Samsung HW-B650 Soundbar Review: 3.1 Channel Audio Powerhouse

You’ll find the Samsung HW-B650 soundbar offers compelling value at $249.99, delivering rich audio through its Dolby Digital 5.1 and DTS Virtual:X support.

The wireless subwoofer reaches deep bass levels down to 39.4 Hz, during which the dedicated center speaker guarantees crystal-clear dialogue rated at 8.1 for clarity.

Setup takes under 15 minutes, and multiple connectivity options including HDMI ARC and Bluetooth give you flexibility.

Although it lacks Dolby Atmos, its 4.6-star rating from nearly 4,000 reviews confirms it’s a solid choice for budget-conscious buyers.

Let’s review how this soundbar stacks up against the competition.

Key Highlights

• The Samsung HW-B650 offers impressive value at $249.99, featuring Dolby Digital 5.1 and DTS Virtual:X for immersive sound quality.
• Built-in center speaker delivers excellent dialogue clarity rated at 8.1, making it ideal for TV shows and movies.
• Wireless subwoofer extends bass response down to 39.4 Hz, providing rich low frequencies without cable clutter.
• Setup is quick and straightforward, taking under 15 minutes, with multiple connectivity options including HDMI ARC and Bluetooth.
• Users consistently rate it 4.6 stars from 4,000 reviews, though it lacks Dolby Atmos support and advanced sound customization options.

Key Features and Drawbacks

You’ll find impressive features in the Samsung HW-B650, including Dolby Digital 5.1 support, DTS Virtual:X, and a dedicated center speaker that delivers crystal-clear dialogue for your favorite shows.

As the wireless subwoofer and multiple connectivity options improve your audio experience, the bass performance might leave you wanting more, especially for EDM and hip-hop tracks.

The absence of Dolby Atmos support is notable, though you’ll still get excellent overall sound quality and straightforward setup that makes this soundbar a strong contender in its price range.

What We Liked

Evaluating the Samsung HW-B650 reveals a mix of impressive features and notable limitations.

You’ll appreciate the built-in center speaker that delivers exceptional dialogue clarity, making it perfect for your favorite TV shows and podcasts. The sound quality impresses with a strong 8.1 dialogue rating, whereas DTS Virtual:X technology creates an immersive audio experience that’ll transform your living room into a theater-like environment.

The soundbar’s balanced mids shine through when you’re enjoying music, scoring a solid 7.7 for musical performance. You’ll find the setup process pleasingly straightforward, with multiple connectivity options including HDMI ARC and Bluetooth to accommodate your various devices.

The modern, sleek design won’t just improve your audio experience – it’ll complement your home decor with its durable construction and clean aesthetics.

At $249.99, you’re getting remarkable value, as evidenced by the impressive 4.6 out of 5 user rating. The wired subwoofer adds depth to your audio, though bass enthusiasts might notice limitations in the low-end frequencies.

In spite of lacking Dolby Atmos, the Dolby Digital 5.1 support guarantees you’ll still enjoy rich, detailed sound across most content types. Buy it here!

What Can Be Improved

In spite of its solid overall performance, the Samsung HW-B650 falls short in several key areas. The most notable limitation is its lack of Dolby Atmos support and height channels, which greatly impacts its immersive audio capabilities.

If you’re looking for a truly encompassing home theater experience, you’ll find this soundbar’s performance somewhat restricted.

The bass performance is another area that needs improvement, particularly if you enjoy bass-heavy music genres. Although the wireless subwoofer offers convenient placement options, it may struggle to deliver consistent power and depth in larger rooms.

The sound customization options are similarly limited in scope, mainly affecting dialogue and mid-range frequencies without providing adequate control over low-frequency adjustments.

You might equally find the user experience somewhat compromised by the remote control’s limitations when maneuvering through different sound modes and settings.

Although these drawbacks don’t make the HW-B650 a poor choice, they’re important considerations if you’re seeking advanced audio features or require precise control over your listening experience, especially in larger spaces or for specific audio content.

First Impressions

The Samsung HW-B650 stands out right from the unboxing with its modern aesthetics and space-saving design. At just 40.6 cm wide, you’ll notice how effortlessly it fits into your entertainment setup, as its premium metal grill adds a touch of sophistication that belies its budget-friendly price point of $249.99.

As you begin the setup process, you’ll appreciate how straightforward it’s to connect the soundbar to your TV using either HDMI ARC or Bluetooth. Within 15 minutes, you’ll have everything up and running, ready to experience the impressive 3.1 channel audio system.

The built-in center speaker immediately showcases its strength in dialogue clarity, whereas the wireless subwoofer adds depth to your sound experience.

What’s particularly striking is how the HW-B650 delivers immersive sound through its Dolby Digital 5.1 and DTS Virtual:X technology. For budget-conscious consumers, this soundbar presents itself as a compelling option that doesn’t compromise on quality.

The initial audio output surpasses expectations, creating an engaging atmosphere that improves everything from movies to music, suggesting this might be one of the smartest investments you can make for your home entertainment system.

Unboxing – What’s Inside?

When you open the Samsung HW-B650 package, you’ll find a compact 40.6 x 2.2 x 4.2 cm soundbar alongside a wireless subwoofer measuring 7.2 x 13.5 x 11.7 cm.

The soundbar’s build features durable plastic construction with protective metal grilles, and it comes with wall-mounting brackets for flexible installation options.

You’ll likewise receive all crucial accessories including a remote control with batteries, power cables, an optical cable, and an all-encompassing user manual to guide you through the setup process.

Specifications

Unboxing Samsung’s HW-B650 reveals a detailed package that includes everything you’ll need for setup and operation. The sleek design of the soundbar measures just 40.6 cm wide, 2.2 cm high, and 4.2 cm deep, making it an elegant addition to your entertainment system.

The wireless subwoofer maintains a compact footprint at 7.2 x 13.5 x 11.7 cm, allowing for flexible placement in your room.

You’ll find extensive connectivity options with the HW-B650, including HDMI (ARC), optical cable inputs, RCA, USB, and Ethernet connections. The durable plastic construction features protective metal grilles, and included mounting brackets give you the freedom to wall-mount your system if desired.

Here’s what makes this soundbar package stand out:

1. Complete accessory bundle including remote control, batteries, and all necessary cables for immediate setup
2. Versatile mounting options with included brackets and compact dimensions for easy placement
3. Premium build quality with metal grilles protecting the drivers during maintaining an attractive appearance

All components are thoughtfully designed to complement each other, creating a cohesive audio system that’s both functional and aesthetically pleasing.

Design and Build Quality

Craftsmanship meets minimalism in Samsung’s HW-B650 soundbar design. With its sleek dimensions of 40.6 cm width, 2.2 cm height, and 4.2 cm depth, you’ll find this compact soundbar fits effortlessly into your entertainment setup. The build quality is evident in its durable plastic construction, reinforced with protective metal grilles that guarantee the device can withstand daily use.

The aesthetic appeal of the HW-B650 lies in its clean lines and sophisticated black finish, making it a versatile addition that complements any room decor. You’ll appreciate the thoughtful design of the wireless subwoofer, which measures 7.2 cm x 13.5 cm x 11.7 cm, allowing you to place it wherever suits your space best without dealing with messy cables.

Samsung has prioritized flexibility in installation, including mounting brackets for wall placement. Whether you prefer to mount the soundbar beneath your TV or position it on your entertainment unit, you’ve got options.

The combination of practical design elements and premium materials demonstrates Samsung’s commitment to creating a product that’s both functional and visually appealing.

Bass Response Impresses Listeners

Beyond its elegant design, the Samsung HW-B650’s bass response stands out as a defining feature. You’ll immediately notice the powerful low frequencies delivered by its built-in wireless subwoofer, which extends down to an impressive 39.4 Hz. This depth creates an immersive audio experience that truly improves both music playback and action-packed movie scenes.

The soundbar’s Bass Boost feature puts you in control of your listening experience. You can fine-tune the subwoofer’s output to match your preferences, whether you’re enjoying bass-heavy music tracks or watching explosive action sequences. Users consistently report that the HW-B650 delivers superior bass quality compared to their previous sound systems, noting how the low-end frequencies resonate throughout their space without becoming overwhelming.

When compared to comparably priced competitors, the HW-B650’s bass performance makes it an outstanding choice for anyone seeking rich, deep low frequencies.

You’ll appreciate how the subwoofer maintains clarity while delivering impactful bass that adds dimension to your entertainment. Whether you’re a music enthusiast or movie buff, the HW-B650’s bass capabilities consistently exceed expectations.

Features – What We Found

You’ll appreciate the HW-B650’s extensive connectivity options, featuring Bluetooth multi-connection that lets you switch effortlessly between your devices as you stream music or podcasts.

The soundbar’s voice improvement controls, powered by the center channel speaker, work in conjunction with Bass Boost technology to deliver crystal-clear dialogue without sacrificing the low-end impact you want from movies and music.

Smart device integration allows quick access to different sound modes, including Adaptive Sound Lite, which automatically optimizes audio output based on what you’re watching.

Audio Connectivity Options

The Samsung HW-B650 comes equipped with an extensive suite of connectivity options that’ll satisfy most home theater setups. You’ll find multiple ways to connect your audio devices, including HDMI ARC, Optical Audio In, and RCA inputs, giving you flexibility in how you integrate the soundbar with your existing equipment.

The HDMI OUT (ARC) port is particularly useful, as it lets you control your sound system using your TV’s remote, streamlining your entertainment experience. For wireless audio streaming, you can take advantage of Bluetooth connectivity, which makes it easy to switch between different devices like your smartphone, tablet, or laptop.

The soundbar’s support for Dolby Digital 5.1 and DTS Virtual:X guarantees you’ll get immersive sound quality without needing additional speakers.

To improve your audio setup further, the wireless subwoofer connects automatically to the main unit, allowing you to place it anywhere in your room without worrying about unsightly cables. You’ve as well got USB and Ethernet ports available, providing even more connectivity options for your various audio sources and guaranteeing you’re well-equipped for different audio playback scenarios. Buy it here!

Bass Enhancement Technology

In regard to delivering deep, resonant bass, Samsung’s HW-B650 offers impressive low-frequency capabilities through its integrated Bass Boost feature and dedicated subwoofer system.

You’ll experience impactful bass that reaches down to 39.4 Hz, providing rich depth for both music playback and movie soundtracks. Although this mightn’t satisfy extreme bass enthusiasts, it’s more than adequate for most listening scenarios.

The soundbar’s bass improvement technology is remarkably versatile, allowing you to fine-tune your listening experience through customizable sound profiles.

Using the graphic equalizer, you can adjust the low-frequency response to match your preferences and room acoustics. The Bass Boost feature lets you amplify the low-end whenever you want a more powerful sound signature.

Collaborating seamlessly with the bass features, DTS Virtual:X technology creates a more expansive soundstage that complements the low-frequency performance.

This combination delivers an immersive listening experience where you’ll feel the rumble of action sequences and the warmth of musical bass lines.

Whether you’re watching movies or streaming music, you can count on the HW-B650’s bass capabilities to add depth and impact to your audio.

Smart Device Integration

Designed for modern connectivity demands, Samsung’s HW-B650 delivers seamless smart device integration through its Bluetooth functionality and versatile input options. You’ll appreciate how easily you can pair multiple devices, from smartphones to tablets, letting you stream your favorite music or podcasts without complicated setup procedures.

The soundbar’s integration capabilities extend beyond just Bluetooth connectivity. With HDMI ARC support, you’ll find that connecting to your smart TV is straightforward and reduces cable clutter. The optical input provides another connection option, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of devices.

When you’re streaming content, the soundbar automatically processes various audio formats, including Dolby Digital 5.1, to deliver superior sound quality.

What’s particularly convenient is how the HW-B650 lets you customize your audio experience through different sound modes. Whether you’re gaming, watching movies, or listening to music, you can select the appropriate preset or adjust the bass and treble to your liking.

The DTS Virtual:X technology further improves this smart integration by creating an immersive audio environment that adapts to your content, making every viewing or listening session more engaging.

Voice Enhancement Controls

As smart integration sets the foundation for connectivity, voice improvement controls truly showcase the HW-B650’s audio prowess. You’ll find the soundbar’s built-in center channel speaker delivers exceptional dialogue clarity, scoring an impressive 8.1 in voice performance tests. This makes it especially effective for enjoying movies, podcasts, and TV shows with clear and crisp vocal reproduction.

You can customize its sound through multiple features designed primarily for voice enhancement. The graphic EQ highlights mid-range frequencies, whereas bass and treble adjustments let you fine-tune the audio to match your content preferences.

The Adaptive Sound Lite mode takes the guesswork out of configuration by automatically optimizing voice settings for whatever you’re watching.

What sets this soundbar apart is its AI Sonic-Adaptation technology, which analyzes your room’s acoustics and adjusts the audio output accordingly. This smart feature guarantees you’ll get consistent dialogue clarity regardless of your room’s layout or furnishings.

Whether you’re watching late-night movies or catching up on your favorite shows, these voice improvement controls work together to deliver an immersive listening experience.

Versus LG S75Q Features

Feature-packed sound systems from Samsung and LG show notable differences in their offerings.

The Samsung HW-B650 stands out as a budget-friendly option, delivering solid performance through its 3.1 channel configuration with Dolby Digital 5.1 and DTS Virtual:X support. Although it doesn’t include Dolby Atmos support like the LG S75Q, you’ll find its wireless subwoofer provides impressive bass reproduction, and its built-in center speaker achieves a strong dialogue clarity rating of 8.1.

When it comes to connectivity, the HW-B650 offers standard HDMI ARC, optical audio, and Bluetooth connections.

The LG S75Q takes it up a notch with HDMI eARC, providing improved audio bandwidth for compatible devices. You’ll notice the LG model additionally includes advanced features like AI Sound Pro technology and high-res audio tuning.

Nevertheless, it comes at a higher price point than the HW-B650.

Whereas the LG S75Q opts for a streamlined design with its built-in subwoofer, the Samsung’s separate wireless subwoofer might offer more flexibility in bass placement and potentially stronger low-end performance. Buy it here!

Final Thoughts

The Samsung HW-B650 proves itself as a compelling choice in the budget soundbar market, delivering impressive value at its affordable price point. With Dolby 5.1 support and DTS Virtual:X technology, you’ll experience audio that transforms your home entertainment setup into something far more immersive than your TV’s built-in speakers can provide.

Your listening experience will benefit from the soundbar’s improved dialogue clarity, making every conversation crisp and intelligible. The impactful bass from the wireless subwoofer adds depth to action scenes and music.

The ease of setup and wireless connectivity means you won’t waste time dealing with complicated installations or messy cable management.

With a strong 4.6-star rating from nearly 4,000 reviews, it’s clear that users consistently find value in this soundbar’s performance. Although it may not compete with premium models costing twice as much, the HW-B650 strikes an excellent balance between features, performance, and affordability.

If you’re looking to greatly upgrade your TV’s audio without breaking the bank, this soundbar delivers remarkably well on its promises.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Samsung HW-B650 and how does it compare to its predecessor?

The Samsung HW-B650 is a 3.1 channel soundbar that serves as the next generation of the Samsung HW-A650. It offers improved audio performance and features while maintaining a similar design to the Samsung HW-B550. This versatile soundbar is designed to enhance your listening experience with its powerful audio output and wireless connectivity options.

Does the Samsung HW-B650 support surround sound?

While the Samsung HW-B650 is a 3.1 setup and doesn’t offer true surround sound out of the box, it does provide a wide soundstage and immersive audio experience. For those seeking a more encompassing sound, it’s possible to upgrade the system with optional rear speakers, which can be purchased separately to create a more complete surround sound setup.

How does the Samsung HW-B650 compare to other soundbars in its price range?

The Samsung HW-B650 offers excellent value for its price point. It provides superior audio quality compared to many entry-level soundbars and even holds its own against some higher-end models like the Samsung HW-Q60B. While it may not have advanced features like room correction or Dolby Atmos support, it delivers a well-balanced and powerful sound that enhances the listening experience for movies, music, and TV shows.

What are the connectivity options for the Samsung HW-B650?

The Samsung HW-B650 offers various connectivity options to suit different setups. It can connect wirelessly to compatible Samsung TVs for a cleaner look. Additionally, it features HDMI inputs with 4K passthrough, allowing you to connect multiple devices while maintaining high-quality video output to your TV. The soundbar also supports Bluetooth connectivity for easy streaming from mobile devices.

How is the build quality of the Samsung HW-B650?

The Samsung HW-B650 is mostly made of plastic, which is common for soundbars in this price range. Despite not being made of premium materials like wood, the build quality is solid and durable. The design is sleek and modern, allowing it to blend well with most TV setups and home decor.

What is the max volume capability of the Samsung HW-B650?

The Samsung HW-B650 can reach impressive volume levels, suitable for most living room setups. While exact decibel measurements may vary, users generally find that the max volume is more than sufficient for creating an immersive audio experience, even in larger rooms. It’s important to note that at higher volumes, the sound quality remains clear without significant distortion.

How does the Samsung HW-B650 compare to the Samsung HW-B450?

The Samsung HW-B650 is a step up from the HW-B450 in terms of audio performance and features. As a 3.1 channel system, the B650 offers a dedicated center channel for clearer dialogue, which the 2.1 channel B450 lacks. The B650 also typically provides better bass response and a wider soundstage, making it a more immersive option for those seeking a more comprehensive audio setup.