Sound quality:
Philips's TAB5706/37 has subpar overall sound quality - this model has sonic shortcomings that leave a lot to be desired when listening to music but don't rule it out for dialog. In the Music sound mode setting with the bass tone control set to provide the most even tonal balance bass has good impact and goes fairly deep but is a bit prominent and somewhat boomy. Midrange is fairly even, but is somewhat hazy, a bit grainy, and a touch plasticky. Treble is somewhat subdued and smeared and the upper treble is muted. Does a decent job of recovering room ambience but the overall sound is somewhat congested. With stereo program material the two channel sound field extends a bit above and not much to the sides of the speaker array and lacks depth.
There was no significant difference in sound quality between the HDMI, optical, aux, USB and Bluetooth inputs.
Sound Modes (Stereo)
The other sound modes have a slight to noticeable effect on the sound field and/or tonal balance.
Multichannel
With 5.1 multi-channel material the sound field is slightly wider and taller than with stereo program material but still lacks depth.
Sound Modes (Multichannel)
The other sound modes have a slight effect on the sound field and/or tonal balance.
TV ease of use: Acceptable overall.
Features ease of use: Acceptable overall.
