When comparing Vizio SB3821-D6 vs Creative SoundBlasterX Katana, the Slant community recommends Vizio SB3821-D6 for most people. In the question“What are the best soundbars?” Vizio SB3821-D6 is ranked 4th while Creative SoundBlasterX Katana is ranked 6th. The most important reason people chose Vizio SB3821-D6 is:
When compared to other soundbars within the same price range, the Vizio does an excellent job in generating detailed sound and a wide sound stage.
Specs
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Pros
Pro Amazing sound quality for its price
When compared to other soundbars within the same price range, the Vizio does an excellent job in generating detailed sound and a wide sound stage.
Pro Good sound processing for movies
Built-in sound processing in movie mode does an excellent job expanding the sound and leveling the volume of dialogue and action scenes.
Pro Improved music listening experience with built-in sound processing
Built-in sound processing in music mode widens the soundstage for a greater stereo effect. It makes each instrument individually distinguishable.
Pro Capable of filling a large room with clear sound
This soundbar can easily fill a large room with crystal clear sound and clearly distinguishable left and right channels, improving the cinematic experience.
Pro Cables included
The Vizio ships with various connection cables, so there's no need to purchase additional input cables.
Pro Comes with a companion app
This soundbar comes with a Vizio companion app.
Pro Prepared to be wall mounted
This soundbar can be wall mounted using the included mounts.
Pro Compact and unobtrusive size
Both the soundbar and the subwoofer are compact, so the main unit doesn't require a large stand and the subwoofer can be hidden easily.
Pro Supports wireless connectivity
You can connect to this soundbar via Wi-Fi, for media streaming, a feature that is usually only available on soundbards in more expensive price ranges. Bluetooth is also supported.
Pro Varied options for wired connectivity
The Visio has an optical, a coaxial and two analog sound inputs and also an Ethernet input to connect it to your home network.
Pro Easy to set up media streaming via Wi-Fi
This soundbar has integrated Chromecast support. Its allows streaming media over Wi-Fi and is easy to set up and use.
Pro Simple to understand remote control
The remote control is intuitive and easy to understand.
Pro Capable of overwhelming sound levels
While the device seems small, it can actually get really loud, without distortion. It uses good quality speakers and external components to maintain this quality. The soundstage is quite good and the subwoofer provides a deep rumble.
Pro Wide variety of PC-oriented ports
As a PC-oriented soundbar, the Katana has an optical input, a USB input for external storage, a micro USB port, and a microphone and headphone port.
Pro PC soundcard bypass
To take full advantage of this soundbar's capabilities, when it is connected to a PC via USB, it bypasses the computer's onboard soundcard.
Pro Has a programmable RGB lighting system
This soundbar has a programmable lighting system called Aurora Reactive, which features 16.8 million colors.
Pro Handy companion software
If the soundbar is connected with a USB cable, you can use the downloadable SoundBlaster Connect software to tweak with some sound enhancing settings. You can choose from different presets or manually control the equalizer. The soundbar's RGB lighting is fully controllable via the app, letting you choose between various effects and more than 16 million colors.
Cons
Con Surface finish looks cheap
The system has a plastic and black cloth finish that's similar to the one found on most cheap soundbars.
Con No HDMI inputs or outputs
This soundbar has no HDMI support.
Con Confusing LED lights for information display
There is no front display on the soundbar, instead it has LED lights that give out information by blinking. They are not easy to understand and you may have to refer to the user manual to decipher them.
Con Sound is only in stereo
There are no extra speakers for virtual surround modes, so the sound only comes in stereo.
Con Subwoofer can feel quieter than other available options
Even though this soundbar's subwoofer extends bass response quite well, it can sometimes seem quiet compared to its competitors.
Con Soundstage tapers off with distance
Since it’s designed to be used up close, the Katana's soundstage tapers off as you sit farther.
Con Software is Windows-only
The Katana's companion software only works with Windows operative systems.
Con Subwoofer cable is too short
The subwoofer's cable is only 2 meters long, which can be too short for some setups.
Con No HDMI support
The Katana doesn't support HDMI.
Con Subwoofer isn't capable of handling low frequencies well
Due to its small size, this soundbar's subwoofer doesn’t handle the lowest frequencies very well.