Vizio M Series M215a-J6 vs M Series M215aw-K6: Which Soundbar Is Better? - RTINGS.com

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Vizio M Series M215a-J6

Vizio M Series M215aw-K6

Tested using Methodology v1.0

Updated Sep 04, 2024 08:55 PM

Tested using Methodology v1.0

Updated May 29, 2023 03:14 PM

Vizio M Series M215a-J6 Picture

Vizio M Series M215aw-K6 Picture

Channels 2.1

Channels 2.1

Our Verdict

Vizio M Series M215a-J6

Vizio M Series M215aw-K6

The Vizio M Series M215aw-K6 is the next generation of the Vizio M Series M215a-J6. Both bars are similar in both performance and design. Despite being 2.1 setups, they support more advanced formats like Dolby Atmos and Dolby Digital. However, the next generation M215aw-K6 is the better pick, as it improves on the 2021 model's mediocre latency performance. You don't notice any issues with lip-synching on the newer model, which is great.

Variants

M215a-J6 (Black)

M215aw-K6 (Black)

Review

See Vizio M Series M215a-J6 Review

See Vizio M Series M215aw-K6 Review

Check Price

Black

M215a-J6

Black

M215aw-K6

Black

M215a-J6

Black

M215aw-K6

Black

M215a-J6

Black

M215aw-K6

Black

M215a-J6

Black

M215aw-K6

Black

M215a-J6

Black

M215aw-K6

Main Differences for

Mixed Usage

Threshold

0.10

Mixed Usage

0.0

0.0

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Full Comparison

Mixed Usage

0.0

0.0

Dialogue/TV Shows

0.0

0.0

Music

0.0

0.0

Movies

0.0

0.0

Design

Style - Bar

Style photo - bar

Vizio M Series M215a-J6 Style photo - bar Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Vizio M Series M215aw-K6 Style photo - bar Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Show Text

Style - Subwoofer

Style photo - sub

Vizio M Series M215a-J6 Style photo - sub Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Vizio M Series M215aw-K6 Style photo - sub Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Show Text

Style - Satellites

Style photo - satellites

Vizio M Series M215a-J6 Style photo - satellites Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Vizio M Series M215aw-K6 Style photo - satellites Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Dimensions - Bar

Dimensions photo - bar

Vizio M Series M215a-J6 Dimensions photo - bar Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Vizio M Series M215aw-K6 Dimensions photo - bar Sample

SAMPLE

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

Vizio M Series M215a-J6 Dimensions photo - sub Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Vizio M Series M215aw-K6 Dimensions photo - sub Sample

SAMPLE

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

Vizio M Series M215a-J6 Dimensions photo - satellites Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Vizio M Series M215aw-K6 Dimensions photo - satellites Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Width

N/A

N/A

Height

N/A

N/A

Depth

N/A

N/A

Back - Bar

Back photo - bar

Vizio M Series M215a-J6 Back photo - bar Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Vizio M Series M215aw-K6 Back photo - bar Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Bar Mounting

Locked

Locked

Show Text

Back - Subwoofer

Back photo - sub

Vizio M Series M215a-J6 Back photo - sub Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Vizio M Series M215aw-K6 Back photo - sub Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Enclosure

Locked

Locked

Show Text

Back - Satellites

Back photo - satellites

Vizio M Series M215a-J6 Back photo - satellites Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Vizio M Series M215aw-K6 Back photo - satellites Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Mounting

Locked

Locked

Build Quality

N/A

N/A

Build quality photo

Vizio M Series M215a-J6 Build quality photo Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Vizio M Series M215aw-K6 Build quality photo Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Show Text

In The Box

In The Box photo

Vizio M Series M215a-J6 In The Box photo Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Vizio M Series M215aw-K6 In The Box photo Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

HDMI Cable Length

Lock m (Lock ft)

Lock m (Lock ft)

Digital Optical Cable Length

Lock m (Lock ft)

Lock m (Lock ft)

Show Text

Sound

Stereo Frequency Response

N/A

N/A

Stereo Setup

Vizio M Series M215a-J6 Stereo Setup Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Vizio M Series M215aw-K6 Stereo Setup Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Raw Frequency Response

Vizio M Series M215a-J6 Raw Frequency Response Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Vizio M Series M215aw-K6 Raw Frequency Response Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Frequency Response Small

Vizio M Series M215a-J6 Frequency Response Small Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Vizio M Series M215aw-K6 Frequency Response Small Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Tested Preset

Locked

Locked

Slope

Lock

Lock

Std. Err.

Lock dB

Lock dB

Channels

Locked

Locked

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

Vizio M Series M215a-J6 Frequency Response Calibrated Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Vizio M Series M215aw-K6 Frequency Response Calibrated Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Suggested Preset

Locked

Locked

Suggested Bass Setting

Lock

Lock

Suggested Treble Setting

Lock

Lock

Slope

Lock

Lock

Std. Err.

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

Vizio M Series M215a-J6 Crosstalk Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Vizio M Series M215aw-K6 Crosstalk Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Crosstalk Error

Lock dB

Lock dB

Show Text

Stereo Dynamics

N/A

N/A

Dynamic Range Compression

Vizio M Series M215a-J6 Dynamic Range Compression Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Vizio M Series M215aw-K6 Dynamic Range Compression Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

SPL @ Max Volume

Lock dB SPL

Lock dB SPL

DRC @ Max Volume

Lock dB

Lock dB

Show Text

Stereo Total Harmonic Distortion

N/A

N/A

THD

Vizio M Series M215a-J6 THD Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Vizio M Series M215aw-K6 THD Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Weighted THD @ 80dB

Lock

Lock

Weighted THD @ Max Volume

Lock

Lock

Show Text

Center

N/A

N/A

Center Setup

Vizio M Series M215a-J6 Center Setup Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Vizio M Series M215aw-K6 Center Setup Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Frequency Response

Vizio M Series M215a-J6 Frequency Response Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Vizio M Series M215aw-K6 Frequency Response Sample

SAMPLE

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

Vizio M Series M215a-J6 Surround Setup Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Vizio M Series M215aw-K6 Surround Setup Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Frequency Response

Vizio M Series M215a-J6 Frequency Response Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Vizio M Series M215aw-K6 Frequency Response Sample

SAMPLE

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

Vizio M Series M215a-J6 Height Setup Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Vizio M Series M215aw-K6 Height Setup Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

H Frequency Response

Vizio M Series M215a-J6 H Frequency Response Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Vizio M Series M215aw-K6 H Frequency Response Sample

SAMPLE

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

Physical Inputs - Bar

Physical inputs bar photo 1

Vizio M Series M215a-J6 Physical inputs bar photo 1 Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Vizio M Series M215aw-K6 Physical inputs bar photo 1 Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Physical inputs bar photo 2

Vizio M Series M215a-J6 Physical inputs bar photo 2 Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Vizio M Series M215aw-K6 Physical inputs bar photo 2 Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Optical Audio In

Locked

Locked

HDMI ARC

Locked

Locked

HDMI Out

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

Show Text

Audio Format Support - ARC

N/A

N/A

eARC

Locked

Locked

Dolby Atmos

Locked

Locked

Dolby Digital

Locked

Locked

Dolby Digital Plus

Locked

Locked

DTS

Locked

Locked

DTS:X (eARC only)

Locked

Locked

Dolby TrueHD (eARC only)

Locked

Locked

DTS-HD MA (eARC only)

Locked

Locked

5.1 PCM (eARC only)

Locked

Locked

Show Text

Audio Format Support - Full HDMI In

N/A

N/A

Dolby Atmos

Locked

Locked

DTS:X

Locked

Locked

Dolby Digital

Locked

Locked

Dolby Digital Plus

Locked

Locked

DTS

Locked

Locked

Dolby TrueHD

Locked

Locked

DTS-HD MA

Locked

Locked

5.1 PCM

Locked

Locked

Show Text

Audio Format Support - Optical

N/A

N/A

Dolby Digital

Locked

Locked

DTS

Locked

Locked

Show Text

Latency

N/A

N/A

Latency Video

Vizio M Series M215a-J6 Latency Video Sample

SAMPLE

for videos & test results

Vizio M Series M215aw-K6 Latency Video Sample

SAMPLE

for videos & test results

ARC

Lock ms

Lock ms

Optical

Lock ms

Lock ms

Full HDMI In

Lock ms

Lock ms

Show Text

Wireless Playback

N/A

N/A

Bluetooth

Locked

Locked

Wi-Fi

Locked

Locked

Chromecast built-in

Locked

Locked

Apple AirPlay

Locked

Locked

Show Text

Other Input Specifications

4k @ 60 Hz Passthrough

Locked

Locked

4k @ 60 Hz @ 10 bit Passthrough

Locked

Locked

4k @ 60 Hz @ 4:4:4 Passthrough

Locked

Locked

HDR10 Passthrough

Locked

Locked

Show Text

Connectivity - Subwoofer

Physical inputs subwoofer photo 1

Vizio M Series M215a-J6 Physical inputs subwoofer photo 1 Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Vizio M Series M215aw-K6 Physical inputs subwoofer photo 1 Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Physical controls subwoofer photo 1

Vizio M Series M215a-J6 Physical controls subwoofer photo 1 Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Vizio M Series M215aw-K6 Physical controls subwoofer photo 1 Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Sub Wireless

Locked

Locked

Show Text

Connectivity - Satellites

Physical inputs satellites photo 1

Vizio M Series M215a-J6 Physical inputs satellites photo 1 Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Vizio M Series M215aw-K6 Physical inputs satellites photo 1 Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Physical controls satellites photo 1

Vizio M Series M215a-J6 Physical controls satellites photo 1 Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Vizio M Series M215aw-K6 Physical controls satellites photo 1 Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Sat Wireless

Locked

Locked

Additional Features

Interface

Interface photo

Vizio M Series M215a-J6 Interface photo Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Vizio M Series M215aw-K6 Interface photo Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Display

Locked

Locked

Show Text

Bar Controls

Controls photo

Vizio M Series M215a-J6 Controls photo Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Vizio M Series M215aw-K6 Controls photo Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Show Text

Remote

Remote photo

Vizio M Series M215a-J6 Remote photo Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Vizio M Series M215aw-K6 Remote photo Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Universal Remote

Locked

Locked

Show Text

Voice Assistants Support

Amazon Alexa

Locked

Locked

Google Assistant

Locked

Locked

Apple Siri

Locked

Locked

Show Text

App

App image

Vizio M Series M215a-J6 App image Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Vizio M Series M215aw-K6 App image Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

App Name

Locked

Locked

iOS

Locked

Locked

Android

Locked

Locked

Acts As A Remote

Locked

Locked

Controls Soundbar's Settings

Locked

Locked

Casts Device Files

Locked

Locked

Other Features

Power Saving

Locked

Locked

HDMI CEC (TV Remote Control)

Locked

Locked

Show Text

Check Price

Black

M215a-J6

Black

M215aw-K6

Black

M215a-J6

Black

M215aw-K6

Black

M215a-J6

Black

M215aw-K6

Black

M215a-J6

Black

M215aw-K6

Black

M215a-J6

Black

M215aw-K6

Vizio M Series M215a-J6

Vizio M Series M215aw-K6

Comments

Comparison

• Posted 2 years ago

Vizio M Series M215a-J6 vs Vizio M Series M215aw-K6: Main Discussion

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