The Hisense HS214 positions itself as a budget-friendly option for users seeking to elevate their TV’s sound quality without breaking the bank. This compact 2.1 channel soundbar boasts a built-in subwoofer and features designed to enhance your home theater experience. Let’s delve into the key aspects of the HS214 to see if it delivers a compelling combination of affordability and improved sound.
Sound Quality
The Hisense HS214 offers a noticeable improvement over most built-in TV speakers. It delivers clearer dialogue, a wider soundstage, and a more immersive listening experience. The soundbar utilizes two front-firing speakers that handle the left and right channels, providing a more directional sound compared to TV speakers.
While the HS214 doesn’t offer the most nuanced audio experience, it delivers a significant improvement in clarity, especially for dialogue. Movies, TV shows, and even news broadcasts benefit from the clearer and more defined sound reproduction.
Bass
The HS214 incorporates a built-in subwoofer to add some much-needed low-end presence to your audio. This is particularly beneficial for experiencing explosions, action sequences, or music with a strong bass foundation. While the subwoofer might not deliver earth-shattering bass for audiophiles, it adds a noticeable depth and fullness to the sound compared to soundbars without a subwoofer.
It’s important to remember that the compact size of the HS214 limits the subwoofer’s capabilities. For users seeking a truly room-shaking bass experience, a dedicated subwoofer might be necessary.
Connectivity
The Hisense HS214 offers a variety of connectivity options to connect to your TV and other devices. It includes HDMI ARC (Audio Return Channel), which allows for a single-cable connection to compatible TVs, simplifying setup. Additionally, it features optical digital and AUX inputs for connecting various devices like gaming consoles, streaming devices, or older TVs without HDMI ARC.
The HS214 includes a remote control that allows for easy control of the volume, bass level, and sound modes. While it might not offer the most extensive control options, it provides the essentials for a user-friendly experience.
Design
The Hisense HS214 boasts a compact and minimalist design that blends seamlessly with most modern entertainment setups. The low-profile soundbar can easily be placed in front of your TV without obstructing the picture. Alternatively, mounting brackets are included for wall-mounting the HS214 below your TV for a clean and space-saving setup.
The build quality feels decent, with a lightweight yet sturdy construction. The design prioritizes functionality and affordability, offering a no-frills aesthetic that complements various home theater environments.
Value
The Hisense HS214 positions itself as an attractive option for users seeking an affordable soundbar to enhance their TV’s sound quality. While it might not deliver high-end audiophile sound, it offers a significant improvement over built-in TV speakers with its clearer dialogue, wider soundstage, and the addition of some low-end presence thanks to the built-in subwoofer.
Here’s a quick breakdown for users with specific needs:
- Ideal for: Viewers seeking a budget-friendly way to improve their TV’s sound quality for everyday listening, including movies, TV shows, and news broadcasts.
- Consider alternatives if: You prioritize a powerful and nuanced audio experience with deep, room-filling bass. In such cases, exploring soundbars with dedicated subwoofers or high-end audio systems might be a better fit.
Conclusion
The Hisense HS214 emerges as a compelling choice for viewers seeking a simple and affordable way to elevate their TV’s sound. The improved clarity, wider soundstage, and the addition of bass make it a worthwhile upgrade for everyday listening. While the audio experience might not satisfy audiophiles seeking the absolute best sound quality, the HS214 delivers a significant improvement over built-in TV speakers at an attractive price point. Consider your budget and listening preferences to determine if the HS214 is the ideal soundbar to enhance your home theater experience.
