Q-Symphony is compatible with 2022 Samsung TV (AU7000 TV and above). For a complete list of compatible models, please refer to samsung.com for more information. The gentle rumble of Kingpin's machine in Into The Spider-verse really shows the subtle power of a subwoofer. Without being loud and without shaking the room, it makes clear the scale of the giant spinning machine as the sub gently thrums in the corner, in a way that a single-unit soundbar can't really match. But it's still a problem I have with using the Arc, and might be something that might (fairly) put people with a low-slung TV off the idea of a Dolby Atmos soundbar. Other ways to get sound over to the S800B include Bluetooth, and if you fire up the Samsung SmartThings app, you can connect the soundbar to your Wi-Fi network, enabling Apple AirPlay 2 and Spotify Connect streaming (but no Google Cast). It also has Alexa built-in, including a mic, so it functions fully as a smart speaker. To do this, it includes eight separate speaker drivers in the soundbar unit, and another two in the subwoofer. That's a huge number for the amount of space it takes up, and it explains the quality of the directional audio.

The HW-S800B's remote control has a lot of options for something you ideally wouldn't really touch… (Image credit: Future)There’s a moment 1:16 into Jumanji: Welcome To The Jungle where a deep chugging shakes a huge shed before a helicopter bursts through its timbers: the chugging not only had huge weight but stopped and started within each chugbeat, where many small subs deliver this as a blur. Depending on your source, this may not be much of a problem – the Dolby Atmos version used by streaming services is 'lossy' anyway, so not having eARC isn't the end of the world. But if you love 4K Blu-rays for their maximum fidelity, which offer lossless Atmos sound, you don't quite get the best of them here. that violates any law, statute, ordinance or regulation (including, but not limited to, those governing export control, consumer protection, unfair competition, anti-discrimination or false advertising);

As part of keeping the subwoofer small, there's actually an external power box, which is unusual for products like this. It's no problem, but will want hiding away. I had a problem where it didn’t show up consistently as a Bluetooth target on my iPhone, despite being connected in the Bluetooth settings, but it's hard to know whether to blame Apple or Samsung. It was frustrating, either way. This bar appears in one product video in white; this seems a finish given only to certain retail outlets, and released as the HW-S801B. It seems otherwise identical. The helicopter exits and flies overhead – an Atmos treat with genuine surround, but not possible here with 3.1.2. Nevertheless, the space generated was impressive; the soundstage stretched wide beyond the bounds of the bar despite there being no side-firing speakers, and yes, large in height too, as if a large semi-circle of sound was being created up and around the screen area.

There's a lot of speaker power in the Samsung HW-S800B's small body. (Image credit: Future) Samsung HW-S800B review: Price and release date But here's the best part about the Samsung HW-S800B: it sounds pretty damn incredible despite being so small. I was worried that the small size of the soundbar working with a subwoofer would mean the sound is top and bottom heavy, without much strength in the mid-range, but that's no problem at all. If you're looking for a relatively discreet soundbar that still provides a showpiece Dolby Atmos experience, this is absolutely it. There's width, there's height, there's movement in scenes… it really makes the most of object-based audio. We've mentioned that the soundbar's remote has lots of buttons, and using them to change modes can be quite hit and miss. Part of the problem is that the soundbar doesn't have a screen, but instead a series of dots that flash in different colors and patterns to indicate things, which is… not something I'm ever going to learn. While trying modes for the review, I was sitting with the manual open on my lap, looking at diagrams of dots and flashes like I was trying to defuse a particularly whimsical bomb.

Converted to Test Bench 1.2. Updated the results for audio format support via ARC/eARC, HDMI In, and Optical. Added Video Passthrough to TV results as well. Standard’ is also the only mode which doesn’t upscale stereo content to the full driver complement; everything else plays two-channel content in 3.1.2, even, surprisingly, the Game mode, which you might expect to switch off all non-essential processing. Setting up the Samsung HW-S800B just for working with your TV is as easy as it gets: plug it into the wall, plug it into your TV, and plug the subwoofer in separately. You're straight off, with the two units instantly syncing wirelessly, and TV sound coming straight over HDMI ARC. Of the multiple sound modes, we were generally happiest with 'Standard' (the plain, no-fussin' mode) or 'Adaptive', which tweaks the output based on the type of content it detects. 'DTS Virtual:X' generally felt hollow and unnatural, and the 'Surround' mode for a "wider" sound field just felt unnecessary. The 'Game' mode also didn't generally feel necessary. It's a similar story with the sound. It does feel like a mild compromise on sound quality in the mid-range to get the soundbar to be this small, but it's only a minor one, and we think it's comfortably balanced out by just how effective its Dolby Atmos height and positioning is.ul>

Highest online bulk trade-in values^*

Exclusive volume discounts with a Samsung Business Account

0% Samsung Business Financing

Tax-free shopping for eligible businesses^ᵝ

^¤Reserve Terms and Conditions apply.
^*Samsung Business Trade-In Program Terms and Conditions apply.
^ᵝSamsung Tax Exemption Program Terms and Conditions apply.

Converted to Test Bench 1.1. With this update, we've added a Mounting test and added information about Subwoofer Output, Spotify Connect, and Microphone Mute. The subwoofer connects wirelessly to the main unit, and both units support wireless communication with compatible 2022 Samsung TVs, as long as both are on the same Wi-Fi network, so you wouldn't need an HDMI cable at all. It's full across the frequencies, and the bar and subwoofer feel really well-integrated to create a dynamic total sound. For any content that you submit, you grant SAMSUNG a perpetual, worldwide, non-exclusive, irrevocable, royalty-free, fully transferable right and license to use, copy, modify, delete in its entirety, adapt, publish, translate, create derivative works from and/or sell and/or distribute such content and/or incorporate such content into any form, medium or technology throughout the world without compensation to you.

use of the content you supply does not violate these Terms of Use and will not cause injury to any person or entity. The S800B is designed to deliver 3.1.2 channels of Dolby Atmos or DTS:X audio, which means front, center and right sound, the subwoofer bass channel, and two upfiring Dolby Atmos channels.

Samsung HW-S801B review

Standard’ mode seemed the clearest rendition of 5.1 material, even though the top drivers are out of action in this mode. This is made for people who want a premium soundbar that won't dominate their TV setup, and delivers that, but with audio that feels like it's at a much larger scale. We think it's competitive with soundbars at the same kind of price in that regard – but make no mistake that you can get fairly close to its sound quality from something much cheaper, if you can go a bit chunkier. You can add Samsung wireless rear speakers in the future, if you want to create a full surround sound system. Stream from your devices, easier than ever. This soundbar uses Wi-Fi and Bluetooth for easy wireless connection to other devices. Enjoy your music from the likes of Spotify, taking your mobile sound to fill your room in better audio quality on your Soundbar, no strings attached. This soundbar offers 10 speakers in total which give out an impressive 310W of power. It also comes with a wireless subwoofer to add that little extra boost of bass to your favourite movies. It comes with many different sound modes to suit whatever it is you are watching, these include Surround Sound Expansion, Game Pro, Adaptive, DTS Virtual:X and Standard. There is also Night mode which is perfect for when the family are in bed and also Voice enhancement mode which ensures you never miss a bit of the dialogue in those important scenes.