The VIZIO SB3851-D0 manages to both be easy to install and setup while also consisting of four separate speakers. This makes it perfect for those that want full surround but doesn't want too much complexity.
The VIZIO SB3851-D0 earned an above average overall score in our testing, which you can see in the table above. Below we run through all of the different tests we used to calculate those overall scores, and discuss how the VIZIO fared in each.
We would describe the VIZIO's sound quality as good but not great.
This represents a huge step up from the sound quality of your TV's built-in speakers with deep bass, a wide dynamic range, and great clarity. Sure, top scoring models like the Sonos Playbar perform better in almost all of these respects, but the VIZIO gets close. If the Sonos is 100% better than average built-in TV speakers, we'd say that the VIZIO sound about 60% better, and costs a third of what the Sonos costs. The VIZIO also offers true 5.1 surround sound, something the Sonos does not, and its external subwoofer actually gives it slightly better bass than the Sonos.
When compared to the other 5+ channel model we tested, the Nakamichi Shockwafe Pro 7.1Ch, the VIZIO is just slightly inferior in terms of sound quality. The VIZIO actually has slightly better dynamic range and clarity than the Nakamichi, but the Nakamichi's subwoofer is much more powerful, which can make music sound a bit more full. However, we don't think this slight upgrade is worth the Nakamichi's added price and complexity.
This is where the VIZIO shines. It earned one of the highest scores in this metric, an 8 out of 10, despite the added logistics of 2 satellite speakers and an external subwoofer.
The subwoofer is wireless, and we had absolutely no issues getting it to pair with the soundbar in our testing. The wired satellite speakers also installed quite easily. In comparison, we had to attempt pairing multiple times for both the subwoofer and satellite speakers of the Nakamichi before everything was working properly.
The VIZIO also has a well-designed remote, and LED indicators to let you know what settings have been selected. There is also a VIZIO app available that lets you further customize the speaker system, and even let you stream some content via WiFi rather than Bluetooth. If you'd rather go the Bluetooth route, we found the connection to be very strong in our testing.
The VIZIO picked up one of the top scores in our sound customization testing.
The remote lets you adjust bass and treble levels. Via the app you can adjust surround sound volume and balance. It also offers multiple sound modes: music mode movie mode, a truvolume mode that dampens loud noises, and a night mode that lowers bass frequencies so you don't annoy your neighbors. The Nakamichi does slightly better in this metric because it has 9 different sound modes (including ones for sports gaming, and others), but the VIZIO still offers just as many EQ adjustments.
The VIZIO earned one of the highest scores in our design/style metric. All of its speakers have a subdued, all black, cubic design that makes them fit in with almost any decor.
The VIZIO lists for $300, but can often be found online for a bit less. This makes it nearly half the price of the $500 Nakamichi. If you're looking for a simple, effective surround sound setup, the VIZIO is one of the best deals around.
