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The TCL Alto 7+’s clear vocals, reliable connectivity, low latency, and adequate loudness will satisfy budget-conscious individuals seeking to enjoy dialogue-intensive TV shows and movies. However, its limited soundstage, below-par surround quality, and lack of deep rumbles create a subpar immersive viewing experience.
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Table of Contents
Product Snapshot
Overview
The TCL Alto 7+ is a 2019 model entry-level 2.1-channel soundbar that offers a minimalistic design and a pretty loud output for TVs and movie lovers.
This system doesn’t support Dolby Atmos and has a poor surround soundstage, so it’s not the best choice for movies. You can find more immersive soundbars for movies among the highest-rated speakers today.
Although it comes with a dedicated wireless subwoofer, it doesn’t reproduce that deep extended low bass that is needed for EDM music and action movies.
However, users will love its incredible selection of wired connectivity options that include optical, HDMI ARC, 3.5 mm, and USB. This system also streams via Bluetooth but doesn’t have any Wi-Fi-related streaming options.
It gets loud enough to fill huge rooms, reaching the top SPL of 99.6 dB, and has a decent overall sound profile. Learn more about the TCL Alto 7+ below and check out our best soundbars list today.
Consensus
our Verdict
Although lacking Full HDMI, the TCL Alto 7+ soundbar connects securely via HDMI ARC and Optical, while its subwoofer connects wirelessly.
Its audio remains crackle-free, and the tested latency is good for video streaming (tested at 62ms via ARC and 76 via Optical).
The somewhat narrow soundstage and poorly downmixed surround content create a front-oriented sound perception, hampering immersion for action scenes, and there’s no Dolby Atmos.
The sounds are pretty neutral for music listening, the vocals are well-reproduced, and the volume reaches satisfying loudness. Yet, the absence of meaningful sub-bass reduces deep thumps.
There’s an EQ-enabled remote, and the bar’s rugged construction can endure a few knocks. Despite responsive input commands, you can toggle between only three EQ presets, and there is no app compatibility for simplified soundbar operation.
ReasonS to Buy
Secure wired connection
Audio is free of unwanted sounds
Good latency performance
Neutral sound signature
Good vocal reproduction
Durable construction
Reason to Avoid
Relatively narrow soundstage
Poor surround performance
No Dolby Atmos
Lacks sub-bass
Limited EQ presets
No app compatibility
TCL Alto 7+ Review Specs
Bluetooth Enabled
Yes
Depth
3.9"
Dialogue Enhancement Feature
Yes
Energy Star Certified
No
HDMI ARC
Yes
Height
2.5"
Number of Audio Channels
2.1
Subwoofer
Included
Surround Sound Supported
Dolby Digital
Voice Assistant
No
Wall Mountable
Yes
Weight
13.4 lbs
Width
36"
Wireless Connectivity
Bluetooth
Wireless Subwoofer Connectivity
Yes
Works With
Bluetooth, Remote Control
All Specs
Test Results
These are the most important criteria to test for Soundbars based on our comprehensive Testing Methodology.
Low End Roll Off (Hz)
63.496
High End Roll Off (Hz)
13,089.25
Max Volume Test (db)
99.6
Latency (ms)
62
THD @ 80dB
0.31
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The TCL Alto 7+ is a 2019 model entry-level 2.1-channel soundbar that offers a minimalistic design and a pretty loud output for TVs and movie…
The TCL Alto 7+ is a 2019 model entry-level 2.1-channel soundbar that offers a minimalistic design and a pretty loud output for TVs and movie lovers.
This system doesn’t support Dolby Atmos and has a poor surround soundstage, so it’s not the best choice for movies. You can find more immersive soundbars for movies among the highest-rated speakers today.
Although it comes with a dedicated wireless subwoofer, it doesn’t reproduce that deep extended low bass that is needed for EDM music and action movies.
However, users will love its incredible selection of wired connectivity options that include optical, HDMI ARC, 3.5 mm, and USB. This system also streams via Bluetooth but doesn’t have any Wi-Fi-related streaming options.
It gets loud enough to fill huge rooms, reaching the top SPL of 99.6 dB, and has a decent overall sound profile. Learn more about the TCL Alto 7+ below and check out our best soundbars list today.
Featuring a dedicated wireless subwoofer, the TCL Alto 7+ produces deeper extended low-bass than the TCL Alto 8+, which has a built-in subwoofer. The TCL…
Featuring a dedicated wireless subwoofer, the TCL Alto 7+ produces deeper extended low-bass than the TCL Alto 8+, which has a built-in subwoofer. The TCL Alto 7+ also boasts a better center channel and a more immersive surround soundstage. On the other hand, the TCL Alto 8+ has an auto volume mode and the built-in Amazon Fire TV 4k media streamer, unlike the Alto 7+. Learn more in our TCL Alto 8+ review today.
The Polk Audio SIGNA S2 has a more balanced sound profile and a wider stereo soundstage than the TCL Alto 7+. That said, the TCL…
The Polk Audio SIGNA S2 has a more balanced sound profile and a wider stereo soundstage than the TCL Alto 7+. That said, the TCL Alto 7+ has a better center channel performance, producing clearer dialogue.
The TCL Alto 7+ gets louder, making it a better choice for larger rooms Yamaha YAS-108/ATS-1080. However, the Yamaha YAS-108/ATS-1080 supports DTS and has a…
The TCL Alto 7+ gets louder, making it a better choice for larger rooms Yamaha YAS-108/ATS-1080. However, the Yamaha YAS-108/ATS-1080 supports DTS and has a full HDMI input, unlike the TCL Alto 7+.
