Vizio 36-inch 2.1-Channel Soundbar System

Vizio’s latest soundbar is a compact system with a wireless subwoofer that sells for $150. If you just spent big bucks on a new TV and realized that its built-in audio is horrific, this 2.1 package will deliver significantly better sound without consuming what remains of your budget.

The SB3621N-G8 replaces Vizio’s equally awkwardly named SB3621N-E8. A big change the new soundbar system brings is a slim subwoofer that can be positioned horizontally, in which case it can easily be slipped under a sofa. While the G8 lacks streaming features such as Chromecast builtin, it does have Bluetooth.

The G8 soundbar is 36 inches wide and features two

1.9 x 3.5-inch drivers. With a black fabric wrap and aluminum endcaps, it has a subtle look that lets it disappear nicely below a TV screen, though its fabric material is a dust magnet. There are recessed control buttons on top for power, input, Bluetooth, and volume up/ down. Inputs include optical and coaxial digital, analog stereo minijack, and a USB port for playback of WAV and MP3 files. I found the lack of an HDMI input disappointing, though that’s something to be expected at this price point.

The system’s wireless sub holds a 5.3-inch woofer in a ported cabinet and has an aluminum face with black plastic sides. Rubber pads on two of its sides are provided to accommodate vertical or horizontal placement.

No specs are provided for amplifier power, but Vizio states the system's total output at 100db SPL.

The G8 system comes with a basic remote with small print that some might find hard to read. There are controls for the bar’s

Movie and Music EQ modes, DTS Truvolume to even out loudness levels, and DTS Virtual:x to simulate overhead speakers. A small row of LEDS on the soundbar’s left side provide the only feedback when making adjustments. I found this annoying at first, but then got used to it after a few days.

Setup

I placed the soundbar directly on a cabinet under my TV and connected it to the set’s optical digital output. The sub was initially set up next to the sofa centered in my 10 x 20-foot home theater, but that positioning resulted in localized low-frequency effects when watching movies. Moving it to the room’s corner close to the TV created a more cohesive sound.

Performance

Escape Plan: The Extractors starring Sylvester Stallone isn’t a good movie, but it does have great sound design. Dialogue at first sounded muddy and overwhelmed by the music score, but it was simple to adjust the bass and subwoofer levels while slightly boosting treble using the system’s remote. Once done, the sound was much improved, with the G8 doing what a good soundbar should: disappear and not draw attention to itself. Escape Plan’s dialogue sounded crisp and clear and its music was full and balanced. The sub is only spec’d down to 50 Hz, but bass was still quite powerful on explosions. When I turned on Virtual:x, the effect wasn’t anywhere close to surround, but it did create a wider soundstage. Sound didn’t come from overhead, but it was less localized to the bar and seemed to come from center screen where the action was at.

Music sounded good with the default Music EQ setting selected. When I played the Maroon 5 track “Memories,” vocals were clean, clear, and pure. The reverb on Adam Levine's voice had a natural, transparent quality that made it pleasant to listen to—something that wouldn’t have been the case with my TV’S speakers.

“Boomerang” by Imagine Dragons showcased the nice balance of the system’s bass. During the chorus, a kick drum sounded distinct with punch and impact, and the bass guitar had a full, rich tone.

Conclusion

Vizio’s latest 36-inch 2.1 soundbar is an ideal option for a small bedroom or den. While the system’s lack of surround and deep bass can be considered limitations, it does deliver significantly better sound than what you’d get from almost any TV'S builtin speakers. For that reason alone, the SB3621N- G8 is a bargain.