The Vizio SB46514-F6 is a good overall soundbar that can be used for a lot of different content. This soundbar has a 5.1.4 speaker configuration and supports Atmos, which results in an immersive listening experience with Atmos movies. Its stereo audio reproduction is pretty accurate as well and most people will be satisfied with how loud it can get. However, there are some pumping and compression artifacts at max volume. Overall, the bar is very versatile and has a lot of connection options, but the satellite speakers aren't wireless like some other setups and need to be wired to the subwoofer.
Our Verdict
The Vizio SB46514-F6 is good for mixed usage. Its overall performance is good and is suitable for a wide variety of content. Whether you want to listen to music, podcasts, audiobooks, or have an immersive experience when watching a movie, this soundbar can do it. It can get loud enough for most people, and its sub packs a good amount of bass too.
- Very-well built design.
- Immersive experience with Atmos content.
- Very good stereo performance.
- Some pumping and compression artifacts at max volume.
The Vizio SB46514-F6 is a very good soundbar for TV shows or content with lots of dialogue. Its stereo sound profile is very good, especially around the frequencies responsible for voices. The bar can also get very loud, but it doesn't have a dialogue enhancement feature. On the upside, you can easily stream audiobooks or podcasts to the bar using the Bluetooth connection or even use Wi-Fi.
The Vizio SB46514-F6 is a good soundbar for music. Its sound signature is very good, and its subwoofer packs a lot of bass. It's versatile for a wide variety of music genres and can get pretty loud. You can also easily stream music to the bar using Bluetooth or Wi-Fi connections.
The Vizio SB46514-F6 is a good soundbar for movies. It supports Atmos and has four up-firing speakers, which helps to create a height illusion. The bar also supports high-end audio signals.
Changelog
- Updated Mar 01, 2022: Confirmed HDMI In support with firmware update.
- Updated Dec 10, 2021: Added third-party voice assistant compatibility.
- Updated Sep 24, 2021: Changed RCA In from 'Yes' to 'No'.
- Updated Mar 01, 2021: Converted to Test Bench 1.0.
Check Price
Popular Soundbar Comparisons
The Vizio SB46514-F6 is a good overall soundbar, but some people might feel like the price jump from the 36-inch 5.1.2 Vizio SB36512-F6 model might not be worth it. While the 46-inch model has two additional up-firing speakers on the surround speakers, its overall Atmos performance isn't that much better. On the upside, the SB46514-F6 has a nice build quality, but might not be worth the price when compared to other high-end products. See our recommendations for the best soundbars, the best Atmos soundbars, and if you're looking for something a bit more affordable, check out the best budget soundbars.
Depending on your usage, the Vizio M Series M51a-H6 might be better than the Vizio SB46514-F6. The M51a-H6 has more sound enhancement features, including dialogue enhancement. It also has more extended low bass and a better center performance. However, the SB46514-F6 has a better Atmos performance and similar surround sound performance. It's also better built and has more wireless playback options.
The JBL Bar 9.1 is a better 5.1.4 setup than the Vizio SB46514-F6. While both soundbars are well-built, the JBL is a bit more balanced. It also has a significantly better THD and surround performance. There are also more physical inputs so it supports more audio formats, and you can even stream music to it using Apple AirPlay. Some users may prefer the completely wireless satellite speakers too. However, the Vizio has a better height performance and its companion app can control all of the bar's features, which is nice.
The Vizio 46-inch 5.1.4 F6 isn't that much better than the Vizio 36-inch 5.1.2 F6 soundbar. Their performances are quite similar, but the 5.1.4 soundbar setup has two additional up-firing speakers on the surround satellites. We also measured a bit more compression on the 46-inch model, although we don't expect most people to notice this. However, the 46-inch 5.1.4 F6 has a better overall surround performance. For most people, the 36-inch will offer better value.
The Samsung HW-Q80R is slightly better than the Vizio SB46514-F6 when it comes to stereo sound, but it lacks dedicated surround speakers, so if you're looking for a soundbar for watching movies with an immersive experience, then the Vizio will be a better option.
Test Results
