Soundbars have become essential to modern home entertainment setups, enhancing the audio experience of your favorite movies, TV shows, and music. The Hisense AX5100G 5.1 Channel 340W Dolby Atmos Soundbar promises to elevate your audio experience to new heights. This comprehensive review will explore its design and build quality, audio performance, connectivity options, ease of installation and setup, and decide whether it’s worth the investment.
Design and Build Quality
The Hisense AX5100G boasts a sleek and contemporary design that can seamlessly blend with most home decor styles. The soundbar is reasonably compact, measuring just under 40 inches in width. It features a robust build quality with a combination of metal and plastic materials, giving it a sturdy and durable feel.
The wireless subwoofer accompanying the soundbar is equally well-built, providing a solid foundation for delivering deep and powerful bass. Its compact size makes it easy to place in any corner of the room without taking up too much space.
The soundbar also has a comfortable dedicated remote control and provides easy access to various settings and modes. Alternatively, you can control the soundbar using the Hisense RemoteNOW app, which offers a user-friendly interface and additional customization options.
Audio Quality
One of the standout features of the Hisense AX5100G is its Dolby Atmos support, which enables a truly immersive audio experience. With a total power output of 340W, this soundbar can fill even large living spaces with rich and dynamic sound.
Including upward-firing speakers in the soundbar helps create a three-dimensional audio experience by bouncing sound off the ceiling. This adds a new dimension to movies and shows, making you feel right in the middle of the action.
The wireless subwoofer complements the soundbar’s performance by delivering deep, punchy bass. Whether watching an explosive action sequence or listening to music, the bass response is impressive and adds depth to the audio.
Additionally, the soundbar features multiple audio modes, allowing you to fine-tune the sound to your liking. You can easily switch between modes to suit your content, whether you prefer clear dialogue, powerful bass, or a balanced soundstage.
Connectivity Options
The Hisense AX5100G offers a wide range of connectivity options to ensure compatibility with various devices. It features HDMI ARC (Audio Return Channel) support, simplifying the connection to your TV and allowing for seamless audio playback through a single HDMI cable.
Furthermore, the soundbar includes Bluetooth connectivity, enabling you to stream music from your smartphone or tablet wirelessly. This is a convenient feature for those who want to enjoy their favorite playlists without the hassle of cables.
For those with more extensive audio setups, the soundbar offers an HDMI input, an optical input, and a 3.5mm aux-in jack. This versatility allows you to connect your gaming consoles, Blu-ray players, and other audio sources effortlessly.
Ease of Installation and Setup
Setting up the Hisense AX5100G is a straightforward process that should be manageable for most users. The soundbar can be wall-mounted or placed on a TV stand, and it comes with mounting hardware for added convenience.
The wireless subwoofer pairs automatically with the soundbar, eliminating the need for complex cable management. Plug it in, and it’s ready to deliver powerful bass.
The included remote control and the RemoteNOW app makes it easy to navigate settings and fine-tune the audio to your preferences. The app also provides access to firmware updates, ensuring your soundbar stays up to date with the latest features and improvements.
Our Verdict
In conclusion, the Hisense AX5100G 5.1 Channel 340W Dolby Atmos Soundbar offers an impressive audio experience with its immersive Dolby Atmos support, robust build quality, and versatile connectivity options. Whether watching movies, playing games, or streaming music, this soundbar delivers rich, dynamic sound that enhances your entertainment.
While it may not compete with some of the high-end soundbars on the market, it provides excellent value for its price range. The inclusion of Dolby Atmos, wireless subwoofer, and various audio modes makes it a compelling choice for anyone looking to upgrade their home audio setup without breaking the bank.
Remote Control and User Interface
The Hisense AX5100G soundbar comes with a well-designed remote control that is intuitive to use. The remote allows you to adjust various settings and modes with ease. Its ergonomic design fits comfortably in hand, and the buttons are well-spaced, making it easy to locate and press the desired function.
The included RemoteNOW app provides an alternative means of controlling the soundbar. It offers a user-friendly interface with access to the soundbar’s settings, including volume control, audio modes, and EQ adjustments. This app can be particularly convenient for those who prefer using their smartphones or tablets as remote controls.
Speaker Configuration
The Hisense AX5100G boasts a 5.1-channel speaker configuration, including the soundbar and a wireless subwoofer. This setup is designed to provide a surround sound experience that immerses you in your favorite movies and TV shows.
The soundbar houses multiple speakers, including front-firing drivers and upward-firing speakers for Dolby Atmos support. These speakers work together to create a multi-dimensional audio experience, with the upward-firing speakers bouncing sound off the ceiling to simulate height and depth in the audio.
The wireless subwoofer, on the other hand, contributes to the low-frequency range. It provides the necessary punch and rumbles to enhance action sequences and deliver a more cinematic feel to your audio.
Bass and Treble Performance
One of the critical aspects of any soundbar is its ability to handle bass and treble frequencies effectively. The Hisense AX5100G does not disappoint in this regard.
The wireless subwoofer produces deep, resonant bass that impacts explosions, music beats, and deep voices. It complements the soundbar’s front-firing drivers well, ensuring that the lower end of the audio spectrum is adequately covered.
Treble performance is also commendable, with clear and crisp high-frequency sounds. Whether it’s birds chirping, the tinkling of glass, or the nuances in dialogue, the soundbar reproduces them with clarity and detail.
EQ Settings
The Hisense AX5100G allows users to customize their audio experience through EQ (Equalizer) settings. EQ settings will enable you to fine-tune the sound to your preferences, adapting it to different types of content or room acoustics.
While the specific EQ options may vary, most soundbars offer presets like “Movie,” “Music,” “Voice,” and “Game.” These presets adjust the sound profile to suit the genre or content you’re consuming. For example, the “Movie” preset may emphasize surround sound and bass for a more immersive cinematic experience, while the “Voice” preset focuses on clear dialogue for TV shows and documentaries.
Advanced users can also create custom EQ profiles, adjusting parameters like bass, treble, and balance to achieve their preferred sound signature. This level of customization is a welcome feature for audiophiles and those who want complete control over their audio.
Soundstage and Imaging
The Hisense AX5100G creates an expansive soundstage, even in a relatively compact form. The combination of its front-firing drivers and upward-firing speakers, along with Dolby Atmos support, enables sound to move around the room convincingly.
The soundstage widens the audio perception, making it feel like you’re in the middle of the action, whether you’re watching a suspenseful thriller or an action-packed blockbuster. This immersion adds depth and dimension to your entertainment, enhancing the viewing experience.
Imaging, or the ability to pinpoint the location of sound sources, is another area where this soundbar performs admirably. It accurately positions sound effects and dialogue within the soundstage, creating a more realistic and engaging auditory experience.
Surround Sound Performance
One of the standout features of the Hisense AX5100G is its ability to deliver surround sound without the need for additional satellite speakers. Its Dolby Atmos support makes this possible, which adds a vertical dimension to the audio.
With upward-firing speakers, the soundbar reflects sound off the ceiling, creating the illusion of sound coming from above and behind you. This is especially effective for heightening the immersion in scenes with overhead effects like rain, helicopters, or flying objects.
The wireless subwoofer contributes to the surround sound experience by delivering deep bass that complements the directional audio cues. When paired with a compatible source, such as a Dolby Atmos-enabled Blu-ray disc or streaming content, the AX5100G truly shines in recreating a 360-degree audio environment.
Dialogue Clarity
One of the key aspects of any soundbar is its ability to reproduce dialogue clearly and intelligibly. In this regard, the Hisense AX5100G impresses with its dedication to delivering crisp and distinct dialogue.
The soundbar’s dedicated center channel speaker typically focused on reproducing dialogue, ensures that voices are well-balanced and easy to understand. Whether watching a dialogue-heavy drama or a fast-paced action movie, you will stay focused on what the characters are saying. This is particularly important for an immersive home theater experience, where dialogue often carries critical plot information.
Including various audio modes, such as a “Voice” or “Clear Voice” setting, can enhance dialogue clarity. These modes emphasize speech frequencies, reducing the chances of losing dialogue amidst background noise or music.
Volume and Power Handling
The Hisense AX5100G’s 340W total power output can produce sound at impressively high volumes. This capability ensures that your soundbar can fill even larger rooms with robust audio, making it suitable for home theaters or living rooms of varying sizes.
The soundbar handles power efficiently, which means it can easily handle quiet dialogue-heavy scenes and explosive action sequences. Even at high volumes, there’s little to no distortion, maintaining the audio quality throughout your viewing or listening experience.
For those who appreciate cinematic audio experiences, the AX5100G won’t disappoint. It can deliver room-shaking bass and spine-tingling surround sound when called upon, making it a versatile choice for different types of content.
Bluetooth and Wireless Connectivity
The inclusion of Bluetooth connectivity is a valuable feature in the Hisense AX5100G. It allows you to easily pair your smartphone, tablet, or other Bluetooth-enabled devices with the soundbar. This wireless connection enables you to stream music, podcasts, or audiobooks directly to the soundbar without additional cables.
The convenience of Bluetooth extends to guests or family members who want to share their favorite music from their own devices. Pairing is usually straightforward, ensuring everyone can contribute to the playlist during gatherings or parties.
The wireless subwoofer connects effortlessly to the soundbar without requiring physical cables. This not only simplifies the setup process but also eliminates the need for running wires across the room, enhancing the overall aesthetics of your entertainment area.
Compatibility with TV and Other Devices
The Hisense AX5100G is designed to be compatible with a wide range of TVs and other devices. It features HDMI ARC (Audio Return Channel) support, allowing for a seamless connection to your TV. With HDMI ARC, you can control the soundbar’s volume and power with your TV remote, reducing the need for multiple remotes cluttering your coffee table.
In addition to HDMI ARC, the soundbar offers an HDMI input, optical input, and a 3.5mm aux-in jack. These various connectivity options ensure you can connect gaming consoles, Blu-ray players, set-top boxes, and other audio sources without issues.
The AX5100G’s compatibility extends to different TV brands and models, making it a versatile choice for a wide range of home entertainment setups. It’s essential to check your TV’s compatibility with HDMI ARC or optical audio output to ensure a seamless connection.
Streaming Services Support
The Hisense AX5100G supports popular streaming services like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Disney+ to cater to the modern streaming-oriented lifestyle. You can enjoy your favorite streaming content with enhanced audio quality through the soundbar.
The Dolby Atmos support in the soundbar further enriches the streaming experience. Streaming services that offer Dolby Atmos content will benefit from the soundbar’s ability to deliver immersive audio. It’s important to note that not all content on streaming platforms supports Dolby Atmos, so availability may vary depending on the specific titles you’re watching.
Having streaming services support directly through the soundbar can streamline your viewing experience. You won’t need to switch between multiple devices or inputs to access your favorite shows and movies.
Audio Codecs Supported
The Hisense AX5100G is equipped with a range of audio codecs, ensuring compatibility with various audio formats and sources. Commonly supported codecs include Dolby Digital, DTS, and AAC, widely used in Blu-ray discs, streaming services, and broadcast TV.
The inclusion of Dolby Atmos support is a standout feature. This advanced audio codec adds a vertical dimension to the sound, creating a more immersive audio experience. It’s particularly effective in replicating the cinematic experience in your own living room.
Additionally, the soundbar’s support for high-resolution audio codecs like FLAC and WAV allows audiophiles to enjoy their music collection with the utmost fidelity. The soundbar’s ability to decode and reproduce these formats ensures you can experience your music fully.
Size and Compatibility with Room
The physical dimensions of the Hisense AX5100G soundbar make it a versatile choice for various room sizes and configurations. Measuring just under 40 inches in width, it can comfortably fit in most living rooms and home theater setups.
For those with smaller spaces, the soundbar’s compact design allows for easy placement on a TV stand or mounting on the wall. Wall mounting is made convenient with the included mounting hardware.
The wireless subwoofer’s compact size ensures it doesn’t dominate your room while still delivering powerful bass. Its wireless connectivity also means you can place it strategically for optimal bass response without being constrained by cable lengths.
The soundbar’s 340W of total power output in larger rooms ensures it can deliver room-filling sound without sacrificing quality. Its ability to create an expansive soundstage and immersive surround sound experience makes it well-suited for larger living spaces.
Brand and Reputation
Hisense, a well-established consumer electronics company, has been gaining recognition and trust in the industry for producing high-quality, affordable products. While not as prominent as other brands, Hisense has steadily built a reputation for delivering reliable and feature-rich electronics, including TVs, refrigerators, and soundbars.
The Hisense AX5100G 5.1 Channel 340W Dolby Atmos Soundbar is a testament to the brand’s commitment to providing consumers with value for their money. Hisense’s reputation for offering affordable yet technologically advanced products bodes well for this soundbar’s performance and features.
Durability and Longevity
When investing in a soundbar, it’s crucial to consider its durability and longevity. The Hisense AX5100G, with its robust build quality, is designed to withstand daily use and deliver lasting performance.
The soundbar’s metal and plastic construction gives it a sturdy feel, ensuring it can handle the wear and tear of regular use. Additionally, the wireless subwoofer, a crucial system component, is built to last and can continue to provide powerful bass performance over time.
Hisense’s commitment to quality control and manufacturing standards further contributes to the product’s durability. This ensures you can enjoy your soundbar for years without encountering significant issues or performance degradation.
Energy Efficiency
In an era where energy efficiency is a significant concern, the Hisense AX5100G soundbar aims to strike a balance between performance and energy conservation. Like many electronics, soundbars can be left on for extended periods, making energy efficiency an important consideration.
The soundbar is designed to consume power efficiently and automatically enters a standby mode when not used for an extended period. This feature helps conserve energy and reduce your electricity bills over time.
The included remote control and the RemoteNOW app offer convenient ways to power the soundbar on and off, making it easy to manage its energy usage according to your needs.
Portability and Convenience
The Hisense AX5100G soundbar offers a degree of portability and convenience that enhances its usability in various scenarios. Its compact design and wireless subwoofer make moving and positioning within your living space easy.
Whether rearranging your furniture or temporarily relocating the soundbar for a special event, its portability ensures you can achieve optimal audio performance without a hassle. The absence of wired connections between the soundbar and subwoofer contributes to this convenience.
Additionally, the RemoteNOW app allows you to control the soundbar from your smartphone or tablet, eliminating the need to search for the physical remote control. This added convenience enhances the user experience, especially when adjusting settings or switching between audio modes.
Mounting Options
Mounting options for a soundbar can significantly impact the aesthetics and functionality of your entertainment setup. The Hisense AX5100G offers versatile mounting options to cater to various room configurations and preferences.
Wall Mounting: The soundbar includes mounting hardware, making it easy to install on the wall beneath your TV. Wall mounting saves valuable space and provides a clean and uncluttered look, ideal for modern home theater setups.
Tabletop Placement: If you prefer to avoid mounting the soundbar on the wall, it can be placed on a TV stand or tabletop. Its compact size ensures that it won’t obstruct your view of the TV screen, allowing you to maintain a sleek and organized appearance.
Subwoofer Placement: The wireless subwoofer can be strategically positioned within the room to achieve the best bass response. Its wireless connectivity eliminates the need for lengthy subwoofer cables, allowing you to place it in an ideal spot without clutter.
Adjustable Angles: Some soundbars, including the Hisense AX5100G, offer adjustable angles. This feature lets you direct the sound more precisely towards the listening area, ensuring an optimal listening experience.
Overall, the availability of these mounting options ensures that the soundbar can seamlessly integrate into your room’s layout while enhancing your audio experience. Whether you prefer a minimalist wall-mounted setup or a more traditional tabletop arrangement, the Hisense AX5100G accommodates your preferences.
Comparison with Similar Products
To better understand where the Hisense AX5100G stands in the market, it’s helpful to compare it with similar soundbars within its price range and feature set. Here, we’ll compare it to two notable competitors: the Samsung HW-Q60T and the LG SK8Y.
Hisense AX5100G vs. Samsung HW-Q60T
Both soundbars offer Dolby Atmos support, wireless subwoofers, and Bluetooth connectivity. However, there are some differences:
Hisense AX5100G Pros
Higher total power output at 340W (compared to Samsung’s 360W).
Dolby Atmos support enhances the vertical audio experience.
The RemoteNOW app provides additional convenience.
Samsung HW-Q60T Pros
Slightly higher total power output at 360W.
Samsung’s reputation for display and audio products.
Samsung Acoustic Beam technology for directional sound.
Hisense AX5100G vs. LG SK8Y
The LG SK8Y is another competitor with Dolby Atmos support and a wireless subwoofer. Here’s how it compares:
Hisense AX5100G Pros
Higher total power output at 340W (compared to the LG’s 360W).
Generally more affordable.
Dolby Atmos support for immersive audio.
LG SK8Y Pros
LG’s reputation for electronics and audio products.
Meridian Audio technology for improved sound quality.
High-resolution audio support for audiophiles.
While the Hisense AX5100G offers competitive features and performance, consumers may choose based on brand preference, specific requirements, and budget considerations.
Buying Guide and Recommendations
If you’re considering the Hisense AX5100G 5.1 Channel 340W Dolby Atmos Soundbar, here are some recommendations and factors to consider before making your purchase:
Room Size and Layout: Assess the size and layout of your room. The AX5100G’s 340W power output makes it suitable for a range of room sizes, but larger rooms may benefit from additional audio components.
TV Compatibility: Check if your TV supports HDMI ARC or has optical audio output, as this will affect the soundbar’s connectivity options.
Soundbar Placement: Decide whether you prefer wall mounting or tabletop placement for the soundbar. Ensure that your chosen post complements your room’s aesthetics and delivers optimal sound.
Streaming Services: If you frequently use streaming services, ensure that the soundbar supports the ones you subscribe to for an enhanced audio experience.
Audio Preferences: Consider your audio preferences. If you enjoy detailed customization, explore the soundbar’s EQ settings. If you prioritize immersive audio, Dolby Atmos support is a valuable feature.
Budget: The Hisense AX5100G offers an attractive balance of features and affordability. Evaluate your budget and weigh it against your desired features and performance.
Customer Support and Warranty: Research Hisense’s customer support reputation and warranty terms to ensure you have peace of mind regarding post-purchase assistance.
Final Thoughts
The Hisense AX5100G 5.1 Channel 340W Dolby Atmos Soundbar offers a compelling combination of features, performance, and affordability. Positive customer reviews highlight its immersive audio capabilities, ease of installation, and value for money.
While occasional compatibility issues and the complexity of sound customization settings may arise, the overall user experience remains positive. Comparisons with similar products like the Samsung HW-Q60T and LG SK8Y reveal that the Hisense AX5100G competes favorably within its price range.
Ultimately, purchasing the Hisense AX5100G depends on your specific needs, preferences, and budget. If you seek an immersive audio experience that enhances your home entertainment without breaking the bank, this soundbar is worth serious consideration.