Hisense - 5.1 Ch 510W Soundbar with Wireless Subwoofer and 2 Rear Surround Speakers

Basically, I wanted something cheap for my bedroom, as I have been surprisingly using it quite a bit to watch movies and occasionally play games. I was tired of using headphones, and I already have a Hisense U8K that I love, so I thought why not get this bar for $200CAD? If it sucks, I'll just return it and spend $600+ for something good. For reference, these are the speakers I currently own: -Monitor Audio Bronze 50's for my turntable. -Edifier 1700bt for my living room TV speakers (working on a real HT set-up for that area). Much to my surprise, the soundbar isn't a pile of garbage. The mids could be better, but it reproduces dialogue clearly in movies and games thanks to the centre channel; it handled my CD of the NightFly pretty beautifully; and the rears get surprisingly loud and punchy. Even the sub gets put to work at it's default setting. I tested the system using The Joker; as I know, it has a 5.1 audio option in the menus, and man, for my first time using a 5.1 setup, I was blown away by how immersive it was. The rears were mostly used for ambient tracks and to enhance the heavily used musical score, but really, you need to hear it to believe it; I was in a bubble of sound. I know a lot of people here are budget buyers, so if you see this thing for cheap, I would give it a shot. I think it's worth it over the $300 budget soundbar-only systems if you want something to really immerse you in a film or game. I tested a cheaper LG with rears; I can't forget what it was called, but that thing was flat, and I don't believe it had a centre channel. Below are the settings I used for the bar: -Surround speakers +3 -Eq set to music -Treble +1 -Bass +0 -Delay on my TV set to 6

Lol, it ends up using the t.v speakers along with the soundbar to "do Atmos" Sounds horrific and I would recommend avoiding the option entirely.

I just got one the other day to pair with my U8K. It's much better than I anticipated, at least in my bedroom. The bass is rich, dialogue coming from the dedicated centre channel is clear, and the rear speakers are surprisingly punchy and loud for the size of them. Below are the settings I landed on: -Hold the "Surround" button on the remote and turn the rears up to +3. -Keep it on the "music" EQ preset. -Turn treble up to +1 For $200 CAD I think you will be hard pressed to find a better package, but mileage may vary if you plan to set it up in a larger room.

I do not use the advertised Hisense "TV mode" as it sounds like ass when enabled. The only benefit I get is being able to use my TV remote for volume lol. It's just hooked up to regular old HDMI ARC.

I literally just got this and was disappointed but the quality of it lol. The sub isn't great imo and I could barely hear the surround speakers unless I put my ear up to them. I wanted a 5.1 setup but I think I've changed my mind to something more simple for now at least 

I actually wasn't even looking at this company until recently. My dad got a 5.1 setup from the same brand and said it is decent and the sub does alot more than the one I got with a 5.1 from Hisense. That's why I starting looking at them. Based on other comments I think I'll either try it anyway and return it or just steer clear 

I bought it, but I'm not convinced I understand how to set it up properly. For instance, there are Pure/Pro surround sound modes, but I can't figure out what they actually mean.

I bought this and the LG S45 for even cheaper and I prefer the latter. The Hisense’s rear speakers are tiny and tinny. It may be that I haven’t set it up properly but my tv is a Hisense also.

There's your problem. They're probably only encoded as PCM, and might not even be 5.1, even though they're labeled as such. YouTube clips are certainly not encoded with Dolby processing, which is why it's not working for you.  If you want surround to work as intended on this system, you need to be feeding it something that's Dolby Digital/Dolby Audio. Try an actual DVD, Blu-Ray or a traditional streaming service that uses it, like Netflix.  To reiterate what I said previously,  Music Mode pushes sound out to all the speakers at once, which is why it appears those test clips are playing in surround on that setting. That's not what's actually happening. It's just stereo sound pushed to all five channels.   The other possible issue, if that doesn't fix it, could be that the source you're using (I'm assuming it's your TV) is not set to send Dolby Audio to the Hisense. If it's only set to send PCM, that would also cause the same issue with no surround out of the rears. Some soundbars can process PCM into 5.1, but a lot of them can't.  They just output a stereo signal. I think this one is the latter.  Hope this helps!

Hisense soundbar R651 5.1 surround speakers I ditched my stereo as it didn't support 4k. This soundbar isn't a receiver replacment, but it's simple and sufficient. Surround Sound needs to be turned ON, Movie mode doesn't work, use Music It sounds good but is painful to setup surround sound. The soundbar ships with surround sound off, even though it's 5.1. Then surround sound doesn't work in Movie mode, you have to set it to some other mode, like Music. Here are the steps to get it working properly. TV > Settings > Sound > TV Sound Effect > Not Available eARC Auto Soundbar Settings TV Mode Off EQ Modes Movie Surround Modes On Digital Audio Output Pass Through Digital Audio Format Not Available Wish Speaker Settings Not Available Wired Headphones Not Available Soundbar Soundbar > Input > ARC Soundbar > EQ > Music (works, Movie does not) Soundbar > SURR 3 clicks > Surround Pro Soundbar > SURR > Adjust the surround ON/OFF > press button to toggle between Off, Surround Pure, Surround Pro (best, punchier) Soundbar > SURR 3 sec > VOL +-

I tried a few YouTube 5.1 test videos. They only play properly when not in movie mode.

Yes, I’m happy with it. It replaced an entire stereo that would only do 1080P. It’s a lot simpler and cleaner. 

Bought mine today, I have a Hisense u8k tv. I expected to be blown away but was instead left confused. The bass is really powerful and you can select a boost bass option on the soundbar. But I'm planning to return it tomorrow because I just feel like it doesn't do anything my built in u8k speaker can't. Sure the two rear speakers give a tiny bit of surround sound volume but I felt the front soundbar speakers are so low. Makes it feel almost all my sound is behind me. Add to the boomness of the Sub and it's like I'm in a car with good sound and bass all installed behind me. Again, that's great...For a car... but Not to experience in your room.

Yup 5.1 Chanel HS5100. It could also be the acoustics in my room since my room is kinda big with alot of 'space' for the sound to reverberate. For Bass Boost hold the center circle button for 3 seconds until 'Menu' pops up. Go left and turn Bass Boost On. I will say, I also bought a Samsung 2.1 c450 today for the family lounge... It was depressingly shocking how clear and not muffled the sound is. It made me seriously contemplate swopping soundbars. Also maybe try turning on Surround Pro and see if that helps?

You sure you are talking about HS5100? Mine arrived today and I feel like the bass is too low. I have the bass on +5 and I am highly unimpressed. Where is this bass boost feature on remote or bar? I don't see it.

Yeah I'm thinking that maybe brands like Samsung and LG are expensive for a reason. I am just waiting on moving to a new place and spending a bunch of money on a new Oled TV + a JBL/Samsung 7.1.2 or higher setup. But the move won't happen until 2025 end likely so need something in the meantime. Got it for 235+tax from amazon ($15 coupon).

Whenever I turn it On using the volume Up button, and check it again by going back to menu, it always shows off. Am I missing any step? The manual doesn't even show this option.

At that price, anything with a sub will sound better than TV speakers! I picked up this cheapo when my 2006 5.1 system blew its caps. Sounds OK. Better than TV speakers. Gives me the luxury of finding something I really like as a long term solution. [https://www.walmart.com/ip/Hisense-5-1-Ch-510W-Soundbar-with-Wireless-Subwoofer-and-2-Wireless-Rear-Speakers-R651/5685317361](https://www.walmart.com/ip/Hisense-5-1-Ch-510W-Soundbar-with-Wireless-Subwoofer-and-2-Wireless-Rear-Speakers-R651/5685317361)

Every time I turn it on, my 5100 reads "PCM Audio", no matter if reading from regular TV, PS3 or Nvidia Shield sources. Would that be due to lack of eARC? My TV is about 12 years old.

They are wired

Seriously? I don't think that's in the manual, is it? Thanks for the tip, I'll definitely give it a try once I get home. The super low volume of those surround speakers is getting me crazy (just bought mine last week)

Yes I have it it’s great 

Stretch - tcl q85h (on sale for $500 right now) Best bang for buck budget- [hisense for $89!](https://www.walmart.com/ip/Hisense-5-1-Ch-510W-Soundbar-with-Wireless-Subwoofer-and-2-Wireless-Rear-Speakers-R651/5685317361?clickid=X71xx7Tx4xyKRLg0v2xdpUOnUkszsXyTES7swg0&irgwc=1&sourceid=imp_X71xx7Tx4xyKRLg0v2xdpUOnUkszsXyTES7swg0&veh=aff&wmlspartner=imp_2189989&affiliates_ad_id=612734&campaign_id=9383&sharedid=) Target range soundbar- Hisense AX5125H ($350 currently)

Cheapest is definitely the hisense for $89

Update guys! I just got mine today and i am blown away!

My experience so far is amazing. And in my location it's sold for around $150. I would recommend AX5125 for Atmos support. But notwithstanding, hs5100 is amazing! Dialogue is great! The surrounds are punchy, bass is amazing! In fact it sounds more like an 8.5 inch instead of a 6.5 inch driver..

Exactly!!! Recently upgraded from Hisense HS218 2.1ch to HS5100 5.1ch and the difference is day and night!😂😂🤗. The feeling is quite amazing!

Check HS5100, currently using it. But without Dolby Atmos..but with Dolby digital plus and DTX:Virtual. 5.1ch and it sounds amazing too!

Get the Hisense HS5100 or the AX5100 soundbar. It had its own sub and rear and 5.1ch surround with dolby digital and digital plus. The AX500 has Dolby Atmos in addition.. I am currently using the HS5100 and it's awesome for the price!

Please go for Hisense HS3100 with centre channel. I love the HS2100 sub but the soundbar is crap. Low voice for dialogue. But the sub is beast level..i currently use the HS5100. While my bro use the HS2100

I use the Hisense hs5100 and it's amazing for its price. $200. 5.1 ch. Great dialogue, good for music and movies!

Nah. You can't compare. You probably got an older version. This is 5.1.4, s70tr is 5.1.1. even my hisense hs5100 from 2024 sounds amazing!

Get the Hisense HS3100, or HS5100, of the AX5100Q, or Ax7000 if that's what it is in your region. The 3 is a 3.1ch Soundbar with a sub and 3 channels on the soundbar. The 5 means a 5.1 Chanel Soundbar with two rears at the back and a sub. Bass is great! Dialogue and mid are super!

Get the Hisense Ax3120, or the more cheaper HS3100. Both 3.1ch. since you don't want rears.

Get an Hisense soundbar. Since you don't want rears i would recommend the HS3100 3.1ch soundbar. It's a budget but powerful bass and mids. Vocals is quite amazing too! I use the HS5100 model with rears. Or the AX3100 also... Check the other post. Some guy complaining about the bass in his Hs2100 Hisense soundbar. Because it's strong. The hs2100 model is lower than the hs3100 model. So u can do the maths.

Get a hisense 5.1 ch or 5.1.2.... Hs5100, Ax5120, u5120gw, ax5125h etc

Yeah. A cheaper model like Hisense hs5100

EDIT: Holding the SURR button will allow you to adjust the rear speaker volume. Not the play/pause button. Thank you Spechh for the correction. Got mine yesterday and noticed the same thing. The rear speakers are quite quiet by default, but can be adjusted. Hold down the play/pause button and you can get to the setup menu. From there you can turn the surround speakers up and down. Use the forward and back buttons to navigate through each setting and the plus and minus buttons to change the settings. You also want to make sure that the surround functionality is actually on. If you press the SURR button you can cycle through the three surround profiles there’s off, surround pro, and pure. Off is off, surround pro “enhances” the surround effect and pure looks to stay as true to the intended surround experience as possible. This is not the manual for the exact model, but it does provide some good info on pages 21 & 22: https://assets.hisense-usa.com/assets/ProductDownloads/484/d30c38f4be/U5120GW+_User-manual.pdf As for a review on if it’s an “upgrade.” For my purposes, yes it was worth the price. I added the setup to a room that previously was only using the TV speakers. It’s a huge improvement. The sub isn’t anything special and it’s not the most pristine surround experience you’ll ever hear, but it’s solid enough for the price. Once you get the speaker placement right and the settings tuned to your liking, it can add quite a bit over a typical tv speaker and is quite comparable to some more expensive options. I think it’s a nice setup for the price. Easy to setup and decent sound quality. I only wish the bass was a bit more punchy.

Haven't had the issue with Bass Boost turning off by itself. But I do agree that the sub is not very loud even when bass is turned to 5. I only really notice it when the volume is cranked pretty high up.

Great! I apologize. Tried to write the explanation from memory. You are 100% correct. Holding down the SURR button is the fix. Holding down menu does get you to some settings, but the only one that I found to be useful was bass boost.

For $96 there is a hisense 5.1 with a sub and two speakers. Hisense is absolutely cheap , but it was a much difference to me compared to price value of the TCL S45H