TCL S55H Sound Bar Review Dolby Atmos Bluetooth Wireless Subwoofer Immersive Audio

Description

Experience the TCL S55H S Class Sound Bar with Dolby Atmos

I recently had the chance to try out the TCL S55H S Class 2.1 Channel Sound Bar, and as someone who is always tweaking their home theater setup, I was eager to see if this sound bar would live up to its promises. With features like Dolby Atmos, DTS Virtual:X, and a wireless subwoofer, it certainly seemed like it had the potential to transform my living room audio experience. But, as with any product, there were both highlights and areas for improvement worth discussing.

Design That Balances Simplicity and Functionality

The first thing that caught my eye was the sleek, minimalist design of this sound bar. It’s compact at just 31.89 inches wide and 2.36 inches tall, making it an easy fit beneath most TVs without obstructing the screen. I appreciated the wireless subwoofer, which gave me the flexibility to position it wherever the bass would hit best in my room. The build quality felt solid, but at almost 15 pounds, it’s not the lightest sound bar out there. It comes with a wall installation kit, which makes mounting a breeze if you prefer keeping surfaces clutter-free. That said, I think the understated design is one of its strong points, as it blends seamlessly into most setups.

Immersive Sound Quality with Dolby Atmos and DTS Virtual:X

Audio performance is where this system really shines. With 2.1 channels and up to 220 watts of total power, the sound bar delivered a punchy, room-filling sound. Watching action movies became a whole new experience—Dolby Atmos creates an impressive sense of height and spatial audio, making it feel like sound is coming from above and behind you. The DTS Virtual:X further enhanced this by virtualizing the surround sound, giving me an almost cinematic feel without needing a complex multi-speaker setup.

The wireless subwoofer, featuring a 5.5-inch driver, added a satisfying depth to the bass. I could feel the rumble during intense movie scenes, and the Bass Boost feature gave music tracks a richer tone. It’s worth noting that while the bass is powerful, it might feel a bit too overwhelming for smaller rooms unless adjusted. For those who enjoy tweaking, the AI Sonic Auto Room Calibration was a lifesaver; this feature automatically optimized the sound based on the room’s acoustics, which really made a difference in my oddly shaped living space.

Connectivity: More Than Just the Basics

Setting up the sound bar was straightforward. It comes with an HDMI eARC port, which made connecting it to my TV incredibly simple. One cable, and I was ready to go. For TVs without HDMI ARC support, there’s also a digital optical audio input, which adds versatility. The inclusion of Bluetooth was a nice touch for streaming music directly from my smartphone, and the connection was stable within the advertised 10-meter range. I even tested the USB audio playback, which worked flawlessly for playing music off a thumb drive.

That said, I did find myself wishing for more advanced app-based controls. While the included remote is functional and intuitive, having an app to adjust settings or create sound profiles would’ve been a welcome addition.

Key Benefits

• Dolby Atmos and DTS Virtual:X create an immersive surround sound experience.
• The wireless subwoofer delivers deep, rich bass with Bass Boost.
• AI Sonic Auto Room Calibration optimizes sound based on your room’s layout.
• Multiple connectivity options, including HDMI eARC, Bluetooth, and USB playback.
• Compact design fits easily into most setups and includes a wall-mounting kit.

Weaknesses

• Bass can feel overwhelming in smaller spaces without adjustments.
• Lack of app-based controls limits customization options.
• At 15 pounds, it’s heavier than some competing sound bars.

Competing Products

While testing this sound bar, I couldn’t help but compare it to some of its competitors. The Sonos Beam (Gen 2), for example, also offers Dolby Atmos but adds voice control and a more robust app experience. However, it doesn’t include a dedicated subwoofer, which gives the TCL an edge in bass performance. On the other hand, the Vizio M-Series 2.1 Sound Bar comes at a similar price point and offers comparable sound quality, but its build feels slightly less premium, and the design isn’t as sleek.

Where the TCL really stands out is its AI Sonic Auto Room Calibration and the inclusion of a wireless subwoofer. These features make it an excellent choice for anyone who wants a simple yet powerful way to upgrade their home audio without diving into the complexities of a full surround sound system.

Smart Spending

From a value-for-money perspective, this sound bar hits the sweet spot. It delivers a premium audio experience with Dolby Atmos and DTS Virtual:X, while still being more affordable than many high-end competitors. The inclusion of the wireless subwoofer adds even more bang for your buck, making it a great investment for movie enthusiasts or casual listeners who want to elevate their TV’s audio without breaking the bank.

Overall, while there are a few shortcomings, the TCL S55H S Class Sound Bar is a solid choice for anyone looking to upgrade their home theater experience without the complexity of a full surround setup. It delivers immersive sound, a user-friendly setup, and plenty of connectivity options, all wrapped in a stylish package.

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