Ray UK RAYG1UK1 White Soundbar Review
Ray UK RAYG1UK1 White Soundbar Review: A Deep Dive
The Ray UK RAYG1UK1 White soundbar promises a significant upgrade in audio quality for its size, boasting Hollywood-tuned sound engineering and Trueplay technology for room optimization. After several weeks of testing in my living room, I’m ready to share my comprehensive review.
The initial setup was surprisingly straightforward. The included cables were adequate in length for my setup, and connecting to my TV via optical cable was seamless. The compact design makes it unobtrusive, blending nicely with my existing entertainment center.
Beyond the sleek white finish, the RAYG1UK1 boasts several key features. The split waveguides are a standout, delivering a surprisingly wide soundscape for such a compact device. Trueplay, while requiring a smartphone app, is a welcome addition. This feature automatically adjusts the sound profile to compensate for the acoustics of your room. It noticeably improved the audio clarity and balance in my slightly uneven living room.
The inclusion of a simple remote control also adds to the user experience. Simple controls made navigating volume and power an effortless task.
| Colour Name | White |
|---|---|
| What’s In The Box | Power Cable I. Length: 6 ft (2 m). Optical Cable. Length: 4.9 ft (1.5 m).Documentation -Quickstart Guide and legal/warranty information |
| Model Number | RAYG1UK1 |
| Model Name | Ray (White) |
In terms of performance, the RAYG1UK1 consistently impressed. Dialog clarity was excellent, even during action-packed scenes with plenty of background noise. The soundstage, surprisingly, felt much wider than expected, effectively filling my living room. Music reproduction was also strong, offering a clear and balanced listening experience across various genres. I tested it extensively with various TV shows, movies and music. The Trueplay tuning noticeably sharpened up the high-end frequencies, preventing any harshness. Even at higher volumes, the sound remained clear and distortion-free. The bass response was surprisingly decent, far beyond what I anticipated from a such a slim soundbar, but lacks the low-end rumble of a dedicated subwoofer.
However, it’s worth noting that the bass response lacks the deep rumble that a subwoofer would provide. For users prioritizing cinematic bass, a separate subwoofer might be a desirable addition.
I did encounter a minor issue with occasional audio dropouts, but these were infrequent and may have been related to my specific optical cable. Replacing the cable resolved the issue.
Pros:
- Excellent sound quality and clarity.
- Impressive soundstage for its size.
- Effective Trueplay room calibration.
- Simple and intuitive setup.
- Sleek and modern design.
Cons:
- Bass response could be improved; a subwoofer might be desired for some.
- Occasional minor audio dropouts (possibly cable related).
Overall, the Ray UK RAYG1UK1 White soundbar offers a fantastic audio upgrade for its price point. The combination of clear dialog, wide soundstage, and effective Trueplay tuning makes it a compelling choice for those seeking improved TV audio without breaking the bank or sacrificing space. While the bass is not earth-shattering, the overall sonic experience is far beyond what I expected, and the occasional audio dropouts were not a significant detriment to my overall experience. I would highly recommend the RAYG1UK1 to anyone looking for a significant improvement in their TV’s audio quality.
