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Dali Oberon 5 5.1 Speaker Package review: A stylish, pleasant-sounding home cinema system

What Hi-Fi? Verdict

Full, honest and warm - these clever performers will make the best out of any home cinema soundtrack

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Home cinema speakers are about lifting your home entertainment onto a higher plane of existence. It’s all there on your video content just waiting to be unlocked: a beautiful soundtrack, clean dialogue, big-hitting bass and surround sound effects all projected onto a soundstage with you at the centre. 

All you need is a great package to unlock it. Could that be the Dali Oberon 5 5.1 Speaker Package?

Build and compatibility

(Image credit: Future)

Upfront are the Award-winning Dali Oberon 5 floorstanders. The surrounds are either the five-star Dali Oberon 1 standmounters (£1699), which is the package we're testing, or the compact Dali On-Wall speakers (£1799). Either way, they have tidy MDF cabinets, with a choice of Black Ash, White, Dark Walnut and Light Oak finishes.

We feel rather blessed to be sat in the middle of the beautiful two-tone light oak options which are attractive, subtle, modern and the kind of speakers that would suit most rooms. 

At just 83cm tall, the two-way front pair is as unobtrusive a set of floorstanders as you’ll find. They’re significantly smaller in every dimension than its main speaker package rivals, the Elac Debut 2.0 Home Theatre System and Q Acoustics 3050i Cinema Pack – and that’s well worth considering if you have limited space in which to house your 5.1 system.

(Image credit: Future)

The Oberon 5s have a fairly large and lightweight 29mm soft dome tweeter, and that allows it to dip into lower frequencies to help integrate itself with the sound coming from the woofers.

Those two 13cm mid/bass drivers are made from Dali’s wood fibre/fine grain paper pulp choice of cone material, which the company believes is the best available balance between rigidity and low resonance.  

They’re positioned within a low-loss surround using spider suspension to focus on micro details with maximum transparency. All three units within each speaker are linked with a single-wired two-way crossover, giving a sensitivity of 88dB/W/m and a nominal impedance of 6 ohms.

(Image credit: Future)

It’s a similar story for the shoebox-sized Oberon 1 surround speakers. There’s just the one midrange driver here, and Dali has made these standmounters as versatile as possible by adding a wall-mounting attachment. 

While they sound better than most hung like this, we’d recommend setting them around 30cm into the room for maximum clarity. 

One of the key make-or-break battlegrounds of a speaker package is the centre and it’s the Oberon Vokal that is tasked with that job here. 

It has the same selection of drivers as the floorstanders arranged with the tweeter in the middle and the front-facing bass port just underneath. That arrangement has been chosen to help achieve a wider dispersion pattern and make positioning less fussy.

(Image credit: Future)

Last but not least, is the subwoofer. It’s a Dali Sub E9-F, which is a relatively small cube that comes in Black Ash, White or Light Walnut. An aluminium-coned, 23cm woofer sits inside the MDF enclosure which itself sits 3cm off the floor, thanks to some rubber legs, creating enough space for a downward-firing bass vent to work its magic.

It’s powered by a 170W RMS Class D amplifier and has a heavy magnet motor system with a four-layered, long-stroke voice coil designed to keep the cone up to speed with the amp’s signal. There are controls around the back for fine-tuning the speaker to your room with dials for gain and crossover.

Sound

(Image credit: Future)

We fire up the projector and head to Deadpool on 4K Blu-ray. The film opens up with the kind of scene that puts home cinema sound through its paces. It’s chaotic – with explosions, dialogue, cars zooming left and right, and plenty of thumps and amusing details as henchmen meet their grisly ends. The Dali Oberons perform the job admirably.

Dali Oberon 5 5.1 Speaker Package tech specs

(Image credit: Future)

Finishes 4

Bi-wired No

Fronts
Dimensions (hwd) 83 x 16 x 28cm

Weight 10.8kg

Surrounds
Dimensions (hwd) 27 x 16 x 23cm

Weight 4.2kg

Centre
Dimensions (hwd) 44 x 30 x 16cm

Weight 7.45kg

Sub
Dimensions (hwd) 31 x 29 x 31cm

Weight 11kg

 

There’s a beautiful rasping quality to a motorcycle as it zips across the picture trying to avoid a tumbling vehicle pile-up. It shifts across the soundstage in a wonderfully integrated fashion and, like the rest of the moving action, we’re never aware of the sound passing from speaker to speaker but more through the space around us which is exactly how home cinema should be.

There’s surprising authority and power to this relatively diminutive package as well; not as much as the crowd-pleasing Q Acoustics 3050is, perhaps, but the Dalis hold their own.

The hits are huge as airborne vehicles slam into the road with terrifying weight and every bone-crunching punch sounds as though it has been delivered with super-human strength, but the details of twisting metal and the splattering blood aren’t steamrollered by the thuds.

Switching to dialogue scenes with Wade Wilson and we’re blown away by the way the Dalis convey the character in his voice. The dynamics and detail from the centre speaker give a fabulous sense of the roughness of his timbre.

There’s more credibility to the hard-boiled background of the character as the speakers express the cracks in his tone, which you imagine are caused by things Wilson has seen and done as a Special Forces soldier. The muffled quality of his speech through the Deadpool mask is good enough to hear the texture of the disguise itself.

(Image credit: Future)

There are incidental moments where the detail is not quite as fine and singular as with the more delicate Elac Debut 2. 0s — a glass placed upon a table, the safety clicked off a gun, for instance — they’re all present, but not quite so beautifully three-dimensional. Instead, what we have with the Dalis is the best of both worlds, and a definite overall step-up in sonic terms.

While the sub can create quite the rumble with the gain turned up high, it’s best to dial it down for a more subtle response. At sensible levels, it still delivers enough atmosphere and tone. If serious weight is what you need, then you can always upgrade to the Dali E-12F with its 30cm driver.

Verdict

Lean, attractive, interesting and unfussy: these words are equally apt for both the aesthetics and acoustics of these clever performers.

The Dali Oberon 5 5.1 system presents every frequency in full, but with honesty and warmth that brings the best out of any soundtrack. They’re transparent but fun, powerful but subtle; we’d have them round to ours any day.

SCORES

MORE:

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11 of the best film scenes to test surround sound

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See all the What Hi-Fi? Award 2022 winners

Dali Oberon 5 5. 1 Speaker Package: Price Comparison

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What Hi-Fi?, founded in 1976, is the world's leading independent guide to buying and owning hi-fi and home entertainment products. Our comprehensive tests help you buy the very best for your money, with our advice sections giving you step-by-step information on how to get even more from your music and movies. Everything is tested by our dedicated team of in-house reviewers in our custom-built test rooms in London, Reading and Bath. Our coveted five-star rating and Awards are recognised all over the world as the ultimate seal of approval, so you can buy with absolute confidence.

Read more about how we test

Wharfedale Diamond 12.1 Home Cinema Pack review: refined sound at an excellent price

What Hi-Fi? Verdict

Fluid, composed and consistent, the Wharfedale 12.1 Home Cinema Pack is a mature yet affordable surround sound system

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Cons

Why you can trust What Hi-Fi? Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test.

It’s not always easy to be part of a large, successful dynasty. Just ask the Windsors. Despite the inherent advantages of belonging to a prosperous lineage, it can be tough to make your own mark and be noticed – for positive reasons at least. 

Similar to the Royals, fellow British institution Wharfedale and its Diamond series of speakers have a long and storied legacy (albeit with significantly less scandal), as well as a bit of a German connection. Beginning in 1982 with a single model, the accessibly priced Diamond range is now in its 14th generation, slightly confusingly known as Diamond 12. This generation consists of three sizes of stand-mount speakers (12.0, 12.1, 12.2), two options of floorstanders (12.3 and 12.4) and a single centre speaker (12.C).

But there are no hereditary hangovers to be found here. For Diamond 12, Wharfedale brought in German-based designer Karl Heinz Fink, previously heavily involved with Q Acoustics, to makeover the range from front to back. Almost every aspect of the construction from the cabinet to the driver material has been revised, and the result is a surprisingly charming, affordable and well-engineered line-up of speakers for a stereo or 5.1 (or more) surround set-up.

Price

(Image credit: Wharfedale)

There are several possible ways to configure combinations of Diamond 12 models in a home cinema environment. Here, we’re testing a system comprising a quartet of the excellent, mid-sized Diamond 12.1 bookshelf speakers for fronts and surrounds (priced at £249 / $399 / AU$699 per pair), with the 12.C in the middle (£229 / $229 / AU$575) and the SW10 powered subwoofer (£349 / $ 599 / AU$1149) supplying the bass.

In the UK, this system is called the Diamond 12 Home Cinema Pack and can be picked up for £999 – a saving of £77 over the cost of buying everything separately.

Build

(Image credit: Wharfedale)

Diamond 12’s redesign began with the construction of the cabinet, and the result is a solid, smart, understated build. Available in four shades of matte wood grain, the classic design is neatly offset by a high-shine baffle in solid black or white.

The engineers created the panelling from varying thicknesses of MDF that, together with spot bracing, help better control unwanted resonances. The boxes have a substantial feel but aren’t visually obtrusive. They also look more expensive than they are. Each of the speakers has a claimed 8 ohm impedance and two sets of terminals for bi-wiring, with mirror-finish metal straps included for non-bi-wired set-ups.

Wharfedale Diamond 12.1 Home Cinema Pack tech specs

(Image credit: Wharfedale)

Diamond 12.1:

Type 2-way, bass reflex

Max power 100W

Sensitivity 88dB

Impedance 8 ohms

Frequency response 65Hz to 20kHz

Dimensions (hwd) 31 x 18 x 28cm

Weight 6.8kg (each)

Diamond 12. C centre

Type 2-way, bass reflex

Max power 120W

Sensitivity 90dB

Impedance 8 ohms

Frequency response 90Hz to 20kHz

Dimensions (hwd) 18 x 48 x 21cm

Weight 8.5kg (each)

SW10 subwoofer:

Amplifier output 200W

Sensitivity 110dB

Line input impedance 10 kilo ohms

LFE input Impedance 5 kilo ohms

Frequency response 40Hz to 120Hz

Dimensions (hwd) 42 x 34 x 38 m

Weight 16.5kg (each)

The 12.1 stand mounters have a two-way rear-ported design featuring a single 13cm mid/bass driver composed of something called ‘Klarity’, which is not a Kardashian but a new polypropylene composite cone material with mica added to improve rigidity. The Klarity cones are driven by a magnet with an aluminium compensation ring to minimise the effects of fluctuations in inductance that can occur as the voice coil moves.

The 25mm textile tweeter domes, meanwhile, are almost completely exposed, with a high gloss coating and a design intended to offer wide dispersion, smooth response and strong dynamics. The two drivers are linked with a carefully calibrated crossover that the company says uses premium components. The 12.C is configured similarly to the 12.1, but with a pair of 13cm Klarity drivers and a single tweeter.

The SW-10 subwoofer is available in matching wood finishes with the same polished baffle housing a single front-facing 25cm long-throw driver. Hidden at the rear are physical controls for level, phase and auto-sense (the sub comes out of standby when a signal is received), as well as two RCA inputs. Perched upon four stocky feet, it sits at 42cm high and, despite it being the smallest sub in the four strong SW series, it is by no means tiny. However, the quality of the build means it resembles a handsome piece of furniture rather than an awkward black cube and, especially given its performance, we imagine most people will be happy to make space for it in their living room.

Sound

(Image credit: Wharfedale)

The tautness and dexterity of the SW-10 is immediately striking when the Diamond 12.1 HCP gets playing. It’s an incredibly musical sub and it blends seamlessly with the smaller speakers, which themselves have an. impressively well-integrated low end. The result is rich and lively sound, particularly with films with a heavily featured score. When watching Amelie, Yann Tiersen’s famous accompaniment bursts with warmth and depth while there’s an undeniable snappiness across the board that isn’t limited just to high transients. Despite this responsiveness when things get busy, the 12.1s maintain a strong control, with a secure sense of authority and cohesion.

The sonic agility of the package is displayed well in the scene in which Amelie meets the photo booth repairman for the first time. Here, the stylised, heightened sound design is matched up with the choppy film editing and each sudden effect bursts dynamically with confidence, drama and uniformity around the viewer.

(Image credit: Wharfedale)

The soundfield is smooth and although swapping the front two speakers for floorstanders would certainly provide more scale, there is something to be said for the consistency of tone created by using the same speaker for fronts and surrounds.

Also in this respect, the 12.C centre speaker is well-matched to the 12.1s and, unlike with so many other packages, pulls its weight equally. We watch sonic psychological drama The Sound Of Silence and find that audio-obsessive protagonist Peter’s ultra soft-spoken, emotionally repressed dialogue is well projected with clarity and nuance. Set in the bustle of New York, Peter’s job is to rid the city of unwanted ambient sounds and as he pads around his clients’ apartments hunting for creaking floorboards and whining pipes, the Diamond 12 HCP digs up plenty of domestic detail and subtlety, making us feel the need to check if it’s actually our air conditioning unit making the annoying hum.

To give these tabletop-sized boxes a bit more of a vigorous challenge we try Blade Runner 2049 and they project the meaty, sonorous score with both composure and charisma. In the scene in which Ryan Gosling flies to the orphanage there are plenty of delicate nuances, from the sound of the raindrops landing on the windscreen to the wiper cleaning them off. Later on, when things inevitably start to get explosive, the 12.1s still deliver with balanced but compelling force.

Verdict

(Image credit: Wharfedale)

With poise, effortlessness, cut glass diction and charisma, the Wharfedale Diamond 12.1 HCP is essentially the Audrey Hepburn of home theatre speaker packages. It offers rich bass without sacrificing or overpowering the mid and treble, presenting a mature sound that’s rich in impact, agility, detail and sensitivity.

Large enough to provide cinematic scale with a wide soundfield, but discreet and affordable enough to be accessible to a variety of audiences, the 12.1s prove to be an excellent choice for both music and film.

SCORES

MORE:

The best home theatre speaker systems

Read our review of Q Acoustics' 3010i 5. 1 Cinema Pack 

Read our review of the KEF Q350 AV 5.1

Read our review of the Dali Spektor 2 5.1

See all the What Hi-Fi? Award 2022 winners

Wharfedale Diamond 12.1 HCP: Price Comparison

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What Hi-Fi?, founded in 1976, is the world's leading independent guide to buying and owning hi-fi and home entertainment products. Our comprehensive tests help you buy the very best for your money, with our advice sections giving you step-by-step information on how to get even more from your music and movies. Everything is tested by our dedicated team of in-house reviewers in our custom-built test rooms in London, Reading and Bath. Our coveted five-star rating and Awards are recognised all over the world as the ultimate seal of approval, so you can buy with absolute confidence.

Read more about how we test

9 Best TVs with good sound - 2022 rating

Author Admin Reading 32 min Views 2.5k. Posted by

Every customer tries to choose the highest quality TV for the least possible money. This is a normal practice, but you need to know what you can save on and what you can’t. We always tell our readers to focus solely on their needs. It is important for someone to have an 8K TV, and for someone, FullHD will do. Someone wants Smart TV, and someone wants an advanced tuner. Well, for someone, high-quality, clear and realistic sound is important. nine0005

And today's article we just want to devote to TVs with the best sound. As a rule, such TVs are quite expensive, but we have tried and collected not only the best TVs with good sound, but also with excellent other characteristics, and also at the best prices. At the same time, we have described each model in detail, so you can definitely understand which TV suits you best.

Contents

  1. LG 55NANO906PB NanoCell
  2. Samsung QE55QN87AAU QLED
  3. LG OLED48C1RLA OLED
  4. Samsung QE50Q80AAU
  5. The Frame QE55LS03AAU
  6. Samsung The Serif QE55LS01TBU
  7. Philips 55OLED805
  8. LG 55NANO956NA NanoCell
  9. Xiaomi Redmi Smart TV X50 LED

LG 55NANO906PB NanoCell


This machine is truly one of the best in all areas. At the same time, its qualities are manifested not only in chic characteristics that are responsible for sound, image and functionality, but also in a stylish and modern design. Not only does the TV fall into the category of ultra-thin, but it also received phenomenally thin and strict delineating frames that really make it just amazing. nine0005

The advantages of the TV can also be attributed to the image characteristics presented by the IPS matrix, with high levels of brightness and contrast. But most importantly, the TV received support for Dolby Vision, HDR 10 Pro, NanoCell technologies, which are processed by the α7 Gen 3 4K processor and transmitted to the screen at a frequency of 120 Hz. This is really great data, especially since the TV has received an eye safety certificate.

But the real icing on the cake is the device's sound system, featuring 4 superb 40W speakers. This is enough for such a diagonal, especially since the device additionally has a subwoofer. At the same time, the TV received AVL technology, surround sound, as well as support for Dolby Digital decoders. So at the output you will expect really great sound. nine0005

Among other things, the device is extremely advanced in terms of technology. The TV not only received an advanced tuner that reproduces all existing standards of analog and digital television, it also has a number of interesting and useful additional features. Naturally, such an advanced TV will be ideally optimized for games and will have the most modern and fast interfaces.

Great design with a minimalist design

9The most modern interfaces

Powerful processor α7 GEN 3 4K

OS Webos 6.0

Support for the Filmmaker Mode

Game mode ALLM

Available Freesync Premium

Support 360 VR 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 bites

A lot of unnecessary applications in Smart TV

Appearance

10/10

Picture

10/10

Sound

10/10

Functionality

10/10

Total

10

An excellent TV with which you really get not only a premium picture, but also a premium sound. At the same time, the TV is really functional, fast and stylish, so it will definitely decorate your home.

Samsung QE55QN87AAU QLED


And this TV is not just good, it may well claim to be the best in the world. It is so heavily packed with various technologies and functions that the picture on the screen looks even more realistic than outside the window, and the sound is so high quality that every now and then you turn around, it is so realistic. At the same time, the TV is really very beautiful, stylish and modern, with minimalist frames and a thin Neo Slim body. nine0005

As far as picture quality is concerned, the TV has really excellent parameters. Initially, this is a large 55-inch screen, which, in addition to the IPS matrix, received a new-generation Neo Quantum 4K processor that produces an image at a frequency of 120 Hz and IDS 4300. In addition, the TV received additions in the form of QLED, HDR 10+, Quantum technologies Matrix, also anti-reflective coating and adaptive picture.

But the real icing on the cake is the sound system, featuring 4 superb speakers, 15 watts each. In addition, the TV has a subwoofer, which further increases its volume. I would also like to highlight Object Tracking Sound + with an excellent function of sound movement behind the object of action, as well as Active Voice Amplifier and SpaceFit technologies. nine0005

Of course, such an advanced TV also has great performance features. The tuner of the device reproduces all existing digital and analog streams. In addition, the TV is capable of playing any format, has many additional features and capabilities, and most importantly, is the most optimized for gaming areas.

Gorgeous Neo Slim design

Quantum Matrix support

Q-Symphony function

Active Voice Amplifier 9 support0005

FREET FREESNC PREMIUM PRO

TAP View

Gorgeous image

An endlessly realistic sound

The presence of a light sensor

Smart TV based on TIZEN

Energy

10/10

Image

10/10

Sound

10/10

Functionality

10/10

Total

10

Needless to say, this model claims to be the best in the world for a reason. The TV really has some of the best performance in the world, thanks to which it gives out limitless picture and sound quality.

LG OLED48C1RLA OLED


Oled TVs are TVs with the best picture in the world. And this model is a direct confirmation of this. The TV is really great, not only in terms of performance, but also in appearance. Its slim and stylish design has received a complete lack of frames around the entire perimeter. And even such a trifle as a stand looks really stylish and advanced. nine0005

But it's not just the design that makes a TV stand out. It really delivers a great picture. And the point is not even in a high-quality matrix, the point is how advanced the technology was received by the device. Among them, I would like to highlight Dolby Vision, HDR 10 Pro, OLED, FILMMAKER MODE, etc. And all this is processed by the most powerful α9 Gen4 4K processor, based on artificial intelligence. So the picture will be just amazing.

When it comes to sound, this TV delivers a masterpiece. Its speaker system is represented by 4 speakers with a power of 40 watts. In addition, the TV received support for Dolby Digital decoders, support for Dolby Atmos, AVL, a subwoofer and stereo sound. In addition, the TV has been equipped with AI Sound Pro technology, and all this is polished by the processor, so that the sound will be crystalline. nine0005

Unlike many other OLED models, this TV has been equipped with the most advanced tuner. In addition, the TV itself reads any formats, has an extremely advanced Smart TV, and has a dozen advanced features. And the best part is that he received several optimizing technologies for games. Well, as a nice bonus - the TV is completely safe for the viewer's eyes.

Cool design

alpha 9 gen 4 processor

WabOS 6.0

Pixel LEVEL Dimming

Magic Remote Pixel type

Support Dolby Atmos

Navidia G-Sync, Amd Freesync, VRR

WIPARI

WIPARI

MEPHIC FILMAKA

360 VR function

Expensive

Slight installation difficulties due to weight

Appearance

10/10

Image

10/10

Sound

10/10

Functionality

10/10

Total

10

Needless to say, this is one of the best TVs in the world with features and performance. Fast, functional, giving out premium sound and picture - it will become a true decoration of your home.

Samsung QE50Q80AAU


This model has a really chic set of features. Despite the fact that the TV is one of the newest, it is already very popular among buyers and has the highest possible reviews on almost all online platforms. At the same time, the TV is also the most stylish and modern, and its price is not so huge, compared to other devices of this model range. nine0005

The TV has also received extremely advanced picture characteristics. Initially, it is a VA-matrix, with the highest indicators of brightness and contrast. HDR 10+ technologies and a built-in LED backlight matrix are responsible for color saturation on the TV. In addition, the TV received QLED technology, as well as a Quantum 4K processor, which optimizes the quality and sound of the content being viewed and upscales it to 4K format.

One of its main advantages is a chic acoustic system. Despite the fact that the TV has only 2 speakers, the power of the speaker system is 40 watts. At the same time, the TV received support for Dolby Digital Plus, OTS Lite, a subwoofer, Q-Symphony mode and a Dolby 5.1 decoder. All this suggests that you will really get the most pure, realistic and advanced sound. nine0005

When it comes to performance, the TV is excellent. Unlike many modern models, this Samsung works with all existing digital and analog TV standards + it is able to play any content formats. Naturally, the device received an excellent set of additional features, the most modern interfaces, as well as the most advanced Smart TV based on Tizen.

Q-Symphony mode available

Object Tracking Sound Lite 9 support0002 appearance

9/10

Image

10/10

Sound

10/10

Functionality

10/10

Total

9,0005

If you are looking for a really advanced TV with excellent sound, then this model will definitely appeal to you. The device really has impeccable characteristics and gives the perfect picture and sound quality.

The Frame QE55LS03AAU


Discount of the day!

This model is a representative of Samsung design TVs, made in the form of a picture. It is the design, combined with insane characteristics, that is the main advantage of this device. And it is not surprising, because outwardly it is physically impossible to distinguish an ordinary picture from a TV, but it really looks very cool, rich, stylish and modern.

It is noteworthy that the TV received a diagonal of 54.6 inches. But the main thing is not even this, but the characteristics. The TV initially received a VA matrix, but support for QLED, HDR 10+, Dual LED technologies, a 6ms response time, as well as an adaptive image and a light sensor look much cooler. All this is processed by the Quantum Processor 4K processor, which at the AI ​​level optimizes the picture to 4K format. nine0005

Another feature of the TV is its sound system, represented by 4 speakers with a power of 40 watts. At the same time, the device received surround sound, Dolby Digital decoders, automatic volume equalization, stereo sound, SpaceFit Sound, adaptive sound, Audio Pre-selection Descriptor and OTS Lite. So in terms of sound, this is really one of the best TVs on the planet.

Pleased with the fact that the TV also has the most advanced tuner that works with all existing digital and analog TV standards. Moreover, the TV is indeed one of the most productive in the world, because it works very quickly, has a really chic set of modern interfaces, as well as a large number of additional features and functions. nine0005

Motion Rate 240 Hz (120 Hz without interpolation)

Quantum 4K Processor

Quantum HDR High Dynamic Range

Supreme UHD Dimming

Dual LED Backlight Technology

On-Screen Sound OTS Lite

ALLM Game Mode

Filmmaker Mode

Motion Detection

VR 360 Player and Camera Support

Multi-View

Freesync Premium Pro

Very high cost

Difficulty with setting functionality

appearance

10/10

Image

10/10

Sound

Functionality

10/10 9000

,0005

Total

10

With this TV, you really get picture and sound of limitless quality. And thanks to its design features, it easily fits into any interior, because it is simply impossible to distinguish it from the usual picture. nine0005

Samsung The Serif QE55LS01TBU


And this is a representative of another Samsung design branch, codenamed "The Serif". Its feature is the interior design, which is popularly called "360 design". The fact is that this model can be placed even in the center of the room, and it will still look rich, stylish and modern.

One of its main advantages is excellent picture quality. And indeed, the TV has masterpiece characteristics. Initially, we note the 4K quantum processor, which at the AI ​​level optimizes and enhances the picture to 4K format. In addition, the TV received support for QLED, HDR 10+, Mega Contrast, Supreme UHD Dimming, Auto Motion Plus, Motion Rate, Contrast Enhancer and more, which makes the picture perfect. Moreover, it enters the screen with a frequency of 120 Hz and IDS 3200.

The acoustic features of the device, represented by 4 speakers with a power of 40 W, look no less chic. At the same time, the device received additional surround sound and AVL technologies, as well as support for Dolby Digital Plus, Multiroom Link, Dialog Enhancement, and others. All this makes it magnificent, realistic and very clean.

As for the direct purpose, the TV looks perfect even here. Its tuner works with any digital and analog TV streams. In addition, the device has a really diverse set of additional functionality, and its advanced Smart TV is one of the fastest. It is especially pleasing that the TV is one of the most optimized for games and additional content. nine0005

Quantum processor 4K

Design on 360

Expanded dynamic range QUANTUM HDR

Great image

Supreme UHD Dimming

Support

Perfect compatibility with additional equipment

High cost

Complexity with settings and functionality

appearance

10/10

image

10/10

Sound

10/10

Functionality

10/10

10

This is really one of the best TVs that only can be found on sale. With it, you get a premium picture and sound. At the same time, its additional functions and possibilities really know no bounds.

Philips 55OLED805


Compiling TVs without mentioning the Philips flagship is almost a crime. This is truly a device that has limitless quality. And limitless - in the truest sense of the word. The fact is that his image does not end with the TV. The smart LEDs on the edges nicely cast a shadow on the walls around it, which gives the impression of a much larger diagonal than the device actually has.

But what pleases me most is the superb image that the device displays on the screen, thanks to the powerful P5 AI Perfect Picture processor. But the great thing about this 55-inch model is the combination of Samsung and LG's flagship chips. The fact is that the TV received OLED technology, which they combined with HDR 10+, and also added Dolby Vision, a frequency of 100 Hz and IDS 5700 here. And even all this description is unable to convey those feelings of realism that the TV transmits in reality. nine0005

And most importantly, the sound of the TV is in no way inferior to its image. The TV received not only a subwoofer, but also 3 powerful speakers, with a total power of 50 watts. The TV produces really deep, surround, clear and realistic sound, thanks to the use of Dolby Digital and DTS decoders, as well as thanks to surround sound and AVL.

Not inferior to all of the above and the functionality of the TV. It is capable of processing any formats, and also has a number of the most modern interfaces. Moreover, it was packed with additional features no worse than the flagship Samsung, and most importantly, the device received an advanced tuner that reads all existing types of digital and analog signals. nine0005

Unlimited design

P5 AI Perfect Picture

OS Android

Dolby Atmos

Multiple Auts system DTS Play-Fi

simplicity and convenience and convenience and convenience of Android TV Vison

Light Sensor, DLNA, Time Shift

Ambient Mode

Expensive

Difficult to set up

Appearance

10/10

Image

10/10

Sound

10/10

Functionality

10/10

Total

This TV is so good that even after almost 2 years after the release, it does not only remain relevant , it may well compete with the best TVs in the world. Moreover, this model is definitely in the top 5, and the quality of its sound and picture is truly limitless.

LG 55NANO956NA NanoCell


8K, perhaps, you can no longer even continue, because it is already clear how advanced the TV is in front of you. Imagine if a 4K TV gives a picture that is indistinguishable from reality, then what an 8K TV can do with twice as many pixels. At the same time, the TV itself looks powerful, stylish and modern, in a miniature frame and with a thin body.

As for the characteristics, here we see that we have a truly multifunctional device that has received excellent opportunities. The TV has an IPS matrix by default, which already indicates good quality, but there are also Dolby Vision, HDR 10 Pro and NanoCell, as well as the alpha 9 processorgen III AI 8K, which processes it all, stabilizes and optimizes it to perfection.

When it comes to sound, one can only admire it too. The device received 4 magnificent speakers, with a power of 40 watts. In addition, the device has a subwoofer, supports Dolby Digital decoders, has surround sound, stereo sound and AVL. We can say that the TV received sound at 8K. He's really good.

The most interesting thing is that the developers did not save on performance either. The device received the most advanced tuner, a dozen popular and advanced additional technologies, the ability to play any format, and most importantly, excellent compatibility even with the most modern devices. nine0005

Color of color 10 bits

Type of dimming Full Array Dimming

Alpha 9 Gen III AI 8K

Support Cinema HDR and Dolby Vision

Automatic mode with low delay (Allm

9000

360 VR Player

Magic Remote included

Expensive

Difficult to set up

Appearance

10/10

Picture

10/10

Sound

10/10

Functionality

10/10

Total

10

10

This is truly a state of the art TV. This is one of the few models that can be said to be ahead of its time. Yes, the TV is expensive, but for many, the eyes see worse than this TV shows.

Xiaomi Redmi Smart TV X50 LED


It's a completely bezel-less TV with an incredibly thin build as well as great performance. Yes, its price looks much lower than that of competitors, but it still bites. Nevertheless, the device is completely worth the money, because it is really good. nine0005

The Novatek NT671D A73 x 2 + A53 x 2 processor is responsible for the picture quality on the TV. It optimizes the picture as well as others, eliminating extraneous noise and signal problems. At the same time, the TV has a VA matrix, thanks to which it received high levels of brightness and contrast, as well as a screen refresh rate of 60 Hz. So the output is a great 4K image.

But the pride of the TV is its sound system, represented by 4 speakers, with a total sound power of 50 watts. At the same time, the sound will not just be loud, but also clear, clear, deep and realistic, because it uses Dolby Digital and DTS decoders, and also has surround sound, stereo sound and AVL functions. nine0005

The most interesting thing is that it was on this TV that Xiaomi did not save at all and added an advanced tuner that reads all existing analog and digital television streams. In addition, the device received a dozen modern interfaces, the ability to play additional content formats, as well as a number of additional features that further diversify its work.

PatchWall 2.0 UI

Processor Novatek NT671D A73 x 2 + A53 x 2

Video processor ARM Mali G51

Simplicity and convenience Android TV

Advanced tuner

Voice control

Great sound

Ideal picture

Modern interfaces

A little high -speed

Unreasonable location of

10/10

Image

9/10

Sound

10/10

Functionality

9/10

Total

9. 5

This is a really great TV with great features and performance. But the main thing is that with it you will get an image and sound no worse than the flagship one, and for the price it is much more profitable.

TV with good sound - which one to choose for 2021

When buying a TV, a potential buyer is guided by many factors. But, in addition to image quality, an equally important category is sound . There are several TVs available on the market that offer an integrated soundbar or unique audio system solutions. nine0005

High picture quality and high-quality sound system are two indispensable elements confirming the TV class.

Unfortunately, most TVs on the market, although they have a very decent picture (HDR, wide color gamut), have fairly average sound emission capabilities. In this case, many consumers decide to purchase an external audio system.

Sound is a very important element when buying a TV

According to research by TP Vision (owner of the Philips brand), "TV buyers are paying more and more attention to sound - 87% of respondents attach importance to it. "

There are several models of TVs with extended audio available in stores. At the same time, not every consumer has the desire, space, or budget to purchase an additional external device, such as a home theater or multi-element soundbar.

Based on over a dozen tests, I've decided to bring you the best - if not the best - 4K UHD TVs in the audio category. nine0005

Televisions without built-in soundbar

There are 3 items in this product segment.

  1. Philips OLED 805 - best sound

    The first is the Philips OLED 805 , which won our 55- and 65-inch OLED TV rankings. On the back of the TV are 3 speakers (2.1 system), including one subwoofer.

    According to the specifications, we get a sound power of 50 watts (RMS). Thanks to the use of a 30 W woofer, we get very good bass reproduction - this is one of the best TVs in this category on the market. nine0005

    In the personal mode settings in the menu we find an interesting solution called "AI Equalizer". This is a special algorithm that optimizes the sound for the audio track being played. Enabling this feature brings tangible benefits, for example, when streaming music.

    What We Liked :

    • Organic Matrix 100/120 Hz
    • Wide range of colors
    • Visible HDR effect
    • Ambilight 9 system0014
    • Pleasant remote control with keypad and backlight

    What disappointed us :

    • No preview of the selected channel in the guide
    • No MJPG codec support in AVI container

  2. Samsung Q90T is a powerful alternative to

    The second TV worth recommending is the Samsung Q90T . In the case of this model, my biggest caveat concerns the average bass response. However, I think that this device offers very interesting solutions and it reproduces medium and high sounds well. nine0005

    Thanks to the OTS (Object Tracking Sound) system, which includes four appropriately located speakers, we can follow, for example, the movement of a car across the screen, not only with our eyesight. We can also detect objects by ear.

    Samsung Q90T can produce quite a loud sound - according to the manufacturer it is 60 watts.

    What We Like :

    • Quantum Dot Technology
    • HDMI 2.1
      • nine0013 Ambient mode
    • FALD Technology (Full Backlight with Local Dimming)
    • Matrix 100/120 Hz
    • Wide range of colors
    • Visible HDR effect

    What disappointed us :

    • Difficulty finding content, for example, on YouTube

  3. Sony OLED A8 with Acoustic Surface

    The third model in this category is the Sony OLED A8 with a very interesting system called Acoustic Surface. In the receiver, under the matrix, there are inductors (actuators) that cause vibrations, which in a simplified form means that the sound from the TV comes directly from the screen. nine0005

    In the case of the Sony A8 we get a power of 30W, including two 5W subwoofers, which at such a low power (only 10W) ​​reproduce low frequencies very decently.

    What We Liked :

    • Organic Matrix 100/120 Hz
    • Wide range of colors
    • Visible HDR effect
    • Clear program guide

    What disappointed us :

    • Mediocre looking remote
    • Very long boot time from external drive

TCL with built-in soundbar Onkyo

TCL's offering includes two models with built-in soundbar from Onkyo. The first copy is a TCL QLED C815 running in a 35W 2.1 system including 15W subwoofer speakers.

To be honest, the sound emitted by the C815 doesn't knock you off your feet: the wide music stage and lower registers should be more audible. However, when viewed objectively in terms of price and other products in this segment, the TCL QLED C815 fully deserves a place in this category. nine0005

What we liked :

What disappointed us :

Better equipped in terms of sound - MiniLED QLED X10 . It has a power of 45W, including two woofers of 15W each. Compared to the C815, we get better bass and more surround sound.

In the case of the X10, the time I had to test was very limited. Unfortunately, in such a short time it is impossible to check the equipment 100% and thus point out all the advantages and disadvantages. However, there are undoubtedly positives: MiniLED and Quantum Dot technology, a wide range of colors and a visible HDR effect. nine0005

Panasonic TVs with sound Tuned by Technics

In the case of the Japanese manufacturer, two 2020 receivers have a built-in soundbar : HZ1500 and HZ2000 . In the case of the first instance, we have an audio system in configuration 2.2.1 with a power of 80 W (2x15 W, 1x20 W, 2x15 W). In the second TV, the manufacturer installed a 140W 2.2.3 system (2x20W, 1x20W, 1x20W, 1x20W, 2x20W subwoofer). Both the HZ 2000 and the HZ 1500 have speakers located at the front of the receiver (bar) and at the back of the unit. In addition, some speakers have been angled upwards for a better effect when broadcasting Dolby Atmos. nine0005

The Space Tune function is a special acoustic calibration of the audio system that adjusts the emitted sound according to the space in which the TV is placed. The process is divided into four steps: first, the user selects the type of placement of the TV (table / wall), then the distance from the wall (15 cm / 30 cm / 60 cm), the distance between the top edge of the TV and the ceiling (1 m / 1.5 m / 2 m) and the perspective of looking at the screen (top / center / bottom).

In the case of the above two TVs, it is difficult to highlight all the pros and cons 100%, because we did not have the opportunity to conduct full product reviews (we only had the opportunity to test the HZ1000E). However, from my brief observations, it deserves pluses: 100/120 Hz organic matrix, wide color gamut, well-marked HDR effect, Dolby Vision IQ. On the other hand: some applications are missing, the remote control does not have a built-in microphone. nine0005

Philips TV with Bowers & Wilkins sound system

TP Vision, owner of the Philips brand, has partnered with Bowers & Wilkins on sound since 2018. As many as three TVs stand out in the 2020 offer with an integrated soundbar (covered in Kvadrat fabric): OLED+ 935, PUS9435, PUS9235. According to the manufacturer, the equipment operates on the basis of the 2.1 system, and its power is 40 watts.

The Philips PUS9435 is available in two sizes: 55" and 65". The receiver produces a very pleasant sound, the music scene is correct, the proportions between the bands are preserved. The device works in system 2.1.2 with a total power of 50 watts. nine0005

The greatest advantages of : VA-matrix, Ambilight system, good color rendering, nice backlit remote control.

Biggest cons of : 50/60Hz matrix, no preview of selected channel, no MJPG codec support in AVI container.

Philips OLED+ 935 is a premium product. According to the manufacturer: “It has a total of ten drivers in a 3.1.2 configuration, including three 19mm titanium dome tweeters facing forward in left, center and right configurations. All three nodes are separated from the body. On the other hand, the top-firing tweeter is housed in a separate hard chrome cabinet, creating a dedicated center channel layout. In addition, the soundbar uses four 50mm mid-range drivers: two center drivers and one at each end of the speaker cabinet. Philips OLED+ 935 features two 50mm Dolby Atmos Elevation drivers mounted on top of the case and facing upwards. The 100x65mm subwoofer has been relocated to the back of the speaker – Flowport technology developed by Bowers & Wilkins.”

After reading the snippet above, one wonders how well the Bowers & Wilkins audio system works in real life on the Philips OLED+ 935. To be honest, this is one of the best TVs available on the market. Compared to last year OLED+ 934 , our award winner, Philips has raised the bar with this model.

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