TCL S55H Sound Bar Review 2.1 Channel with Dolby Atmos and Wireless Subwoofer

Description

Immersive Audio Performance with Dolby Atmos

I’ve been putting the TCL S55H 2.1 Channel Sound Bar through its paces, and wow, the Dolby Atmos and DTS Virtual:X blew me away. This sound bar doesn’t just play sound; it creates a spatial audio experience that feels like it places you right in the middle of your favorite movie or playlist. The 220 watts of total power is no joke—this thing can fill the room with crisp highs and deep, thunderous bass. Whether I was watching an action-packed blockbuster or listening to a chill jazz playlist, the sound bar delivered rich, layered audio that made everything come alive.

The wireless subwoofer deserves a special shoutout. With its 5.5-inch driver and Bass Boost technology, it offers a depth of bass I didn’t expect from a system at this level. I could genuinely feel the vibrations during intense scenes, and it added a whole new dimension to my TV watching. The best part? The auto room calibration feature tailored the sound to my living room perfectly. It’s like the sound bar figured out my space better than I ever could.

Design That Blends In Seamlessly

I appreciate how sleek and low-profile the sound bar system is. Measuring just 31.89 inches wide and 2.36 inches high, it fit snugly under my TV without stealing any visual attention from the screen. The black matte finish feels modern and understated, making it a good fit for a wide range of home décor styles. Despite its compact size, it packs a surprising punch in terms of audio output.

What stood out to me was how user-friendly the setup was. The package included an HDMI cable, remote control, wall installation kit, and even batteries for the remote. The inclusion of an HDMI eARC port meant I could connect it to my TV with just one cable, and the Bluetooth music streaming feature was an instant hit when I wanted to switch to my own playlists.

Key Benefits

• Dolby Atmos and DTS Virtual:X: Creates a true surround sound experience, putting you in the center of the action.
• Wireless Subwoofer with Bass Boost: Deep, rich bass that enhances every movie, song, or game.
• AI Sonic Auto Room Calibration: Tailors sound to your unique space for optimal performance.
• Bluetooth Connectivity: Seamlessly stream music from devices.

Caveats to Consider

As much as I loved using this sound bar, there are a few things that might give some buyers pause:

• The subwoofer is wireless, but it still needs a power source, so you’ll need to find an outlet nearby.
• While the AI calibration worked well for me, some users might find it doesn’t make as noticeable a difference in smaller rooms.
• It lacks water resistance, which isn’t a deal-breaker for most but could matter if you’re considering it for outdoor use.

Peer Products in the Market

In the world of sound bars, there are a few competitors worth considering. The Sonos Beam, for instance, offers excellent sound quality with a slightly more polished app interface. However, its bass isn’t as powerful as the TCL system, and it doesn’t include a wireless subwoofer unless you pay extra. On the other hand, the Bose Smart Soundbar 300 stands out for its voice control features and sleek design, but it comes at a noticeably higher price point without significantly better audio performance.

What sets this sound bar system apart is its balance of price and features. The inclusion of Dolby Atmos, DTS Virtual:X, and Bass Boost in one package gives it a leg up against most competitors in this price range. It’s an excellent choice for someone looking to upgrade their home theater without breaking the bank.

Value for Money

From my perspective, this sound bar provides incredible bang for the buck. I’ve tested other systems that cost more but didn’t manage to deliver the same level of immersive audio. The fact that it includes a wireless subwoofer, HDMI eARC, Bluetooth connectivity, and USB audio playback adds even more value. While it doesn’t have some of the advanced voice assistant features found in higher-end models, the focus here is clearly on sound quality, and it delivers that in spades.

For anyone who values performance and simplicity, this system is a no-brainer. It’s clear that TCL has designed this sound bar with the modern user in mind, balancing high-quality audio with ease of use to create a product that’s both effective and affordable.

Additional information