Bose TV Speaker vs Hisense AX3120Q 3.1.2Ch Sound Bar with

Design and build quality

The Bose TV Speaker prioritizes a minimal footprint, standing just over 2 inches tall. This compact soundbar design allows for easy placement in front of a television without obstructing the screen or remote sensor. It can also be mounted to a wall, offering flexibility for different room layouts. The Hisense AX3120Q utilizes a combo system approach, incorporating a soundbar unit alongside a separate 6.5-inch subwoofer. This configuration naturally requires more floor or shelf space to accommodate the additional hardware. While the Bose unit focuses on blending into the TV stand environment, the Hisense system is designed to occupy more room to deliver higher output capacity.

Audio configuration and channels

Audio architecture differs significantly between these two models. The Bose TV Speaker employs 2 angled full-range drivers intended to deliver wide, natural sound from a small enclosure. This setup aims to create a spatial audio experience without multiple discrete channels. In contrast, the Hisense AX3120Q features a 3.1.2 channel configuration. This system includes five front-firing speakers and two up-firing speakers, working in conjunction with the subwoofer. The additional drivers and dedicated low-frequency channel allow the Hisense to fill the room with more powerful, distortion-free sound compared to the all-in-one approach of the Bose model.

Connectivity options

Both soundbars support wireless streaming via Bluetooth, allowing users to pair devices for music and podcasts. The Bose TV Speaker supports connecting up to 3 devices through its physical inputs, which include HDMI, Optical in, and AUX in. The system automatically connects to the first powered-on device. The Hisense model features built-in Bluetooth 5.3 technology for wireless music streaming. It also includes HDMI pass-through technology, ensuring video signals are not sacrificed. While both offer HDMI and Bluetooth, the Hisense specifies the Bluetooth version and emphasizes video pass-through capabilities.

Special features and technology

The Hisense AX3120Q incorporates advanced audio processing technologies, including Dolby Atmos and DTS:X. These formats generate sound that flows from all around the listener, heightening immersion. Additionally, the Hisense remote offers quick touch EQ modes with 7 presets tailored for music, movies, and news. The Bose TV Speaker does not specify support for object-based audio formats like Dolby Atmos in the provided data. Its feature set focuses on simplicity and core functionality rather than extensive audio processing presets or immersive format decoding.

Dialogue enhancement

Clarifying speech is a primary design goal for the Bose TV Speaker. The system is engineered to specifically focus on elevating vocals and pronunciation, making it a simple fix for better TV sound when dialogue is hard to hear. The Hisense AX3120Q addresses dialogue through its EQ presets, which include specific modes for news and movies. While the Bose model highlights dialogue enhancement as a core function of its driver arrangement, the Hisense relies on its multi-channel setup and equalizer settings to ensure vocals are clear amidst other audio elements.

Setup and ease of use

Simplicity is a key selling point for the Bose TV Speaker. Setup involves a single connection from the soundbar to the TV via an included optical audio cable or a separately sold HDMI cable. This process is designed to have users up and running in minutes. The Hisense system involves connecting both the soundbar and the subwoofer, along with managing HDMI pass-through for video signals. While the Hisense offers 4K HDR pass-through to maintain video quality, the Bose model offers a potentially quicker initial setup due to its all-in-one nature and included optical cable.

Price and value

The pricing for these two units is nearly identical, with the Bose TV Speaker listed at $279.00 and the Hisense AX3120Q at $279.99. Given the marginal price difference of less than one dollar, the value proposition depends on feature requirements. The Hisense provides a 3.1.2 channel system, a 6.5-inch subwoofer, and Dolby Atmos support at this price point. The Bose offers a compact form factor and dialogue-focused tuning. For users seeking maximum audio specifications per dollar, the Hisense offers more hardware components. For users prioritizing size constraints, the Bose maintains competitive pricing.

Which one should you buy?

Choosing between these soundbars depends on your priority between immersion and compactness. If you want a system that fills the room with powerful sound, supports Dolby Atmos, and includes a dedicated 6.5-inch subwoofer, the Hisense AX3120Q is the stronger choice. It offers more channels and video pass-through features for essentially the same cost. However, if you have limited space and need a device that sits discreetly in front of your TV while improving dialogue clarity, the Bose TV Speaker is the appropriate option. Its 2-inch height and simple setup make it ideal for smaller setups where a subwoofer is not feasible.