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The Vizio M21d-H8R offers great sound customization with EQ presets and dialogue enhancement. However, it falls short in bass performance and exhibits compression at higher volumes. While it has connectivity issues and latency problems, it’s reasonable for the price.
Announced as an entry-level soundbar in mid-2020, the Vizio M21d H8R is a very uncomplicated sound system with a bare-bones setup. Even though it doesn’t include a subwoofer, it ships with a HDMI and Digital Optical Cable for added convenience.
It doesn’t support Dolby Atmos content, and its soundstage doesn’t compare to what the best speakers have to offer, but users will still have an accurate idea of where object sounds are being projected from.
The soundbar also gets loud enough for group listening, and it has four Equalizer presets to choose from for a small level of sound customization. Its port selection may not be as rich as that of highly ranked soundbars, but most users should be content with its three HDMI ports, single Optical Audio In port, and AUX port.
The soundbar is also limited to Bluetooth connectivity, and not Wi-Fi, Spotify or Apple AirPlay.
Consensus
our Verdict
The Vizio M21d-H8R soundbar offers Bluetooth connectivity but disappoints with latency issues, especially when supporting specific audio formats, like ARC and Optical In. With its versatile and slightly boomy sound profile, it caters to lots of audio content.
The EQ presets and dialogue enhancement feature enhance listening experiences, but the weak low bass and compression at high volumes are notable drawbacks. It struggles to deliver the deep rumbles during action-packed scenes. The soundstage isn’t wide, but it’s focused and accurate.
Control-wise, the included remote control is straightforward and effective for controlling settings easily. It has a good build quality a durable fabric covering. While it offers EQ presets, it lacks a full graphic EQ, limiting your ability to fine-tune the sound. Unfortunately, this soundbar doesn’t support smartphone app control.
ReasonS to Buy
Neutral, versatile sound profile for various audio content
EQ presets for sound customization
Dialogue enhancement feature for clear vocals
Good build quality with durable construction
Bluetooth compatibility for wireless streaming
Fair stereo soundstage with good focus
Multiple inputs, including 3.5mm AUX and HDMI.
Reason to Avoid
Weak low-bass reproduction
Compression at maximum volume
Downmixes surround content into stereo
Lack of Dolby Atmos support
High latency via ARC and Optical In
Limited soundbar control over subwoofer and side speakers’ volume
Incomplete seamless integration with voice assistants
Vizio M21D H8R Specs
Bluetooth Enabled
Yes
Depth
5.5"
Dialogue Enhancement Feature
–
Energy Star Certified
No
HDMI ARC
Yes
Height
2.3"
Number of Audio Channels
2.1
Subwoofer
Build-in
Surround Sound Supported
Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital Plus, DTS
Voice Assistant
–
Wall Mountable
Yes
Weight
5.53 lbs
Width
36"
Wireless Connectivity
Bluetooth
Wireless Subwoofer Connectivity
–
Works With
Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Siri
All Specs
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Announced as an entry-level soundbar in mid-2020, the Vizio M21d H8R is a very uncomplicated sound system with a bare-bones setup. Even though it doesn’t…
Announced as an entry-level soundbar in mid-2020, the Vizio M21d H8R is a very uncomplicated sound system with a bare-bones setup. Even though it doesn’t include a subwoofer, it ships with a HDMI and Digital Optical Cable for added convenience.
It doesn’t support Dolby Atmos content, and its soundstage doesn’t compare to what the best speakers have to offer, but users will still have an accurate idea of where object sounds are being projected from.
The soundbar also gets loud enough for group listening, and it has four Equalizer presets to choose from for a small level of sound customization. Its port selection may not be as rich as that of highly ranked soundbars, but most users should be content with its three HDMI ports, single Optical Audio In port, and AUX port.
The soundbar is also limited to Bluetooth connectivity, and not Wi-Fi, Spotify or Apple AirPlay.
The Vizio M21d H8R’s 2.1-channel setup doesn’t allow it to compete with the Vizio V Series V51-H6’s 5.1-channel configuration, and this is because the V51-H6…
The Vizio M21d H8R’s 2.1-channel setup doesn’t allow it to compete with the Vizio V Series V51-H6’s 5.1-channel configuration, and this is because the V51-H6 includes a subwoofer and two satellite speakers.
The Vizio M21d H8R gets significantly louder than the Sony HT-X8500, so its a better pick for playing audio content for a large crowd. However,…
The Vizio M21d H8R gets significantly louder than the Sony HT-X8500, so its a better pick for playing audio content for a large crowd. However, the Sony soundbar supports various types of Dolby content through its Full HDMI In port, while the Vizio M21d H8R does not.
The Vizio M21d H8R doesn’t ship with any satellite speakers or subwoofer, and as a result, its surround sound performance is outmatched by the Vizio…
The Vizio M21d H8R doesn’t ship with any satellite speakers or subwoofer, and as a result, its surround sound performance is outmatched by the Vizio M Series M512A-H6. Also, the M512A-H6 is capable of Dolby Atmos support, while the M21d-H8R is not.
