Being able to compare Nakamichi Shockwafe Elite 7.2 and VIZIO SB3651-E6 gave us an insight into what features and technologies these devices offer. Shockwafe Elite 7.2 turned out to be a more technological and better-sounding device than the SB3651-E6. According to the results of our comparison, Shockwafe Elite 7.2 received 8 points out of 10 possible, and SB3651-E6 was rated 7.6 points.
The Shockwafe Elite 7.2 is rated 9 of 10 against 7 for the SB3651-E6 according to the audio features rating.
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 Shockwafe Elite 7.2 and the SB3651-E6.
There are stereo soundbars and multichannel ones. It is with the help of multichannel devices that you can get volumetric sound. It is worth noting one of the main differences, the Shockwafe Elite 7.2 has 7.2.4 channels, while the SB3651-E6 has 5.1 channels.
Shockwafe Elite 7.2 | SB3651-E6 | |
---|---|---|
Built-in channels | 7.2.4 | 5.1 |
Amplification type | active | active |
Output power, W | 800 (overall) | N/A |
Separate speaker (in package) | 2 | 2 |
Separate speaker connections | wired | wired |
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. Both reviewed devices are equipped with an external subwoofer. Competitors support wireless connection to a separate external subwoofer.
Shockwafe Elite 7.2 | SB3651-E6 | |
---|---|---|
Built-in subwoofer | ✖ | ✖ |
Separate subwoofer (in package) | ✔ | ✔ |
Separate subwoofer connections | wireless | wireless |
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 Shockwafe Elite 7.2 received rating 10 out of 10 for multichannel audio processing, but the SB3651-E6, in the same category, earned 4 out of 10 points.
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. Dolby Atmos surround sound support is implemented only in Nakamichi Shockwafe Elite 7.2.
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. The manufacturer has implemented DTS:X technology only in Shockwafe Elite 7.2.
Shockwafe Elite 7.2 | SB3651-E6 | |
---|---|---|
Dolby Atmos | ✔ | ✖ |
Dolby (other) | Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital, Dolby TruHD | Dolby Digital |
DTS:X | ✔ | ✖ |
DTS (other) | DTS Digital Surround, DTS HD | has not |
The possibility to listen online to millions of songs from one device has become a reality thanks to streaming services. For the ability to work with streaming services, the Shockwafe Elite 7.2 received 9 points, and the SB3651-E6 - 10 on a 10-point scale.
The popular Spotify service is available on both soundbars.
Shockwafe Elite 7.2 | SB3651-E6 | |
---|---|---|
Apple Music (AirPlay) | ✖ | AirPlay |
Amazon Music | ✔ | ✔ |
Spotify | ✔ | ✔ |
Other streaming services | Pandora, SoundCloud | Pandora, Tuneln, Deezer, Chromecast |
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. Connectivity of competitors was rated 8 out of 10.
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. Wireless connection via Wi-Fi is possible on the SB3651-E6.
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 Shockwafe Elite 7.2 has 3/1 HDMI inputs/outputs, but the SB3651-E6 got 1/0 HDMI inputs/outputs from the manufacturer.
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.
Shockwafe Elite 7.2 | SB3651-E6 | |
---|---|---|
WI-FI | ✖ | ✔ |
Bluetooth | ✔ | ✔ |
Ethernet (RJ45) | 0 | 1 |
NFC | ✖ | ✖ |
HDMI input/output | 3/1 | 1/0 |
HDMI ARC | ✔ | ✔ |
HDMI eARC | ✖ | ✖ |
HDMI CEC | ✔ | ✔ |
Optical digital input/output | 1/0 | 1/0 |
USB | 1 (USB 2.0) | 1 (USB 2.0) |
Coaxial digital input/output | 1/0 | 1/0 |
Analog audio input/output (RCA) | 1/0 | 1/0 |
Headphone output | 0 | 0 |
Subwoofer output | 0 | 0 |
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 SB3651-E6 has its own remote control application. Only VIZIO SB3651-E6 has 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.
Shockwafe Elite 7.2 | SB3651-E6 | |
---|---|---|
Voice control | ✖ | Google Assistant |
App control | ✖ | ✔ |
Microphone | ✖ | ✔ |
Remote control | ✔ | ✔ |
Multi-room | ✖ | ✖ |
Shockwafe Elite 7.2 | SB3651-E6 | |
---|---|---|
Size (Wx H x D), cm/in | 114.3 x 7.6 x 7.6/45.5 x 3 x 3.5 | 91.4 x 5 x 7.6/36 x 2.1 x 3.2 |
Weight, kg/pounds | 3.1/7.2 | 1.8/4.6 |