TCL Vs Hisense Soundbar

Jamie newcastle on 29/11/2024 - 16:41

Hi brains trust,

I’ve had a lot of comparability issues between my new Hisense TV 55U7NAU and my 8yo LG SH4 2.1 soundbar. I’ve bought a new HDMI cable but the soundbar keeps dropping out and the TV reverts to TV speaker setting.

So I’ve decided to bit the bullet and get a new soundbar. I think it needs to be ARC and CEC compatible as I want to control it via Google Home. My budget is around $250.

My options are:
2.1ch- Hisense HS2100 $185 vs TCL S55H $199

3.1ch - Hisense HS3100 $245 vs TCL S643W $199 but on back order

It looks like 3.1 is better as it has a centre speaker. I usually have subtitles turned on so maybe 3.1 will help. I mostly just watch Netflix and TV.

Interestingly, Choice rates the HS2100 a lot better than the HS3100.

Questions:
1. am I better going with a 3.1 over a 2.1?
2. Which model is best?

TIA

Electrical & Electronics Hisense Soundbar TCL

Comments

  • frugalbat on 29/11/2024 - 17:16

    bro I am having a similr issue with my Hisense Series 7 55M7000UWG and the Yamaha soundbar YAS107, the ARC on the YAS stopped working and my Apple TV refuse to connect to the TV via ARC. You might be able to get the Hisense 3.1 for a bit cheaper on Catch for $219. In term of sound I cant comment but maybe can have a check in person in JB and the like

    • Jamie newcastle on 29/11/2024 - 17:37
      +1

      Cheers. I think the HDMI in the soundbar works ok as it worked fine on my previous tv (a 10yo LG). I think it’s more of a connection issue with the TV as the HDMI version on the soundbar is pretty old and the soundbar isn’t CEC compliant.

      PS the $23 delivery fee from Catch makes it about the same as the others

  • samcro on 29/11/2024 - 19:49

    I have the tcl s643w. I'm using it with my new 65" TV. I can't believe the difference it makes in our large loungeroom. I think both devices having e-arc makes a difference. My old TV was going out of sync constantly.

  • mjuice7 on 30/11/2024 - 08:15

    had the Hisense hs3100au for a week now & it's working well so far. wanted 3.1 due to hearing issues of a family member. it's basic but in this price range that's expected. it has a readable lcd display that the tcl lacks. I've owned 4 soundbars over time & wouldn't buy a soundbar without a readable display. i was also looking for a soundbar with a good bluetooth range to stream music from my phone. previous soundbar was tcl p733w with the same led setup as the s643w you are considering. the bluetooth went belly up. it wouldn't connect with an error message on my phone stating a pairing code fault. silly thing is there wasn't a pairing code required when initially installed. returned to jb hi-fi for full refund. when it worked the sound was no better or worse than the Hisense hs3100au i now have. previous to the tcl p733w i had a Yamaha yas209. this also sounded ok but didn't have any type of display at all. the bluetooth connection on this unit was absolutely shite. range had to be direct line of sight within about 2 metres. anything else & the music streamed from my phone would drop out. returned to Amazon for a full refund. previous to the Yamaha yas209 was an lg 2.1 something or other. it had a readable display but the bluetooth connection from my phone would only last a couple of minutes & then stop. it was an old unit & not bought for music streaming. it was given away to a family member. good luck.

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