What’s the story?
It’s not going to win any awards for name originality, but then the second iteration of Cambridge Audio’s TV5 soundbase hasn’t exactly got a past to be ashamed of.
The original TV5 was powerful, punchy and well-priced, and its successor brings more of the same plus a handful of upgrades. These include a new HDMI port, twice as much power, an improved bass response and more stable aptX Bluetooth connection.
Its sound is handled by two 6cm drivers and a couple of 16cm subwoofers, which are housed in a 70cm-wide design that’ll slide under most TVs with minimal fuss. It’s not exactly stylish, but few soundbases really are.
As well as the new HDMI port, there’s 3.5mm, RCA and optical inputs available too, plus that improved Bluetooth for wireless music playback.
Any good?
The TV5 v2 manages every element of the frequency range with poise and consideration, giving each the space they require, while keeping it all nicely organised in the process.
The bass is tight, but forceful, and the midrange focused and full of insight. At the high-end, even the sound of glass shattering can’t unsteady the level-headed TV5 v2, which delivers a crisp and precise sound, even at high volumes.
It might not quite compete with the Canton DM55 for out-and-out detail in the mids, but it does provide a greater sense of scale and a more powerful low end in reply. That’s a trade off many will be happy to make.