Vizio not only makes a popular line of affordable, high-performance TVs, but they also command a sizable slice of the soundbar pie. For 2023, Vizio has announced two new M-Series models that are of particular interest as each is targeted to potential users with different needs.
The two new 2023 M-Series soundbars are the:
- M213AD-K8 (36-inch, $199) All-in-one 2.1 Soundbar
- M512E-K6 (42-inch, $799) Dolby Atmos 5.1.2 Soundbar System
To help decipher 2023 Vizio models by year, note the “K” in the model name. All 2023 Vizio soundbars and TVs include a “K” as the second to last character. As you might expect previous model years are assigned as “J” or “H”. It seems “I” was skipped.
Tip: Vizio’s model year isn’t the year the product was first released. It is one greater.
What’s in Common
Here are features that you get with either soundbar.
- Surround Sound Format Support: Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, Dolby Digital, and DTS 5.1 decoding are included with additional DTS Virtual:X processing support.
- DTS TruVolume: This feature provides more even volume levels and dialog presence.
- Sound Modes: Additional preset sound modes include Movie, Music, Gaming, Direct
- Bluetooth ver 5.0: You can use Bluetooth to play music from compatible devices, such as smartphones, or connect an Amazon Echo device to access Alexa voice assistant features or play music from the echo device through the soundbar.
- SPL (Sound Pressure Level): 90dB (M213AD-K8) vs. 103dB (M512E-K6)
Tip: Neither soundbar provides Ethernet or Wi-Fi connectivity, thus there are no built-in smart features.
- Remote Control: Both soundbars come with remote control and there are also limited touch controls on the soundbar (Power, Input Select, Bluetooth Pairing, Volume). The soundbars are also compatible with many universal remotes and some TV remotes for access to basic functions (Volume, Mute, and Power).
- Voice Control: Voice control is not built-in but you can access Alexa, Google, and Siri by connecting your preferred voice assistant device via the Aux VA 3.5mm input or Bluetooth on either system. The wired and wireless inputs are always active and ready for a voice command. The volume of your content is automatically lowered so you can hear voice feedback clearly.
Connections
- 1 HDMI 2.0 input (Dolby Atmos/DTS:X, 4K/60Hz video, Dolby Vision, and HDR10 pass-through).
- 1 HDMI 2.0 output with ARC/eARC compatibility.
- 1 Digital optical audio input. (2-channel PCM, Dolby Digital, and DTS 5.1 compatible)
- 2 Analog (3.5mm) audio inputs (one can be used to connect the audio output of a compatible Amazon Echo or Google Home/Nest.
- 1 USB Port – Supports music file playback from connected USB Flash Drives.
Included Accessories for both soundbars
- Remote Control with Batteries
- HDMI Cable
- Wall Mount Kit
- Quick Setup Guide
Tip: Digital Optical and AV Cables are not included.
M213AD-K8
All-in-one Soundbar
Priced at $199.99, the 2023 Vizio M213AD-K8 is an entry-level soundbar boasting single HDMI cable installation. It’s one long speaker bar that’s 36-inches wide and just over 2-inches high. The all-in-one soundbar houses the left and right channel tweeter and midrange speakers, as well as two compact 3-inch woofers (6 drivers total).
Although it’s labeled a 2.1 soundbar, there is no external subwoofer. The woofers are concealed inside the soundbar, which claim to deliver a frequency response down to 50Hz. That’s not very deep bass, but for an all-in-one soundbar design, it will fill out the low frequencies much better than any TV’s built-in speaker system.
M512E-K6
Dolby Atmos 5.1.2 Soundbar System
While the M213AD-K8 all-in-one soundbar may satisfy the needs of many for getting better TV sound, those that want a surround sound system that provides a more expansive home theater listening experience might consider the M512E-K6 Elevate Soundbar Bar System. However, it costs substantially more at $799.99.
For the extra cash, you’re getting Vizio’s top-of-the-line Dolby Atmos Soundbar system for 2023. It comes with two rear wireless surround speakers and a wireless subwoofer. Plus it has a few tricks inside — literally.
The internal speakers mounted on each end of the soundbar automatically rotate when Dolby Atmos is detected so that sound is directed vertically. This provides a more realistic height channel effect without additional audio processing. The speakers return to horizontal configuration once Dolby Atmos is no longer present.
The M512E-K6 soundbar itself is 42-inches wide and less than 3-inches high, which means it should fit under almost any TV.
The entire system is comprised of 13 active speaker drivers. The external wireless subwoofer features a Bass Reflex ported design with one downward-firing 6-inch woofer that claims to deliver bass down to 45 Hz. Meanwhile, two compact external surround speakers each house one Full Range Driver, which are said to provide a wider surround sound listening experience.
Price and Availability
- Vizio M-Series AiO M213AD-K8 Soundbar – $199 at Amazon
- Vizio M-Series Elevate M512E-K6 Soundbar – $799 at Amazon
Tip: The previous Vizio Elevate Soundbar (model P514A-H6, 2021) originally sold for $999.99.
Related reading: 2023 Vizio TV Line-up Introduced
