2023-10-24 17:55:00
Launched in Brazil in August this year, the TCL S522W is a 2.1 input channel soundbar for those looking for a way to improve the sound on their smart TV and have that cinema-worthy experience.
But is it worth buying this soundbar or is it better to invest a little more and get a more powerful model?
TudoCelular used the TCL S522W in our studio for a few days and answers these and other questions in this complete analysis.
Design e conexes
Launched with a design considered “standard”, the TCL S522W has a good finish and is an entry-level model. In it, we have a soundbar made of plastic with a metal front grille, with two speakers inside.
The feet are rubberized so that the soundbar does not slide off the rack in the room, but the superior glossy finish also draws attention.
However, there is no display to show the chosen volume or sound mode. Therefore, you will be working in the dark with this soundbar.
There is also not even an LED to indicate that the bar is on. You will only know if it is working when you play some music. On the side of the bar there are still buttons for power, volume plus or minus and Bluetooth pairing.
The subwoofer is a little heavier as it is made of wood. Also, if you turn it backwards you will see the speaker exposed. On the back of it we also have the input for the power source and an on and off button.
At the front there is an air outlet. Everything very simple, but well constructed. Moving on to the connections part, we have on the TCL S522W bar, power input, USB-A port, optical input, P2 for cable with RCA and also HDMI ARC.
In the box, TCL provides everything you need to go out using the soundbar. We have two sources, a support to fix the soundbar on the wall, manuals, remote control, batteries for it and also a P2 to RCA cable.
Sound and technologies
The TCL S522W is a soundbar that offers a maximum sound of 210 watts RMS, something that is enough to deliver a good audio experience in smaller or intermediate-sized rooms.
Larger environments may require you to use the TCL S522W at higher volumes and this is something that can result in distortions in sound quality, especially in the subwoofer.
Still, talking a little more about our experience with it, we can notice here in the studio that this soundbar manages to deliver good bass levels and a very good balance in the other frequencies.
TCL also offers users three preset mode options so you can have well-balanced audio. They are: music, voice and film.
Access can be easily done via remote control, and it is also possible to customize the audio experience by changing bass or treble.
Still, the pre-defined modes were very pleasing and will get the job done on a daily basis.
In short, the sound quality is good for the price of this soundbar and it will certainly greatly improve the audio of any Smart TV today.
However, as it is an entry-level soundbar, we do not have support for technologies such as Dolby Atmos or DTS, for example.
Control
Controlling the TCL S522W soundbar is simple, but it has the necessary buttons to operate the device.
In it, we have the on and off button, treble control, more or less volume, play and pause and fast forward or backward songs. This is for the mode when you connect via Bluetooth or USB.
As previously mentioned, there are also dedicated buttons here for sound modes and also options to change the bass or activate mute.
Finished
Launched at a starting price of R$899, the TCL S522W is a good option for those on a tight budget.
It can offer good sound quality and the bass it adds can far surpass the sound quality of any current Smart TV. You will have a small cinema in your living room.
It’s an interesting upgrade for those who want to watch an action movie with greater bass depth or simply want to listen to music on a day of cleaning. Furthermore, the fact that the subwoofer is wireless is also something that pleases.
However, a front display on the soundbar is sorely missed. You cannot know the volume level or the selected mode.
No front display No other onboard technologies
It is worth remembering that for the price of the S522W it is also possible to find the LG SQC2, which has 300 watts of power, has LEDs on the soundbar to indicate the source and provides the same sound quality, but does not have HDMI ARC.
In promotions it is also possible to get the LG SN4 for a price close to R$1,000, which can be even better because it has HDMI ARC and a front display. By paying a little more, you can find the Samsung HWB555, not to mention the various options offered by JBL.
But, on Black Friday the TCL S522W may have an unbeatable price. Therefore, it is a good option to monitor its prices.
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