Soundbars have become essential components of home entertainment systems, enhancing the audio quality of your TV and providing a cinematic experience without the need for a full-fledged surround sound system. The TCL TS7010 Soundbar TV with Subwoofer is a promising option in this category, known for its affordability and impressive audio performance. This review will delve into the design and build quality, audio quality, connectivity options, ease of installation, and setup to help you decide if the TCL TS7010 is the right soundbar for your home theater setup.
Design and Build Quality
The design and build quality of the TCL TS7010 are commendable, especially considering its budget-friendly price point. The soundbar boasts a sleek and modern design with a low profile that seamlessly complements most TV setups. Its compact dimensions (35.4 inches wide) make it suitable for TVs ranging from 40 to 60 inches in size.
The soundbar’s build quality feels sturdy and durable, with a matte black finish that adds a touch of elegance. It features a metal grille covering the front, enhancing its appearance and protecting the internal components. The wireless subwoofer, which pairs with the soundbar to deliver enhanced bass, has a matching design and build quality.
The included remote control is user-friendly, with well-labeled buttons for adjusting volume, changing audio modes, and more. The TCL TS7010’s design and build quality make it a visually appealing addition to your home entertainment setup.
Audio Quality
Audio quality is crucial when evaluating a soundbar, and the TCL TS7010 doesn’t disappoint. With a speaker configuration that includes two full-range drivers in the soundbar and a wireless subwoofer, it delivers clear and balanced audio.
One standout feature is the clear reproduction of dialogues and vocals. This soundbar makes spoken words crisp and easy to understand, ensuring you catch every nuance of dialogue in movies and TV shows. It significantly enhances the overall audio experience when watching content with complex conversations.
The wireless subwoofer is valuable to the audio setup, providing much-needed low-end depth. It enriches the audio experience with powerful and resonant bass, adding a layer of immersion for action sequences and music. Whether watching an action-packed blockbuster or enjoying your favourite music, the subwoofer’s contribution is unmistakable.
The TCL TS7010 also offers various sound modes, including Standard, Music, Movie, and News, which you can easily switch between using the remote control. These modes allow you to optimize the audio output based on the content you’re watching or listening to, enhancing the audio quality.
Connectivity Options
Connectivity options play a pivotal role in the versatility of a soundbar, and the TCL TS7010 doesn’t disappoint. It offers a range of wired and wireless connection possibilities, ensuring compatibility with various devices and setups.
Wired Connectivity
HDMI ARC: The soundbar includes an HDMI ARC (Audio Return Channel) port, allowing you to connect it to your TV with a single HDMI cable. This connection provides high-quality audio and lets you control the soundbar’s volume using your TV remote.
Optical Input: The optical input provides another high-quality audio connection option for TVs without HDMI ARC.
3.5mm AUX Input: This input is versatile and can connect older TVs, gaming consoles, or other audio sources.
Wireless Connectivity
Bluetooth: The soundbar features Bluetooth 5.0 technology, enabling wireless streaming from compatible devices like smartphones and tablets. This wireless capability allows you to play music, podcasts, or audio from streaming services directly through the soundbar.
Wireless Subwoofer: The subwoofer connects wirelessly to the soundbar, eliminating the need for a physical cable between the two components. This wireless connection ensures flexibility in subwoofer placement within your room.
Including these connectivity options ensures that the TCL TS7010 can seamlessly integrate into your existing home entertainment setup, regardless of your TV’s age or compatibility.
Ease of Installation and Setup
Setting up the TCL TS7010 Soundbar TV with a Subwoofer is a straightforward process that most users will find hassle-free. TCL provides clear instructions and includes all the necessary cables and accessories in the package.
Physical Setup: Place the soundbar in front of your TV or mount it on the wall using the included mounting kit. The wireless subwoofer can be placed anywhere within the wireless range (typically within 30 feet), allowing you to position it for optimal bass performance.
Connection: Depending on your TV’s available ports, connect the soundbar using HDMI ARC, optical, or AUX cables. If you prefer wireless connectivity, pair your smartphone or tablet with the soundbar via Bluetooth.
Subwoofer Pairing: The wireless subwoofer pairs automatically with the soundbar when both are powered on. There’s no need for manual pairing or additional steps.
The installation and setup process’s simplicity means you can enjoy enhanced audio from your TV in a matter of minutes. The HDMI ARC support is especially convenient for those looking for a streamlined connection with TV control integration.
Our Verdict
The TCL TS7010 Soundbar TV with Subwoofer offers excellent value for money, delivering a balanced audio experience with clear dialogues and powerful bass. Its design and build quality add an aesthetic touch to your entertainment setup, and its versatile connectivity options ensure compatibility with a wide range of devices.
Including a wireless subwoofer significantly enhances the overall audio quality, making it suitable for movie enthusiasts and music lovers alike. Whether watching action-packed movies or enjoying your favourite playlists, this soundbar adds depth and clarity to your audio experience.
Remote Control and User Interface
The TCL TS7010 Soundbar TV with Subwoofer has a user-friendly remote control that enhances your audio experience. The remote control is designed for simplicity and ease of use, featuring clearly labeled buttons that allow you to control various soundbar functions. It includes buttons for adjusting volume, changing audio modes, navigating sound settings, and powering the soundbar on or off.
The user interface is intuitive, making it straightforward to fine-tune your audio preferences without complex menus or settings. With the remote control, you can easily switch between different sound modes, adjust the bass and treble levels, and customize the EQ settings to match your preferred audio profile.
One handy feature of the remote control is its ability to control both the soundbar and the TV, provided your TV supports HDMI ARC (Audio Return Channel). This simplifies your home entertainment setup, allowing you to control the soundbar and TV with a single remote, minimizing clutter and streamlining your viewing experience.
Speaker Configuration
The TCL TS7010 Soundbar TV with Subwoofer features a well-thought-out speaker configuration to deliver a balanced, immersive audio experience. This configuration includes two full-range drivers within the soundbar and a separate wireless subwoofer.
The two full-range drivers in the soundbar are responsible for reproducing midrange and high-frequency audio. This setup ensures that dialogues, vocals, and high-frequency sound effects are clear and well-defined. It enhances the TV-watching experience by making spoken words and intricate audio details more audible.
The wireless subwoofer is a notable addition to the audio setup. It handles the low-frequency range, delivering deep and resonant bass. This subwoofer’s contribution is particularly evident during action sequences in movies and when listening to music with impactful basslines. The wireless connectivity of the subwoofer allows for flexible placement within your room, ensuring that you can achieve optimal bass performance without being restricted by cable length.
Bass and Treble Performance
The bass and treble performance of the TCL TS7010 Soundbar TV with Subwoofer is noteworthy, especially considering its budget-friendly price point. Including a dedicated wireless subwoofer greatly enhances the bass capabilities of this soundbar.
The wireless subwoofer delivers powerful and deep bass that adds a layer of immersion to your audio experience. It ensures that low-frequency effects, such as explosions in movies or the rumble of a bass guitar in music, are audible and felt. This enhanced bass performance appeals to movie enthusiasts and music lovers who appreciate the impactful and dynamic sound.
The treble performance is equally impressive, with the full-range drivers in the soundbar delivering clear and detailed high-frequency audio. High-pitched sounds, such as cymbals or dialogues, are reproduced precisely and clearly, even at higher volumes. This balanced treble performance contributes to the overall audio quality and ensures that audio remains articulate and enjoyable across a wide range of content.
EQ Settings
The TCL TS7010 offers a range of EQ (equalizer) settings, allowing you to customize the sound profile. These EQ settings provide versatility in tailoring the audio output to match your preferences and the content you’re enjoying.
The available EQ presets include Standard, Music, Movie, and News modes. Each mode is designed to enhance specific aspects of the audio experience:
Standard Mode: This preset offers a balanced sound profile suitable for everyday use, making it ideal for general TV watching.
Music Mode: Music mode emphasizes clarity and detail, enhancing your music listening experience by bringing out the subtleties of instruments and vocals.
Movie Mode: Movie mode is tailored for cinematic experiences, emphasizing surround sound effects and ensuring that dialogues and action sequences are clear and immersive.
News Mode: News mode focuses on vocal clarity, making it easier to understand news broadcasts, interviews, and talk shows.
Additionally, the soundbar allows for manual adjustments to the bass and treble levels. This level of customization ensures that you can fine-tune the audio output to match your specific preferences and the characteristics of the content you’re consuming.
Soundstage and Imaging
The TCL TS7010 creates a satisfying soundstage that enhances your overall audio experience. The soundstage refers to the perceived spatial arrangement of sound within your listening environment, and it significantly contributes to immersion when watching movies or playing video games.
While the soundbar doesn’t offer advanced technologies like Dolby Atmos, it still provides a spacious and immersive soundstage that extends beyond the physical boundaries of the soundbar itself. This means that audio comes from various directions, creating a more engaging and realistic experience.
Imaging, or the ability to pinpoint the location of sounds within the soundstage, is also commendable. While it may not achieve the precision of high-end sound systems, the TCL TS7010 separates audio elements and delivers a convincing sense of directionality. This makes it easier to discern the origin of sounds in movies, games, and music.
The combination of a spacious soundstage and reliable imaging ensures that you feel immersed in the audio, whether watching a thrilling movie, enjoying a live concert recording, or being engrossed in a video game.
Surround Sound Performance
While the TCL TS7010 doesn’t provide true surround sound like a multi-speaker setup, it offers a virtual surround sound experience that enhances immersion. This virtual surround sound is achieved through advanced audio processing that simulates a broader audio field, making audio appear from various directions around you.
The result is an expanded audio landscape that brings movies, TV shows, and games to life. It adds depth to audio, making it feel more three-dimensional and enveloping. This virtual surround sound performance is delightful during action sequences, where it enhances the excitement and intensity of on-screen events.
While the TCL TS7010 may not replace a full-fledged home theater system, it provides a convincing virtual surround sound experience that significantly enhances audio enjoyment.
Dialogue Clarity
Clear and articulate dialogues are essential for an immersive TV-watching experience, and the TCL TS7010 Soundbar TV with Subwoofer excels in this regard. The soundbar’s design and speaker configuration prioritize dialogue clarity, ensuring that spoken words are crisp and easy to understand.
The two full-range drivers within the soundbar are responsible for reproducing midrange and high-frequency audio. This setup ensures dialogues and vocals are well-defined and prominently featured in the audio mix. Whether watching a drama with intricate conversations or a fast-paced action movie with rapid-fire exchanges, the soundbar ensures you catch every word.
The clarity of dialogues is further enhanced by the soundbar’s audio processing, which emphasizes vocal frequencies and minimizes background noise. This makes it easier to follow the plot and enjoy the performances of your favorite actors without straining to hear what’s being said.
Volume and Power Handling
The TCL TS7010 Soundbar TV with Subwoofer offers ample volume and power handling capabilities to suit various audio needs. With a maximum output of up to 180 watts, this soundbar can fill small to medium-sized rooms with clear and dynamic audio.
The wireless subwoofer, which pairs seamlessly with the soundbar, contributes significantly to the overall volume and power of the audio setup. It handles the low-frequency range, delivering deep and resonant bass that enhances the overall impact of audio content. Whether you’re watching an explosive action sequence, enjoying music with thumping beats, or simply increasing the volume for a party atmosphere, the TCL TS7010 performs admirably without distortion.
Additionally, the soundbar’s ability to maintain clarity and definition at higher volume levels is noteworthy. You can crank up the volume to create a more immersive audio experience without sacrificing quality.
Bluetooth and Wireless Connectivity
Wireless connectivity is a valuable feature in modern soundbars, and the TCL TS7010 excels in this aspect. It comes equipped with Bluetooth 5.0 technology, allowing you to wirelessly connect your smartphone, tablet, or other compatible devices.
The Bluetooth connectivity opens up various possibilities for your audio experience:
Music Streaming: You can easily stream music from your smartphone or tablet to the soundbar, making it a versatile speaker for enjoying your favourite playlists, podcasts, or streaming music services.
Convenience: Bluetooth connectivity eliminates the need for physical cables, providing a clutter-free and convenient solution for playing audio content from your mobile devices.
Multi-Device Pairing: The soundbar supports multi-device pairing, allowing multiple users to connect their devices and take turns playing music seamlessly.
This wireless feature enhances the soundbar’s versatility, making it more than just a TV audio enhancer. It becomes a hub for wireless audio playback, catering to various audio preferences and sources.
Compatibility with TV and Other Devices
The TCL TS7010 Soundbar TV with Subwoofer is designed to be compatible with a wide range of TVs and other devices, making it a versatile addition to your home entertainment setup.
Compatibility with TVs
HDMI ARC: The soundbar includes an HDMI ARC (Audio Return Channel) port compatible with most modern TVs. This connection allows you to streamline the audio setup, control the soundbar with your TV remote, and enjoy high-quality audio from your TV’s content.
Optical Input: If your TV lacks HDMI ARC, the optical input provides another high-quality audio connection option. This versatility ensures you can connect the soundbar to TVs with various connectivity options.
3.5mm AUX Input: The soundbar also features a 3.5mm AUX input, which can connect older TVs, gaming consoles, or other audio sources. This compatibility ensures that you can integrate the soundbar into different setups.
Compatibility with Other Devices
Bluetooth Devices: Beyond TV compatibility, the soundbar’s Bluetooth connectivity allows you to pair it with a wide range of Bluetooth-enabled devices, including smartphones, tablets, and laptops.
Streaming Devices: Connect streaming devices like Roku, Amazon Fire Stick, or Google Chromecast to your TV and enjoy enhanced audio through the soundbar.
The broad compatibility of the TCL TS7010 ensures that it can adapt to various audio sources and devices, making it a versatile audio solution for your entire home entertainment ecosystem.
Streaming Services Support
The TCL TS7010 Soundbar TV with Subwoofer seamlessly integrates with popular streaming services, allowing you to enjoy your favourite content with enhanced audio quality. While the soundbar itself doesn’t directly access streaming services, it serves as the audio output for your TV or streaming device.
For example, suppose you have a smart TV or a streaming device like Roku, Amazon Fire Stick, or Apple TV connected to your TV. In that case, the soundbar enhances the audio experience of streaming services such as Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, Spotify, and more. You can enjoy movies, TV shows, music, and podcasts with superior audio clarity and impactful bass.
The soundbar’s ability to elevate the audio quality of streaming content enhances the overall enjoyment of your favourite entertainment platforms, bringing you closer to a cinematic experience without the need for a full surround sound system.
Audio Codecs Supported
The TCL TS7010 Soundbar TV with Subwoofer supports a variety of audio codecs, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of audio formats and sources. These supported codecs enable the soundbar to decode and reproduce audio with fidelity and precision.
Commonly supported audio codecs include
Dolby Digital: This codec is prevalent in many Blu-ray discs, streaming platforms, and digital broadcasts, delivering high-quality audio with multiple channels.
DTS: DTS audio codecs are often found in DVDs, Blu-rays, and streaming content, offering an immersive and dynamic audio experience.
PCM (Pulse Code Modulation): PCM is a standard audio format used in CDs, DVDs, and various digital audio sources. It provides uncompressed and high-fidelity audio.
Including these codecs ensures that the soundbar can handle a wide range of audio formats, providing consistent and high-quality audio playback across different media and devices.
Size and Compatibility with Room
The size and compatibility of a soundbar with your room layout are crucial factors to consider when choosing an audio solution. The TCL TS7010 Soundbar TV with Subwoofer balances a compact design and room-filling audio capabilities.
The soundbar’s dimensions, approximately 35.4 inches wide, make it suitable for TVs ranging from 40 to 60 inches in size. Its low profile ensures it doesn’t obstruct your TV screen and fits neatly under most TVs.
The wireless subwoofer’s compact design allows for flexible placement within your room. You can position it where it delivers the best bass performance without taking up valuable floor space.
This size and compatibility make the TCL TS7010 a versatile audio solution for various room sizes and layouts. Whether your room is small, cozy, or more spacious, the soundbar and subwoofer can adapt to your environment while delivering satisfying audio quality.
Brand and Reputation
TCL, short for “The Creative Life,” is a well-known consumer electronics brand with a global presence. Founded in China in 1981, TCL has earned a solid reputation for manufacturing a wide range of electronics, including televisions, smartphones, home appliances, and audio devices.
TCL’s commitment to innovation and affordability has made it a popular choice among consumers seeking quality products without breaking the bank. The brand has received recognition and awards for its TV technologies, including advancements in display technology and smart TV platforms.
The TCL TS7010 Soundbar TV with Subwoofer benefits from the brand’s reputation for delivering reliable and cost-effective consumer electronics. TCL’s commitment to quality and performance extends to its audio products, making the TS7010 a trustworthy choice for those seeking an affordable yet capable soundbar.
Price and Value for Money
One of the standout features of the TCL TS7010 Soundbar TV with Subwoofer is its affordability. TCL has positioned this soundbar as a budget-friendly audio solution that offers excellent value for money. This attractive price point makes it accessible to a wide range of consumers, including those on a budget.
Despite its competitive pricing, the TCL TS7010 doesn’t compromise on essential features and audio performance. It offers clear dialogue reproduction, a wireless subwoofer for enhanced bass, versatile connectivity options, and customizable audio settings. Including these features ensures that you receive significant value for your investment.
For consumers seeking to enhance their TV’s audio without the high cost associated with premium soundbars, the TCL TS7010 presents an appealing option. It allows you to enjoy a better audio experience without overspending, making it a cost-effective addition to your home entertainment setup.
Durability and Longevity
Durability is an important factor to consider when evaluating any electronic device, and the TCL TS7010 Soundbar TV with Subwoofer is designed with longevity in mind. The build quality of both the soundbar and the wireless subwoofer is sturdy and robust, ensuring that they can withstand the rigors of daily use.
The metal grille covering the front of the soundbar not only adds an element of elegance to its design but also protects the internal components. This grille construction contributes to the soundbar’s durability, helping it withstand accidental bumps or impacts.
The wireless subwoofer is designed to withstand the demands of delivering deep and powerful bass without compromising its structural integrity. Its wireless functionality adds to its longevity, as no physical cables can wear out over time.
TCL’s reputation for quality and reliability extends to its audio products, and the TCL TS7010 is no exception. Its durable build and construction materials ensure that it can provide long-lasting audio enhancement to your home entertainment setup.
Energy Efficiency
Energy efficiency is important, especially for devices that remain plugged in for extended periods. The TCL TS7010 Soundbar TV with Subwoofer is designed with energy efficiency in mind, aligning with modern eco-conscious practices.
The soundbar and subwoofer are engineered to operate efficiently, minimizing power consumption when in use and during standby mode. This energy-efficient design reduces your carbon footprint and helps lower electricity bills over time.
The wireless subwoofer’s automatic standby mode also conserves energy when not in active use. It activates when the soundbar is powered on and automatically enters standby mode when the audio system is idle. This smart energy-saving feature ensures that the subwoofer doesn’t consume unnecessary power when not needed.
Choosing the TCL TS7010 allows you to enjoy improved audio without compromising energy efficiency, contributing to a greener and more eco-friendly home entertainment setup.
Portability and Convenience
The portability and convenience of the TCL TS7010 Soundbar TV with Subwoofer enhance its usability and adaptability to various room layouts. The soundbar’s compact dimensions, approximately 35.4 inches wide, make it easy to place under your TV without taking up excessive space. This low-profile design ensures that it doesn’t obstruct your TV screen or detract from your room’s aesthetics.
The wireless subwoofer adds convenience by eliminating the need for a physical cable connection between the soundbar and the subwoofer. This wireless connectivity reduces clutter and allows you to place the subwoofer in an optimal position within your room to achieve the best bass performance.
The included remote control is user-friendly and intuitive, allowing you to easily adjust volume, change audio modes, and customize settings. The remote’s straightforward layout ensures you can fine-tune your audio preferences without complex menus or settings.
The compact design, wireless connectivity, and user-friendly remote control enhance the overall convenience of the TCL TS7010, making it accessible to users of all levels of technical expertise.
Mounting Options
The TCL TS7010 Soundbar TV with Subwoofer offers multiple mounting options for different room setups and preferences. These mounting options provide flexibility in how you choose to position the soundbar within your home entertainment area.
Tabletop Placement: The soundbar can be placed on a TV stand, shelf, or any flat surface near your TV. Its low profile ensures it doesn’t obstruct your view of the TV screen, making it a convenient option for tabletop placement.
Wall Mounting: If you prefer a clean and minimalist look, the soundbar can be wall-mounted using the included mounting kit. This option allows you to free up valuable surface space and achieve a sleek and integrated appearance in your room.
The choice between tabletop placement and wall mounting depends on your room layout, aesthetic preferences, and whether you want to minimize clutter. The TCL TS7010 accommodates both options, seamlessly integrating into your home entertainment setup.
Comparison with Similar Products
To provide a comprehensive overview of the TCL TS7010 Soundbar TV with Subwoofer, comparing it with similar products in the market is valuable. The Vizio V-Series 2.1 Home Theater Soundbar and the Sony HT-S350 Soundbar with Wireless Subwoofer are two notable competitors in the budget-friendly soundbar category.
TCL TS7010 vs. Vizio V-Series 2.1 Soundbar
Price: Both soundbars are competitively priced, making them budget-friendly options.
Audio Quality: The TCL TS7010 offers slightly better dialogue clarity, making it suitable for content with intricate conversations.
Subwoofer: Both soundbars include wireless subwoofers, providing enhanced bass, but the TCL’s bass is more pronounced.
Connectivity: The TCL TS7010 offers Bluetooth 5.0, while the Vizio soundbar includes Bluetooth 4.2.
EQ Settings: TCL provides customizable EQ settings, whereas the Vizio soundbar has limited EQ options.
Size: The TCL TS7010 is slightly smaller, making it more suitable for smaller TVs or rooms.
TCL TS7010 vs. Sony HT-S350 Soundbar
Price: Both soundbars are in a similar price range, offering affordability.
Audio Quality: Sony’s HT-S350 has a reputation for balanced audio with clear dialogues, similar to the TCL TS7010.
Subwoofer: Both come with wireless subwoofers, providing enhanced bass, but the TCL’s subwoofer is known for more impactful bass.
Connectivity: The Sony soundbar offers Bluetooth 5.0, comparable to the TCL TS7010.
EQ Settings: The Sony soundbar offers basic EQ settings, while TCL provides more customization options.
Size: The TCL TS7010 is more compact, making it suitable for smaller TVs and rooms.
Ultimately, choosing these soundbars depends on your preferences, room size, and budget. The TCL TS7010 stands out for its affordability, clear dialogue reproduction, and customizable EQ settings, making it an excellent choice for budget-conscious consumers seeking an audio upgrade.
Buying Guide and Recommendations
Several factors should guide your purchase decision when considering the TCL TS7010 Soundbar TV with a Subwoofer or a similar soundbar. Here’s a buying guide to help you make an informed choice:
Room Size: Consider the size of your room and the intended placement of the soundbar. Smaller rooms may benefit from compact soundbars, while larger spaces require more powerful systems.
Compatibility: Ensure the soundbar is compatible with your TV and other devices. Check for available ports (HDMI ARC, optical, AUX) and connectivity options (Bluetooth).
Audio Quality: Evaluate the soundbar’s audio quality, particularly its ability to reproduce clear dialogues and provide a satisfying bass experience.
Subwoofer: Consider a soundbar with a wireless subwoofer if you enjoy impactful bass. Wireless subwoofers provide flexibility in placement.
Connectivity: Assess your need for Bluetooth connectivity. It allows you to stream music wirelessly from your devices to the soundbar.
EQ Settings: Look for soundbars with customizable EQ settings if you prefer fine-tuning audio to your liking.
Price: Set a budget based on your requirements. Soundbars like the TCL TS7010 offer affordable options without sacrificing essential features.
Brand Reputation: Research the brand’s reputation for reliability and customer support. TCL has a solid track record in the consumer electronics market.
User Reviews: Read user reviews and ratings to gain insights into real-world performance and user satisfaction.
Warranty: Check the warranty terms to ensure coverage of any issues.
Final Thoughts
The TCL TS7010 Soundbar TV with Subwoofer is a budget-friendly audio solution that delivers excellent value for money. Its clear dialogue reproduction, wireless subwoofer for enhanced bass, versatile connectivity options, and customizable EQ settings make it well-equipped to elevate your TV and music listening experiences.
While it may not offer the complexity of high-end sound systems or true surround sound, it caters to budget-conscious consumers seeking a reliable and accessible audio upgrade. Its compact design, energy efficiency, and multiple mounting options enhance its convenience and adaptability to various room setups.
Ultimately, the TCL TS7010 stands as a testament to TCL’s commitment to providing quality and affordability in the consumer electronics market. If you’re searching for a soundbar that enhances your audio without breaking the bank, the TCL TS7010 is a commendable choice that offers a sound investment in your home entertainment experience.