Philips TAB8301 elevates the slim soundbar to 3.1.2 channels
Philips' new product for 2026 uses a separate center channel, two upward-firing height drivers, and a compact wireless subwoofer. The smaller TAB8200 from the same range was recently tested in AVPlussa's extensive soundbar comparison.
The Philips soundbar range has been expanded with the TAB8301/10, which features a 3.1.2-channel speaker system built into a very low chassis. The Dolby Atmos and DTS:X-compatible soundbar comes with a separate wireless subwoofer, and the system's maximum power is stated to be 380 watts. The continuous RMS power for the whole is promised to be 190 watts.
The new product continues the same idea of an easy-to-place soundbar that we already saw in the smaller Philips TAB8200. This “little brother” of the TAB8301 was tested In AVPlussa's soundbar comparison published in May, where it was pitted against models from JBL, Samsung and TCL. The TAB8200 stood out in the comparison, especially with its exceptionally slim design and small, versatile subwoofer.
The basic solution familiar from the TAB8301 has been taken further by adding an actual center channel and two physical, upward-facing height elements. At the same time, the number of channels has been increased from the 2.1-channel structure of the TAB8200 to 3.1.2 channels.
The center channel aims for clearer speech.
The soundbar's front channels are formed by left and right channels and a center channel placed between them. The center channel aims to anchor the speech of movies, series, and television programs in the center of the image, which should make the dialogue stand out more clearly from the background sounds.
Speech can also be emphasized with a separate dialogue enhancement function. The tone can be customized with four EQ settings for entertainment, music, speech and for the most authentic reproduction. In addition, bass and treble adjustments are available, as well as correction of the delay between the image and sound.
There is also IntelliSound audio processing, which can be used in AI-assisted mode, with preset settings, or with the user's own adjustments.
Height elements are used to build a Dolby Atmos sound image
The last digit in the TAB8301's 3.1.2 designation refers to the two height channels. They are implemented with upward-firing broadband drivers, whose sound is projected through the ceiling towards the listening position.
The solution aims to create the vertical surround effect required by Dolby Atmos soundtracks without the need for in-ceiling speakers. Support has also been added for DTS:X and DTS Virtual:X. Of these, DTS Virtual:X can be used to create a virtual surround sound effect even from material that does not have actual height channels.
The system does not include separate rear speakers, and Philips' technical specifications do not mention the possibility of expanding the system with wireless surround speakers. The TAB8301 is therefore intended for users who want a center channel and treble without additional speakers to distribute in the living room.
A compact subwoofer familiar from AVPlussa's test
In the AVPlussa comparison The TAB8200's strength was its small size. The soundbar was clearly the slimmest in the comparison group, and its wireless subwoofer could be placed either vertically or on its side. At its lowest point, the subwoofer could fit under a sofa, for example.
The same placement principle has been retained in the TAB8301. The dimensions of the bass cabinet are 155 × 391 × 161 millimeters, and it weighs 3,8 kilograms. Bass reproduction is provided by a 6,5-inch element, the operating range of which is stated to be 35–180 hertz. The cabinet is implemented using the bass reflex principle.
The soundbar itself is also still very low, although it is slightly taller than the TAB8200. The TAB8301 is 826 millimeters wide, 44 millimeters high, and 55 millimeters deep. The main unit weighs just one kilogram. The TAB8200 was 37 millimeters high, so adding the new channels has increased the body by seven millimeters.
Magnetic mount is designed for Philips TVs
The TAB8301 is designed specifically for Philips Ambilight TVs with a low stand. Compatible TVs can utilize a magnetic mounting solution that allows the soundbar to be placed close to the TV structure without a large visible gap.
The soundbar can also be mounted on a wall. The necessary wall brackets are included with the device. Thanks to EasyLink, or HDMI-CEC control, the volume can be controlled with the TV remote control. In connection with a Philips TV, the same control can also be used to change preset EQ modes and adjust bass and treble.
Bluetooth updated to version 6.0
The TAB8301 is primarily connected to a television via the HDMI eARC connection. It can transmit Dolby Atmos, Dolby TrueHD, Dolby Digital Plus, DTS:X and DTS Digital Surround sound, among others.
Other connections include an optical digital input, a 3,5mm AUX input and USB. MP3, WAV and FLAC files can be played from a USB memory stick. A separate HDMI input or video signal pass-through is not mentioned in the technical specifications.
Bluetooth 6.0 is used for wireless music playback. There is also LE Audio support, which aims for a more stable connection and lower latency with compatible devices. The TAB8200 used Bluetooth 5.3, so the wireless connection has also been updated with the new model.
In addition to the remote control, the sound settings can be controlled using the Philips Entertainment app. The app allows you to select the sound source and EQ setting, enable virtual surround playback, and adjust other device functions.
Most read today
Latest
Subscribe to our newsletter
Subscribe to our newsletter and stay up to date with the latest news in technology and consumer electronics.
Inquiry
Quiz
C-cassette and cassette player – do you know the analog classic?
Check out these too
TESTED ProCaster S3 compact active multi-function speakers
Small speakers with a built-in amplifier are a practical solution when you want the simplest possible speaker solution for your computer, television or other sound source....
TRIAL: Better sound from your computer for a bargain – ProCaster AMP-H1 DA converter/headphone amplifier
The computer's own headphone output is usually only sufficient for basic use - if at all. Especially in laptops, the audio output is often implemented as just part of the audio circuit,...
TESTED: Ikea Bluetooth speakers – more than just interior design?
Ikea isn't the first brand that comes to mind when talking about Bluetooth speakers. However, its current range is surprisingly extensive and differs in many ways...
OnePlus is indeed leaving Europe completely, and therefore also Finland
OnePlus has been one of the best-selling phone brands in Finland. However, now OnePlus is going out of business, meaning it will no longer launch new products. The decision concerns...
HONOR Magic V6 opens up into a pocket-sized workstation – AI and three-app multitasking at the heart
The HONOR Magic V6 has been introduced to the Finnish market, and the foldable structure has not been left as a mere showy design solution. The model has been positioned...
128 laser projectors produce 2,56 million lumens for the museum and create images at a rate of 28 billion pixels per second
The National Museum of Qatar is overhauling its 10 immersive galleries with a massive upgrade, including 128 Panasonic PT-RQ25K laser projectors and over 170 HIVE media players.