The TCL A65K soundbar punches above its weight, offering impressive sound and features for its compact size and affordable price point, though it falls short of audiophile expectations.
Designed for smaller living spaces, this 35-inch, two-inch-high soundbar boasts 460 watts of power and comes with a substantial subwoofer. Priced at $499 on Amazon (down from $699), its key selling points include Dolby Atmos support, AI-powered room adaptation, and a sleek, space-saving design. While it won't rival high-end options like the Sonos Arc Ultra or Focal Mu-So Hekla, the A65K offers a compelling package for those prioritizing size and value.
Setting up the A65K is straightforward, with an emphasis on its lightweight design. The soundbar itself weighs just 2.5 pounds, making it easy to handle and reposition. The included wall-mounting kit adds to its versatility. The setup process, managed through the TCL Home app, is primarily Bluetooth-based, offering modes for movies and music. Connectivity options include USB (Type-A), HDMI, and Bluetooth streaming, though Wi-Fi streaming isn't supported.
A standout feature is the TCL AI Sonic adaptation, which uses your smartphone's microphone to optimize audio for your specific room. This process significantly enhances sound fullness and spaciousness, though it can't entirely overcome the physical limitations of a smaller cabinet for truly room-filling surround sound effects in movies or music.
In testing, the A65K's Dolby Atmos and DTS:X support, combined with nine dedicated speakers, aim to create an immersive experience. While it delivers decent audio for movies and music, especially with its capable subwoofer providing satisfying bass, the surround sound effects aren't as convincing as those from larger systems. For music, it excels with simpler arrangements, offering warmth and clarity, but can sound muddy with complex tracks. For gaming and sports, the immersive surround sound is less pronounced, though dialogue and distinct audio elements remain clear.
Ultimately, the TCL A65K is a smart choice for users seeking to maximize audio quality without sacrificing space or budget. While it doesn't deliver the absolute best in sound fidelity, its combination of features, compact form factor, and attractive price make it a noteworthy contender in the soundbar market.
