Katarzyna Petru
TCL is quietly but clearly changing its sound strategy in its top-of-the-range televisions. The new models in the C series – C7K, C8K, and C9K – no longer use Onkyo audio systems, which have been present even in the flagship series until now. Instead, the Chinese giant is entering a new stage of cooperation with the legendary Danish brand Bang & Olufsen. This is another move aimed at raising TCL's prestige and positioning the brand higher in the eyes of more discerning customers.
This change is not accidental – Bang & Olufsen is a producer of audio systems whose prices can exceed that of many premium-class televisions. The brand is known for its manual sound tuning and obsessive attention to detail – and it is indeed its acousticians who were to co-create the sound of the new televisions in the C series.
Can a television sound like a stereo system?
The introduction of the "Audio by Bang & Olufsen" logo is a clear signal: TCL wants to compete not only in picture quality but also in sound. Does this mean that the new C9K or C8K models will sound like a home stereo system? Not necessarily – physics cannot be tricked. Integrated speakers, even if better tuned, still cannot match full-fledged external systems.
But! Such a collaboration is a step in the right direction. The sound from the new TCL models should be distinctly better than before, with greater space and precision – especially if one has previously relied on built-in speakers without external support.
Collaborations that make a difference (and make an impression)
Is it just marketing, or is there a real change in quality? Probably – a bit of both. TCL isn’t pretending to overcome physics – but it shows that it wants to play in a higher league. The partnership with a brand associated with luxury and design is impressive and has the potential to attract the attention of those looking for something more than “just a television”.
Of course, if you care about maximum sound experiences, it’s still worth considering external solutions – such as those from our recommended soundbars list, which will elevate any movie or gaming session to a higher level. But the very fact that brands like TCL and Bang & Olufsen are collaborating in the home cinema space is a good sign: standards are rising, and competition works in favour of viewers.
So, what does this mean for the customer?
TCL is replacing Onkyo with Bang & Olufsen in the C7K, C8K, and C9K series. This is more than just a logo change – it is a move that could bring the sound from the television closer to a level that has so far been reserved for expensive external systems. It won’t replace a proper soundbar, but it may be sufficient for those who value minimalism and quality combined.
