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  1. Home
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JBL Bar 9.1 vs Vizio M Series M51ax-J6

Which Soundbar Is Better?

    Top
    Main Differences
    Design
      Style - BarStyle - SubwooferStyle - SatellitesDimensions - BarDimensions - SubwooferDimensions - SatellitesMountingBuild QualityIn The Box
    Sound
      Stereo Frequency ResponseStereo Frequency Response With Preliminary CalibrationStereo SoundstageStereo DynamicsStereo Total Harmonic DistortionCenterSurround 5.1Height (Atmos)Sound Enhancement Features
    Connectivity
      Inputs/Outputs - BarAudio Format Support: ARC/eARCAudio Format Support: HDMI InAudio Format Support: OpticalAudio Latency: ARCAudio Latency: HDMI InAudio Latency: OpticalVideo Passthrough To TVWireless Playback
    Additional Features
      InterfaceBar ControlsRemoteVoice Assistants Support
    Comments

Products

JBL Bar 9.1
Vizio M Series M51ax-J6

Tested using Methodology v1.2

Updated Sep 18, 2025 02:00 PM

SEE PRICE
Amazon.com

Tested using Methodology v1.3

Updated Jan 06, 2026 09:22 PM

SEE PRICE
Amazon.com
JBL Bar 9.1 Picture

Track

Vizio M Series M51ax-J6 Picture

Track

Channels
5.1.4
Channels
5.1

Our Verdict

JBL Bar 9.1

Vizio M Series M51ax-J6

The JBL Bar 9.1 and the Vizio M Series M51ax-J6 are both very versatile 5.1 soundbars with Dolby Atmos support. The JBL offers a better soundstage, and its surround performance is a bit better. That said, the Vizio offers a better value if you're shopping on a budget.

0 

Variants

  • Bar 9.1 (Black)
  • M Series M51ax-J6 (Dark Charcoal)

Review

See JBL Bar 9.1 Review
See Vizio M Series M51ax-J6 Review
0 
8 

Check Price

Black
Bar 9.1
SEE PRICE
Amazon.com
Dark Charcoal
M Series M51ax-J6
SEE PRICE
Amazon.com
Black
Bar 9.1
SEE PRICE
Walmart.com
Dark Charcoal
M Series M51ax-J6
SEARCH
B&H
Black
Bar 9.1
SEARCH
B&H
Dark Charcoal
M Series M51ax-J6
SEARCH
BestBuy.com
Black
Bar 9.1
SEARCH
BestBuy.com
Dark Charcoal
M Series M51ax-J6
SEARCH
Vizio
Black
Bar 9.1
SEARCH
JBL
Dark Charcoal
M Series M51ax-J6
SEARCH
Walmart.com
Read more

Main Differences for
Mixed Usage

Threshold 

0.10

Mixed Usage 
 

0.0
0.0
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Full Comparison

Design

Style - Bar  

Style photo - bar  

JBL Bar 9.1 Style photo - bar Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Vizio M Series M51ax-J6 Style photo - bar Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Show Text 

Style - Subwoofer  

Style photo - sub  

JBL Bar 9.1 Style photo - sub Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Vizio M Series M51ax-J6 Style photo - sub Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Sub Wireless 
 

Locked
Locked

Enclosure 
 

Locked
Locked
Show Text 

Style - Satellites  

Style photo - satellites  

JBL Bar 9.1 Style photo - satellites Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Vizio M Series M51ax-J6 Style photo - satellites Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Satellite Wireless 
 

Locked
Locked
Show Text 

Dimensions - Bar  

Dimensions photo - bar  

JBL Bar 9.1 Dimensions photo - bar Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Vizio M Series M51ax-J6 Dimensions photo - bar Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Width  

Lock" (Lock cm)
Lock" (Lock cm)

Height  

Lock" (Lock cm)
Lock" (Lock cm)

Depth  

Lock" (Lock cm)
Lock" (Lock cm)
Show Text 

Dimensions - Subwoofer  

Dimensions photo - sub  

JBL Bar 9.1 Dimensions photo - sub Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Vizio M Series M51ax-J6 Dimensions photo - sub Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Width  

Lock" (Lock cm)
Lock" (Lock cm)

Height  

Lock" (Lock cm)
Lock" (Lock cm)

Depth  

Lock" (Lock cm)
Lock" (Lock cm)
Show Text 

Dimensions - Satellites  

Dimensions photo - satellites  

JBL Bar 9.1 Dimensions photo - satellites Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Vizio M Series M51ax-J6 Dimensions photo - satellites Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Width  

Lock" (Lock cm)
Lock" (Lock cm)

Height  

Lock" (Lock cm)
Lock" (Lock cm)

Depth  

Lock" (Lock cm)
Lock" (Lock cm)
Show Text 

Mounting 
 

Bar Mounting Holes  

JBL Bar 9.1 Bar Mounting Holes Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Vizio M Series M51ax-J6 Bar Mounting Holes Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Satellite Mounting Holes  

JBL Bar 9.1 Satellite Mounting Holes Sample

SAMPLE

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for pictures & test results

Vizio M Series M51ax-J6 Satellite Mounting Holes Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Mountable Bar 
 

Locked
Locked

Bar Brackets Included 
 

Locked
Locked

Mountable Satellites 
 

Locked
Locked

Satellite Brackets Included 
 

Locked
Locked

Build Quality 
 

N/A
N/A

Build quality photo  

JBL Bar 9.1 Build quality photo Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Vizio M Series M51ax-J6 Build quality photo Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Show Text 

In The Box 
 

In The Box photo   

JBL Bar 9.1 In The Box photo Sample

SAMPLE

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for pictures & test results

Vizio M Series M51ax-J6 In The Box photo Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Show Text 
Sound

Stereo Frequency Response 
 

N/A
N/A

Stereo Setup  

JBL Bar 9.1 Stereo Setup Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Vizio M Series M51ax-J6 Stereo Setup Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Raw Frequency Response  

JBL Bar 9.1 Raw Frequency Response Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Vizio M Series M51ax-J6 Raw Frequency Response Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Frequency Response Small  

JBL Bar 9.1 Frequency Response Small Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Vizio M Series M51ax-J6 Frequency Response Small Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Channels 
 

Locked
Locked

Tested Preset 
 

Locked
Locked

Slope 
 

Lock
Lock

Standard Error 
 

Lock dB
Lock dB

Low-Frequency Extension 
 

Lock Hz
Lock Hz

High-Frequency Extension 
 

Lock kHz
Lock kHz
Show Text 

Stereo Frequency Response With Preliminary Calibration 
 

N/A
N/A

Frequency Response Calibrated  

JBL Bar 9.1 Frequency Response Calibrated Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Vizio M Series M51ax-J6 Frequency Response Calibrated Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Suggested Preset 
 

Locked
Locked

Suggested Bass Setting 
 

Lock
Lock

Suggested Treble Setting 
 

N/A
Lock

Slope 
 

Lock
Lock

Standard Error 
 

Lock dB
Lock dB

Low-Frequency Extension 
 

Lock Hz
Lock Hz

High-Frequency Extension 
 

Lock kHz
Lock kHz
Show Text 

Stereo Soundstage 
 

N/A
N/A

Crosstalk  

JBL Bar 9.1 Crosstalk Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Vizio M Series M51ax-J6 Crosstalk Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Crosstalk Error 
 

Lock dB
Lock dB
Show Text 

Stereo Dynamics 
 

N/A
N/A

Dynamic Range Compression  

JBL Bar 9.1 Dynamic Range Compression Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Vizio M Series M51ax-J6 Dynamic Range Compression Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

SPL @ Max Volume 
 

Lock dB SPL
Lock dB SPL

DRC @ 90dB 
 

Lock dB

DRC @ Max Volume 
 

Lock dB
Lock dB
Show Text 

Stereo Total Harmonic Distortion 
 

N/A
N/A

THD  

JBL Bar 9.1 THD Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Vizio M Series M51ax-J6 THD Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Weighted THD @ 80dB 
 

Lock

Weighted THD @ Max Volume 
 

Lock
Show Text 

Center 
 

N/A
N/A

Center Setup  

JBL Bar 9.1 Center Setup Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Vizio M Series M51ax-J6 Center Setup Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Frequency Response  

JBL Bar 9.1 Frequency Response Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Vizio M Series M51ax-J6 Frequency Response Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Localization 
 

Locked
Locked

Slope 
 

Lock
Lock

Std. Err. 
 

Lock dB
Lock dB

SPL @ Max Volume 
 

Lock dB SPL
Lock dB SPL

Weighted THD @ 80dB 
 

Lock
Lock

Weighted THD @ Max Volume 
 

Lock
Lock
Show Text 

Surround 5.1 
 

N/A
N/A

Surround Setup  

JBL Bar 9.1 Surround Setup Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Vizio M Series M51ax-J6 Surround Setup Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Frequency Response  

JBL Bar 9.1 Frequency Response Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Vizio M Series M51ax-J6 Frequency Response Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Localization 
 

Locked
Locked

Slope 
 

Lock
Lock

Std. Err. 
 

Lock dB
Lock dB

SPL @ Max Volume 
 

Lock dB SPL
Lock dB SPL

Weighted THD @ 80dB 
 

Lock
Lock

Weighted THD @ Max Volume 
 

Lock
Lock

7.1 Rears 
 

Locked
Locked
Show Text 

Height (Atmos) 
 

N/A
N/A

Height Setup  

JBL Bar 9.1 Height Setup Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Vizio M Series M51ax-J6 Height Setup Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

H Frequency Response  

JBL Bar 9.1 H Frequency Response Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Vizio M Series M51ax-J6 H Frequency Response Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Localization 
 

Locked
Locked

Slope 
 

Lock
Lock

Std. Err. 
 

Lock dB
Lock dB

SPL @ Max Volume 
 

Lock dB SPL
Lock dB SPL

Weighted THD @ 80dB 
 

Lock
Lock

Weighted THD @ Max Volume 
 

Lock
Lock
Show Text 

Sound Enhancement Features 
 

N/A
N/A

Room Correction 
 

Locked
Locked

Dialogue Enhancement 
 

Locked
Locked

Auto-Volume/Night Mode 
 

Locked
Locked

Subwoofer Level Adjustment 
 

Locked
Locked

Bass Adjustment 
 

Locked
Locked

Treble Adjustment 
 

Locked
Locked

EQ 
 

Locked
Locked

Surround Level Adjustment 
 

Locked
Locked

Rear Level Adjustment 
 

Locked
Locked

Height Level Adjustment 
 

Locked
Locked

Virtual Surround 
 

Locked
Locked
Show Text 
Connectivity

Inputs/Outputs - Bar 
 

Physical Connections Bar Photo 1  

JBL Bar 9.1 Physical Connections Bar Photo 1 Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Vizio M Series M51ax-J6 Physical Connections Bar Photo 1 Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Physical Connections Bar Photo 2  

JBL Bar 9.1 Physical Connections Bar Photo 2 Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Vizio M Series M51ax-J6 Physical Connections Bar Photo 2 Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Optical Audio In 
 

Locked
Locked

HDMI Out 
 

Locked
Locked

HDMI 2.1 Class Bandwidth 
 

Locked
Locked

Full HDMI In 
 

Locked
Locked

Analog Audio In 3.5mm (Aux) 
 

Locked
Locked

RCA In 
 

Locked
Locked

USB for Files 
 

Locked
Locked

Ethernet 
 

Locked
Locked

Subwoofer Output 
 

Locked
Locked
Show Text 

Audio Format Support: ARC/eARC 
 

N/A
N/A

Dolby Atmos 
 

Locked
Locked

Dolby Digital 
 

Locked
Locked

Dolby Digital Plus 
 

Locked
Locked

Dolby TrueHD 
 

Locked
Locked

DTS 
 

Locked
Locked

DTS:X 
 

Locked
Locked

DTS-HD MA 
 

Locked
Locked

PCM Channels 
 

Locked
Locked
Show Text 

Audio Format Support: HDMI In 
 

N/A
N/A

Dolby Atmos 
 

Locked
Locked

Dolby Digital 
 

Locked
Locked

Dolby Digital Plus 
 

Locked
Locked

Dolby TrueHD 
 

Locked
Locked

DTS 
 

Locked
Locked

DTS:X 
 

Locked
Locked

DTS-HD MA 
 

Locked
Locked

PCM Channels 
 

Locked
Locked
Show Text 

Audio Format Support: Optical 
 

N/A
N/A

Dolby Digital 
 

Locked
Locked

DTS 
 

Locked
Locked

PCM Channels 
 

Locked
Locked
Show Text 

Audio Latency: ARC 
 

N/A
N/A

ARC Latency Video  

JBL Bar 9.1 ARC Latency Video Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for videos & test results

Vizio M Series M51ax-J6 ARC Latency Video Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for videos & test results

PCM-2.0 ch 
 

Lock ms

PCM-5.1 ch 
 

Lock ms

Dolby MAT (PCM) Atmos 
 

Lock ms

Dolby Digital 
 

Lock ms

Dolby Digital Plus 
 

Lock ms

Dolby Digital Plus Atmos 
 

Lock ms
Show Text 

Audio Latency: HDMI In 
 

N/A
N/A

HDMI Latency Video  

JBL Bar 9.1 HDMI Latency Video Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for videos & test results

Vizio M Series M51ax-J6 HDMI Latency Video Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for videos & test results

Latency Video  

JBL Bar 9.1 Latency Video Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for videos & test results

Vizio M Series M51ax-J6 Latency Video Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for videos & test results

PCM-2.0 ch 
 

Lock ms

PCM-5.1 ch 
 

Lock ms

Dolby MAT (PCM) Atmos 
 

Lock ms

Dolby Digital 
 

Lock ms

Dolby Digital Plus 
 

Lock ms

Dolby Digital Plus Atmos 
 

Lock ms

ARC 
 

Lock ms

Optical 
 

Lock ms

Full HDMI In 
 

Lock ms
Show Text 

Audio Latency: Optical 
 

N/A
N/A

Optical Latency Video  

JBL Bar 9.1 Optical Latency Video Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for videos & test results

Vizio M Series M51ax-J6 Optical Latency Video Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for videos & test results

PCM-2.0 ch 
 

Lock ms

Dolby Digital 
 

Lock ms
Show Text 

Video Passthrough To TV 
 

N/A
N/A

1080p Max Refresh Rate 
 

Locked
Locked

1080p @ 4:4:4 Max Refresh Rate 
 

Locked
Locked

4k Max Refresh Rate 
 

Locked
Locked

4k @ 120Hz @ 10-Bit 
 

Locked
Locked

4k @ 4:4:4 Max Refresh Rate 
 

Locked
Locked

8k Max Refresh Rate 
 

Locked
Locked

HDR10 Passthrough 
 

Locked
Locked

HDR10+ Passthrough 
 

Locked
Locked

Dolby Vision Passthrough 
 

Locked
Locked

HDMI Forum VRR Passthrough 
 

Locked
Locked

FreeSync Passthrough 
 

Locked
Locked

G-SYNC Passthrough 
 

Locked
Locked

ALLM Passthrough 
 

Locked
Locked
Show Text 

Wireless Playback 
 

N/A
N/A

Bluetooth 
 

Locked
Locked

Wi-Fi Playback 
 

Locked
Locked

Chromecast built-in 
 

Locked
Locked

Apple AirPlay 
 

Locked
Locked

Spotify Connect 
 

Locked
Locked
Show Text 
Additional Features

Interface 
 

Interface photo  

JBL Bar 9.1 Interface photo Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Vizio M Series M51ax-J6 Interface photo Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Display 
 

Locked
Locked
Show Text 

Bar Controls 
 

Controls photo  

JBL Bar 9.1 Controls photo Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Vizio M Series M51ax-J6 Controls photo Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Show Text 

Remote  

Remote photo  

JBL Bar 9.1 Remote photo Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Vizio M Series M51ax-J6 Remote photo Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Show Text 

Voice Assistants Support 
 

Amazon Alexa 
 

Locked
Locked

Google Assistant 
 

Locked
Locked

Apple Siri 
 

Locked
Locked

Microphone Mute 
 

Locked
Locked
Show Text 

Check Price

Black
Bar 9.1
SEE PRICE
Amazon.com
Dark Charcoal
M Series M51ax-J6
SEE PRICE
Amazon.com
Black
Bar 9.1
SEE PRICE
Walmart.com
Dark Charcoal
M Series M51ax-J6
SEARCH
B&H
Black
Bar 9.1
SEARCH
B&H
Dark Charcoal
M Series M51ax-J6
SEARCH
BestBuy.com
Black
Bar 9.1
SEARCH
BestBuy.com
Dark Charcoal
M Series M51ax-J6
SEARCH
Vizio
Black
Bar 9.1
SEARCH
JBL
Dark Charcoal
M Series M51ax-J6
SEARCH
Walmart.com
Back to Top

JBL Bar 9.1

Vizio M Series M51ax-J6

Comments

  1. Comparison
 • Posted 2 years ago

JBL Bar 9.1 vs Vizio M Series M51ax-J6: Main Discussion

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