Reddit reviews VIZIO SB3851-C0 38-Inch 5.1 Channel Sound Bar with Wireless Subwoofer and Satellite Speakers

It all depends on what you need. If its a smaller house and parties are like 100 or so people then you could probably do just fine with a vizeo https://smile.amazon.com/VIZIO-SB3851-C0-Wireless-Subwoofer-Satellite/dp/B00SMBGGV6/ref=sr_1_9?ie=UTF8&qid=1503260024&sr=8-9&keywords=sound+systems

If you have a huge house that throws absolute ragers or if you're just trying to face fuck people with bass then things get more complicated. First, I'd suggest looking for used systems on craigslist or something. Second, I would try to find a high quality analog system. Sony Trinitron tower systems are outstanding, but probably hard to find (analog systems went out in the 90s). Third, if all else fails I'd just delay the purchase until I had more money for a nice system.

You won't get anything more than a decent home theater system for $250. If you do, then it's gonna be some off brand that probably sucks ass.

What I'm running is a very simple home theater in a box system. It may be too simple for your needs. But it takes Bluetooth input, and I'm using an Xbox One that's processing the Dolby sound via HDMI to the audio system input. There's also an Amazon Fire TV stick stuck in the ass end of the Xbox.

Audio system outputs HDMI video pass-through to the television. Audio plays through the home theater and the TV speakers are off.

VIZIO SB3851-C0 38-Inch 5.1 Channel Sound Bar with Wireless Subwoofer and Satellite Speakers (2015 Model) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00SMBGGV6/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_NQ5Eyb5XV5KJH

So I have games and streaming media all through the home theater system, and I can Bluetooth audio from any device straight to the audio system too. There's also a Vizio app that lets you push content through your wifi to the speakers but I don't use it.

$220, almost no wires and I think it sounds excellent. I'm like you, I'm not going to pay 3 times as much for 10% better.

Oh for sure, I'm eyeing up this masterpiece of engineering : http://www.amazon.com/VIZIO-SB3851-C0-Wireless-Subwoofer-Satellite/dp/B00SMBGGV6/

I just have to figure out how to get signals to one surround speaker at a time without getting any sound from the subwoofer/soundbar itself.

Get a 5.1+receiver from Craigslist. I paid $300 for an awesome 5.1 setup and an old receiver (don't use it as I already have a receiver, but I could use it just via optical, no video handling). I got a good deal on a L/R + center combo of Klipsch bookshelves, I got a good subwoofer for $100, and some other A/V gear as well.

Otherwise, Vizio's soundbars are good, [here's a 5.1](VIZIO SB3851-C0 38-Inch 5.1 Channel Sound Bar with Wireless Subwoofer and Satellite Speakers https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00SMBGGV6/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_N5mlzb0JBPH9R). I wouldn't spend more than $350 on a soundbar+sub.

Thanks for the write up!

Do you happen to know if the Atmos App would work with this Vizio Sound Bar?

My Comcast box tops out at 1080p so if OneGuide can upscale the content, that alone may be worth it. Thanks.

This is what I ended up ordering :) http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00SMBGGV6 thanks!

So you can place subwoofer right next to back speakers so you don't have to run long wires?

Heres some garbage that fits that scenario.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00SMBGGV6/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1517629409&sr=8-3&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_FMwebp_QL65&keywords=wireless+surround+sound+system&dpPl=1&dpID=31qfdr3oACL&ref=plSrch

Have fun.

Edit: I have to apologize...It's just that your budget isn't really enough to allow for a decent setup with the features you want. I could have been more constructive. I would STRONGLY advise that you just get a soundbar if wires are an issue. It's one of the unfortunate truths that you really can't ask for quality sound and not have some wires. There are many ways to hide them though. My HT system has a crapload of wires but I've routed them under and behind things. I even found a half decent pair of on-wall fronts that don't offend too much as well.

I didn't mean to lash out at you in particular. It just seems there are a lot of help requests lately that consist of; "I'm a first year college student. I need an audiophile grade system that does 7.2 for movies and games, hopefully with Atmos! It also needs to be able to fill 9000 square feet and shake the whole dorm building for parties. I have about $125 to spend!"

Exactly the one I was looking at

https://www.amazon.com/VIZIO-SB3851-C0-Wireless-Subwoofer-Satellite/dp/B00SMBGGV6/ref=sr_1_2?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1504220454&sr=1-2&keywords=soundbar+rear+speakers

> Everyone in the tech industry knows that surround sound speakers are a niche contracting market, being completely cannibalised by sound bars (for the simple reason that they're nicer to set up and more visually appealing).

A lot of sound bars now come with wireless satellite speakers however, making the distinction between the two fuzzy. Here are two of the most popular soundbars on Amazon:

http://www.amazon.com/VIZIO-S4251w-B4-Wireless-Subwoofer-Satellite/dp/B00CDIK908/ref=sr_1_10?ie=UTF8&qid=1451701432&sr=8-10&keywords=sound+bar

http://www.amazon.com/VIZIO-SB3851-C0-Wireless-Subwoofer-Satellite/dp/B00SMBGGV6/ref=sr_1_12?ie=UTF8&qid=1451701432&sr=8-12&keywords=sound+bar

Do you really think the kind of people who build high end gaming PCs, which are required for VR, are going to balk at installing some wireless sensors in the corners of their room if doing so provides them with a more immersive experience?

> But if you strictly require a source, here is one. A 5 second Google search away:

>household ownership of audio systems featuring surround sound has declined to 29 percent, while soundbar adoption (now at 9% of households) and sales (up 54% compared to last year) continue to grow as consumers gravitate to sleek soundbar designs with a minimal footprint in the living room.

So 29% of households own a surround sound system, and 9% own a sound bar, but because surround sound system sales have declined (by some unspecified amount) and sound bar sales are up, your position is that sound bars have taken over the home theatre industry?

My two links above prove that's not the case at all. The home theater system is merely evolving into something that's easier to set up, takes up less space, and is wireless.

Of course, given people can watch movies in VR on the big screen with surround sound from their headphones, it's possible that the days of the home theater system are numbered.

But that's really besides the point here. The only argument we are having is whether or not people are too lazy or unwilling to set up wireless base stations in the corners of their room in exchange for a much more immersive experience. And I say you're crazy if you think people won't.

So you want a surround sound set that has a real AVR, no sub, and wireless rear speakers for $500? That doesn't exist. You'll either have to start smaller 2.1 or 3.1 or settle for a soundbar/HTiB to get wireless rear speakers. Of course those are normally a waste of money.

So decide what you want a 5.1 with wireless rear speakers or a 2.1/3.1 with an AVR. What kind of sub is your friend giving you?

I'm looking to get my dad a new bluetooth & surround sound system.

I was looking at this set on Amazon: www.amazon.com/VIZIO-SB3851-C0-Wireless-Subwoofer-Satellite/dp/B00SMBGGV6/ref=sr_1_7?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1449723214&sr=1-7&keywords=surround+sound+system

Does anyone have any experience with these ones, or recommend a different set? Looking to spend under $300.

Thank you for your answer. I see the ZVOX adds a lot of compression to the sound which would make music my father wants to listen to sound off. But the voice function it has does seem intriguing.

What is your opinion on this:

https://www.amazon.com/VIZIO-SB3851-C0-Subwoofer-Satellite-Refurbished/dp/B00SMBGGV6/ref=s9u_simh_gw_i6?_encoding=UTF8&fpl=fresh&pd_rd_i=B00SMBGGV6&pd_rd_r=NDKJ8JC1A62ETH7XQZA0&pd_rd_w=VyfBH&pd_rd_wg=8EoHt&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=&pf_rd_r=H53WZNBQRZ63VV4N0XCS&pf_rd_t=36701&pf_rd_p=781f4767-b4d4-466b-8c26-2639359664eb&pf_rd_i=desktop

Hey guys,
So I am looking for a good 5.1 system for a dorm room. I know it sounds a little ridiculous, but I don't trust taking my Focals to college. Anyway I was looking around $300 for the setup and got stuck between three options: Pioneer, Logitech, and Vizio. I wanted to get your guy's opinion on what you think would have the best sound quality. I have a pioneer receiver now, and kind of hate it. But I think the Logitechs look so bad. Right now I am leaning to the pioneers but maybe one of you could shed some light on which might sound best. Thanks!

Vizio 5.1 soundbar + rear speakers + subwoofer - $100

https://www.amazon.com/VIZIO-SB3851-C0-Wireless-Subwoofer-Satellite/dp/B00SMBGGV6

They're in good shape and work well, I just recently upgraded to a new system and don't need these anymore.

I use my Sony Gold Headphones pretty exclusively.

Otherwise I've got soundbar setups on my main TVs.

I am a big audio fan so I tend to avoid sound bars but two of my friends use this system and when I have heard them, I was really impressed by the sound quality for the price and it is also below your budget.

https://www.amazon.com/VIZIO-SB3851-C0-Wireless-Subwoofer-Satellite/dp/B00SMBGGV6/ref=sr_1_2?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1475098466&sr=1-2&keywords=VIZIO+S4251w-B4

http://www.amazon.com/VIZIO-SB3851-C0-Wireless-Subwoofer-Satellite/dp/B00SMBGGV6/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1463150806&sr=8-2&keywords=Vizio+5.1 This is the one I use and it has great bass and very clean sound, plus it has a wireless sub-woofer that the rear satellite speakers connect to so you don't have to run speaker wire all over the place.