This Vizio Elevate review explores the features of a 5.1.4 full surround sound system. The flagship sound system from Vizio’s 2018 lineup advertises a set of useful features and great sound. Let’s see what it has to offer,
Vizio Elevate review: Unboxing and first looks
The Vizio Elevate SB46514 is a 5-channel soundbar that comes with a subwoofer and a pair of satellite speakers. All four components have aluminum covers on their sides and black metal grilles on their front and top surfaces. The back of each sound device has a plastic cover.
A full selection of media cables ships with the sound system. This includes a Toslink optical cable, a 3.5mm-RCA cable, a coaxial, and an HDMI cable. There’s also a pair of audio cables that connect the satellite speakers to the subwoofer.
Inputs and connectivity
The soundbar unit pairs with the subwoofer via Bluetooth. It also has WiFi capability that allows you to cast content from your devices, through your home network, and to the soundbar.
As for wired connections, the subwoofer connects to its satellite speakers via an audio cable. Then there are the ports at the back of the soundbar, namely:
- HDMI-ARC
- HDMI-In
- Digital optical port
- 3.5mm audio jack
- Coaxial port
- USB port
- Ethernet jack
The wide selection of ports makes the Vizio Elevate versatile enough to work with almost all TV models.
Vizio Elevate review: Features
Vizio Elevate is on the higher end of the manufacturer’s 2018 product line. Its asking price may be relatively high for Vizio, but the sound system delivers great value for money. Here are the reasons why this audio rig will blow you away.
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1. Full surround sound with height channels
Between the soundbar, the woofer, and the satellite speakers, the Vizio Elevate offers 18 drivers across 10 channels.
The soundbar itself has five front-firing channels; two of which can swivel to fire upwards in response to sound formats like Dolby Atmos. To add more dimension to these height channels, each satellite speaker also has an upward-firing speaker.
Thunderous, high-definition bass roars out of the subwoofer’s 10-inch driver. The impressive level of detail in the bass frequencies has a lot to do with the front-firing drivers on the satellite speakers. They give an invaluable assist to the subwoofer.
2. Transform your devices into a remote with the Vizio SmartCast app
Find the companion for the Vizio Elevate on the manufacturer’s website or Google play. Installing the app provides a detailed graphical interface to the soundbar. The app also allows you to control the sound system with your phone and tablet. This is a much more user-friendly option compared to the bare-bones remote.
3. Wireless playback
Bluetooth pairing allows your device to cast music wirelessly to the Vizio Elevate. There is also the option of casting music from your phone or tablet via the SmartCast app. The app allows you to use Chromecast to stream content through your home WiFi network.
Pros
- Powerful subwoofer with good sound definition
- Great surround sound and support for Dolby Atmos and DTS
- SmartCast platform makes the soundbar easier to use
- A selection of connection options makes this sound system versatile
Cons
- The display on the soundbar limits itself to a column of LEDs
- This soundbar could do a better job of sound definition
- In the absence of Dolby Atmos sound formats, the satellite speakers only operate at half capacity
- Limited audio processing
Vizio Elevate review verdict: Great value for money
We conclude this Vizio Elevate review by answering the question: Is it worth it? The answer is yes. For a great price, you get decent sound and a companion app that improves your user experience. Click here to learn more about this soundbar.
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