You’ll find impressive value in Samsung’s HW-S50B soundbar, priced competitively at $199.99.
It delivers crisp audio with a 4.3/5 star rating for sound quality and features built-in center speakers for improved dialogue clarity.
The 3.0 channel configuration, expandable to 5.1 surround sound, pairs with smart features like voice control and the SmartThings app for easy management.
Although bass performance could be stronger, its sleek design and straightforward setup make it an attractive choice.
Let’s review what sets this soundbar apart from pricier alternatives.
Key Highlights
- Priced at $199.99, this 3.0 channel soundbar offers impressive value with a 4.2-star rating from nearly 500 user reviews.
- Features DTS Virtual:X technology and built-in center speaker for enhanced dialogue clarity in movies and TV shows.
- Smart integration allows quick connection to Samsung TVs and control through SmartThings app and voice assistants.
- All-in-one design with 70-inch width fits most spaces and includes mounting hardware, remote control, and HDMI cable.
- Sound quality excels in highs and dialogue but lacks deep bass response, with some users reporting audio cutouts during 5.1 content.
- ALL-IN-ONE: Everything you need in a single soundbar with two woofers and tweeters built in, so you can enjoy rich sound that will fill your room
- DOLBY DIGITAL 5.1 / DTS VIRTUAL:X: Dolby Digital 5.1 capable creates realistic surround sound by projecting it from all around you, while DTS Virtual: X expands your listening experience without having to add extra speakers
- Q-SYMPHONY: Perfectly synchronized, fully immersive audio floods your room all at once, using every speaker in compatible SAMSUNG TV and soundbars*
- Powerful Bass: Designed to complement the S series soundbar, the W510 subwoofer brings the sound even deeper. With a passive radiator, you can feel deeper bass even in a compact 6.5'' size.
- Wireless Deeper Bass Ready: Set the subwoofer where you want and enhance your soundbar's audio to get strong, rich bass throughout the room.
Key Performance Ratings
You’ll find impressive user ratings for the Samsung HW-S50B, with both value and quality scoring 4.3 out of 5 stars.
The soundbar’s built-in center speaker improves dialogue clarity, and its HDMI CEC functionality works effortlessly with most TVs for simplified control.
Nevertheless, you should consider the reported audio cutouts in 5.1 Channel programs and limited bass performance when weighing your options.
What We Liked
Though many soundbars in this price range struggle to deliver consistent performance, the Samsung HW-S50B impresses with strong ratings across key metrics. You’ll appreciate its great sound quality, scoring 4.3 out of 5 stars, which delivers cohesive audio that improves your viewing experience.
The easy setup process and user-friendly controls earned it an outstanding 4.4-star rating for ease of use.
If you own a Samsung TV, you’ll find this soundbar particularly appealing, as it’s designed to be fully compatible and integrates effortlessly with your existing setup. At $199.99, you’re getting impressive value, especially considering its sleek, space-saving design that complements any room.
The overall 4.2-star rating from nearly 500 users confirms that this soundbar delivers reliable performance for its price point. Buy it here!
What Can Be Improved
Though the HW-S50B delivers solid overall performance, several key issues impact its potential.
You’ll notice sound quality concerns, particularly with audio cutouts during 5.1 Channel Dolby content. The bass response could be improved, as it lacks the deep low-end punch many users expect, and you might want to contemplate adding a subwoofer. The midrange audio presents a hazy, grainy character that affects overall clarity.
While the TV connectivity options work well, you may find the Bluetooth reconnection process frustrating after power cycles.
The console’s interface needs improvement, as you can’t disable the loud voice announcements, and the limited visual indicators don’t clearly show the device’s status.
These usability issues could hamper your daily experience with the soundbar.
First Impressions
The Samsung HW-S50B makes three strong first impressions right from the start: its sleek modern design, straightforward setup process, and impressive build quality.
You’ll notice immediately how this great soundbar blends effortlessly with your home decor, as its compact form factor doesn’t overwhelm your entertainment space.
The built-in center speaker delivers clear dialogue right out of the box, and you’ll appreciate how easy it’s to set up, especially if you’re pairing it with a Samsung TV.
The initial sound test reveals the potential of its 3.0 channel configuration, complemented by Dolby Digital 5.1 and DTS Virtual:X technology.
Even before diving into its advanced features, you can tell this soundbar is designed to improve your viewing experience considerably.
Unboxing – What’s Inside?
When you’re ready to investigate the HW-S50B, you’ll find a thoughtfully packaged soundbar system complete with all crucial components.
The box contains the main soundbar unit, a remote controller with battery, a 6ft HDMI cable, and a wall mount kit for flexible installation options.
The included quick start guide helps you get started right away, with clear instructions for both tabletop placement and wall mounting setup.
Specifications
Inside Samsung’s HW-S50B package, you’ll find everything needed for a complete setup straight from the package.
The soundbar boasts a 3.0 channel configuration that you can expand to 5.1 surround sound for improved audio immersion. With its compact profile, the HW-S50B fits effortlessly in tight spaces during delivering powerful sound performance.
- A complete wall mount kit for secure installation
- A 6ft HDMI cable for quick device connectivity
- A remote controller with battery included
- A detailed user manual for setup guidance
The slim design makes it versatile enough for both wall mounting and entertainment center placement.
You’ll appreciate the thoughtful inclusion of all important components, ensuring you can start enjoying your upgraded audio experience immediately after unboxing.
- ALL-IN-ONE: Everything you need in a single soundbar with two woofers and tweeters built in, so you can enjoy rich sound that will fill your room
- DOLBY DIGITAL 5.1 / DTS VIRTUAL:X: Dolby Digital 5.1 capable creates realistic surround sound by projecting it from all around you, while DTS Virtual: X expands your listening experience without having to add extra speakers
- Q-SYMPHONY: Perfectly synchronized, fully immersive audio floods your room all at once, using every speaker in compatible SAMSUNG TV and soundbars*
- Powerful Bass: Designed to complement the S series soundbar, the W510 subwoofer brings the sound even deeper. With a passive radiator, you can feel deeper bass even in a compact 6.5'' size.
- Wireless Deeper Bass Ready: Set the subwoofer where you want and enhance your soundbar's audio to get strong, rich bass throughout the room.
Design and Build Quality
Sporting a slim and compact profile, Samsung’s HW-S50B soundbar strikes an impressive balance between form and function. The sturdy plastic construction features elegant curved edges and stands just 60mm tall, making it perfect for tight spaces or wall mounting.
You’ll appreciate how this sleek design complements your existing setup without drawing unnecessary attention. The soundbar’s modern aesthetic is improved by its protective gridded mesh covering, whereas its all-in-one design eliminates the need for extra components.
Installation couldn’t be more straightforward, thanks to the included wall mount kit and 6ft HDMI cable. You’ll additionally find a remote control in the package, giving you everything you need to get started right away.
The compact yet versatile design makes it an excellent choice for any home entertainment system. Buy it here!
Audio Delivers Crisp Highs
Moving beyond its attractive exterior, the HW-S50B shines brightest in its audio performance, particularly in the high-frequency range.
You’ll notice improved dialogue clarity thanks to the built-in center speaker, which separates voices from background sounds with remarkable precision.
The soundbar’s DTS Virtual:X technology creates an immersive listening experience, delivering crisp highs that’ll elevate your enjoyment of movies, music, and TV shows.
Although you might find the bass performance somewhat limited, the exceptional tonal accuracy more than makes up for it.
Whether you’re watching a dramatic scene with intense dialogue or enjoying a live concert recording, you’ll appreciate how the HW-S50B reproduces voices and instruments with outstanding definition in the upper frequencies.
Features – What We Found
You’ll find the HW-S50B packs impressive audio capabilities with its multi-directional sound technology and DTS Virtual:X, creating an immersive surround sound experience right from the start.
The soundbar’s Q-Symphony feature pairs effortlessly with Samsung TVs, as its built-in center speaker guarantees crystal-clear dialogue for your entertainment.
Its streamlined design and straightforward setup process make it an attractive choice for users seeking quality sound without installation hassles.
Audio Output Capabilities
Sound enthusiasts will appreciate the Samsung HW-S50B‘s 3.0 channel setup, which packs both Dolby Digital 5.1 and DTS Virtual:X support.
The audio output delivers an immersive listening experience that’s particularly well-suited for medium-sized rooms, thanks to its multi-directional sound capabilities.
You’ll notice the center speaker delivers improved dialogue clarity, making your favorite movies and TV shows more engaging.
As the soundbar creates an expansive sound field, you might find the bass performance somewhat limited. If you’re looking for deeper low-end response, you’ll want to reflect on adding a separate subwoofer.
Be aware that some users have reported occasional audio cutouts during 5.1 Channel content, and you may experience slight tonal inconsistencies depending on your chosen audio mode.
Connectivity Options
Though modern soundbars often struggle with connectivity limitations, the Samsung HW-S50B shines with its versatile connection options.
You’ll find Bluetooth capability that lets you stream music directly from your phone or tablet, as the HDMI input with ARC support guarantees seamless integration with your TV through a single cable. Buy it here!
The SmartThings app transforms your smartphone into a powerful control center, allowing you to adjust sound settings and manage your soundbar remotely.
If you own a Samsung smart TV, you’ll appreciate how quickly the soundbar can wirelessly connect to your television – typically taking less than a minute to set up.
This streamlined connectivity approach makes the HW-S50B an excellent choice for those seeking hassle-free audio improvement.
Smart Voice Control
Voice control enthusiasts will appreciate the HW-S50B’s smart integration capabilities.
You’ll find seamless compatibility with popular smart home assistants, letting you adjust settings and control playback hands-free. When connected via the SmartThings app, you can manage all your soundbar functions and linked devices from one central hub.
The smart voice control features work in perfect harmony with the soundbar’s improved dialogue performance. The built-in center speaker delivers crystal-clear conversations, ensuring you won’t miss a word during movies and TV shows.
You won’t need to juggle multiple remotes either – the system syncs with your Samsung TV remote in about a minute. Plus, with Q-Symphony technology, your audio experience automatically optimizes when paired with compatible Samsung TVs.
Design and Build Quality
Moving from smart controls to physical attributes, Samsung’s HW-S50B impresses with its sleek aesthetics and practical build.
You’ll find its compact design measuring 70 x 3 x 5 inches fits effortlessly into tight spaces, whether you’re placing it in your media center or mounting it on the wall.
The all-in-one design eliminates the hassle of managing multiple speakers in addition to maintaining powerful audio performance.
Samsung’s choice of durable plastic construction with mesh grilles, rather than fabric covers, guarantees longevity and adds a modern touch to your living space.
The soundbar’s versatility shines through with its included accessories – you’ll get everything you need right from the start, from the remote control to the wall mount kit and HDMI cable.
Sony HT-G700 vs. Samsung HW-S50B
When comparing the Samsung HW-S50B to the Sony HT-G700 soundbar, several key differences emerge in both features and price point.
You’ll find the HW-S50B at $199.99, making it considerably more affordable than the HT-G700’s $399.99 price tag. Buy it here!
Although both units deliver quality audio, the HT-G700 edges ahead with Dolby Atmos and DTS:X support, offering a more immersive sound experience than the HW-S50B’s Dolby Digital 5.1 and DTS Virtual:X setup.
The HT-G700’s dedicated subwoofer provides deeper bass response, though the HW-S50B counters with built-in center speakers for clear dialogue.
Regarding connectivity, you’ll appreciate the HT-G700’s versatile HDMI eARC and Bluetooth options, whereas the HW-S50B’s HDMI connection works best particularly with Samsung TVs.
Final Thoughts
The Samsung HW-S50B stands as a compelling choice for anyone seeking quality audio without breaking the bank. At $199.99, you’re getting impressive value with features typically found in more expensive models. The improved dialogue clarity, thanks to its dedicated center speaker, makes it particularly suitable for movie and TV enthusiasts who don’t want to miss any conversations.
While it’s not equipped with Dolby Atmos, the soundbar compensates with Dolby Digital 5.1 and DTS Virtual:X, delivering an immersive audio experience that’ll fill your medium-sized room effectively.
You’ll appreciate how easy to use this system is, with its all-in-one design eliminating complex setup procedures. In spite of some limitations in bass response, the HW-S50B offers a well-rounded package that’ll greatly upgrade your TV’s audio performance.
- ALL-IN-ONE: Everything you need in a single soundbar with two woofers and tweeters built in, so you can enjoy rich sound that will fill your room
- DOLBY DIGITAL 5.1 / DTS VIRTUAL:X: Dolby Digital 5.1 capable creates realistic surround sound by projecting it from all around you, while DTS Virtual: X expands your listening experience without having to add extra speakers
- Q-SYMPHONY: Perfectly synchronized, fully immersive audio floods your room all at once, using every speaker in compatible SAMSUNG TV and soundbars*
- Powerful Bass: Designed to complement the S series soundbar, the W510 subwoofer brings the sound even deeper. With a passive radiator, you can feel deeper bass even in a compact 6.5'' size.
- Wireless Deeper Bass Ready: Set the subwoofer where you want and enhance your soundbar's audio to get strong, rich bass throughout the room.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Samsung S50B Have Dolby Atmos?
Like reaching for the stars but falling short, your Samsung HW-S50B won’t give you true Dolby Atmos.
Although it supports Dolby Digital 5.1, it uses DTS Virtual:X instead to simulate a spacious sound experience.
You’ll get decent audio quality and clear dialogue through the center speaker, but you won’t experience the full overhead and spatial effects that real Dolby Atmos provides through up-firing speakers.
Is the Samsung Sound Bar Better Than the JBL?
You’ll find the Samsung HW-S50B offers better value if you’re a Samsung TV owner, thanks to its Q-Symphony compatibility and Dolby Digital 5.1 support.
Its built-in center speaker delivers clearer dialogue, and the multi-directional sound works well in larger rooms.
Whereas JBL makes quality soundbars, at $199.99, the S50B’s features and Samsung ecosystem integration make it a stronger choice for most users.
Is Samsung Releasing a New Soundbar in 2024?
Samsung hasn’t officially announced any new soundbar models for 2024 yet.
You’ll likely hear about new releases at CES 2024 in January, as that’s when they typically unveil their audio products.
As there’s speculation about upcoming models, you’ll need to wait for Samsung’s official announcement to know the specifics.
For now, they’re continuing to support and sell their current soundbar lineup.
Who Makes Samsung Speakers?
Like a well-oiled machine churning out innovation, Samsung Electronics produces all Samsung speakers through their dedicated sound division.
You’ll find their manufacturing primarily based in South Korea, where they’ve been crafting audio equipment since the company’s inception.
They don’t outsource their speaker production to other manufacturers, ensuring complete control over quality and maintaining their reputation for premium audio products.
