‘The sonic gap is narrowing fast’ – after pitting my TCL TV’s built-in Bang & Olufsen sound against an external soundbar, I’m starting to doubt whether every set needs an aural upgrade

TechRadar – Breaking News: Are Soundbars Still Essential for Modern TVs?

In a seismic shift for home entertainment, the long-held belief that “you need a soundbar with every TV” is being challenged by groundbreaking advancements in built-in audio technology. For years, the mantra has been clear: TVs are getting thinner, and their sound is suffering. But what if that narrative is now outdated?

The Soundbar Revolution – Or Is It?

For the past six years, I’ve tested and reviewed countless TVs, and the complaints about poor audio have been relentless. Thin panels mean less space for drivers, and the result? Tinny, underwhelming sound that leaves viewers reaching for external solutions. But my recent experience with the TCL QM8K has forced me to rethink everything.

This TV, co-engineered with Bang & Olufsen, delivers audio that’s nothing short of revolutionary. Its rare-earth neodymium drivers produce rich, room-filling sound that rivals even high-end soundbars. Dialogue is crisp, bass is punchy, and the customizable audio profiles let you tweak the sound to your liking. It’s so good, it’s almost too immersive—my gaming sessions with Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 now come with a side of startled reactions from my partner.

The Competition Heats Up

TCL isn’t alone in this audio arms race. The Panasonic Z95B boasts a 160W, 5.1.2-channel system with an external speaker array, delivering powerful bass and a wide soundstage. Meanwhile, the Sony Bravia 8 II uses actuators to turn its screen into a speaker, offering precise audio positioning and spatial depth. These TVs are proving that built-in sound can be more than just an afterthought.

Testing the Waters with a Soundbar

Curious to see how a soundbar would stack up, I paired my TCL QM8K with a Samsung HW-Q800D. The results? Surprising. While the soundbar expanded the soundstage with its side-firing drivers, it lacked the warmth and depth of the TV’s built-in audio. However, when paired with its subwoofer, the HW-Q800D delivered earth-shaking bass and immersive spatial effects that the TV couldn’t match.

The Verdict: A New Era for TV Audio

Here’s the twist: the gap between TV audio and soundbars is narrowing. While a high-quality soundbar can still elevate your experience—especially for bass-heavy content or true Dolby Atmos immersion—it’s no longer a must-have for everyone. The decision now hinges on your specific needs: Do you crave deeper bass? More spatial audio? Or are you satisfied with the impressive audio already built into your TV?

The Bottom Line

The era of assuming “TV sound is always terrible” is over. With brands like TCL, Panasonic, and Sony pushing the boundaries of built-in audio, it’s time to rethink the soundbar’s role in your setup. Before you splurge on an external system, ask yourself: does your TV’s audio meet your needs? If the answer is yes, you might just save yourself some cash—and a whole lot of cable clutter.

Tags & Viral Phrases:

• Game-Changing TV Audio
• Soundbar Obsolescence?
• TCL QM8K: The TV That Dares to Sound Great
• Built-In Audio: The New Frontier
• Why Your Next TV Might Not Need a Soundbar
• Bang & Olufsen x TCL: A Match Made in Audio Heaven
• The End of Tinny TV Sound?
• Sony, Panasonic, and TCL: The Audio Revolution You Didn’t See Coming
• Dolby Atmos Without the Soundbar? It’s Happening.
• Home Theater 2.0: Less Clutter, More Sound

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