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  1. Table of Contents
  2. Top
  3. Main Differences
  4. Design
    1. Style - Bar
    2. Style - Subwoofer
    3. Style - Satellites
    4. Dimensions - Bar
    5. Dimensions - Subwoofer
    6. Dimensions - Satellites
    7. Mounting
    8. Build Quality
    9. In The Box
  5. Sound
    1. Stereo Frequency Response
    2. Stereo Frequency Response With Preliminary Calibration
    3. Stereo Soundstage
    4. Stereo Dynamics
    5. Center
    6. Surround 5.1
    7. Height (Atmos)
    8. Sound Enhancement Features
  6. Connectivity
    1. Inputs/Outputs - Bar
    2. Audio Format Support: ARC/eARC
    3. Audio Format Support: HDMI In
    4. Audio Format Support: Optical
    5. Audio Latency: ARC
    6. Audio Latency: HDMI In
    7. Audio Latency: Optical
    8. Video Passthrough To TV
    9. Wireless Playback
  7. Additional Features
    1. Interface
    2. Bar Controls
    3. Remote
    4. Voice Assistants Support
  8. Comments

TCL Q85H vs Vizio Elevate SE SL512X-0806

Side-by-Side Comparison

Products

TCL Q85H
Vizio Elevate SE SL512X-0806

Tested using Methodology v1.3

Updated Mar 03, 2025 07:10 PM

SEE PRICE
Amazon.com

Tested using Methodology v1.3

Updated Mar 03, 2025 07:03 PM

SEE PRICE
Amazon.com
TCL Q85H Picture
Vizio Elevate SE SL512X-0806 Picture
  1. Recommended in 1 article:
  2. Vizio

Variants

  • Q85H (Black)
  • SL512X-0806 (Black)

Our Verdict

TCL Q85H

Vizio Elevate SE SL512X-0806

The TCL Q85H is a better soundbar for most people than the Vizio Elevate SE SL512X-0806. The TCL has a more balanced frequency response, better Atmos performance, and more inputs, including Optical and full HDMI in. It also offers lower latency performance than the Vizio when connected via eARC. But some people might appreciate the Vizio's stripped back, simplistic approach. Fewer options can mean fewer moments of frustration while hooking up your system. 

0

Check Price

Black
SL512X-0806
SEE PRICE
B&H

Main Differences for

Threshold 

0.10

Mixed Usage 

8.0
7.4

Stereo Frequency Response 
 

7.8
7.3

Audio Format Support: Optical 
 

10
0.0

Audio Format Support: HDMI In 
 

10
0.0

Full Comparison

Design

Style - Bar  

Style photo - bar  

TCL Q85H Style photo - bar
Vizio Elevate SE SL512X-0806 Style photo - bar

Show text

Style - Subwoofer  

Style photo - sub  

TCL Q85H Style photo - sub
Vizio Elevate SE SL512X-0806 Style photo - sub

Sub Wireless 
 

Yes
Yes

Enclosure 
 

Ported
Ported

Show text

Style - Satellites  

Style photo - satellites  

TCL Q85H Style photo - satellites
Vizio Elevate SE SL512X-0806 Style photo - satellites

Satellite Wireless 
 

Yes
Partial, wired to wireless sub

Show text

Dimensions - Bar  

Dimensions photo - bar  

TCL Q85H Dimensions photo - bar
Vizio Elevate SE SL512X-0806 Dimensions photo - bar

Width  

41.5" (105.4 cm)
36.0" (91.4 cm)

Height  

2.6" (6.5 cm)
2.6" (6.5 cm)

Depth  

4.9" (12.4 cm)
4.7" (12.0 cm)

Show text

Dimensions - Subwoofer  

Dimensions photo - sub  

TCL Q85H Dimensions photo - sub
Vizio Elevate SE SL512X-0806 Dimensions photo - sub

Width  

8.6" (21.9 cm)
8.1" (20.5 cm)

Height  

14.4" (36.5 cm)
9.3" (23.6 cm)

Depth  

10.6" (27.0 cm)
13.8" (35.0 cm)

Show text

Dimensions - Satellites  

Dimensions photo - satellites  

TCL Q85H Dimensions photo - satellites
Vizio Elevate SE SL512X-0806 Dimensions photo - satellites

Width  

3.9" (10.0 cm)
4.1" (10.5 cm)

Height  

6.5" (16.5 cm)
2.6" (6.5 cm)

Depth  

4.8" (12.2 cm)
4.7" (12.0 cm)

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Mounting 
 

Bar Mounting Holes  

TCL Q85H Bar Mounting Holes
Vizio Elevate SE SL512X-0806 Bar Mounting Holes

Satellite Mounting Holes  

TCL Q85H Satellite Mounting Holes
Vizio Elevate SE SL512X-0806 Satellite Mounting Holes

Mountable Bar 
 

Yes
Yes

Bar Brackets Included 
 

Yes
No

Mountable Satellites 
 

Yes
Yes

Satellite Brackets Included 
 

No
Yes

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Build Quality 
 

8.0
8.0

Build quality photo  

TCL Q85H Build quality photo
Vizio Elevate SE SL512X-0806 Build quality photo

Show text

In The Box 
 

In The Box photo   

TCL Q85H In The Box photo
Vizio Elevate SE SL512X-0806 In The Box photo

Show text

Sound

Stereo Frequency Response 
 

7.8
7.3

Stereo Setup  

TCL Q85H Stereo Setup
Vizio Elevate SE SL512X-0806 Stereo Setup

Raw Frequency Response  

See details on graph tool
See details on graph tool

Frequency Response Small  

See details on graph tool
See details on graph tool

Channels 
 

7.1.4
5.1.2

Tested Preset 
 

Standard
Direct

Slope 
 

-0.95
-0.87

Standard Error 
 

3.63 dB
3.59 dB

Low-Frequency Extension 
 

33.2 Hz
45.6 Hz

High-Frequency Extension 
 

19.9 kHz
19.9 kHz

Show text

Stereo Frequency Response With Preliminary Calibration 
 

7.9
7.4

Frequency Response Calibrated  

See details on graph tool
See details on graph tool

Suggested Preset 
 

Standard
Direct

Suggested Bass Setting 
 

2
-1

Suggested Treble Setting 
 

3
3

Slope 
 

-0.62
-0.12

Standard Error 
 

3.25 dB
2.93 dB

Low-Frequency Extension 
 

33.2 Hz
46.9 Hz

High-Frequency Extension 
 

19.9 kHz
19.9 kHz

Show text

Stereo Soundstage 
 

7.5
7.5

Crosstalk  

See details on graph tool
See details on graph tool

Crosstalk Error 
 

2.40 dB
2.53 dB

Show text

Stereo Dynamics 
 

8.6
8.2

Dynamic Range Compression  

See details on graph tool
See details on graph tool

SPL @ Max Volume 
 

96.9 dB SPL
92.1 dB SPL

DRC @ 90dB 
 

0.70 dB
0.29 dB

DRC @ Max Volume 
 

0.88 dB
0.52 dB

Show text

Center 
 

7.6
8.2

Center Setup  

TCL Q85H Center Setup
Vizio Elevate SE SL512X-0806 Center Setup

Frequency Response  

See details on graph tool
See details on graph tool

Localization 
 

Discrete
Discrete

Slope 
 

-1.51
-0.15

Std. Err. 
 

4.95 dB
3.04 dB

SPL @ Max Volume 
 

90.5 dB SPL
90.0 dB SPL

Weighted THD @ 80dB 
 

0.63
1.23

Weighted THD @ Max Volume 
 

2.02
2.05

Show text

Surround 5.1 
 

7.0
7.3

Surround Setup  

TCL Q85H Surround Setup
Vizio Elevate SE SL512X-0806 Surround Setup

Frequency Response  

See details on graph tool
See details on graph tool

Localization 
 

Discrete
Discrete

Slope 
 

-2.60
-0.46

Std. Err. 
 

5.83 dB
4.00 dB

SPL @ Max Volume 
 

99.3 dB SPL
91.4 dB SPL

Weighted THD @ 80dB 
 

0.73
1.27

Weighted THD @ Max Volume 
 

2.36
7.00

7.1 Rears 
 

No
No

Show text

Height (Atmos) 
 

6.5
6.2

Height Setup  

TCL Q85H Height Setup
Vizio Elevate SE SL512X-0806 Height Setup

H Frequency Response  

See details on graph tool
See details on graph tool

Localization 
 

Phantom (Up Firing, Bar & Satellites)
Phantom (Up Firing, Bar)

Slope 
 

-0.47
-1.01

Std. Err. 
 

4.04 dB
3.36 dB

SPL @ Max Volume 
 

84.9 dB SPL
82.2 dB SPL

Weighted THD @ 80dB 
 

1.13
0.75

Weighted THD @ Max Volume 
 

0.28
0.35

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Sound Enhancement Features 
 

7.1
7.4

Room Correction 
 

Yes
No

Dialogue Enhancement 
 

Yes
Yes

Auto-Volume/Night Mode 
 

Yes
Yes

Subwoofer Level Adjustment 
 

No
Yes

Bass Adjustment 
 

Yes
Yes

Treble Adjustment 
 

Yes
Yes

EQ 
 

Presets
Presets

Surround Level Adjustment 
 

Yes
Yes

Rear Level Adjustment 
 

No
No

Height Level Adjustment 
 

No
Yes

Virtual Surround 
 

Yes
Yes

Show text

Connectivity

Inputs/Outputs - Bar 
 

Physical Connections Bar Photo 1  

TCL Q85H Physical Connections Bar Photo 1
Vizio Elevate SE SL512X-0806 Physical Connections Bar Photo 1

Physical Connections Bar Photo 2  

TCL Q85H Physical Connections Bar Photo 2
Vizio Elevate SE SL512X-0806 Physical Connections Bar Photo 2

Optical Audio In 
 

1
No

HDMI Out 
 

eARC
eARC

HDMI 2.1 Class Bandwidth 
 

No
No

Full HDMI In 
 

1
No

Analog Audio In 3.5mm (Aux) 
 

No
No

RCA In 
 

No
No

USB for Files 
 

1
1

Ethernet 
 

No
No

Subwoofer Output 
 

No
No

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Audio Format Support: ARC/eARC 
 

10
9.9

Dolby Atmos 
 

Supported
Supported

Dolby Digital 
 

Supported
Supported

Dolby Digital Plus 
 

Supported
Supported

Dolby TrueHD 
 

Supported
Supported

DTS 
 

Supported
Supported

DTS:X 
 

Supported
Supported

DTS-HD MA 
 

Supported
Supported

PCM Channels 
 

Up To 7.1
Up To 5.1

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Audio Format Support: HDMI In 
 

10
0.0

Dolby Atmos 
 

Supported
Not Supported

Dolby Digital 
 

Supported
Not Supported

Dolby Digital Plus 
 

Supported
Not Supported

Dolby TrueHD 
 

Supported
Not Supported

DTS 
 

Supported
Not Supported

DTS:X 
 

Supported
Not Supported

DTS-HD MA 
 

Supported
Not Supported

PCM Channels 
 

Up To 7.1
Not Supported

Show text

Audio Format Support: Optical 
 

10
0.0

Dolby Digital 
 

Supported
Not Supported

DTS 
 

Supported
Not Supported

PCM Channels 
 

2.0
Not Supported

Show text

Audio Latency: ARC 
 

8.7
7.8

ARC Latency Video  

PCM-2.0 ch 
 

79 ms
53 ms

PCM-5.1 ch 
 

86 ms
55 ms

Dolby MAT (PCM) Atmos 
 

63 ms
75 ms

Dolby Digital 
 

83 ms
109 ms

Dolby Digital Plus 
 

89 ms
80 ms

Dolby Digital Plus Atmos 
 

95 ms
119 ms

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Audio Latency: HDMI In 
 

8.5
0.0

HDMI Latency Video  

PCM-2.0 ch 
 

108 ms
N/A

PCM-5.1 ch 
 

87 ms
N/A

Dolby MAT (PCM) Atmos 
 

74 ms
N/A

Dolby Digital 
 

102 ms
N/A

Dolby Digital Plus 
 

94 ms
N/A

Dolby Digital Plus Atmos 
 

107 ms
N/A

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Audio Latency: Optical 
 

4.8
0.0

Optical Latency Video  

PCM-2.0 ch 
 

256 ms
N/A

Dolby Digital 
 

299 ms
N/A

Show text

Video Passthrough To TV 
 

8.6
0.0

1080p Max Refresh Rate 
 

120Hz
Not Supported

1080p @ 4:4:4 Max Refresh Rate 
 

120Hz
Not Supported

4k Max Refresh Rate 
 

120Hz
Not Supported

4k @ 120Hz @ 10-Bit 
 

Not Supported
Not Supported

4k @ 4:4:4 Max Refresh Rate 
 

60Hz
Not Supported

8k Max Refresh Rate 
 

Not Supported
Not Supported

HDR10 Passthrough 
 

Yes
No

HDR10+ Passthrough 
 

Yes
No

Dolby Vision Passthrough 
 

Yes
No

HDMI Forum VRR Passthrough 
 

Yes
No

FreeSync Passthrough 
 

No
No

G-SYNC Passthrough 
 

No
No

ALLM Passthrough 
 

Yes
No

Show text

Wireless Playback 
 

7.0
6.0

Bluetooth 
 

Yes
Yes

Wi-Fi Playback 
 

No
No

Chromecast built-in 
 

No
No

Apple AirPlay 
 

Yes
No

Spotify Connect 
 

No
No

Show text

Additional Features

Interface 
 

Interface photo  

TCL Q85H Interface photo
Vizio Elevate SE SL512X-0806 Interface photo

Display 
 

Yes
No

Show text

Bar Controls 
 

Controls photo  

TCL Q85H Controls photo
Vizio Elevate SE SL512X-0806 Controls photo

Show text

Remote  

Remote photo  

TCL Q85H Remote photo
Vizio Elevate SE SL512X-0806 Remote photo

Show text

Voice Assistants Support 
 

Amazon Alexa 
 

No
No

Google Assistant 
 

No
No

Apple Siri 
 

No
No

Microphone Mute 
 

No
No

Show text

Check Price

Black
SL512X-0806
SEE PRICE
B&H

TCL Q85H

Vizio Elevate SE SL512X-0806

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