Sound quality:
TCL's Q65H has acceptable overall sound quality - this model reproduces music and dialog reasonably well despite the obvious shortcomings in its sound. With the tone controls set to provide the most even tonal balance the bass has good impact and goes fairly deep, but is a somewhat prominent and tubby. Midrange is somewhat hazy, congested and a touch nasal and bit plasticky. Treble is fairly extended but is a bit subdued and somewhat smeared and sizzly. Does a decent job of recovering room ambience and is somewhat congested. The two channel sound field extends a bit above but not much to the sides of the speaker array and lacks depth. Individual instruments and voices can be identified, but have a two dimensional quality. The various sound modes had a noticeable effect on the sound field and/or tonal balance.
Multi-channel
When playing Dolby digital 5.1 channel program material the sound field is wider and taller than with stereo program material.
Dolby Atmos
When playing Dolby Atmos material, the width and height of the sound field expands somewhat depending on the program material; the sound field can extend up and above into the ceiling (Tech note: extends about1/3 of the way into the room), however, there was no rear surround effect, and sounds that should have been in the rear come from the front. Individual instruments and voices are easy to identify but are two dimensional. The various sound modes have a noticeable effect on the sound field and/or tonal balance and/or volume level of program material.
DTS-X
When playing DTS:X material, the width and height of the sound field is about the same as heard with multi-channel program material. Individual instruments and voices are easy to identify but are two dimensional. The "Sound Field" sound mode expands the width and height of the sound field; depending on the program material; the sound field can extend up and above into the ceiling (tech note: extended to the front 1/4 of the way into the room), however, there was no rear surround effect, and sounds that should have been in the rear come from the front. The "Voice" and "Night" sound modes have a effect on the sound field and/or tonal balance and/or volume level. acceptable overall sound quality - this model reproduces music and dialog reasonably well despite the obvious shortcomings in its sound.
TV ease of use: acceptable overall.
Features ease of use: mediocre overall.
