TCL Q85H Q Class 7.1.4 Channel Sound Bar Review

TCL Q85H Q Class 7.1.4 Channel Sound Bar Review

As a tech enthusiast and someone who spends countless hours immersed in the digital world, I can confidently say that the TCL Q85H Q Class 7.1.4 Channel Sound Bar has truly revolutionized my entertainment setup! This sound system is not just another gadget; it’s an auditory experience that brings movies, music, and games to life in ways I never thought possible.


Audio can make or break any sort of media experience, and that goes double for a home theater system. A sound bar is arguably just as important as any TV for movies and shows, and again, that goes doubly for gaming experiences. The TCL Q85H Q Class 7.1.4 Channel sound bar is a perfect companion then to any gaming TV. The whole package includes the 7.1.4 Channel Q Class Sound Bar, a wireless subwoofer with a 6.5” driver and bass boost, and two wireless surrounds with up-firing speakers.

Setting up this accessory might just be the most effortless task you’ve encountered in any setup. To get started, simply unfold the sound bar, subwoofers, and surround speakers, position them as desired, and plug them into a wall outlet. Don’t forget to link the sound bar to an HDMI port (preferably eARC), but Bluetooth handles the rest of the connection process. In no time at all, you can have the entire setup ready for any TCL user, providing a hassle-free installation that leads to an enhanced audio experience overall.

Initially, I fired up YouTube and played a track rich in bass to test the capabilities of my subwoofer and soundbar. The performance was instantly noteworthy as it converted an ordinary auditory experience into a profoundly physical one. Each rhythmic thump was tangible, plunging me right into the music. Although it’s advisable not to crank it up for extended periods at high volumes, I found that increasing the volume slightly above my usual TV setting made the sound clear and audible even from outside the room. While I don’t have any neighbors, this soundbar could potentially create friction with them due to its powerful performance. It excels in delivering sound quality and volume overall.

TCL Q85H Q Class 7.1.4 Channel Sound Bar Review

In every instance I’ve encountered, whether watching horror movies like Saw for Halloween, reality shows such as Ink Master, or wrestling programs like Monday Night Raw and Friday Night Smackdown, the experience was immersive and intense. The sound quality, no matter the platform, movie, show, or game, was consistently top-notch. I used to rely solely on gaming headsets when using my PS5 or Xbox Series X, but this sound bar has transformed that experience. Whether it was the sci-fi thrill of Space Marine 2 or the semi-realistic (in some parts) Call of Duty: Black Ops 6’s campaign, I felt like I was right in the middle of the action.

Double Exposure and Dragon Age: The Veilguard, and the difference in immersion while playing any type of game was significant compared to my gaming headset. This soundbar offers a remarkable leap in immersive experience, standing out even among other soundbars as it strives for truly immersive audio quality. In essence, it represents a groundbreaking change in the realm of sound bars.

In this sound bar, TCL excels by transforming seemingly insignificant features into significant aspects. For instance, the various audio modes often go unnoticed or are disregarded in most setups. However, with this sound bar, these subtle adjustments truly matter. Listening to WWE on the sports audio mode allowed me to hear every minute detail related to a move or impact, making those small but crucial sounds stand out. Similarly, in Call of Duty’s zombie mode, I never felt frightened by the zombies before. But the gaming mode brings out the subtle intricacies in an authentic manner, and they should not be overlooked.

TCL Q85H Q Class 7.1.4 Channel Sound Bar Review

TCL Q85H Q Class 7.1.4 Channel Sound Bar Features

  • 7.1.4 Channel Q Class Sound Bar
  • Dolby Atmos and DTS:X
  • Bluetooth Wireless Music Streaming
  • Ray Danz Technology with Acoustic Reflectors
  • Built-In Tweeters
  • Built-In Center Channel
  • Sound Bar with Up-Firing Speakers
  • Wireless Subwoofer with 6.5” Driver and Bass Boost
  • Wireless Surrounds with Up-Firing Speakers
  • Ai Sonic Auto Room Calibration
  • DTS Virtual:X
  • AirPlay2
  • Wi-Fi 5
  • HDMI eARC
  • HDMI Input
  • Digital Optical Audio Input
  • USB Audio Playback
  • TCL Home App
  • Wireless Remote Control
  • Roku TV Ready
  • Free Wall Mount Kit
  • Free HDMI Cable

The product isn’t flawless; it has two significant issues worth mentioning. While the overall experience remains exceptional, there are aspects of this system that might fall short of expectations. Primarily, the quality of the wall mount kit included is not on par with the rest of the product. It’s not just the wall mount kit itself, but the restrictions in positioning options when mounting the sound bar due to its specific mounting locations and the lack of adjustability in the kit. Most mountable products offer tapered or threaded holes for support in obvious locations, while mounts themselves allow some flexibility based on wall conditions. However, due to the limitations in the sound bar’s mounting configuration and the lack of adaptability in the provided kit, it can only be mounted if your wall beams are exactly the right distance apart. If you wish to mount this soundbar but find that your wall beams do not match up with the kit, you may need to place it on a stand or invest in a more versatile wall mounting solution.

In a second point, it’s important to note that the wireless surround speakers equipped with up-firing technology fall short in terms of quality, resembling outdated computer speakers. Despite connecting seamlessly like the bar and subwoofer, their sound output is significantly lower. These speakers are designed for a more immersive, 360-degree audio experience, but unfortunately, they’re not subtle as intended; instead, they’re hard to hear clearly. Regardless of placement, the sound produced was minimal unless I had them very close to my ears at all times. Removing these speakers from the setup didn’t improve the overall experience in any noticeable way.

Fortunately, the TCL Q85H Q Class 7.1.4 Channel Sound Bar System delivers an immersive audio experience overall, offering superior sound quality in a straightforward package. Although the height of the sound bar on my entertainment stand may not be ideal for everyone, and the inclusion of two less impressive additional speakers might seem insignificant, these aspects are still important to consider when buying the product. The value you get with this sound bar system lies primarily in its user-friendly design, top-notch sound bar capabilities, and powerful subwoofer; these features alone justify the price.

In this review, we were given the opportunity to test the TCL Q85H Q Class 7.1.4 Channel Sound Bar.

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2024-11-10 01:55