Notice: Your browser is not supported or outdated so some features of the site might not be available.
TCL Alto 8i vs Samsung HW-A450
Side-by-Side Comparison
Products
TCL Alto 8i
Samsung HW-A450
Tested using Methodology v1.1
Updated Sep 24, 2024 02:05 PM
SEE PRICE
Amazon.comTested using Methodology v1.1
Updated Apr 17, 2024 03:01 PM
SEE PRICE
Amazon.com
Channels2.1
Channels2.1
Variants
- Alto 8i (Black)
- HW-A450 (Black)
Our Verdict
TCL Alto 8i
Samsung HW-A450
Depending on your listening habits, you may prefer either the TCL Alto 8i or the Samsung HW-A450. The Samsung comes with a dedicated sub that can reproduce a more extended low-bass. It also has a few more sound enhancement features, like a graphic EQ. However, the TCL may be better for users who want a standalone bar. Unlike the Samsung soundbar, it supports Dolby Atmos content and has HDMI inputs. It's also better built and has better center channel performance.
Check Price
Black
Alto 8i
Searching
Finding storeBlack
HW-A450
Searching
Finding storeBlack
Alto 8i
Searching
Finding storeBlack
HW-A450
Searching
Finding storeBlack
Alto 8i
Searching
Finding storeBlack
HW-A450
Searching
Finding storeBlack
Alto 8i
Searching
Finding storeBlack
HW-A450
Searching
Finding storeBlack
Alto 8i
Searching
Finding storeBlack
HW-A450
Searching
Finding storeBlack
HW-A450
Searching
Finding storeMain Differences forMixed Usage
Mixed Usage
Threshold
Mixed Usage
6.8
7.0
Stereo Frequency Response
7.3
8.0
Audio Format Support - ARC
7.4
0.0
Height (Atmos)
3.1
0.0
Audio Format Support - Full HDMI In
8.6
0.0
Dialogue Enhancement
No
Yes
Full Comparison
Design
Style - Bar
Style photo - bar
Style - Subwoofer
Style photo - sub
Sub Wireless
No
Yes
Enclosure
Integrated
Ported
Style - Satellites
Style photo - satellites
Satellite Wireless
No
No
Dimensions - Bar
Dimensions photo - bar
Width
39.0" (99.0 cm)
33.9" (86.0 cm)
Height
2.6" (6.5 cm)
2.1" (5.3 cm)
Depth
5.2" (13.3 cm)
3.0" (7.6 cm)
Dimensions - Subwoofer
Dimensions photo - sub
Width
N/A
7.2" (18.2 cm)
Height
N/A
13.4" (34.1 cm)
Depth
N/A
10.7" (27.3 cm)
Dimensions - Satellites
Dimensions photo - satellites
Width
N/A
N/A
Height
N/A
N/A
Depth
N/A
N/A
Mounting
Bar Mounting Holes
Satellite Mounting Holes
Mountable Bar
Yes
Yes
Bar Brackets Included
Yes
Yes
Mountable Satellites
No
No
Satellite Brackets Included
No
No
Build Quality
7.0
6.5
Build quality photo
In The Box
In The Box photo
Sound
Stereo Frequency Response
7.3
8.0
Stereo Setup
Raw Frequency Response
Frequency Response Small
Tested Preset
Music
Standard
Slope
-1.25
-0.45
Std. Err.
3.29 dB
2.31 dB
Channels
2.1
2.1
Low-Frequency Extension
49.0 Hz
40.0 Hz
High-Frequency Extension
19.9 kHz
19.9 kHz
Stereo Frequency Response With Preliminary Calibration
7.4
8.0
Frequency Response Calibrated
Suggested Preset
Music
Standard
Suggested Bass Setting
-2
-3
Suggested Treble Setting
3
2
Slope
-0.15
-0.19
Std. Err.
2.67 dB
2.20 dB
Low-Frequency Extension
50.4 Hz
40.0 Hz
High-Frequency Extension
19.9 kHz
19.9 kHz
Stereo Soundstage
7.0
7.0
Crosstalk Error
2.82 dB
2.65 dB
Stereo Dynamics
7.3
8.1
Dynamic Range Compression
SPL @ Max Volume
95.1 dB SPL
93.1 dB SPL
DRC @ Max Volume
3.03 dB
0.91 dB
Stereo Total Harmonic Distortion
7.2
7.5
Weighted THD @ 80dB
0.61
0.47
Weighted THD @ Max Volume
2.64
2.49
Center
6.2
5.8
Center Setup
Frequency Response
Localization
Phantom
Phantom
Slope
-1.55
-1.41
Std. Err.
3.96 dB
4.74 dB
SPL @ Max Volume
89.3 dB SPL
84.4 dB SPL
Weighted THD @ 80dB
0.46
0.52
Weighted THD @ Max Volume
2.89
1.88
Surround 5.1
3.4
3.2
Surround Setup
Frequency Response
Localization
Stereo (Downmix)
Stereo (Downmix)
Slope
-2.24
-1.46
Std. Err.
4.75 dB
4.93 dB
SPL @ Max Volume
87.1 dB SPL
81.7 dB SPL
Weighted THD @ 80dB
0.63
1.15
Weighted THD @ Max Volume
2.77
1.46
7.1 Rears
No
No
Height (Atmos)
3.1
0.0
Height Setup
H Frequency Response
Localization
Stereo (Downmix)
Not Supported
Slope
-2.55
N/A
Std. Err.
5.08 dB
N/A
SPL @ Max Volume
81.5 dB SPL
N/A
Weighted THD @ 80dB
1.81
N/A
Weighted THD @ Max Volume
0.97
N/A
Sound Enhancement Features
3.8
6.9
Room Correction
No
No
Dialogue Enhancement
No
Yes
Auto-Volume/Night Mode
Yes
Yes
Subwoofer Level Adjustment
No
Yes
Bass Adjustment
Yes
Yes
Treble Adjustment
Yes
Yes
EQ
Presets
Graphic + Presets
Surround Level Adjustment
No
No
Rear Level Adjustment
No
No
Height Level Adjustment
No
No
Virtual Surround
Yes
No
Connectivity
Inputs/Outputs - Bar
Physical Connections Bar Photo 1
Physical Connections Bar Photo 2
Optical Audio In
1
1
HDMI ARC
1 (shared)
No
HDMI Out
1 (shared)
No
Full HDMI In
1
No
Analog Audio In 3.5mm (Aux)
1
No
RCA In
No
No
USB for Files
1
1
Ethernet
No
No
Subwoofer Output
No
No
Audio Format Support - ARC
7.4
0.0
eARC
No
No
Dolby Atmos
Yes
No
Dolby Digital
Yes
No
Dolby Digital Plus
Yes
No
DTS
No
No
DTS:X (eARC only)
No
No
Dolby TrueHD (eARC only)
No
No
DTS-HD MA (eARC only)
No
No
5.1 PCM (eARC only)
No
No
Audio Format Support - Full HDMI In
8.6
0.0
Dolby Atmos
Yes
No
DTS:X
No
No
Dolby Digital
Yes
No
Dolby Digital Plus
Yes
No
DTS
No
No
Dolby TrueHD
No
No
DTS-HD MA
No
No
5.1 PCM
Yes
No
Audio Format Support - Optical
6.0
10
Dolby Digital
Yes
Yes
DTS
No
Yes
Latency
5.4
8.7
Latency Video
ARC
158 ms
N/A
Optical
147 ms
39 ms
Full HDMI In
94 ms
N/A
Wireless Playback
6.0
6.0
Bluetooth
Yes
Yes
Wi-Fi Playback
No
No
Chromecast built-in
No
No
Apple AirPlay
No
No
Spotify Connect
No
No
Other Input Specifications
4k @ 60 Hz Passthrough
Yes
No
4k @ 60 Hz @ 10 bit Passthrough
Yes
No
4k @ 60 Hz @ 4:4:4 Passthrough
Yes
No
HDR10 Passthrough
Yes
No
Additional Features
Interface
Interface photo
Display
Yes
Yes
Bar Controls
Controls photo
Remote
Remote photo
Voice Assistants Support
Amazon Alexa
No
No
Google Assistant
No
No
Apple Siri
No
No
Microphone Mute
No
No
Check Price
Black
Alto 8i
Searching
Finding storeBlack
HW-A450
Searching
Finding storeBlack
Alto 8i
Searching
Finding storeBlack
HW-A450
Searching
Finding storeBlack
Alto 8i
Searching
Finding storeBlack
HW-A450
Searching
Finding storeBlack
Alto 8i
Searching
Finding storeBlack
HW-A450
Searching
Finding storeBlack
Alto 8i
Searching
Finding storeBlack
HW-A450
Searching
Finding storeBlack
HW-A450
Searching
Finding store
You have 10/10 free reviews left
To access
and
Become an Insider
unlimited full product reviews,
product prices
other exclusive site features
TCL Alto 8i
Samsung HW-A450
Comments
TCL Alto 8i vs Samsung HW-A450: Main Discussion
What do you think of these products? Let us know below.
Looking for a personalized buying advice from the RTINGS.com experts? Insiders have direct access to buying advice on our insider forum.