VIZIO-SB2821-D6-28-Inch-Channel-Sound
There is a big difference between inexpensive and high-end soundbars, both in terms of sound and functionality. But even a budget soundbar is going to be a noticeable advancement from a TV’s inbuilt speakers.
Moreover, a budget soundbar is going to be the best for some people either because they can’t afford something more expensive or because they just don’t need all the features of pricier sound systems.
Let’s move straight to the point – if you are looking for an inexpensive soundbar for your living room or whatnot, then our Vizio SB-2821-D6 review is probably going to interest you.
Features
Great sound for the price
Being quite an inexpensive soundbar, Vizio SB-2821-D6 delivers a rather solid sound for the money. Sure, you won’t be getting the same 2.1-channel surround effect from this soundbar as from longer models, but it still is a rather good step up from inbuilt TV speakers.
Thanks to the 50-19,000 Hz frequency response range, the Vizio SB-2821-D6 soundbar does deliver a clear sound across the entire frequency spectrum. And to make the sound less flat and fuller, this sound system includes a 7.67-inch wireless subwoofer.
Overall, the bass doesn’t sound underwhelming in the Vizio SB-2821-D6 system, especially given that it is a cheap system. There is also some room for the adjustment of bass and treble, so you should be able to get the desired amount of bass, regardless of your bass preferences.
The sound pressure level in this soundbar goes up to 95 dB, so it has a good amount of loudness for small-room setups. Unfortunately, Vizio doesn’t provide info on the power output of this system, so we can’t compare it with other sound systems and say how it will sound relative to them.
Vizio SB-2821-D6 has 2 equalizer presets in it – movie and music – which are going to make the sound a little bit better in movie watching and music listening respectively.
Many people also buy soundbars for gaming, and it should be mentioned that the Vizio SB-2821-D6 sound system isn’t too suitable for gaming. And it’s not about the quality: in games, it’s important to know where the sound comes from, and this soundbar’s 2.1-channel surround sound isn’t quite enough for it.
We also didn’t mention that this soundbar uses technologies like Dolby Digital, DTS TruSurround, and DTS TruVolume. DTS TruSurround is responsible for 2.1-channel surround sound, while DTS TruVolume makes sure that loud sounds aren’t ear-blasting and that quiet sounds are hearable. Both settings may be turned off via the remote.
Basic inputs to get started
The Vizio SB-2821-D6 2.1-channel soundbar has all the basic input options you’d expect from such a cheap system. Namely, it has a USB, optical, digital coaxial, AUX RCA, and AUX 3.5mm inputs.
This set of inputs should allow you to uncover the entire sound potential of SB-2821-D6. Of course, to get the best sound quality, you should use the optical input if your TV has the output for it.
SB-2821-D6 also has support of Bluetooth, so you should be able to use any kind of Bluetooth-enabled audio source like a smartphone or tablet to play music through it.
The Vizio SB-2821-D6 soundbar doesn’t have any HDMI ports in it, which may limit connection options for you. And you won’t be able to make use of the HDMI ARC technology. Nor can you output the sound from the soundbar to another device like headphones since there aren’t output ports in the SB-2821-D6 soundbar.
Vizio kindly includes a plentitude of audio cables with this soundbar – a 5 feet RCA to 3.5mm cable, a 4 feet optical cable, and a 5 feet digital coaxial cable. You basically get everything necessary for setup.
Cheap price tag
For some people, the most important thing in this sound system is going to be its cheapness. Not everyone can afford to spend $200-300 on a soundbar. Moreover, not everyone needs a pricey soundbar. And if you find that the Vizio SB-2821-D6 system has all the features you need, it’s likely going to be an excellent buy for you.
Pros & cons
VIZIO-SB2821-D6-28-Inch-Channel-Sound
Pros:
• Inexpensive.
• Great sound quality for the price.
• Delivers a good 2.1-channel surround feel.
• May stream music from mobile devices via Bluetooth.
• All necessary cables included.
Cons:
• Has no HDMI ports.
• No audio output ports.
• Not too suitable for gaming.
FAQ
Can you connect rear speakers to this soundbar?
It doesn’t seem like it has the capability for this. Neither its subwoofer nor the soundbar has outputs, so it looks like Vizio hasn’t intended rear speaker connectivity for this system.
Can this soundbar be controlled via a mobile device?
This soundbar isn’t compatible with the Vizio SmartCast mobile app. It may work with third-party apps, but it’s unlikely.
Does this thing work with older TVs?
If an older TV has a compatible audio output port, it is going to work with the soundbar.
Does Vizio include any kind of mounts with this soundbar?
Vizio includes wall mounts with it, so you don’t have to buy them separately.
Can this soundbar be connected to a computer?
PCs and laptops typically have 3.5mm output ports in them, so you should be able to connect the Vizio SB-2821-D6 to your computer.
Is the soundbar wireless?
It will run wirelessly if you pair it with a Bluetooth-enabled device. It would need to be wired to an audio output otherwise.
Can you control the soundbar via a Vizio TV remote?
Yes, you can do that.
Conclusion
The Vizio SB-2821-D6 2.1-channel soundbar is rather affordable, and it delivers according to its price. Solid sound and basic connectivity options – this is what one would expect from the money Vizio asks for.
When you go up the price, you are starting to get more features like HDMI ARC, sound output to other audio devices, more power output in the speakers and the subwoofer, upgradeability to surround sound, and better sound quality overall. But the price asked for these features goes up quite a bit.
If you do need the features of advanced soundbars, then their price is going to be worth it for you. But if you don’t, a simpler soundbar like Vizio SB-2821-D6 is going to do the trick.