Sound quality:
Philips's Fidelio Soundbar TAFB1/37 has Good overall sound quality - this model reproduces music and dialog reasonably well despite the obvious shortcomings in its sound. In the Music sound mode with all of the DSP enhancements turned off and the tone controls set to provide the most even tonal balance the bass has good impact and goes fairly deep, but is a bit boomy. Midrange is somewhat nasal and grainy, and a bit hazy and echoey. Treble is extended, but is a touch prominent and sizzly. Does a decent job of recovering room ambience in the upper midrange, but is so-so elsewhere and sounds a bit congested overall. With stereo program material two channel sound field extends somewhat above and a bit beyond the sides of the speaker array but lacks depth.
There was no significant difference between HDMI, optical, USB, WiFi, and Bluetooth inputs.
The system can provide satisfying volume in a medium sized room.
Sound Modes (Stereo)
The other sound modes and DSP settings have effects that range from noticeable to none on the sound field and/or tonal balance and/or volume.
Multichannel
When 5.1 channel program material is played back the width and height of the sound stage expands, and depending on the program material extends well beyond the height and width of the sound bar enclosure but still lacks depth.
Sound Modes (Multichannel)
The other sound modes and DSP settings have effects that range from noticeable to none on the sound field and/or tonal balance and/or volume.
Dolby Atmos
When playing Dolby Atmos material the width and height of the sound stage expands and depending on the program material can fill the front end of the room; audio imaging can extend up and above from the front of the room to almost directly overhead depending on the program material, but there was no rear surround effect, and sounds that should have been in the rear come from the front.
Sound Modes (Dolby Atmos)
The other sound modes and DSP settings have effects that range from noticeable to none on the sound field and/or tonal balance and/or volume.
DTS:X
When playing DTS:X material, the width and height of the sound field is about the same as heard with 5.1 channel program material, there was no rear surround effect, and sounds that should have been in the rear come from the front.
Sound Modes (DTS:X)
The other sound modes and DSP settings have effects that range from noticeable to none on the sound field and/or tonal balance and/or volume.
TV ease of use: Excellent overall.
Features ease of use: Excellent overall.
