Hiwill-Audio Wooden 5.1.2 Sound Bars, 4 Surround vs TCL S45H 2.0 Sound Bar for Smart TV | Dolby Atmos

Design and Build Quality

The Hiwill-Audio Wooden 5.1.2 Sound Bars and the TCL S45H 2.0 Sound Bar differ significantly in design philosophy and materials, impacting their durability and aesthetic appeal. The Hiwill-Audio model stands out with solid wood cabinets housing 11 premium aluminum-magnesium alloy drivers, emphasizing a more traditional, robust build with upgraded surround speakers. This choice of wood and metal components suggests a focus on longevity and premium feel. In contrast, the TCL S45H is designed with a sleek, low-profile form factor that fits neatly under your TV, prioritizing a modern, minimalist look. TCL’s soundbar is described as feeling “solid and refined” rather than plasticky, but the materials are not specified beyond that. While the Hiwill-Audio’s wooden construction may appeal to those wanting a substantial, classic home theater centerpiece, the TCL offers a more contemporary and space-saving design suitable for smaller rooms.

Audio Performance and Surround Sound

In terms of audio capabilities, the Hiwill-Audio Wooden 5.1.2 Sound Bars and the TCL S45H 2.0 present two different approaches to surround sound. The Hiwill-Audio system lacks Dolby Atmos and DTS support but compensates with 11 upgraded drivers, including dedicated tweeters, full-range, up-firing drivers, and a 5.25" wired subwoofer, all housed in solid wood cabinets. It also features four surround speakers wired for an immersive soundstage, leveraging proprietary Discrete Spatial Expansion Technology to broaden the horizontal soundstage and enhance spatial direction. On the other hand, the TCL S45H supports Dolby Atmos and DTS Virtual:X, delivering virtual height and surround effects without additional speakers. It outputs up to 100 watts of powerful, room-filling sound tailored for small to medium rooms. While TCL’s soundbar simulates height channels virtually, Hiwill-Audio’s physical surround speakers and upward-firing drivers may provide a more authentic surround experience, especially for everyday entertainment.

Connectivity and Compatibility

Both soundbars offer multiple connectivity options, but their approaches slightly differ. The Hiwill-Audio Wooden 5.1.2 Sound Bars utilize wired connections for the surround speakers and subwoofer, ensuring a stable, loss-free signal. It supports ARC, optical, Bluetooth, and AUX inputs, providing versatile options for connecting to smart TVs and other devices. The TCL S45H 2.0 Sound Bar also supports HDMI eARC/ARC, optical, Bluetooth 5.2, and AUX, enabling wireless and wired connections. TCL emphasizes simple plug-and-play setup with full-function remote control and includes all necessary accessories like an HDMI cable, power cord, remote, batteries, and a wall-mount kit. While TCL’s wireless Bluetooth 5.2 may offer more convenience, the Hiwill-Audio’s wired surround speakers might deliver more reliable audio transmission without interference.

Smart Features and Calibration

When it comes to smart audio features, the TCL S45H 2.0 Sound Bar offers an advantage with its AI Sonic Auto Room Calibration. This technology automatically adjusts the audio output based on the room’s layout and your listening position, helping to achieve balanced sound tailored to your environment. This feature simplifies setup and ensures consistent audio quality across different spaces. The Hiwill-Audio Wooden 5.1.2 Sound Bars do not mention any automatic room calibration or AI-based sound tuning but rely on their physical surround speakers and proprietary Discrete Spatial Expansion Technology to create an immersive audio experience. For users seeking intelligent, adaptive sound optimization, the TCL soundbar provides a clear benefit.

Power Output and Soundroom Suitability

The TCL S45H 2.0 Sound Bar delivers up to 100 watts of power, making it suitable for small to medium rooms, apartments, or bedrooms. This wattage supports dynamic and clear audio playback without distortion, ideal for users who want loud, room-filling sound from a compact device. The Hiwill-Audio Wooden 5.1.2 Sound Bars do not specify total wattage but feature an 11-driver system, including a 5.25" down-firing subwoofer and multiple surround speakers, suggesting a rich and immersive soundstage focused on clarity and spatial depth rather than raw power. The wired subwoofer and four surround speakers may provide more nuanced sound layering, but the TCL’s explicit 100-watt rating gives a straightforward indication of its loudness capability.

Price and Value

The Hiwill-Audio Wooden 5.1.2 Sound Bars are priced at $99.99, which is about 25% higher than the TCL S45H 2.0 Sound Bar’s current price of $79.99. Over the last 30 days, the Hiwill-Audio’s average price was around $152.95, significantly higher than TCL’s $83.81 average, indicating that the Hiwill-Audio often sells at a premium. Despite this, the Hiwill-Audio is ranked lower in sales at 8,585 compared to TCL’s 1,824, suggesting TCL’s greater market popularity. Considering the Hiwill-Audio’s premium materials and surround speaker setup, the higher price may be justified for users prioritizing build quality and discrete surround sound. Meanwhile, TCL offers Dolby Atmos support and auto room calibration at a lower price, delivering excellent value for those wanting advanced features without the higher cost.

Setup and Usability

The TCL S45H 2.0 Sound Bar is designed for ease of use, with a simple plug-and-play setup and an included full-function remote control. It also comes with all necessary accessories such as an HDMI cable, remote with batteries, power cord, and wall-mount kit, making installation straightforward and convenient. The Hiwill-Audio Wooden 5.1.2 Sound Bars use wired surround speakers and a wired subwoofer, which might require more effort during setup due to cable management but promises a stable connection. The system’s architecture is built for home theater stability, favoring a more traditional wired configuration over wireless convenience. Users looking for a quick, hassle-free installation may prefer TCL’s streamlined setup, while those prioritizing signal stability and immersive surround sound might accept a more involved setup process with the Hiwill-Audio.

Which should you buy?

Choosing between the Hiwill-Audio Wooden 5.1.2 Sound Bars and the TCL S45H 2.0 Sound Bar depends on your priorities. If you value a premium build with solid wood cabinets, wired surround speakers, and a focus on physical surround sound for everyday entertainment, the Hiwill-Audio offers a unique immersive experience at a higher price point. However, it lacks Dolby Atmos and DTS support and involves a more complex setup due to wired components. On the other hand, the TCL S45H provides Dolby Atmos and DTS Virtual:X support, powerful 100-watt output, AI-based auto room calibration, and a sleek, easy-to-install design at about 20% less cost. TCL’s higher sales rank reflects its broad appeal and reliable performance for small to medium rooms. For those seeking modern features, convenience, and immersive virtual surround sound on a budget, TCL is the better option, while audiophiles looking for discrete surround speakers and premium materials may prefer Hiwill-Audio despite the extra cost and setup complexity.