TCL's Q85K Soundbar: Bang & Olufsen Sound Finally Matches Your TV's Picture

Michael Bennett · 2026-09-05

TCL just unveiled its new flagship soundbar at IFA 2026, and it's a serious attempt to fix a problem that's plagued slim TVs for years: picture quality that far outpaces sound. The Q85K-UK sits at the top of a four-model lineup, and it's bringing some heavy audio pedigree with it, thanks to tuning by Bang & Olufsen. If you've ever spent a fortune on a gorgeous 4K TV only to wince at its tinny built-in speakers, you know the struggle. TCL's Q Series is designed to close that gap with immersive audio and automatic room calibration. ### What You Get in the Box The Q85K-UK pairs a soundbar with a wireless subwoofer in one package. It's a 7.1.2-channel configuration with 16 drivers that place sound in front of, beside, and even above you. That overhead placement is what makes Dolby Atmos and DTS:X content feel like it's wrapping around the room. - 7.1.2-channel setup with 16 drivers - Up to 1,180 watts of maximum audio power - Wireless subwoofer with two 7-inch drivers in a Push-Push configuration - Dolby Atmos and DTS:X support That subwoofer isn't just about boom. The Push-Push design reduces cabinet vibration, so you get deep, controlled bass without the rattling that can ruin loud action scenes. ### Bang & Olufsen Tuning and Smart Features Audio by Bang & Olufsen provides custom tuning, and B&O's beamforming technology directs sound to improve dialogue clarity. That means voices stay clear even when music and effects are competing for attention. Because every room sounds different, AI Sonic-Adaptation analyzes your listening environment and adjusts the audio automatically. No manual EQ tweaking required. > "The Q85K-UK is built for TVs 65 inches and above, and it's available from UK retailers at the end of September 2026 for £749 (around $950)." ### Connectivity and Integration HDMI 2.1 with eARC simplifies setup through a single cable, while ALLM support keeps gaming responsive. Dolby Vision signals can pass through the soundbar on their way to the screen. Bluetooth, AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect, and Google Cast add wireless playback options. And Tutti Choral lets the Q85K work together with a compatible TCL television's own speakers as one coordinated system. ### The Rest of the Lineup TCL also lists the ultra-slim A65K soundbar, a 50mm-deep (about 2 inches) 3.1.2-channel model with Dolby Atmos and Bang & Olufsen tuning, available now for £249 (around $315). The Dolby Atmos FlexConnect wireless Z100-UK speaker system rounds out the range and supports up to four units plus an optional subwoofer at £199 each (around $250). If you're in the market for a soundbar that can finally match your TV's picture, the Q85K-UK is worth keeping an eye on when it hits shelves this fall.