As customers have increasingly searched for better quality audio solutions for their TVs, there has been an explosion in the soundbar market. Vizio, at the forefront of this trend, is one of the best-selling manufacturers of soundbars, with a large range of options available.
The VIZIO SB3220n-F6 32″ 2.0 Channel Sound Bar is at the more affordable end of their range, but never the less still packs an impressive punch. If your looking for an inexpensive and easy solution to instantly upgrade your TV’s sound quality, then the hugely popular VIZIO SB3220n-F6 32″ is a pretty good place to start looking.
(4 / 5)Contents
Sound Quality
The fact is that over the last twenty years, the audio quality for new TVs has spectacularly failed to keep up with advancements in picture quality. In fact, if anything, there’s a strong argument that there has generally been a steady decline in TV audio quality. Oh dear.
Over the last twenty years, there has been a push to increase both screen size and picture quality. And why not? After all, these are the prime considerations in the decision-making process of a new TV purchase.
Well, no actually! With the advent of flat screens, and as manufacturers have pushed to increase screen sizes, the real estate for speakers has been increasingly compromised. Screens have been pushed to the edge of the casings, and the humble speakers have wept as they’ve been shrunk to the size of a lentil.
Also, with no space to place speakers at the front of the TV, they are now placed at either the bottom or the sides of the TV. This means all sound will come to the viewer/listener after being bounced off a wall or alternative surface. Additionally, with smaller sized speakers, this has all combined to hinder the audio quality of the new generation of TVs.
Without a doubt, the standard audio quality of a modern TV can sound muffled and unclear.
Let’s dive in and see what the VIZIO SB3220n-F6 32″ 2.0 Channel Sound Bar has to offer in terms of improved sound quality.
Firstly, since the speakers of the soundbar are located at the front of the unit, the sound is projected directly to the viewer/listener. This is how it is meant to be, and consequently, the clarity of the audio output is improved at all listening levels. Quite considerably.
Secondly, the soundbar is large enough to allow for speakers that are of sufficient size to deliver a much more realistic and much more bass-driven sound. The VIZIO SB3220n-F6 32″ definitely creates an overall more powerful audio listening experience.
Some of the latest technology incorporated into the Vizio soundbar helps to deliver clear, crisp, and undistorted quality sound. This undoubtedly makes it easy and fun to listen to over extended periods. This improved level of sound quality also allows for a more immersive viewing experience.
Sound Features & Specifications
It is able to produce a maximum of 97dB with a minimum of distortion. The level of recorded distortion is recorded at one percent. Yes, folks, that’s not a lot.
This is a 2.0 channel audio which has two added stereo speakers. Although it already has a good quality and level of bass response, for those requiring a heavier bass sound, it can be connected to an exterior subwoofer.
For even more improved sound quality, it includes DTS Virtual: X. This is the technology used in movie theatres. In the VIZIO SB3220n-F6 32″, it helps to create a believable and immersive virtual surround sound. This, despite only having two channels. The DTS Virtual: X can be enabled or disabled as required.
Additionally, there is DTS TruVolume. This is an intelligent volume control which allows you to listen, across all mediums, without those annoying volume fluctuations. No more reaching more the mute or volume control every time those ear crushing adverts appear.
And there’s more – this soundbar also features Dolby Audio. This further enhances listening to produce clear, rich, and more powerful sounds. Dolby Audio is only available via the Coaxial In or Digital Optical Audio In inputs. When this is in operation, the LED light on the front of the soundbar will illuminate.
For those of you wanting to further enhance the sound, there is an EQ button that can be switched between Music and Movie presets. ‘Movie’ is the default setting. Also, treble and bass settings can be adjusted. As with all other settings, including volume, levels will be clearly displayed vias LED lights on the front of the soundbar to the left.
User Features and Specifications
This is a feature-packed soundbar from Vizio. The product dimensions are 32” x 3” x 3”. It weighs 5.2lbs and is designed to be used with a TV in excess of 35”.
The Vizio has plenty of flexibility and choices of connections to a range of audio devices. It has a choice of three different kinds of connection to your TV, and the cables are provided. So, setting up your TV couldn’t be easier. There’s no doubt about it; this really is a simple to use plug and play device.
If you want to connect to your phone, tablet, video gaming system, or projector, then Bluetooth is available on this device. The Bluetooth connection pairing button is located on the top panel of the soundbar. Great.
As you’d expect, there’s also a USB port at the rear, and it comes complete with a remote control. If you have a Vizio TV, then some functions can be operated by the TV remote. Alternatively, the soundbar can be controlled remotely via your iPhone.
Some models of Vizio soundbars have remotes that are able to learn to respond to other remote controls. Sadly, the VIZIO SB3220n-F6 32″ 2.0 Channel Sound Bar isn’t one of these. However, despite this, we’re confident to say that this version certainly has pretty much all other modern connections covered.
Further Reading
If you’re a fan of Vizio, you may well enjoy our in-depth reviews of the Vizio SB3821 C6, as well as our reviews of the best Wireless Home Theater Systems and the best Wireless TV Speakers currently available.
VIZIO SB3220n-F6 32″ 2.0 Channel Sound Bar Pros & Cons
Pros
- Modern sound technologies included.
- Clear, crisp, and quality sound.
- External subwoofer connectivity.
- Easy set up with cables provided.
- Bluetooth connectivity.
- Three different input connections.
- Affordable.
Cons
- The soundbar will auto turn off after only a few minutes with no input.
- It can only be operated remotely with a Vizio TV remote control.
- The volume may not be sufficient for large rooms.
Conclusion
So, there you have it. A small but pretty impressive package. This is definitely one for those looking to upgrade the quality of their TV audio, both easily and inexpensively.
As we’ve discussed earlier, this will give a huge boost to the audio quality of virtually every new TV currently on the market. So, with plenty of modern connectivity to boot, what’s not to like?
Well, really not much. The only possible way to get a better quality of sound at this price point would be to buy some form of dual desktop speakers. Though it would be possible to potentially get better sound quality, the ergonomics and modern features of the VIZIO SB3220n-F6 32″ 2.0 Channel Sound Bar are not likely to be matched.
This is a good quality and inexpensive soundbar that would be suitable in the majority of situations.
Happy viewing and listening.