Hisense AX5125H Review: Powerful Soundbar with True 5.1.2 Surround Sound

Experience immersive Dolby Atmos with the Hisense AX5125H—a robust 5.1.2 soundbar system delivering cinematic audio without breaking the bank.

Imagine a full 5.1.2-channel home theater audio system with wireless connectivity and genuine Dolby Atmos support for under $350. Sounds like a steal, right? Even those of us who know Hisense’s mantra—offering as much as possible for as little as possible—might raise an eyebrow at such a claim.

Yet here it is. A bona fide spatial audio system ready to rival pricier soundbars and surround sound setups alike, delivering big theater vibes without draining your wallet. But wait, what's the catch?

How Much Does the Hisense AX5125H Cost?

The Hisense AX5125H is already on shelves, retailing for just under $350. That’s a seriously competitive price for what this system promises.

Hisense undeniably squeezes a lot of value into the AX5125H package. But does it deliver when it counts? Keep reading for the full rundown.

Features and Innovations

Unlike many “Dolby Atmos” soundbars that rely on digital sound processing, the Hisense AX5125H boasts actual upward-firing speakers to create that crucial sense of height and space essential for immersive audio. On top of that, it employs real physical speakers for the rear surround channels. Yes, more hardware means more setup, but if you’ve got the space (and power outlets), this system feels better equipped to deliver a genuine home theater atmosphere than most rivals at this price point.

From a specs standpoint, Hisense shares some but not all details. What’s confirmed: the entire system is powered by a 500-watt Class D amplifier. Of that, 180 watts go to the subwoofer’s 165mm driver, while 40 watts are dedicated to the pair of upward-firing speakers within the soundbar.

The system supports a full 5.1.2-channel soundstage with nine drivers total. Beyond the sub's size, the specifics of the other drivers’ size and materials are a mystery. The speaker layout is a bit unclear: one driver sits in the subwoofer, one each in the satellites, and two upward-firing speakers on top of the soundbar—that accounts for four. So the front left, center, and right channels must be handled by five drivers embedded within the soundbar itself.

Connectivity-wise, it’s straightforward. All four components need power, but the subwoofer and rear satellites link wirelessly to the soundbar via Bluetooth. The soundbar itself offers two HDMI ports (including one with eARC support), an optical digital input, USB-A port, and a 3.5mm analog input. Wireless audio streaming uses Bluetooth 5.3 exclusively—no Wi-Fi or Ethernet here.

A neat “TV mode” syncs the speakers on compatible Hisense TVs to work alongside the soundbar rather than turning off. Seven EQ presets are available, including “Cinema” (the obvious go-to for movie lovers) and “Night” (which compresses dynamic range for quieter viewing without disturbing others). The crown jewel? Full compatibility with Dolby Atmos and DTS:X soundtracks.

Performance That Commands Attention

Before diving into the nitty-gritty, let’s talk character. This system doesn’t ease into your ears gently; it grabs audio content by the collar and drives it forward with gusto.

Both the soundbar and subwoofer deliver punchy, no-nonsense performances, especially suited for adrenaline-pumping action movies. However, this forwardness can be less ideal for quieter, atmospheric scenes where subtlety rules. During those moments, it almost feels like the system is itching for the next big sonic bang.

The frequency response leans heavily towards the lower end, and the overall sound profile pushes those bass notes front and center. You can tweak bass levels with the remote, but the lows will always dominate no matter what.

Add to that a dense, slightly rough tonal balance, and Hisense’s intentions become clear. The midrange shines well from the front-facing soundbar speakers, and the highs are present with a decent sparkle, but they never steal the spotlight from the booming bass.

The AX5125H crafts a wide and reasonably well-defined soundstage, and when playing Dolby Atmos content, it manages a respectable sense of height. The upward-firing drivers can’t quite conjure a complete “overhead” sound effect, especially in rooms with average ceiling heights, but it’s definitely a step above similarly sized soundbars without physical height channels.

Dynamic range is impressive across all EQ settings except “Night,” though the system’s habit of playing loudly even during quiet moments can be a slight drawback. Rear speakers contribute nicely when the on-screen action heats up, but they tend to be overwhelmed by the soundbar and particularly the subwoofer’s presence. During cinematic explosions and sweeping orchestras, the front drivers dominate, sometimes pushing the surrounds into the background.

This emphasis carries over when streaming music via Bluetooth. The sound can feel a bit congested and bass-heavy, which may affect rhythm and clarity. Yet, the system never lacks energy or determination in its delivery.

Design and User Experience

At this price point, “design” might be a stretch—“construction” suits better. Still, Hisense nails build quality and finish standards, even if much of the plastic housing feels rather ordinary. For such an aggressively priced system, the AX5125H looks quite respectable.

The soundbar measures a neat 60 x 920 x 90 mm (HxWxD), fitting comfortably under most TVs. The top surface is sensibly covered with fabric, allowing the upward-firing drivers to work unhindered while avoiding TV screen glare.

Each satellite speaker is a handy 141 x 90 x 110 mm, featuring small rubber feet to protect surfaces and mounting holes for wall installation. The wireless subwoofer’s MDF enclosure is compact at 310 x 211 x 300 mm.

All components sport perforated metal grilles, and behind the soundbar grille sits an LED display with adjustable brightness. The satellite grilles cover their top surfaces too, but remember—the only upward-firing drivers are inside the soundbar itself.

User-friendliness is a strong point. There are no fancy apps here—just a simple, intuitive remote that’s easy to master. Once powered on, the four components connect wirelessly with speed and stability. The remote lets you fine-tune bass and treble to tailor the sound to your room’s acoustics.

Verdict: A Surprising Powerhouse with Real Atmos

Set your expectations realistically when considering a wireless 5.1.2 home theater system with Dolby Atmos and DTS:X decoding at this compelling price. The Hisense AX5125H isn’t the most balanced sound system you’ll ever hear, but it packs a loud, enveloping, and undeniably immersive punch that’s tough to find for less money.

Alternatives to Consider

If you’re weighing options, the Sonos Beam Gen 2 isn’t much more expensive and uses digital signal processing to simulate Dolby Atmos. It doesn’t come with a subwoofer or rear speakers, but remains a strong and reliable alternative, especially for music lovers. Its Atmos performance impresses given its “soundbar only” setup.

Comparing the two only sweetens the appeal of the Hisense AX5125H, right?

Hisense AX5125H offers a big, powerful, and enveloping sound that’s hard to beat at this price.

FAQ

• What is the channel configuration of the Hisense AX5125H?
  It features a true 5.1.2-channel setup, including front, center, surround, and upward-firing speakers for Dolby Atmos.
• Does the AX5125H support wireless rear speakers?
  Yes, the rear satellites and subwoofer connect wirelessly to the soundbar via Bluetooth.
• What connectivity options are available on the soundbar?
  It includes two HDMI inputs (one with eARC), an optical digital input, USB-A port, and a 3.5mm analog input.
• Can I adjust the sound settings on the Hisense AX5125H?
  Absolutely. The remote control offers seven EQ presets and allows manual bass and treble adjustments.
• Is the Hisense AX5125H suitable for music listening?
  While energetic and punchy, its bass-heavy profile may not satisfy audiophiles looking for tight dynamics, but it works well for casual listening.

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