In spite of the exceptional visual quality provided by Samsung TVs, the built-in speakers sometimes fail to deliver the immersive audio experience that viewers desire. An ideal soundbar not only produces rich and detailed sound that fills the entire room, but also seamlessly integrates with the TV in terms of appearance and performance. Let us delve into some important features to take into account.
Seamless Connectivity: Opt for soundbars equipped with Bluetooth or Wi-Fi for effortless pairing and a neat setup. Features like HDMI ARC support allow for convenient control with a single remote.
Audio Quality: Choose soundbars that support high-resolution audio formats like Dolby Atmos or DTS:X, as they provide a cinematic sound experience that surrounds you, enhancing your enjoyment of movies, music, and games.
Design Compatibility: Find a soundbar that complements the design of your Samsung TV, ensuring a cohesive and harmonious look. Slim and sleek models effortlessly blend in, enhancing your setup without being obtrusive.
As you explore the top soundbars specifically designed for Samsung TVs, consider the “Key Features” mentioned above to ensure that you select a model that maximizes your viewing pleasure and seamlessly integrates with your space.
Best Soundbar For Samsung TV Reviews
1. SAMSUNG HW-Q990C
The subwoofer, referred to as the ‘Acoustic Lens’, continues to impress with its deep and powerful bass, maintaining clarity even at low frequencies. The rear speakers enhance the sense of detail, resulting in a cohesive and balanced soundstage where positioning effects are accurately reproduced, whether they are overhead, in front, or to the sides of the viewer.
There are a few notable upgrades in terms of features. The SmartThings Hub has been integrated into the SmartThings app control, enabling users to connect the soundbar to other smart devices in their home. The Adaptive Sound mode has also been enhanced, improving its ability to identify voices at lower volume levels. Additionally, there are advanced auto-calibration tools available to optimize the speaker’s performance for your specific room.
The Q990C supports Samsung’s third-gen Q-Symphony technology, which merges the soundbar’s drivers with those of a Samsung TV’s speakers to deliver a more immersive audio experience. It also includes built-in Alexa voice recognition and AirPlay 2 for iOS users to easily stream audio to the soundbar.
Our reviewer found no disappointment in testing the Q990C. Despite having the same number of channels as the Q990B, which is 11.1.4, this choice is logical as it is more than enough to create an immersive soundscape for Dolby Atmos and DTS:X soundtracks.
In terms of design and connectivity options, not much has changed except for a lighter shade of black for the color. The soundbar still provides two HDMI inputs, a single optical audio input, and the HDMI input supports HDR10+ and Dolby Vision formats. However, it is worth noting that 4K/120Hz pass-through is still not supported, despite being supported by some games.
2. Sonos Beam Gen 2
The Sonos Beam (Gen 2) is a great option for individuals with limited space or a smaller television. Measuring 26 inches in width and just under 3 inches in height, this soundbar is among the top choices in its size category. It is ideal for smaller TVs up to 49 inches in size.
Similar to its predecessor, the Gen 1 Beam, the Gen 2 model features a tweeter, four mid-woofers, and three passive radiators. However, it lacks the upward-firing speakers for Dolby Atmos overhead channels found in the Sonos Arc. Instead, the Beam uses digital processing to create an immersive audio experience.
A notable improvement in the Beam (Gen 2) is the addition of HDMI eARC, which offers higher bandwidth and support for lossless audio formats like Atmos. This enhances the audio quality and allows for a more immersive sound experience.
The soundbar provides various sound modes, including a night mode to reduce loud noises at night and a speech enhancement mode to boost dialogue. Moreover, it is compatible with voice commands via Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant.
When it comes to sound quality, the Sonos Beam (Gen 2) delivers outstanding balance and range. Although it may not offer the same level of depth as the Sonos Arc, it still provides a surround sound experience that immerses you in sound.
3. SENNHEISER AMBEO Soundbar Max
The Ambeo Soundbar is a substantial unit, measuring over a meter in length and weighing 18.5kg, making it unsuitable to be placed under a television unless it is wall-mounted. In comparison, the Devialet Dione, which is similarly priced, weighs 12kg, a weight we previously considered to be quite heavy. Surprisingly, the Ambeo is even heavier than some OLED TVs on their own.
Given its size and weight, the Ambeo requires a considerable amount of space. Nevertheless, its build quality is exceptional, offering a variety of inputs such as three HDMI ports, digital optical out, and aux-in. Moreover, it supports Google Chromecast and Bluetooth 4.2 for wireless connectivity.
The Ambeo Soundbar serves as an all-in-one solution that truly fulfills its promise of delivering 5.1.4 channel immersive sound. The audio quality is exceptional, enveloping the listener in a room with dynamic effects and robust sound that enhances the viewing experience of movies and TV shows. The system provides a significant amount of bass for a single-bar setup, with impressive low-end extension and a rich soundstage. However, it is essential to activate the Ambeo processing to fully appreciate the bar’s performance, as deactivating it can reduce the depth and height of the sound.
Supported audio formats include Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, and MPEG-H. To optimize the Ambeo’s performance, a high-quality calibration microphone is included to customize the soundbar’s audio profile to the room. It is crucial to highlight that calibration can only be carried out from a single listening point, underscoring the importance of being seated in the ideal position for the best possible audio experience.
4. Sony HT-A7000
If you’re in search of a soundbar that excels in both movies and music, we suggest taking a closer look at the Sony HT-A7000. Our testing revealed that this soundbar delivers precise and clear audio, with distinct voices and impressively powerful bass considering its single-bar design. Its 7.1.2 channel Dolby Atmos and DTS:X performance also left a lasting impression, providing an immersive experience with a remarkable sense of height that surpasses what you’d typically expect from a soundbar.
However, we did find that its claims of virtual surround sound were not entirely convincing, possibly due to the need for nearby walls to bounce sounds off to the listening position, which we didn’t have in our setup.
When it comes to music, the HT-A7000 truly shines. It offers excellent tonality, natural mid-range depiction, crisp highs, and punchy bass. We discovered that it performs exceptionally well with music in its Cinema mode, delivering a smoother vocal performance.
While there is an upgrade path available to add rear speakers and a subwoofer, the soundbar already offers a wide range of features for its price. It provides various options for wired and wireless audio playback, including support for Chromecast, AirPlay 2, Bluetooth 5, Spotify Connect, and even Hi-Res Audio with DSD and the wireless LDAC format.
Furthermore, the HT-A7000 supports Sony’s 360 Reality Audio format, allowing you to enjoy tracks in 3D audio from popular music streaming services like Tidal and Deezer. It also offers smart assistance with both Alexa and Google Assistant, although a separate compatible device is required for hands-free control.
5. Razer Leviathan V2
The Leviathan V2 by Razer boasts a more understated design compared to other products from the brand. Despite its subtle appearance, the RGB lighting can be customized to add a lively element to gaming sessions. Constructed mainly from plastic, the soundbar is sturdy, featuring feet that can elevate it to direct audio towards the listener.
Instead of an HDMI port, the soundbar only offers a USB audio input for connecting to a PC. Bluetooth 5.2 enables wireless connectivity to devices other than PCs for audio playback. While the connectivity options are simple, the lack of a 3.5mm port, which was present in the previous model, may be disappointing for some users. The Razer Audio app provides EQ presets such as Bass Boost to adjust the sound according to the game being played.
In terms of sound quality, our reviewer praised the deep, powerful bass produced by the soundbar and subwoofer combination. The wide soundstage helps in pinpointing enemy locations, while the lifelike sound effects enhance the overall gaming experience. The inclusion of THX Spatial Audio, as opposed to Dolby Atmos in the Panasonic SoundSlayer Gaming Speaker, enhances our situational awareness during gameplay.
Although music playback via Bluetooth may not be as impressive as with dedicated wireless speakers, it is still satisfactory for casual use. The Pro version offers advanced spatial audio processing capabilities, delivering an enhanced audio experience.
Final Word
When choosing a soundbar to enhance your Samsung TV, take into account factors like size, subwoofer preference, and connectivity choices. Make sure that the dimensions of the soundbar match your TV and the available space. Determine whether you prefer a wired or built-in subwoofer depending on the limitations of your space. Furthermore, explore the different connectivity options that are available.
If you need any further assistance or have any inquiries regarding purchasing tips or usage, please don’t hesitate to leave a comment below. We are dedicated to promptly addressing your questions and assisting you in making an informed decision.
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