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TCL wants to make a stronger mark on the high-end soundbar market and is expanding its collaboration with Bang & Olufsen. The company has unveiled three new models, Q75K, Q85K and Q95K, which are based on a similar design but differ in the number of additional speakers. The most advanced Q95K offers an 11.1.4 configuration supporting Dolby Atmos and DTS. The manufacturer is positioning it directly against Samsung's flagship offerings, including the Q990H. The new soundbars will arrive in Europe in October, but TCL has not yet announced their European prices.
TCL Q95K offers 11.1.4 channels
The base model of the new series is the TCL Q75K, which functions as a standalone soundbar in a 7.1.2 configuration. The design includes, among others, front, centre and side channels plus two up‑firing drivers responsible for overhead spatial effects. TCL quotes the system’s total maximum power at 580 W. The Q85K uses the same 7.1.2 layout but the set is supplemented with an external subwoofer, which raises the claimed maximum power to 1180 W. The most advanced Q95K adds two rear speakers, each also fitted with an up‑firing driver. This allows the Dolby Atmos configuration to be increased to 11.1.4 channels. That introduces two extra rear channels and two additional overhead channels. The Q95K’s total power is said to be 1420 W. The soundbar can be placed on a TV cabinet or wall-mounted. TCL notes, however, that wall mounting is a compromise because of the up‑firing drivers. Connection to the TV is via HDMI eARC. The included subwoofer is relatively compact and uses a dual‑driver force‑cancelling design. The system can also upmix audio to more channels when the source material doesn’t include a Dolby Atmos or DTS track. TCL also offers a Tutti Choral feature that lets a compatible TCL TV use its own speakers together with the soundbar, further widening the soundstage.
Bang & Olufsen helps TCL take on Samsung
The new models use the Audio by Bang & Olufsen programme, a licensing partnership between B&O and hardware manufacturers. Under the programme, Bang & Olufsen helps with component selection during the design phase and with fine-tuning the final audio system. That does not mean the new TCL soundbars contain physical components made by B&O. The audio technology and the company's expertise are used mainly to optimise the devices' sound. TCL aims to combine its own hardware solutions with a recognisable audio brand. The Q95K in particular is aimed at Samsung's top soundbars. TCL points to a similar 11.1.4-channel configuration to the Samsung Q990H. The design of both units is also similar in concept and in the use of additional speakers. The Q85K and Q95K are therefore positioned to compete directly with Samsung's flagship models. TCL has not yet announced European prices for the new models. In China the Q95K is expected to cost the equivalent of about €1,000, which is less than the Samsung Q990H. The European launch is scheduled for October, while the new soundbars will not be available in the United States for now.
TCL has unveiled three new soundbars in the Q75K, Q85K and Q95K range that mainly differ in the inclusion of additional speakers. The flagship Q95K offers an 11.1.4 configuration with a subwoofer and rear speakers fitted with upward-firing drivers. In collaboration with Audio by Bang & Olufsen, TCL aims to compete with Samsung’s premium soundbars. The European launch is scheduled for October, with exact prices to be announced later.
source: flatpanelshd
