Sound quality:
The Vizio's Elevate - P514a-H6 has Very Good overall sound quality. In the Direct EQ mode, bass has good impact and goes deep, but is somewhat boomy and a bit prominent. Midrange is fairly even, but is somewhat grainy and slightly hazy. Treble is fairly extended and a bit prominent, smeared, and sizzly. Does a decent job of recovering the natural room ambience of recordings and is slightly congested. With stereo program material, the sound field extends somewhat above but not much beyond the ends of the front speaker array, and lacks front to back depth.
No significant difference in sound quality between HDMI, optical, USB, analog, WiFi, and Bluetooth inputs.
The system can provide satisfying volume in a medium sized room.
Sound Modes
The various sound modes have a noticeable effect on the sound field and/or tonal balance and provide a surround sound effect by synthesizing rear channel information that is played through the rear speakers.
Multichannel
When 5.1 channel program material is played back in the Direct EQ mode sound is heard in the rear channels and with the proper listener position and adjustment of the speaker volume levels the system can provide a sound field that envelopes the listener to the side and rear, but not from above.
The various other sound modes had a minimal effect on the sound field or tonal balance.
Dolby Atmos and DTS:X
When playing Dolby Atmos and DTS:X material the width and height of the sound stage expands and depending on the program material can fill the entire room; audio imaging can extend overhead from the front to the back of the room depending on the program material as well as to the sides and rear.
Sound Modes
The various other sound modes had a minimal effect on the sound field or tonal balance.
TV ease of use: Very good overall.
Features ease of use: Mediocre overall.
