The Vizio SB36312-G6 is a 3.1.2 setup with a slim subwoofer that can be placed upright or on its side. On its standard 'Direct' mode, it has a boomy sound that some may find a little overwhelming for most audio content. It also lacks a dialogue enhancement feature, and it doesn't get too loud. While its volume level shouldn't be too problematic for most listeners, it has compression artifacts and pumping at max volume. On the upside, it has a full set of inputs so you can connect most devices to it, and you can stream audio to it using Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or Chromecast built-in. There are also three EQ presets as well as bass and treble adjustment. It supports Atmos and DTS content too, but it has to downmix this content to stereo in order to play it.
Our Verdict
The Vizio SB36312-G6 is disappointing for mixed use. It has a very boomy sound profile that can be overwhelming for movies and music. The bar doesn't get very loud, and if you push it to its max volume, there are compression artifacts and pumping, which is disappointing. On the upside, there's a couple of EQ presets as well as bass and treble adjustment available. It can also support Atmos and DTS content, which is nice.
- Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and Chromecast built-in compatible.
- Three EQ presets plus bass and treble adjustment available.
- Very bass-heavy sound profile on default 'Direct' mode.
- No room correction feature.
- Pumping and compression artifacts at max volume.
The Vizio SB36312-G6 is poor for dialogue and TV shows. On its standard 'Direct' sound mode, it has a bass-tilted sound signature, and there isn't a dialogue enhancement feature to help boost vocal clarity. That being said, it has an auto-volume/night mode which can help to correct differences in volume.
- Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and Chromecast built-in compatible.
- Three EQ presets plus bass and treble adjustment available.
- Very bass-heavy sound profile on default 'Direct' mode.
- No room correction feature.
- No dialogue enhancement feature.
The Vizio SB36312-G6 is passable for music. It has a boomy sound profile that can be overwhelming for a lot of musical genres. That being said, you can adjust the amount of bass, and there's three EQ presets that can help you tweak the sound to better suit your music needs. It can't get very loud, though, and if you want to listen to your music at max volume, there are pumping and compression artifacts.
- Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and Chromecast built-in compatible.
- Three EQ presets plus bass and treble adjustment available.
- Very bass-heavy sound profile on default 'Direct' mode.
- Poor surround performance.
- Pumping and compression artifacts at max volume.
The Vizio SB36312-G6 is mediocre for movies. It supports Atmos content but its height and surround performances are poor, so it's not the most immersive experience. It also has a very bass-heavy sound profile that may be a little too much for some movies, and the bar itself can't get very loud. If you push this bar to its max volume, there are pumping and compression artifacts, which is disappointing. On the upside, you can tweak the sound a bit by adjusting the bass and treble, or by using the 'Movie' preset.
- Three EQ presets plus bass and treble adjustment available.
- Supports Atmos and DTS content.
- Very bass-heavy sound profile on default 'Direct' mode.
- Poor surround performance.
- Pumping and compression artifacts at max volume.
Changelog
- Updated Apr 29, 2021: Converted to Test Bench 1.0.
- Updated Sep 22, 2020: The Dynamics tests have been reconducted due to a value input bug.
- Updated Jul 17, 2020: Review published.
- Updated Jul 15, 2020: Early access published.
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Popular Soundbar Comparisons
The Vizio SB36312-G6 is a 3.1.2 setup from Vizio's 2019 lineup. It has a very unique-looking subwoofer that's very slim, and you can even place it upright or on its side if you prefer. It doesn't get as loud as the Vizio SB3820-C6, and its boomy sound profile can be overwhelming, even for bass-heavy audio content. Just like other 3.1.2 setups such as the LG SN8YG or Samsung HW-Q70R, it supports Dolby Atmos content by downmixing it into stereo, but its height performance isn't as good as soundbars with rear satellites. Check out our recommendations for the best soundbars with subwoofer, the best soundbars for movies, and the best soundbars under $300.
The Sony HT-G700 is better for dialogue/TV shows than the Vizio SB36312-G6. The Sony has a slightly better build quality, its sound profile is more neutral, and it has a dialogue enhancement feature to further improve vocal quality. Its center, surround, and height performances are better, and it has eARC support. However, the Vizio has more physical inputs as well as more options for wireless playback. It also has an auto-off power-saving feature.
The Samsung HW-Q70R is a better 3.1.2 setup overall than the Vizio SB36312-G6. The Samsung is better built, its sound profile is more neutral and better balanced, and it can even get louder with fewer thumping and compression artifacts. It even has a dialogue enhancement feature as well as a graphic EQ. It also has a better center channel and height performance, and it supports eARC. However, the Vizio has an auto-volume/night mode, more physical inputs, and it even supports Chromecast built-in.
The Sony HT-Z9F is a better overall soundbar than the Vizio SB36312-G6. The Sony feels better built, it has a more neutral sound profile, and it has a dialogue enhancement feature. It can also get louder with less thumping and compression artifacts, and its center, surround, and height performances are better. It even has two Full HDMI In inputs, and it supports eARC.
The Samsung HW-Q70T is a better overall soundbar than the Vizio SB36312-G6. Both are 3.1.2 setups that support Atmos content. However, the Samsung has a better-balanced, less boomy sound profile that makes it more versatile. The Vizio also can't get as loud the Samsung. The Samsung also has more sound customization options that allow you to adjust the sound based on your preferences.
Test Results
