Should You Buy the TCL Q85H or Sonos Ray Soundbar? A Complete Comparison

Shopping for a soundbar can feel overwhelming with all the technical jargon and feature lists. Today we're comparing the recently released TCL Q85H Q Class soundbar system ($599) with the established Sonos Ray ($169) to help you decide which better suits your needs.

Understanding Soundbar Basics

Before diving into the specifics, let's clarify what matters in a soundbar system. The primary goal is improving your TV's audio - think clearer dialogue, more immersive sound effects, and better music quality. But how these systems achieve this varies dramatically.

The most basic soundbars, like the Sonos Ray, use multiple speakers in a single bar to create stereo sound. More advanced systems, like the TCL Q85H, add separate subwoofers for bass, rear speakers for surround sound, and upward-firing drivers for height effects - creating a dome of sound around you.

Release Timing and Tech Evolution

The TCL Q85H was announced in early 2024, incorporating the latest audio processing technologies and connectivity options. It represents TCL's push into premium audio territory with features previously found only in much more expensive systems.

The Sonos Ray, released in mid-2023, takes a different approach. While newer, it intentionally focuses on core soundbar functionality, trading advanced features for reliability and ecosystem integration. This follows Sonos' philosophy of perfecting the basics rather than chasing the latest trends.

Configuration and Setup Differences

The contrast between these systems starts with their physical setup:

TCL Q85H System

• Main soundbar with up-firing speakers
• Wireless 6.5" subwoofer
• Two wireless rear speakers
• Total of 15 speaker drivers
• 7.1.4 channel configuration (7 surround channels, 1 subwoofer, 4 height channels)

Sonos Ray

• Single compact soundbar
• 3.0 channel configuration
• Four internal drivers
• Optional subwoofer add-on (sold separately)

The difference in physical presence is substantial. The TCL Q85H requires space for multiple components but creates a true surround sound experience. The Sonos Ray trades this immersion for simplicity and flexibility in placement.

Performance Analysis

Audio Quality

The TCL Q85H delivers an impressive home theater experience with its multiple speakers and Dolby Atmos support (which adds height effects to compatible content). The RayDanz technology uses acoustic reflectors to create a wider soundstage, making the audio feel larger than the physical speaker size would suggest. However, some users report dialogue can get lost in complex action scenes, and the bass sometimes overwhelms other frequencies.

The Sonos Ray takes a more focused approach. Its strength lies in clarity and balance, particularly with dialogue. While it can't match the TCL's room-filling power or surround effects, it consistently delivers clean, detailed sound that significantly improves upon TV speakers. Music playback is particularly impressive for its size, benefiting from Sonos' extensive experience in audio tuning.

Technical Features

Both systems offer room calibration, but implement it differently:

• TCL uses AI Sonic calibration for quick automatic adjustment
• Sonos provides Trueplay tuning (iOS devices only) for more precise optimization

Connectivity also differs significantly:

• TCL Q85H:
• Sonos Ray:

Value Consideration

At $599, the TCL Q85H delivers features usually found in $1000+ systems. You're getting Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, wireless surround speakers, and powerful bass. However, the value equation depends heavily on your room setup and viewing habits. If you can't properly place the rear speakers or rarely watch content that benefits from surround sound, you're paying for capabilities you won't fully utilize.

The Sonos Ray at $169 focuses on core functionality while maintaining high build quality and reliable performance. Its value proposition strengthens if you're already in the Sonos ecosystem or plan to expand to multi-room audio later. While it lacks advanced features, it excels at its primary task: making TV audio clear and enjoyable.

Real-World Usage

Home Theater Performance

For movie enthusiasts, the TCL Q85H provides a more cinematic experience. The height channels and rear speakers create genuine surround sound, while the separate subwoofer delivers impact during action scenes. However, this comes with the complexity of placing multiple speakers and potential audio balance issues.

The Sonos Ray won't recreate a theater experience, but it significantly improves upon TV audio. Its strength lies in consistent performance - dialogue is always clear, and sound effects have presence without overwhelming the mix. For smaller rooms or casual viewing, this might be all you need.

Music and Gaming

Both systems handle music well, but with different approaches:

• TCL Q85H offers powerful bass and spatial audio effects
• Sonos Ray provides balanced, detailed playback and easy streaming

For gaming:

• TCL's surround sound creates more immersion
• Sonos offers lower latency but less positional audio

How to Decide

Choose the TCL Q85H if:

• You want a true home theater experience
• Your room can accommodate multiple speakers
• You watch lots of movies or play games
• Dolby Atmos content is important to you
• $599 fits your budget

Choose the Sonos Ray if:

• You primarily want better TV audio
• Your space is limited
• Multi-room audio interests you
• Simple setup is important
• Budget is a primary concern
• You value long-term reliability

Final Thoughts

These soundbars represent different approaches to TV audio enhancement. The TCL Q85H offers a feature-rich home theater experience at a competitive price point, while the Sonos Ray delivers reliable performance and ecosystem benefits in a simpler package.

Your choice should ultimately depend on your space, budget, and how you'll use the system. Consider starting with the Sonos if you're unsure - it's easier to add components later than to have an underutilized surround system. But if you know you want the full home theater experience and have the space for it, the TCL system offers impressive value for its capabilities.

Remember that sound quality is subjective, and the best system is the one that fits your specific needs and usage patterns. Both options represent significant upgrades over built-in TV speakers - it's just a matter of choosing the right level of complexity and investment for your situation.

TCL Q85H Q Class 7.1.4 Channel Sound Bar System Deals and Prices

Sonos Ray Soundbar Deals and Prices