Sound quality: TCL's Alto 8i has Good overall sound quality - this model reproduces music and dialog reasonably well despite the obvious shortcomings in its sound. The bass has good impact and goes deep, but is somewhat prominent and tubby. Midrange is fairly even, somewhat grainy and hazy. Treble is fairly extended, but is somewhat dry and sizzly, and the lower treble is subdued. Does a decent job of recovering the actual room ambience from the recording; the tubby quality of the bass can make the sound a bit echoey with some program material, and can create an artificial sense of room ambience. The overall sound is somewhat congested. With stereo program material sound field extends somewhat above but not much beyond the width of the speaker array and lacks front to back depth. The various sound modes have a noticeable effect on the sound field and/or tonal balance and/or volume level. We found that the Aux input always defaulted to the TV sound mode (which sounds harsh and constricted compared to the other sound modes) regardless of how the device was previously set, and had to be reset if you want a different sound mode. With Dolby Digital multi-channel program material the sound field may extend well past the sides and above the soundbar, but still lacks depth. The various sound modes have a noticeable effect on the sound field and/or tonal balance and/or volume level. When playing Dolby Atmos material the sound field is not significantly different than that of Dolby Digital multi-channel program material. The various sound modes have a noticeable effect on the sound field and/or tonal balance and/or volume level. There was no significant difference in sound quality between the HDMI, optical, aux, USB, and Bluetooth inputs. Dolby Atmos program material can only be played through an HDMI connection. The system can provide satisfying volume in a medium sized room.
TV setup and ease of use: Good overall.
Features setup and ease of use: Fair overall.
