Vizio M21d-H8 vs LG SN5Y

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Votes 1 1
Rating 5 5

M21d-H8 vs SN5Y comparison chart

Overall
Vizio M21d-H8
5
LG SN5Y
6
6
8
Multichannel surround
5
5

Vizio M21d-H8 vs LG SN5Y review

Vizio M21d-H8
vs
LG SN5Y

Comparing Vizio M21d-H8 and LG SN5Y, all pros and cons of devices become clear. Advantages have shown that SN5Y has advantages over M21d-H8 mainly in terms of audio performance. According to the results of our comparison, M21d-H8 received 5 points out of 10 possible, and SN5Y was rated 6 points.

Advantages Vizio M21d-H8 over LG SN5Y

  • Has an integrated subwoofer

Advantages LG SN5Y over Vizio M21d-H8

  • Separate subwoofer provided
  • App for remote control

Audio features

The M21d-H8 is rated 5 of 10 against 6 for the SN5Y according to the audio features rating.

M21d-H8
5
SN5Y
6

It worth understanding the difference between the two types of amplification: a passive soundbar does not have its own amplifier and receives amplification from the signal source, while an active soundbar has a built-in amplifier. The same active type of amplification is used in the M21d-H8 and the SN5Y.

There are stereo soundbars and multichannel ones. It is with the help of multichannel devices that you can get volumetric sound. The number of channels in the considered devices is the same - 2.1.

M21d-H8 SN5Y
Built-in channels2.12.1
Amplification typeactiveactive
Output power, WN/A400 (overall)
Separate speaker (in package)00
Separate speaker connectionshas notwireless

Subwoofers

Soundbars can have a built-in or external subwoofer. The first type is inseparable from the soundbar body, but for the second, you can choose a good location for deep bass. A built-in subwoofer is only present in the M21d-H8. The SN5Y comes with an external subwoofer.

M21d-H8 SN5Y
Built-in subwoofer
Separate subwoofer (in package)
Separate subwoofer connectionswireless

Multichannel surround

Unlike stereo, when reproducing multichannel sound, each specific direction of sound corresponds to its dedicated channel with a separate independent loudspeaker, which creates a three-dimensional sound stage. The multichannel sound reproduction capabilities of the soundbars were rated 5 out of 10.

M21d-H8
5
SN5Y
5

The peculiarity of Dolby Atmos is that this format is object-oriented, that is, each object of the audio signal is sounded separately and linked to its spatial location. If we look at the models in terms of Dolby Atmos support, then none of these soundbars can work with this technology.

DTS:X is an algorithm for processing sound scenes by the processor, linking directly to objects, rather than channels, and calculating the optimal distribution of sound output in a room. This ability to reproduce surround sound with DTS:X technology is not implemented in any of the soundbars in this comparison.

M21d-H8 SN5Y
Dolby Atmos
Dolby (other)Dolby DigitalDolby Digital
DTS:X
DTS (other)DTS Virtual:XDTS Digital Surround, DTS Virtual:X

Streaming services

The possibility to listen online to millions of songs from one device has become a reality thanks to streaming services.

M21d-H8
0
SN5Y
0

None of the two models is not implemented AirPlay function. The popular Spotify service cannot be used on both soundbars.

M21d-H8 SN5Y
Apple Music (AirPlay)
Amazon Music
Spotify
Other streaming serviceshas nothas not

Connectivity

The existence of a sufficient number of current connectors significantly expands the functionality of the device. For example, only through HDMI is it possible to implement the transfer of object-oriented formats, and the presence of a Bluetooth connection will allow remote control, etc. The devices received different ratings for connectivity: Vizio M21d-H8 was rated 6 out of 10, and LG SN5Y was rated 8 out of 10.

M21d-H8
6
SN5Y
8

The presence of Wi-Fi in the soundbar allows you to get rid of wires when connected to a sound source and get minimal audio latency when playing content from streaming services. Such connection as via Wi-Fi is not possible on any of the devices in comparison.

Bluetooth connection is now one of the main communication protocols for speaker systems, which provides excellent quality and minimal audio latency. The availability of Bluetooth protocol, we can see in both models. The competitors in this comparison has 1/1 HDMI inputs/outputs.

HDMI ARC is a very usefull technology that creates a two-way communication channel between a TV and another device. This is convenient since there is no need to use optical and other cables in the system. HDMI ARC is basic for both soundbars. Connecting external devices via USB can be done on both models.

M21d-H8 SN5Y
WI-FI
Bluetooth
Ethernet (RJ45)00
NFC
HDMI input/output1/11/1
HDMI ARC
HDMI eARC
HDMI CEC
Optical digital input/output1/01/0
USB1 (USB 2.0)1 (USB 2.0)
Coaxial digital input/output0/00/0
Analog audio input/output (RCA)1/00/0
Headphone output00
Subwoofer output00

Features

Voice control is designed to make operating the device more convenient. This allows you to control basic soundbar functions from anywhere in the room.

Proprietary applications allow you to control your soundbars remotely. This is possible both via Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. The SN5Y has its own remote control application. Both soundbars have a built-in microphone.

Some soundbars can be part of a multi-room system and it is an affordable solution for sounding the whole house. However, it is impossible to create a multiroom system based on each of these soundbars.

M21d-H8 SN5Y
Voice controlAmazon Alexa, Google Assistant, SiriGoogle Assistant
App control
Microphone
Remote control
Multi-room

Dimensions

M21d-H8 SN5Y
Size (Wx H x D), cm/in98 x 11.4 x 18.8/39 x 5 x 788.9 x 5 x 7.6/35 x 2.2 x 3.4
Weight, kg/pounds3/62.2/5.2
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