Vizio’s brilliant $149 alternative to Bluetooth speakers – CNET

The Vizio SB3621n-E8 sound bar system

Sarah Tew

The Vizio SB3621n-E8 isn’t just a terrific little sound bar system for movies and TV, it’s also a sweet speaker for playing tunes. It’s the first sound bar CNET ever reviewed that earned five stars and an Editors’ Choice award. Heck, I’d be just as enthusiastic about the $149 SB3621n-E8 if it sold for $300 or $400, it’s that good.

Still, it’s first and foremost a sound bar, but I also spent time playing music over the SB3621n-E8, and thanks to its potent wireless subwoofer this system packs a wallop no pint-size Bluetooth speaker could dream of mustering. The sub is a mere 6.7 by 11.8 by 7.9 inches and features a 5.4 inch woofer. The sound bar is also compact at 36 by 2.1 by 3.2 inches. System connectivity runs to USB, optical and coaxial digital inputs, plus Bluetooth 4.0.

There’s a clarity and dynamism with the sound of movies and music that floored me. Yes, it’s still a small speaker system, don’t expect it to work miracles in a huge living room or loft space, but nestled in the 11 by 20-foot CNET listening room the SB3621n-E8’s capabilities loomed larger than any little wireless speaker I’ve heard.

Listening to Angelo Badalamenti’s original score for “Twin Peaks” the SB3621n-E8 had weight enough to fully convey the music’s ominous tone, and I credit the little subwoofer with the big sound. The sub, plus the clear sounding bar projecting a fairly wide soundstage is beyond what you’ll get from any $150 Bluetooth speaker, that’s for sure.