Sound quality: Definitive Technology's Studio 3D Mini has Good overall sound quality. In the Stereo sound mode, the bass has good impact, but is slightly prominent and boomy, and deep bass is lacking. Midrange is fairly even, but is somewhat hazy and a bit grainy. Treble is extended, but is slightly sizzly and prominent. Does a decent job of recovering the actual room ambience of a recording, but sounds somewhat congested and a touch constricted. The two channel sound field extends a bit above the top, and somewhat beyond the width of the speaker array and lacks depth. The various sound modes had a noticeable effect on the sound field and/or tonal balance. When 5.1 channel program material is played back in the Direct sound mode the width and height of the sound stage expands, and depending on the program material extends well above and beyond the width of the soundbar enclosure. The various sound modes had a noticeable effect on the sound field and tonal balance. When playing Dolby Atmos or DTS:X material in the Direct sound mode, the width and height of the sound stage expands, and depending on the program material can expand to fill the front of the room up to and including the ceiling. In the other sound modes the sound field expands further and depending on the program material and sound mode can expand to fill the front end of the room up to and including the ceiling out to the same plane as the listener. No significant difference in sound quality between optical, analog, USB, HDMI, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi inputs. Dolby Atmos and DTS:X program material can only be played using the HDMI-eARC connection when used with a HDMI eARC compatible TV or the HDMI inputs. The system can provide satisfying volume in a medium sized room.
TV setup and ease of use: Very Good overall.
Features setup and ease of use: Good overall.
