The TCL Q85H sound system comes with a main soundbar, a subwoofer, and surround sound speakers, all packing 15 independent speaker units. They create a 12-channel surround sound for the hardware that includes 7 main channels, 1 subwoofer, and 4 upward-firing channels. It pushes a peak power of 860W; the subwoofer has up to 200W of peak power solo. However, there are many other advantages that make this system stand out.
Also read: Elevate Your Sound: Best Soundbars for 2024
Appearance
The TCL Q85H sound system is a slick combination of sleek design with high-end functionality. At the core of this soundbar system is the main soundbar, which features a black crystal glass top framed by anodized aluminum with a brushed finish. Its design is minimalistic yet sophisticated. The button area at the top is very discreetly inlaid within the body, with invisible buttons engraved that give a nice feel to the touch. Inside the black crystal glass top, a blue string-shaped abyss mirror light effect is revealed. When the system is powered on or turned on, a breathing light effect can be seen.
Main design elements
On the front of the soundbar, there is also a hidden LED screen embedded within the mesh fabric for displaying the necessary information, such as power status, volume, sound mode, and signal source. The interface area, one USB port, an optical fiber port, and two HDMI ports—one for HDMI IN, and another for HDMI eARC—dwell at the back. The subwoofer is also stylish, much like the soundbar, and is made of black crystal glass with anodized aluminum sides. The rear surround speakers are clothed in fabric, whereas the front channels are hidden behind the TCL logo at the front and have a metal sound hole on top for the sky channel.
It also includes four power cords, two metal brackets, an HDMI cable, a remote control, expansion screws, and instruction manuals. This curve-shaped glass glossy top of the soundbar adds not just to the design but also prevents any kind of reflection during the view of the TV. This subtle glow adds a bit of understated luxury, while Dolby Atmos branding on the sides touts its advanced sound decoding capabilities. On the flank, it is written “DAY-DANZ,” which means it has omnidirectional acoustic arc technology, a unique feature of TCL Q85H.
Sound and more
The TCL Q85H features 15 independent sound units, powered by an extraordinary 860W peak power, making it a real powerhouse of sound with an enviable bass depth of 45Hz. It features a 200 W wireless subwoofer with oversized ferrite magnets and Conex elastic wave materials, capable of creating unparalleled bass power. This soundbar supports RAY·DANZ 360° omnidirectional sound arc technology from TCL, significantly improving stereo immersion in giving users a much wider sound field. It also supports Dolby Atmos and DTS:X object-based sound, making it theater-equivalent. Adding to the Q85H, sound field adaptive technology, six types of sound effect modes, and Golden Ear Tuning. Other special features are AirPlay2, customer CEC protocol, HDMI eARC, VRR, ALLM, 4K HDR, transmission of Dolby Vision, and 5 ways of connecting: AirPlay2 for casting devices for Apple, Bluetooth 5.1, HDMI eARC, TCL Home, and TCL/Roku TV Ready.
The acoustic design of the system, integrated with the side-mounted speaker units, widens the sound field to give an impression of more surrounding sound and space that one can explore effectively while enjoying movies or games. On the other hand, these methods usually depend heavily on algorithmic simulation and optimization; thus, even going as far as to say that TCL’s solution here is quite definitely the best in terms of audio performance.
TCL Q85H Experience
In our experience with the Q85H, we feel that right from the time we start up a movie in movie mode, it is powerful enough to be felt in the downstairs neighbor’s apartment. When the volume exceeds two-thirds, the bass becomes strong enough to cause some discomfort. The subwoofer is compact—only 6.5 inches—but it delivers quite impressive bass.
If this bass is overwhelming, as it sometimes is, you can reduce this by putting cotton or sponge into the port at the back of the subwoofer. It’s located at the bottom of the picture. It is a simple modification that will help soften the heavy bass.
What else
The glossy panel on the front of the subwoofer echoes the styling of the main soundbar, completing the visual seamless continuity. Even the two square surround speakers have upward-facing sound ports, which lend a strange three-dimensionality to the rear surround sound—at least, during vocal dialogue. This effect is interesting enough to make me wonder what’s going on inside.
On the back of the speakers, there’s a power interface and a pairing button. As the product is pre-paired at the factory, no setup procedure is needed. If you want to repair them, simply follow the on-screen instructions.
The rear surrounds can be installed in place a bit fiddly with the brackets. The placement of the power port conflicts with the bracket, not allowing you to mount it upright, and the included power cord is only one meter in length, which makes it quite difficult to thread through the bracket. Buying two figure-eight 2-3 meter power cords with right-angle connectors would make things practical in such a case. In future shipments, including these longer cords would really help in installation.
If you have a power outlet on either side of the sofa, this won’t be an issue.
More tests
We tested the Q85H with Dolby Atmos for movie applications and DTS audio for PS5 games. Here’s a breakdown of my listening experience:
- The omnidirectional sound arc technology employed by the Q85H really maximizes use at both ends of the main soundbar, effectively rendering a fuller, wider front soundstage with excellent separation.
- The subwoofer and the soundbar work very well together to keep the voices clear without bass overpowering them. Unlike many soundbars, the Q85H keeps bass and dialogue balanced without needing precise volume adjustments.
- Three-frequency sound is balanced and comfortable across all content, with no mismatch between bass and mids and highs, or the reverse. There seems no deviation from the middle tuning.
- We would say it has a listening experience that can easily rival 7-8K sound systems on LG Samsung, and even JBL.
Attacks and collisions are conveyed with precision. Top-tier TV speakers can’t achieve this level of detail—only the Q85H can.
The Q85H also offers sound field correction via mobile app, which enables you to fine-tune the soundbar’s output. The app provides full control over the system, including bass and treble adjustment, as well as mode switching.
It also supports T-chord-linked sound technology with a TCL or Thunderbird TV. When you turn it on, the TV speakers join forces with the soundbar to extend and deepen your sound field. Since the Q85H is brand new, some TVs, like my Thunderbird model, need an OTA update before it can activate.
Purchase Analysis
As the only Chinese manufacturer who can produce, develop, and sell soundbars, TCL’s products boast a very good quality-price ratio.
Before choosing the Q85H, of course, we looked at the Samsung Q800D and the JBL BAR800. A brief comparison is as follows:
Samsung Q800D
- Pros: HDMI 2.1, Dolby Atmos support, DTS:X decoding.
- Cons: No rear surround, only 5.1.2 channels.
JBL BAR800
- Pros: Surround, Dolby Atmos support, DTS:X decoding.
- Cons: Only 5.1.2 channels.
TCL Q85H
- Pros: Hardware is in place at the back for surround to support 7.1.4, Dolby Atmos support, and DTS:X decoding.
What makes the Q85H stand out is its rear surround and 7.1.4 channel setup, all for just 3,999 yuan ($560). The Q85H offers excellent value, delivering performance that rivals Samsung and JBL models based on my listening experience. This, for sure, is the best soundbar purchase this year.
Q85H Advantages
- Super Surround Effect: Experience first-class surround sound with omnidirectional sound arc technology and superior stereo imaging.
- Expansive Sound Field: TCL TVs with T-chord technology further expand the sound field and enhance overall audio performance.
- Easy Calibration: The adaptive sound field function helps find the best listening position. Use the mobile app for easy adjustments.
- Advanced Audio Support: Full support for Dolby Atmos and DTS: X decoding.
Areas for Improvement
- Higher Number of HDMI 2.1 Ports: The HDMI 2.1 ports are either completely missing or limited. It would be better to have three ports, with at least two being HDMI 2.1.
- Short Rear Surround Cables: The rear surround cables are too short for convenient wall mounting.
- Remote Control Design: A small display on the remote, similar to the X937U, would be very useful.
- Bluetooth Version: Bluetooth 5.1 with SBC codec support only is quite limiting. This would be so much better with an update to Bluetooth 5.3 and AptX and LDAC codec compatibility.
