Read our full Vizio S2121W-D0 review.
Vizio is perhaps best-known for its affordable, yet well-performing TVs, but we’ve been exceedingly impressed with its specialized audio products too, such as the powerful and intuitive S5451w sound bar we got our hands on last month. Today the company continued its expansion into the audio genre, announcing that its new 2.1 sound stand, the S2121w-D0, is ready for prime time.
The increasingly popular all-in-one audio solutions that double as pedestal for users’ beloved flat-panel TVs are giving sound bars a run for their money. Because of their larger cabinets, sound stands are able to produce better bass in a singular package, without the need of a separate subwoofer. Companies have applied a number of different labels and names to this kind of device. For example, last month we took a look at Sony’s HT-XT1 “sound base.” Whether the term thrown out is base, stand, station, or pedestal, you can think of these as serving the same purposes.
At an affordable price of around $250, the device offers some respectable on board components. Those include dual 2.75-inch full-range drivers set at slightly different angles to “project an enhanced sound stage,” as well as a 5.25-inch integrated subwoofer. The stand’s overall frequency response is a claimed 55 Hz – 19 kHz, and it can support TV sizes up to 55 inches at a max of 60 pounds. Vizio claims the system puts out up to 15 dB of power “above competitive products,” and offers extremely low distortion.
On-board connections include one stereo RCA input, one 3.5-mm analog input, an Optical digital audio input, an RCA (coaxial) analog audio input, and one USB input, though it lacks HDMI support. The unit ships with a bevy of connection cables for its input options, as well, and also includes Bluetooth connection for music streaming from mobile devices. Compatible surround sound codecs include Dolby Digital, DTS Studio Sound, DTS TruSurround, and DTS TruVolume, though it falls short of higher resolution formats, like DTS-HD Master Audio, or Dolby TrueHD.
The S2121w-D0 goes on sale today for $250 via Vizio’s website, though it appears Costco has the device listed on its site at a price-point of $200. If Vizio can continue its surprising ability to pack value and performance into its audio gear, this latest offering could be a winner.
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