Hisense AX3120G 3.1.2Ch Sound Bar with Wireless Subwoofer review for immersive audio

Description

Immersive Audio with the Hisense AX3120G 3.1.2Ch Sound Bar

Testing the Hisense AX3120G 3.1.2 Channel Sound Bar with Wireless Subwoofer felt like stepping into an entirely new audio experience. With its 360W output and Dolby Atmos technology, this soundbar transforms your living room into a mini-theater. As a fan of immersive sound, I couldn’t wait to dive into its features and settings to see what it could truly deliver. While the soundbar has a lot going for it, there are some trade-offs you should consider before making a purchase.

Design and Build Quality

The sleek black finish of the soundbar gives it a modern and understated look, making it blend seamlessly with most home entertainment setups. Its compact dimensions of 2.4″ depth, 16.2″ width, and 3.5″ height make it ideal for use in smaller spaces or for mounting beneath a TV. The wireless subwoofer, with its 6.5-inch driver, feels sturdy and delivers a punchy low-end without taking up too much floor space. I appreciated the lack of clutter thanks to the cordless subwoofer design, which kept my setup clean and organized.

However, the soundbar is made of plastic, and while it doesn’t feel flimsy, it doesn’t scream premium either. For those who prioritize aesthetics and tactile materials, this might be something to keep in mind. Still, the focus here remains on functionality over flair.

Performance and Sound Quality

The 3.1.2 surround sound configuration is where this soundbar truly shines. With seven speakers, including overhead audio channels, it creates a 3D soundscape that’s perfect for Dolby Atmos content. Whether I was watching an action-packed movie or streaming a concert, the audio felt spacious and immersive. The center channel speaker ensured dialogue was always clear, even during scenes with heavy background noise.

The wireless subwoofer adds depth to explosions, bass lines, and low-frequency effects. Its impact was noticeable, and I found myself genuinely impressed by the room-shaking intensity it could deliver. However, I noticed that at higher volumes, the soundbar can feel slightly unbalanced, with the subwoofer overpowering other frequencies.

For everyday use, the 7 EQ modes (including options like movie, news, sports, and night) were incredibly handy. Switching to the “night” mode was a lifesaver when I wanted to enjoy late-night TV without waking up everyone in the house. The Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity was stable and made streaming music from my phone a breeze, though I found the 10-meter range to be pretty standard and nothing groundbreaking.

Key Benefits

• Dolby Atmos support creates a cinematic and immersive sound experience.
• Wireless subwoofer eliminates cable clutter while delivering rich bass.
• 7 EQ modes provide tailored audio for various content types.
• Roku TV Ready compatibility simplifies integration with Roku TVs.
• HDMI eARC connection ensures high-quality audio and easy setup.

Downsides

• The plastic build may feel less premium to some users.
• At higher volumes, the bass can overpower other frequencies, impacting audio balance.
• Bluetooth range is decent but not exceptional compared to some competitors.

Setup and User Convenience

Setting up the soundbar was straightforward, thanks to the included HDMI cable and user manual. The HDMI eARC support allowed for a one-cable connection, which was a huge plus in my book. I also appreciated that the soundbar is Roku TV Ready, making it super easy to sync with my Roku TV. Using one remote to control both the TV and soundbar added a layer of convenience I didn’t know I needed.

The remote control included with the soundbar is intuitive, with dedicated buttons for switching between EQ modes and inputs. However, it’s worth noting that the remote requires two AAA batteries, which were thankfully included in the package.

Rival Brands

Comparing this soundbar to others in the same price category, it holds its own but isn’t without competition. For instance, the Samsung HW-Q600B also offers Dolby Atmos and a wireless subwoofer, but it features a slightly more premium build quality. On the other hand, the Vizio M-Series All-in-One Soundbar provides a more compact design with comparable audio performance but lacks the dedicated overhead audio channels that the Hisense AX3120G offers.

Where this soundbar excels is in its ease of use with Roku TVs and the inclusion of 7 EQ modes, which are not always available on competitors. However, for those who prioritize a high-end build material, some rival products might feel more premium.

Value for Money

In terms of price to quality ratio, the soundbar delivers a solid performance for its cost. It offers features like Dolby Atmos, 7 EQ modes, and a wireless subwoofer, which are typically found in higher-end models. While it doesn’t rival the audio fidelity of some premium soundbars, it’s a great choice for anyone looking to upgrade their TV’s sound without breaking the bank. The inclusion of essential accessories like an HDMI cable and batteries further enhances its cost-effectiveness.

If you’re someone who watches a lot of movies or streams music regularly, this soundbar is definitely worth considering. It offers a noticeable improvement over built-in TV speakers, and the Bluetooth streaming capability makes it versatile for more than just watching TV.

Additional information