TCL Q85H: Sound as good as it looks?

[@cordcuttercam]

Unexpected soundbar review, IM IN !

[@rwington1980]

Bought the polk magnifi max sr because of your review and I love it! Thank you.

[@neverenoughtech]

Great to hear!

[@mmremugamesmm]

@@neverenoughtech I also got the Polk, the price to performance was and is a good buy. sounds good

[@marccooper4186]

Excellent review. I find your deadpan sense of humor simply hysterical!😂

[@neverenoughtech]

Thank you kindly!

[@Synesth6259]

Thank you for your review! I also wanna point out for everyone who is on a budget the Q930c/d is usually at that price range 600-700 and it's an amazing product, Digital trends rated it as the best mid tier soundbar as well.

[@neverenoughtech]

Thanks for the info!

[@ramondavid8935]

1k at the stores

[@Synesth6259]

@@ramondavid8935 It is usually around 600-700 in US and a lot of EU countries that may be different in other countries

[@dbrandon4528]

Bought this sound bar for Christmas to go with my 85” QM8 851G for $425

[@MisterDoItNice]

How are you liking it in combination with your TV? I have a 98 coming and I ordered this soundbar as well.

[@michaelhawkins1173]

I do like your reveiws . Your take on what you hear, good or bad, that opinion is explained thoroughly either way. As a review, what's not to like, I'm a fan. Thank you.

[@rohew0824]

Thanks for the honest feedback! Not all these bars are worth the asking price and this helps narrow the choices.

[@jeffc9119]

Thank you for the review and humour, cracked me up😊 Please please review the Cambridge Evo one hifi for not bad price, it’s pretty new but looks pretty impressive but no full reviews yet and I value your ear opinion. Cheers

[@robertconrad7521]

Your reviews are awesome❤

[@neverenoughtech]

Thanks!

[@robertconrad7521]

You’re welcome!

[@pulDag]

Thanks for quite exhausting review of subpar soundbar. Don't you think that frequency response would simply show all that dips and peaks which make the sound not so pleasant? Or it is more of a distortion when playing louder? Either way these things need "pro mode" with 16 band EQ especially if they have an app.

[@espionage84]

I think the main issue is that this sound bar is designed to work with TCL tvs. With a different brand TV it would not work well at all

[@neverenoughtech]

Maybe - far from clear - that would be a major limitation

[@weakpig]

Great review, Daniel. How would Polk MagniFI Max AX SR compare against Sennheiser Ambeo Plus? It's not a fair comparison, I know, since Ambeo doesn't have surrounds and subs. Suppose I get a sub for the Plus, what's your take of these two sound bars in terms of movie effects, clarity and soundstage? For Atmos effects, Polk most likely will win, but I'm undecided whether Ambeo will outperform MagniFI for clarity and soundstage?

[@neverenoughtech]

I reviewed so far apart - all I can say is the Polk dramatically exceeded expectations and Ambeo didn’t (perhaps due to lack of surrounds) and/or was not totally enamored with the sound profile. Polk did stuff with channel separation that I hadn’t heard before on a soundbar system. Also I don’t think the Max has the ability to pair with surrounds … that may change. Everything considered is definitely go Polk over the max - the plus is more complicated as I believe it can connect to surrounds when they are released

[@tctterry]

Hope you can do a review on Philip Fidelio TAFB1 soundbar. It come with built in subwoofer. Support all codec Dolby Atmos, DtsX and IMAX.

[@bronstet]

Very good review. You don't need to feel bad about disliking the TCL Q85H any more than Andrew Robinson has to feel bad about disliking the Nakamichi Dragon. IMHO, TCL is with soundbars right now where they were when they first started with TVs. Their first forays were good deals but the quality was lacking. Over time, as their technology improved and the market got far more competitive, they became a contender and now rival Samsung and Sony with their LED based TVs at far more competitive prices. They went from being a joke of a bargain brand to serious contenders in the TV market, supplanting Vizio which was well on its way to taking that spot until they stumbled and let both TCL and Hisense overtake them. I expect the same out of their soundbar development. They will catch up in time. The issue TCL faces, however, is that the soundbar market is actually far more developed and competitive than even the TV market is with some very distinct leaders who have already set the pace. Samsung, LG, Vizio, Sonos, JBL, Polk, and Nakamichi all have wildly successful products with multiple iterations already under their belt. A stumble out of the gate was not something TCL needed, especially since the template for a successful soundbar product has already been long set. You'd think they'd have learned from their TV development not to repeat the same pattern with their soundbars but here we are. Hopefully, it will not take them as many iterations in their soundbar production to catch up as it took them for their TVs. They really have to pick up the pace here faster than they did with their TV development. They have the know how, they proved it with their TVs. They just need to do the same with their soundbars, only a lot quicker. Best of luck to them.

[@californiaballer]

Considering Samsung has been sitting on the same model for 4 straight years and nobody has yet caught up to them in the budget department, I guess TCL would be smart instead of trying to replicate formula go the Sony route and reinvent the whole concept of soundbar just not at the Sony price. If they come out with their clone of the Quad at 50% retail discount, there will be many defectors from the Q990abcdefg line of same old same old long black boxes.

[@neverenoughtech]

I don’t feel bad … more I wish TCL came more in as a contender for the benefit of the consumer

[@bronstet]

@californiaballer Coming back to your very prescient comment, baller, as Hisense is in fact putting out a Sony Quad competitor. 👏

[@Steve30x]

I was hopeful this would be better when I saw the price because I really want to get a Dolby atmos soundbar with up firing speakers on the rear speakers and side firing speakers on the soundbar. I want to buy a Q990C or Q990D but at the moment my budget doesn't stretch that far.

[@kicksandknees]

Would you choose this bar or the DRAGON? I see that the dual 12" model is $4799.99 currently, which is within my budget. Looking forwards to your reply.

[@gilby7256]

I know you've never reviewed the Samsung Q930D but am curious about what your initial thoughts are about that system. It's $700 on Woot. Not really asking for an *official* opinion but it looks like it could be an interesting option at that price point in addition to the Polk.

[@neverenoughtech]

Yeah, I think that’s a really safe bet. I’d endorse that purchase … I’m not totally blown away by the extra driver on the Q990D surrounds.

[@pulDag]

Try looking at rtings.

[@michael-4k4000]

The 930 has a different subewoofer than the Q990c/d series. the surrounds connect differently. Instead of each surround speaker having a power cord, they use speaker wire to connect to each surround and then a hub plugs into the outlet. As to sound, both are excellent. Have a q990c and usually never go past 35 in volume. That's an excellent price for the q930, if u are coming from listening to your TV speakers, then either system will blow u away.

[@Synesth6259]

@@michael-4k4000 each surround speaker has a power cord on the Q930 and does not need to be plugged on a different device, I think you are mistaking it for another samsung rear speaker

[@vegannotvogon8656]

Thanks for helping me dodge a bullet. I'm in the Market for a new soundbar and your channel is indispensable. I'm wavering now between the Polk Magnifi AX and the Yamaha true x 50. Does the lack of centre on the Yammy make it feel lacking? Great Channel always makes me smile or chortle .

[@charleswrigley]

Samsung are ok

[@MattyDaddy14]

I had higher hopes for tcl soundbar this year as their rep made it a point in an interview that they were really focusing on performance for their soundbars. 🎉 oh well.. like someone else commented, the map for success has been done in soundbars, they just need to duplicate other successful designs and add something unique to their TVs! 🎉 thanks! 🎉

[@mynameisgroot4357]

Hello, have you try with firmware update ? Thanks !

[@kalpeshchavan2087]

Namaste, from India! Which sound bar in your opinion is a great alternate to Dragon nakamichi?

[@thestdiablo666]

Daha TLC 935u kullandım dolby atmos da bile çok kötü ses performansı vardı güncellemesi yoktu çıkmadı sesde robotlaşma vardı çözemedim bose sound bar ultra , surround 700 ve bass 700 set aldım çok mükemmel ses. Kalitesine sahip oldum

[@mihgio3235]

thanks for the review. can you recomend a soundbar for 300$?

[@Beer_Dad1975]

Unsolisited response here - but for what it is worth you can stretch to $399, or look for one of Sonos's current large amount of sales - I can't recommend the Sonos Beam Gen 2 highly enough. Stand alone it's going to be better than any $300 RRP bar + "sub" option (where, in my experience, the "sub" might as well be a paper weight) - and then later on you can add a Sub Mini and even surrounds to it as you can afford to get a really great setup piece by piece. I'm lucky enough to have 2 Sonos setups, the Beam gen 2 + Sub Mini + 2 Sonos One surrounds is my "little" setup for the smaller TV in the living room - and even though it's my "lesser" system - my god, it still sounds amazing - also sounds great for music - better than my "big boy" setup, at least at lower volumes. I'd guess given Sonos's current PR woes, you can probably find the Beam Gen 2 for 20% off, making it just a little over your $300 budget. The Sonos app is mostly fixed now - at least I'm no longer having any significant problems with it, and all the features I use are working once again.

[@RandyBandit37]

What do you think of the q800b for 550 on amazon?

[@whatsupbrooos]

Citating classics, this channel is a completely undiscovered gem, in my opinion! I don't know how this is possible, but I was choosing between exactly TCL Q75H (which is same as Q85H, but without surrrrrs), Polk MagniFi Max AX (also the no surrrrs model) and the Klipsch Plexus Core + Sub setup. And now I can easily exclude one of the options from the list, which is the TCL's unit, thanks to you, bro (again citating classics, respcet!). But I have a question to the pro, what do you think about the recently announced Klipsch Core 300 unit (cannot leave a link here, but it is really easy to google it)? It looks really promising as well - a complete 5.1.2 system with Atmos, DTS:X, WiFi, BT, 8K passthrough and Divac Live Room Correction. Basically they added everything, which Core 200 unit lacked. I was just wondering if it is worth the wait for this model from well known brand(s) like Klipsch and Onkyo or if I should grab one from Polk right away. I understand that the price range is somewhat different, but the specs-wise the two options from Polk and Klipsch look really close to me. So what do you say?

[@neverenoughtech]

I think Polk is a solid choice even with a higher price tag. I’m well aware of the 300 - I’d say if you think it might fit the bill, be a uniquely good bar for multiple reasons it’s worth waiting for some reviews … should be available early next year.

[@whatsupbrooos]

@@neverenoughtech By different price tag I actually meant that the Klipsch option seems to be twice as more expensive 😅 (1k bucks for the Core 300 unit and around 300 bucks for the Sub 100, when Polk's bar I can grab for around 650 here where I live). But yeah, all in all these two are in different categories now basically. I was wondering though how big this Dirac room correction feature is and would it make any difference at all or is it another marketing trick. Looking forward to you reviewing this setup! Or maybe even a battle between the two - Klipsch Flexus top-notch VS ol-good Polk, would be my dream come true! Thanks for your awesome reviews!

[@toruk16]

Hii hw q 800d or tcl q85 or 937?

[@SantoValentino]

I saw your review of this on Amazon

[@neverenoughtech]

I didn’t put it there

[@SantoValentino]

@neverenoughtech you should look at it. It's basically a transcript of this video 😂

[@NjakkeFFS]

Was really excited about this product at first.. Then I read that it had 6.5" woofer and that made me hesitate alot, but this makes my decision final - big fat no! Thank you for clarify my doubts =)

[@tobias7104]

I didn't ask, but glad to hear!

[@drberrydds1]

Best tech channel on KZbin!

[@neverenoughtech]

Thanks!

[@AdiG-z2f]

Hi! I found it on sale for $388. Can you tell me if it's worth it? Thanks!

[@neverenoughtech]

I think it probably lives up to 388

[@AdiG-z2f]

@neverenoughtech I forgot to tell, I also found on sale de Samsung Q930D for $540. I really don't know what to do?

[@dragos2575]

@@AdiG-z2f if you have a tcl tv then i would pick the q85h since it can pair with the tv speakers :) ...emag ?

[@AdiG-z2f]

@dragos2575 Yes :)) I can' t pair it with the tv, it' s a Hisense U8K.

[@BagheeraRaceGamer]

Thanks for saving my wallet.

[@riley6723]

I’m the 1st commenter?? What did I win?!😂 Jk. Great reviews bud! Keep them coming!

[@neverenoughtech]

You won a bunch of this 👌👍👊🕶️👑🐥🦄🦩🍀💫🍔🍟🍭🏓🏆🤹‍♂️🚜🛺🎢🏖️⛰️🧷✅

[@riley6723]

@@neverenoughtech My dreams have finally came true 🥹 And yes I’ll stay away from the TCL 👍🏻

[@charleswrigley]

I prefer my Samsung Q700b with it sitting in the middle of low end and medium end sound bar it has plenty of sound adjustments for all the speakers and packs a punch

[@RambleStorm]

When I heard the "DSP bad" comment/marketing selling point tcl made i was almost sure it was gonna suck😅😂

[@diuran1919]

hmm missing a normal EQ to adjust in more advance way is big miss in my opinion. Missing slider for the mids ehh another miss. Sound quality sucks, hmm. BIG no for TCL Soundbar, they need to learn more how to make good soundbar and software for them .

[@Beer_Dad1975]

Definitely seems like a compromise for those of us with "marriage issues" - I'll stick with my Sonos including the "problematic" Era 300's. I think she's kinda over it now & has accepted their presense - but who knows, it might still come up in an argument many years from now...

[@ЯрославЧеркашин-и4у]

Best.

[@dolphin19721000]

your wife is a super model? LOL

[@neverenoughtech]

She’s already big-headed enough

[@LoafRock]

🍻 🤣

[@neverenoughtech]

🍺

[@oldbot3]

Как смешно когда пишут мощность этих балалаек для людей непонимающих ну лишь бы покупали .

[@rafars2246]

My comment deserves the q990d giveaway. Take in consideration the hurricane is being directed towards me. My house is about to fly away.

[@neverenoughtech]

Well that would put soundbars on the top of your list of priorities … best of luck to you. It looks like a monster.

[@rafars2246]

@@neverenoughtech Nothing but praying lol. One car is secured, and driving away with the other. Not a good feeling.

[@michael-4k4000]

​@neverenoughtech lol. Hurricane coming, instead of getting somewhere safe, his priorities are a sound bar. U cant make this stuff up.....

[@rafars2246]

@@michael-4k4000 exactly!

[@888YouCantHandle]

No HDMI 2.1=pass

[@MrBumbles2]

na your just realizing how bad youve been scammed all these years. just because its big money doesn' t mean its worth it .and yt reviewers don't listen to anyone who just reviews they use it once and sell it. been burned by so called experts opinion . my 800 buck tv is leaps and bounds better than the 3000 one. calibrated etc. not to mention its broke more than it works. don't buy a name they have been bought out to sell you junk for high dollar , oh been waiting for the part for 5 months , is what they say its junk

[@tomaxxamot2016]

Yawn

[@neverenoughtech]

Yawn!