Vizio Elevate SE 5.1.2 Soundbar Review: Cheap Thrills

At a time when many of the best soundbar makers are seeking innovative ways to add more features, Vizio is doing less. The brand’s latest Elevate soundbar, the SE 5.1.2, is remarkably sparse on inputs, dodges Wi-Fi streaming and smart features, and supplants a physical remote with a unified app. The good news is, this feature yard sale is aimed straight at your wallet.

Photograph: Ryan Waniata

In the age of hyperinflation, the Elevate SE provides convincing, even thrilling Dolby Atmos and DTS:X 3D-audio performance for $500 or less. The slim and stylish package includes components you won’t get from rivals at this price, like a dedicated subwoofer and dual surrounds. You’ll even get the signature spinning side speakers that set apart previous Elevate models, which face forward for stereo and traditional surround soundtracks and roll up toward the ceiling for an immersive dome of sound with 3D audio.

There’s no shortage of ways to spend half a grand on sound, from higher-fidelity network-ready stand-alone soundbars

to all-in-one powered bookshelf speakers that load up on inputs. That said, there are precious few comparably priced systems that spread the sound around like the Elevate SE, letting you simply sit back, strap in, and enjoy the immersion.

Curvy Cube Connection

Photograph: Ryan Waniata

The Elevate SE comes in a succinct package that’s delightfully easy to haul into your TV room. You may be dubious that all the pieces could fit into such a compact box, but it’s all there, from the main bar’s fabric-wrapped tube to the cutest little oval-shaped surround speakers you’ll ever see. When I say all there, of course, I mean everything Vizio has provided—which doesn’t include a remote or, in the case of my review unit, any basic instructions.

Instead, I found a QR code for Vizio’s control app and a box of accessories with power cords, an HDMI cable, and the long-winding wires that connect the surround speakers to the pillar-shaped subwoofer. It’s all pretty intuitive to get going; the bar and sub connect automatically when plugged in, while labels on the surround speakers and color-coordinated cable tips assure proper configuration. The hardest part is running the speaker cables through your room, but Vizio thankfully provides ample length for most setups.