Are you tired of the lackluster sound quality coming from your TV? Do you long for a more immersive audio experience that brings your favorite movies, music, and games to life?
Look no further than the Samsung HW-A550 soundbar. With its wireless subwoofer and advanced features, this 2.1-channel soundbar delivers powerful, clear sound that will transport you right into the heart of the action.
You’ll be amazed by the surround sound simulation provided by Dolby Digital 5.1 and DTS Virtual:X, making every moment feel like you’re right in the middle of the action. Plus, with features like the Bass Boost button and Game Mode, you can instantly amplify the bass or enhance your gaming experience with sound that moves with the action.
While the Samsung HW-A550 may have a few limitations, such as the lack of eARC and HDMI inputs, its solid audio quality and performance make it a highly recommended choice.
So go ahead, and immerse yourself in a world of sound with the Samsung HW-A550 soundbar.
Build and Design
The Samsung HW-A550 has a compact size and a nice design, but it lacks some features like WiFi and voice control that may put it at a disadvantage compared to other models.
It measures 33.9′ x 2.2′ x 3.3′ and weighs 4.63 lbs, making it a sleek and lightweight option.
The soundbar is made of plastic with a brushed texture on top, giving it a modern and stylish look. It features a metallic grille with a unique hole design, adding to its aesthetic appeal.
The Samsung HW-A550 also includes a small front display and buttons at the back for easy control. Overall, the soundbar has a pleasing design that would fit well in any home theater setup.
However, the lack of WiFi and voice control may be disappointing for those looking for more advanced features.
Features and Specifications
Packed with many features and impressive specifications, the Samsung HW-A550 soundbar is a powerhouse of audio performance.
With support for LPCM 2 ch, Dolby Audio, Dolby Digital, and DTS audio formats, this soundbar ensures a versatile and immersive audio experience.
The inclusion of DTS Virtual: X allows for simulated surround sound without the need for physical speakers, enhancing the overall audio quality.
The soundbar offers various sound modes, including Standard, Surround Sound, Game mode, Adaptive Sound Lite, Bass Boost, and DTS Virtual: X, giving users the ability to customize their audio settings based on their preferences and content type.
With these features and specifications, the Samsung HW-A550 is a great option for those seeking a high-quality soundbar that delivers exceptional audio performance.
Setup and Installation
To set up and install your new Samsung HW-A550 soundbar, follow these steps:
- Unbox the soundbar and subwoofer: Carefully unpack the soundbar and wireless subwoofer from their packaging.
- Position the soundbar: Find a suitable location for the soundbar, ideally in front of your TV. Make sure it is centered and aligned with your TV screen.
- Connect the soundbar to your TV: Use the provided HDMI cable to connect the HDMI OUT port on the soundbar to the HDMI ARC/TV OUT port on your TV. This allows for audio playback from your TV through the soundbar.
- Connect the subwoofer: Plug in the power cord for the wireless subwoofer and place it in a convenient location within range of the soundbar.
- Power on and pair: Turn on your soundbar and subwoofer. They should automatically pair with each other. If not, refer to the user manual for instructions on how to pair them manually.
- Adjust settings: Use the remote control or the soundbar buttons to navigate the settings and customize the sound according to your preferences.
- Test the sound: Play music or watch a movie to ensure the soundbar works properly and delivers the desired audio experience.
Audio Performance
Wow, the audio performance of the Samsung HW-A550 is truly mind-blowing! It’s like having a full surround sound system without actually having side-firing drivers. The soundstage has depth and presence, and the sound effects are crisp and convincing.
While the surround sound may not be fully convincing due to the lack of side-firing drivers, the surround sound mode and Virtual DTS:X mode do show improvement. The emulation of surround sound depends on the content being played.
When it comes to movie watching, the Samsung HW-A550 is great. It delivers emotional impact in action-heavy scenes, and the different sound modes and settings allow for customization. The DTS Virtual:X mode is especially recommended for movies.
For music listening, the Samsung HW-A550 handles it well. It has a balanced sound signature, good separation, and noticeable stereo panning effects. The bass is clean and engaging.
In terms of gaming performance, the dedicated game mode provides an immersive experience, and the soundbar works well with various games. It is a step up from gaming on a TV or smaller speakers.
When watching TV shows, the Samsung HW-A550 handles it well. The dialogue is easy to hear with no distortion or digital noise, and the adaptive mode is recommended for this type of content.
The Samsung HW-A550 is a fantastic soundbar that easily handles movies, music, and gaming. The 250-watt subwoofer delivers clean, powerful bass, and the 160-watt soundbar offers incredible sound quality. It is versatile for a wide range of content and has an easy setup.
Despite some shortcomings like the lack of eARC and USB port placement, the Samsung HW-A550 is highly recommended for its solid audio quality and affordable price.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 1. Affordable price point | 1. Limited sound customization options |
| 2. Good sound quality for the price | 2. No built-in voice assistant |
| 3. Decent bass response | 3. Limited connectivity options |
| 4. Bluetooth and HDMI ARC support | 4. No Wi-Fi connectivity |
| 5. Easy setup and user-friendly interface | 5. Lacks rear speakers for surround sound |
| 6. Supports Dolby Digital and DTS formats | 6. Basic design and build quality |
| 7. Wall-mountable design | 7. Average virtual surround sound |
| 8. Comes with a remote control | 8. Remote control could be more robust |
Final Verdict
Now let’s move on to our final verdict of the Samsung HW-A550 soundbar.
Overall, this soundbar offers a nice design, build quality, and good front-stage performance. It also provides a range of features, including High-Resolution audio playback and the ability to expand to a 4.1 surround system.
However, it does have a few drawbacks. The lack of real surround activity and average DTS Virtual:X mode performance may disappoint some users. Additionally, the placement of the USB port is inconvenient, and the bass may not be as deep as some would like.
Despite these shortcomings, the Samsung HW-A550 still delivers solid audio quality and offers good value for its price. If you’re looking for an affordable soundbar that performs well for movies, music, and everyday TV viewing, the Samsung HW-A550 is definitely worth considering.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Samsung HW-A550 soundbar compatible with all TV models?
Yes, the Samsung HW-A550 soundbar is compatible with most TV models. It supports HDMI-CEC for basic control with your TV remote. However, checking the compatibility with your specific TV model before purchasing is always recommended.
Can the Samsung HW-A550 be wall-mounted?
Yes, the Samsung HW-A550 can be wall-mounted. It comes with mounting holes on the back of the soundbar, allowing you to attach it to a wall easily. This provides flexibility in positioning and helps save space in your room.
Does the Samsung HW-A550 come with a remote control?
Yes, the Samsung HW-A550 comes with a remote control. It allows you to easily control power, volume, source selection, sound modes, and more. The remote has a familiar design and layout for convenient use.
Is the Samsung HW-A550 soundbar compatible with Bluetooth headphones?
No, the Samsung HW-A550 soundbar is not compatible with Bluetooth headphones. It does not have Bluetooth headphone support. The soundbar is designed to enhance the audio experience through its built-in speakers and wireless subwoofer.
Can the Samsung HW-A550 be used with a voice assistant, such as Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant?
Yes, the Samsung HW-A550 soundbar does not have built-in voice assistant compatibility. It lacks WiFi connectivity and voice control, which puts it at a disadvantage compared to other models that offer these features.
