The Samsung HW-S800B/ZA soundbar caters to users seeking to elevate their home theater experience without breaking the bank. This 3.2.1 channel soundbar features a dedicated center channel for clear dialogue and a wireless subwoofer for enhanced bass. Let’s delve into the key features of the HW-S800B/ZA to see if it delivers a compelling combination of sound quality, features, and value.
Sound Quality
The Samsung HW-S800B/ZA prioritizes clear and detailed sound. The dedicated center channel ensures voices remain crisp and discernible, even during action sequences with heavy sound effects. Left and right channels create a decent soundstage, effectively separating instruments and audio cues in music and movies. This enhances the overall listening experience, allowing you to feel more immersed in the content.
Bass
The HW-S800B/ZA includes a wireless subwoofer that adds a significant amount of bass to the sound experience. This is a welcome improvement over the limited bass typically found in built-in TV speakers. Explosions in movies and the low-end frequencies in music feel impactful and add depth to the overall sound. However, some users might find the bass a tad boomy depending on the room size and listening preferences. Thankfully, the HW-S800B/ZA offers adjustable bass levels, allowing you to fine-tune the sound to your liking.
Surround Sound Experience
While the HW-S800B/ZA is a 3.2.1 channel system, it utilizes Samsung’s Dolby Atmos and DTS Virtual:X technologies to create a more immersive virtual surround sound experience. These technologies use psychoacoustic processing to create the illusion of sound coming from above and behind the listener. This can enhance the feeling of being enveloped in the action, especially in movies with immersive soundtracks. However, it’s important to note that this is a virtual surround sound experience and doesn’t replicate a true 5.1 or 7.1 channel setup with dedicated surround speakers.
Connectivity
The HW-S800B/ZA offers a variety of connectivity options to accommodate your home theater setup. It features an HDMI eARC (enhanced Audio Return Channel) port that allows for lossless audio transmission from compatible TVs. Additionally, optical and digital audio inputs are available for connecting other devices like Blu-ray players or game consoles.
For wireless connectivity, the HW-S800B/ZA supports Bluetooth, allowing you to stream music from your smartphone or other Bluetooth-enabled devices. This is a convenient option for casual listening or playing music while entertaining guests.
Design
The HW-S800B/ZA boasts a sleek and compact design that complements most modern living rooms. The soundbar itself is low-profile and shouldn’t obstruct the bottom of your TV. The wireless subwoofer allows for flexible placement in the room, optimizing bass performance based on your space. The build quality feels good, with a sturdy plastic construction that exudes a sense of quality.
User-Friendliness
The Samsung HW-S800B/ZA prioritizes user-friendliness. The included remote control offers clear and well-labeled buttons for easy control of the soundbar’s volume, sound modes, and other settings. Additionally, the soundbar can be controlled using your Samsung TV remote if your TV supports HDMI-CEC (Consumer Electronics Control). The setup process is straightforward, with clear instructions and all necessary cables included in the box.
Conclusion
Overall, the Samsung HW-S800B/ZA delivers a significant sound upgrade for your TV at an attractive price point. Its user-friendly design, clear dialogue, impactful bass, and virtual surround sound capabilities make it a compelling option for casual viewers seeking to elevate their home theater experience without breaking the bank.
Here are some additional factors to consider when making your decision:
- Room Size: If you have a large room, you might want to consider a soundbar with a more powerful subwoofer or a full surround sound system for optimal bass performance.
- Audiophile Needs: For audiophiles seeking the absolute best sound quality, the HW-S800B/ZA might not be the top choice. High-end soundbars or dedicated audiophile sound systems might be a better fit.
- Future-Proofing: If you prioritize future-proofing your setup, consider soundbars with support for the latest audio formats like Dolby Atmos with dedicated height channels.
The Final Verdict:
The Samsung HW-S800B/ZA emerges as a compelling option for budget-conscious viewers seeking a significant audio upgrade over built-in TV speakers. It offers a well-rounded package with clear dialogue, impactful bass, and a virtual surround sound experience. However, users with larger rooms, audiophile needs, or a desire for a true Dolby Atmos setup might want to explore alternative options. Consider your budget, listening preferences, and room size to make the best decision for your home theater setup.
