Cheap & very good soundbar – TCL Alto 6+

The TCL Alto 6+ soundbar has a decent construction quality. It is mostly made of plastic and the front of the bar is wrapped in a tight fabric to protect the speakers. However, the fabric can tear or get dirty. The subwoofer is made of MDF, which makes it feel a bit more robust.

Right out of the box, you’ll notice its sleek and minimalistic design. It’s a compact and lightweight soundbar, measuring just 31.5 inches in width, which makes it an ideal fit for most setups, even in smaller rooms. The all-black finish with the TCL logo discreetly etched in the center gives it a modern and unobtrusive appearance.

One of the standout features in terms of build quality is the sturdy construction. It feels solid and well-built, especially considering its budget-friendly price point. The front grille adds an extra layer of protection, safeguarding the internal components while blending seamlessly with most TV aesthetics.

On the downside, the TCL Alto 6+ soundbar lacks the premium materials you might find in higher-end models. It’s primarily constructed from plastic, which is expected in this price range. However, the plastic doesn’t feel cheap, and it should hold up well under normal use.

Installation is a breeze. You can choose to mount it on the wall or simply place it on your TV stand. TCL even includes mounting hardware in the box, which is a nice touch for those looking to keep their entertainment setup tidy and clutter-free.

The TCL Alto 6+ has a decent stereo frequency response. He struggles to produce a stroke and rumbly bass-bass and some songs sound a bit flat. That said, it has a balanced mid-range, which helps the details and presence of leading voices and tools. However, his treble is a bit cashed in, making his mixtures look dark and opaque.

The TCL 6+ soundbar is fine for mixed use. He has difficulty playing a satisfying bass for movies and music, and is not compatible with Atmos. Although it has extremely limited sound enhancement features, it has three EQ presets to help you adjust your sound a bit to your liking. That said, it can get strong enough without too many compression artifacts. You can also play voices clearly, which is ideal for podcasts or TV shows.
The TCL Alto 6+ is ideal for dialogue and TV shows. Although it has a phantom central channel, it can reproduce voices clearly and accurately. Its EQ “TV” preset also serves as a function of improving dialogue so that voice clarity can be further improved. You can also stream your favorite audiobooks or podcasts to the bar via Bluetooth.

In terms of performance, the TCL Alto 6+ soundbar offers reliable and consistent results. It’s user-friendly, with straightforward setup and operation. The included remote control is intuitive and responsive, allowing you to easily switch between sound modes, adjust volume, and control playback.

One of the unique features that set this soundbar apart is its Bluetooth connectivity. This means you can seamlessly connect your smartphone, tablet, or other Bluetooth-enabled devices to the soundbar. It’s a convenient way to stream music or podcasts without the need for additional cables, making it a versatile addition to your home audio setup.

While it’s great for enhancing your TV’s audio, the TCL Alto 6+ soundbar also works as a standalone Bluetooth speaker. So, when you’re not binge-watching your favorite shows, you can use it to stream your music collection or listen to your favorite podcasts with impressive clarity.

In terms of connectivity, it includes HDMI ARC and optical audio inputs, ensuring compatibility with most modern TVs. The inclusion of an HDMI ARC port simplifies the setup process further, as it allows you to control both the soundbar and your TV with a single remote.

One drawback worth mentioning is that the TCL Alto 6+ soundbar lacks a dedicated subwoofer, which limits its ability to produce deep, rumbling bass. However, for its size and price point, it manages to deliver a satisfying low-end response.

Now, let’s talk about the most critical aspect of any soundbar—the sound quality. The TCL Alto 6+ soundbar is an impressive performer in this department, considering its affordable price tag. With a 2.0 channel setup, it manages to deliver clear and immersive audio that greatly enhances your TV and movie-watching experience.

One of its unique features is the dedicated center channel, which is a rarity in soundbars in this price range. This channel is responsible for dialogues and vocals, and it does a commendable job at making speech sound crisp and clear. Say goodbye to constantly adjusting the volume to hear what the characters are saying.

The overall sound profile is well-balanced, with a focus on the midrange frequencies. This means that dialogue remains distinct, and you won’t miss a single word, even in action-packed scenes with explosions and background music. However, it doesn’t neglect the bass and treble frequencies either. While it won’t rattle your walls, the bass is surprisingly punchy for a soundbar of this size, adding depth to your audio without overwhelming it.

If you’re an audiophile looking for earth-shattering bass and a surround sound experience, you might need to consider a higher-end sound system. But for the average viewer seeking an upgrade from their TV’s built-in speakers, the TCL Alto 6+ soundbar is more than adequate.

Additionally, TCL has included three different sound modes to cater to various preferences: Movie Mode, Music Mode, and News Mode. Each mode adjusts the sound profile to suit the content you’re watching or listening to, enhancing the overall experience. Movie Mode, in particular, does an excellent job of creating a cinematic atmosphere, while Music Mode focuses on delivering a rich and balanced audio experience for your favorite tunes.

The TCL High 6+ is disappointing for movies. Although it has a dark sound profile, it struggles to reproduce satisfactory success and roar. Also, it doesn’t support Atmos, its soundscape isn’t very wide and has poor surround performance, so it doesn’t look very engaging. That said, it can be strong enough for a large and crowded room.
The TCL Alto 6+ is good for music. It struggles to produce a clumsy bass, which is a bit disappointing for EDM and hip-hop fans. Although this bar doesn’t have many sound enhancement features, luckily there are three EQ presets available to help you customize the sound a bit. The bar can also be strong enough to fill a large or crowded room. You can also stream your favorite songs to the bar via Bluetooth. Photo: TCLTCL Alto 6+ soundbar is advertised to work perfectly with TCL Roku TVs, allowing you to use this TV’s remote control to control the soundbar and access controls. It has a decent sound profile, though a bit dark and comes with three eq presets so you can customize the sound. It can also be strong enough to fill a large or crowded room, and streaming your favorite audio to the bar is easy as it supports Bluetooth. While it doesn’t offer many additional features, it’s a good bar for those on a budget. TCL Alto 6+ soundbar price $99.99.

Summary:  The TCL Alto 6+ soundbar is a remarkable budget-friendly audio solution for anyone looking to upgrade their TV’s sound without breaking the bank. Its build quality is solid, and its sleek design blends seamlessly with most setups. The sound quality, with its dedicated center channel and well-balanced profile, ensures that you won’t miss a beat or a word during your favorite shows and movies.

The performance is reliable, with easy setup and Bluetooth connectivity, making it a versatile addition to your home entertainment arsenal. While it may lack the thunderous bass of higher-end sound systems, it still manages to deliver a satisfying audio experience.

With its unique features, including multiple sound modes and the ability to double as a Bluetooth speaker, the TCL Alto 6+ soundbar punches well above its weight class. It’s an excellent choice for those on a budget who refuse to compromise on audio quality. So, if you’re ready to take your home theater experience to the next level without breaking the bank, the TCL Alto 6+ soundbar should be on your shortlist.