Time’s Scar, Chrono Cross – Listening for the highs of the flute and the transition to high-mids from the viola, general instrumental If you want to know what it sounds like, set your iPhone to max volume. That's pretty much what this soundbar sounds like at max volume. Dell has even included a god damn Ethernet port on this thing, just in case there is a conceivable reason that a configuration like this would be better for cable management. The Microphone A unique feature of this soundbar versus the Dell Slim Soundbar SB521A is that this model has a built in microphone. So, even though most of the supported monitors do not come with a camera, you can at least take audio conferencing calls with this soundbar, the monitor, and nothing else. My first audio test of the microphone led me to believe that it was complete trash. My voice sound like it was coming from a roadside payphone - tinny, raspy, without any depth. But that was when I was using the slim soundbar as my main speaker. I changed the audio output to the AC511, and... well, it wasn't amazing, but it wasn't that bad either. I would say it's equivalent to the speaker that is built into my Logitech C922 webcam. But since it's about as good of a mic as the webcam that I'll have plugged in anyway, I don't know if there's any point for me to use the soundbars microphone. IDC Whitepaper: “Optimizing Performance with Frequent Server Replacements for Enterprises” commissioned by Dell Technologies and Intel, March 2021. Results are based on interviews with 18 IT practitioners and decision makers at midsize and large enterprises and a web survey of 707 IT practitioners and decision makers at midsize and larger enterprises using Dell Technologies server solutions across 7 industries. See full whitepaper: https://www.delltechnologies.com/resources/en-us/asset/white-papers/products/servers/server-infrastructure-resiliency-enterprise-whitepaper.pdf

P2222H, P2422H, P2422HE, P2423D, P2423DE, P2722H, P2722HE, P2723D, P2723DE, P2723QE, P3221D, P3222QE, P3223DE, P3421W, U2421E, U2422H, U2422HE, U2722D, U2722DE, U2723QE, U3023E, U3223QE. Each Dell soundbar is compatible with a specific series of Dell monitors. Dell has five soundbars that are available for Dell monitors based on the type of display and the manufacture date.

Amplifier

At this rate, I’d expect some sort of built-in mid-range DAC/Amp combo to truly round up the all-in-one experience in the near future. Just kidding… or am i? OSD The Dell AX510 and AX510PA are soundbars that attach to the bottom of certain Dell monitors. The following Dell knowledge base article has more information (including compatibility) about these soundbars: General Information About the Dell AX510 and AX510PA Soundbars Terms Apply. Promotion ends 3 December 2023. Items are subject to availability. Max 5 units per customer. Sitting at about arm’s length from the soundbar itself, things are usually ok in terms of it feeling like stereo sound, thanks to each driver being at the far end length of the speaker itself. However, it starts to break down if one were to move towards the speaker a little, as the soundstage is not as wide as two separate satellite speakers would be, causing it to narrow it to something more mono-sounding; a heads up for interested parties to sit further away to get the best experience. Another oddly missing feature is HDR support, which shouldn’t be difficult to certify and achieve, given the good color accuracy of this monitor. Price

The display quality, as you would expect, is top notch with 100% sRGB and 95% DCI-P3 coverage; any higher and you’re creeping into pro-grade territory that can have monitors easily costing more than 1.5x the price in comparison. The colors and contrast are great out of the box and don’t look too saturated or vibrant. Being pre-calibrated with a DeltaE of <2 from the factory, there is no need for calibration tools; perfect for content creators that may not want to invest in one. In terms of volume, these are pretty really loud speakers given that they’re usb-powered and can fill the typical room at about 60 volume no problem and that’s not even at its pull power, nice. You’ll definitely have no issues here. A standout feature in this flavour of firmware is definitely the built-in Picture-in-Picture mode, where, if you wish, you could use the monitor for another source that is also plugged in to the input, making it very handy for users who tend to need that multitasking screen space working on multiple projects. Display Quality It seems like Dell doesn’t call this the “USB-C Hub Monitor” for nothing on their brochure. As you can see from the ports below, they’re pulling out all the stops to include just about everything you’d want from a hub for a true dongle-less experience.The brightness can also be cranked all the way up to blinding if you wish. According to my eyes, it seems to spec a bit higher than the 350nits listed in the specifications. Unfortunately, even at a technically less challenging QHD resolution, Dell has been unable to fit freesync into panels like this and with the unimpressive 60Hz refresh rate, there just isn’t much incentive for pure gamers to consider this one. In terms of adjustments, this monitor has all bases covered. Tilt, swivel, rotate and height adjustments are all there and par for course. As with Dell’s recent arm design, there’s a little hollow nook in the middle of the monitor for better cable management that comes in nice and handy. As far as I can tell, it doesn’t compromise on the stability or rigidity as it withstood me shaking on the stand with some effort. Final thoughts The AC511 is a decent soundbar attached to my Dell P2715Q, first released in 2014. So when I decided to upgrade to the U2723QE, I was happy to see that despite the annoyance that the soundbar I already own won't fit, I may be able to acquire a similar sound experience with the new screen and an SB522A soundbar. Unfortunately, the speaker is not worth using as a general purpose computer speaker even for conference calls, as it is marketed, and the microphone is redundant. While I'll miss the convenience of a speaker that stays off of my desk, listening to the tiny tinny dell slim conferencing soundbar would surely hurt my ears over time. Your work office or home office deserve better. Adjust the volume levels on Windows and the application in use. Also, play an alternate audio file or online media is possible.

IDC Whitepaper “Optimizing Performance with Frequent Server Replacements for Enterprises” commissioned by Dell Technologies and Intel, March 2021. Results are based on interviews with 18 IT practitioners and decision makers at midsize and large enterprises and a web survey of 707 IT practitioners and decision makers at midsize and larger enterprises using Dell Technologies server solutions across 7 industries. See full whitepaper: https://www.delltechnologies.com/resources/en-us/asset/white-papers/products/servers/server-infrastructure-resiliency-enterprise-whitepaper.pdfAt a 8ms GtG response, it’s pretty much par for course when it comes to higher-than-HD resolutions; not abysmal enough to get smearing or ghosting while using the monitor to game, but also not great either now that even certain QHD panels can reach 120Hz and beyond with a faster response time to boot. Surprisingly, there isn’t any distortion as far as I could hear. That said, it does start to make its weaknesses more obvious in terms of the level balance within the mids and lows, where the base can be overpowering the mids without a nuanced transition on certain songs. Sound Quality For a person that is pretty much used to stereo speakers and the way they sound, the soundstage of the soundbar definitely takes some time getting used to. The Dell Slim Soundbar SB521A attaches to the bottom of certain Dell monitors. The following Dell knowledge base article has more information (including compatibility) about this soundbar: Dell Slim Soundbar SB521A Usage and Troubleshooting Guide If the soundbar works on the computer, you may have a defective USB port on the Dell monitor or a defective the USB upstream cable.

USB3 has been utilized for the soundbar’s only connectivity option and Dell didn’t see a need to implement any kind of Bluetooth connectivity that might increase the cost of the product – A move I agree with though as always, wouldn’t hurt to include a separate SKU for those that might want it. Soundstage & Volume on Dell internal analysis using publicly available specs in August 2023 comparing maximum effective capacity for PowerStore 1200 and FlashArray //X20. Assumes average 4:1 data reduction for PowerStore, 5:1 for Pure Storage. Actual results vary. CompleteCover: Service is available for personal computers, Axim PDAs, Dell branded projectors and LCD TV. CompleteCover excludes theft, loss, and damage due to fire, intentional damage, acts of God or natural disasters, animals, pets or pests. Customer may be required to return unit to Dell. This service is only available in selected countries. Overall, think of them as a pair of decent laptop speakers that does its job adequately without any fuss on your end. Don’t come in expecting audiophile quality sound and you’ll be surprised at what these speakers can deliver. Price Accidental Damage-Additional Information: Accidental Damage Service excludes theft, loss, and damage due to fire, flood or other acts of nature, or intentional damage. Customer may be required to return damaged unit to Dell. Limit of 1 qualified incident per contract year. For more information, consumers visit Accidental Damage Service Contract (Consumer) or commercial customers visit Accidental Damage Service Contract (Commercial).The Dell U2722DE and the slim soundbar is a surprisingly decent pairing for productivity work and I have no qualms recommending it that way, though the sound fidelity might not satisfy some. The monitor by itself is excellent with good color coverage though having freesync and/or HDR support would make it a better all-rounder for people looking at both sides of the spectrum. Estimated valueis Dell’s estimate of product value based on industry data, including the prices at which third-party retailers have offered or valued the same or comparable products, in its most recent survey of major online and/or off-line retailers. Third-party retailer data may not be based on actual sales. On more challenging songs such as the extremely bass-heavy intro of Metallica’s Enter Sandman, the bass simply sounds muted from what you’d expect and isn’t a good experience, the same can be said with George Michael’s Careless Whisper where the Saxophone solo just isn’t as nuanced when from note to note. Dell monitors with integrated speakers do not have the required slots or connections available to connect a soundbar. Clean or reconnect all cables again. Test the soundbar with a different audio source, such as from another computer.