

Chromecast built-in 
 

Yes
No

Apple AirPlay 
 

No
No

Spotify Connect 
 

No
No

Show text

Additional Features

Interface 
 

Interface photo  

Vizio SB36512-F6 Interface photo
Nakamichi Shockwafe Ultra 9.2Ch Interface photo

Display 
 

No
Yes

Show text

Bar Controls 
 

Controls photo  

Vizio SB36512-F6 Controls photo
Nakamichi Shockwafe Ultra 9.2Ch Controls photo

Show text

Remote  

Remote photo  

Vizio SB36512-F6 Remote photo
Nakamichi Shockwafe Ultra 9.2Ch Remote photo

Show text

Voice Assistants Support 
 

Amazon Alexa 
 

No
No

Google Assistant 
 

No
No

Apple Siri 
 

No
No

Microphone Mute 
 

No
No

Show text

Check Price

Standard
SB36512-F6
Searching
Finding store
Black
Shockwafe Ultra 9.2Ch
Searching
Finding store
Standard
SB36512-F6
Searching
Finding store
Black
Shockwafe Ultra 9.2Ch
Searching
Finding store
Standard
SB36512-F6
Searching
Finding store
Black
Shockwafe Ultra 9.2Ch
Searching
Finding store
Standard
SB36512-F6
Searching
Finding store
Black
Shockwafe Ultra 9.2Ch
Searching
Finding store
Standard
SB36512-F6
Searching
Finding store
Black
Shockwafe Ultra 9.2Ch
Searching
Finding store

Vizio SB36512-F6

Nakamichi Shockwafe Ultra 9.2Ch

Comments

  1. Comparison

Vizio SB36512-F6 vs Nakamichi Shockwafe Ultra 9.2Ch: 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.

PreviewBack to editorFormat guide
No comments yet, refresh to see new ones