 |
Customer Reviews Collected from Samsung US |
Samsung - 2.1-Channel Soundbar with Wireless Subwoofer
Average Customer Rating:
4.3
Rating breakdown 38 reviews
5 Stars
23
4 Stars
8
3 Stars
4
2 Stars
2
1 Star
1
83%of customers recommend this product.
(
30 out of
36)
Customer Reviews for Samsung - 2.1-Channel Soundbar with Wireless Subwoofer
Customer Rating
5
Big Improvement Over TV Speakers
on December 6, 2013
Posted by: ArizonaRick
from Arizona
Expertise:Intermediate
I mated the Samsung HW-55C Soundbar (SB) to my Samsung UN-60ES7150FXZA television, both of which were bought at Costco. I took the time to try the Bluetooth, Optical, and HDMI (ARC) interface options for the TV.
I'd suggest that you read both the TV and Soundbar (SB) manuals, and make sure your TV's Sound Share feature is turned on. You should also always turn on the SB's "Any net" feature if it is available with your preferred connection method.
Here are my observations:
1 . Bluetooth - The set up was absolutely painless, and about as close to automatic as can be. With this option, you can control the SB volume with the TV remote. You must always manually turn on the SB (via power button or SB remote). When you turn off the TV, the SB will remain on for about 20 minutes with a crawling display of "TV Ready".
2 . Optical - You can use the SB remote to turn on "Auto Power" so the SB will turn on and off in sync with the TV. Unfortunately, your TV remote doesn't control the SB volume with the optical option.
3 . HDMI (ARC) - This option requires that you have an HDMI (ARC) compatible jack on your TV (my TV's was #2), and you must connect the SB "HDMI Out" jack to the TV's HDMI (ARC) jack. With this option, your TV remote will control the SB volume, and the SB will power down when you turn off the TV, but the SB must be manually turned on. This is the option I chose as the best compromise for my family because all I have to do is turn on the SB.
In terms of performance, I really didn't pick up any difference in sound quality using any of the three connection methods. The sound is much richer than what you get with the TV's speakers. If you are into playing things at a high volume, it really delivers, and the volume set at 30 could be heard clearly thru out the house when playing Pandora.
I placed the SB immediately in front of the TV's stand where it blends in very nicely, and is really unobtrusive.
I understand this unit is updateable using a download loaded onto a USB thumb drive. I did notice that the thumb drive has to be formatted as a FAT 16 or 32, so you'll need to check it before you attempt it.
I'd suggest that you read both the TV and Soundbar (SB) manuals, and make sure your TV's Sound Share feature is turned on. You should also always turn on the SB's "Any net" feature if it is available with your preferred connection method.
Here are my observations:
1 . Bluetooth - The set up was absolutely painless, and about as close to automatic as can be. With this option, you can control the SB volume with the TV remote. You must always manually turn on the SB (via power button or SB remote). When you turn off the TV, the SB will remain on for about 20 minutes with a crawling display of "TV Ready".
2 . Optical - You can use the SB remote to turn on "Auto Power" so the SB will turn on and off in sync with the TV. Unfortunately, your TV remote doesn't control the SB volume with the optical option.
3 . HDMI (ARC) - This option requires that you have an HDMI (ARC) compatible jack on your TV (my TV's was #2), and you must connect the SB "HDMI Out" jack to the TV's HDMI (ARC) jack. With this option, your TV remote will control the SB volume, and the SB will power down when you turn off the TV, but the SB must be manually turned on. This is the option I chose as the best compromise for my family because all I have to do is turn on the SB.
In terms of performance, I really didn't pick up any difference in sound quality using any of the three connection methods. The sound is much richer than what you get with the TV's speakers. If you are into playing things at a high volume, it really delivers, and the volume set at 30 could be heard clearly thru out the house when playing Pandora.
I placed the SB immediately in front of the TV's stand where it blends in very nicely, and is really unobtrusive.
I understand this unit is updateable using a download loaded onto a USB thumb drive. I did notice that the thumb drive has to be formatted as a FAT 16 or 32, so you'll need to check it before you attempt it.
Pros: works perfectly right out of the box (as usual for, great sound and features, lots of input options
Cons: auto power feature would be nice with all tv input
I would recommend this to a friend!
Features
4
Performance
5
Design
5
Value
4
Written by a customer while visiting Samsung US
Customer Rating
5
Excellent Design and performance
on June 27, 2013
Posted by: rexal3239
from San Diego, CA
Expertise:Intermediate
The HW-F550 is an excellent product. I also own a HW-E450 from 2012, which has worked very well, and still connected to my Samsung TV. I wanted to clean up the room with my other TV where I was using separate speakers, and plan to eventually upgrade that TV. I decided on the step-up F550 based on the product design, and reviews on performance.
The design is excellent, as I prefer the clean face rather than the exposes speakers of last and this year's 450 models. The digital display adds to this cleanliness, incorporated into the front grille, and only displaying information when interacting with the Audiobar. Otherwise, it just looks like one complete speaker. The wireless subwoofer is pretty large, but set off to the side, it has great punch.
I'm definitely impressed with the audio performance of the F550, considering it a major improvement over my E450. The voices seem to come through much more clearly. I'll have to play with the various settings and modes, but am already pleased with the defaults. Funds permitting, I'll definitely considering replacing my E450 with another F550 down the road.
I haven't used the 3.5mm Aux or USB connections yet, but the Bluetooth performance was excellent from my phone and tablet. I did try connecting the unit to my Samsung TV wirelessly via the SoundShare feature, which worked OK, but feel the performance was much better with the direct connection (both optical and HDMI). This is a unique feature that will probably be worthwhile if the cable needs to be eliminated, but since an optical cable is so thin, I'd recommend going that route instead. Once I purchase the replacement TV, I'll mount the F550 below it.
Overall, I'm very pleased, and would highly recommend the HW-F550.
I would recommend this to a friend!
Features
5
Performance
5
Design
5
Value
4
Written by a customer while visiting Samsung US
Customer Rating
5
JUST PLAIN EASY
on July 24, 2013
Posted by: SNAPONTOM
from COCONUT CREEK FLORIDA
Expertise:Intermediate
I PURCHASED A NEW SAMSUNG 55" 7100 LED TV.
WELL ON THIS TV THERE ARE NO RCA OUTPUTS TO CONNECT TO MY "OUTDATED" SURROUND SOUND SO I NEEDED SOMETHING NEW. I SPOKE TO THE SALESMAN AT BEST BUY AND THIS IS WHAT HE RECOMMENDED TO UPGRADE TO, WELL THIS SET UP IS EXCELLENT!!!
WELL ON THIS TV THERE ARE NO RCA OUTPUTS TO CONNECT TO MY "OUTDATED" SURROUND SOUND SO I NEEDED SOMETHING NEW. I SPOKE TO THE SALESMAN AT BEST BUY AND THIS IS WHAT HE RECOMMENDED TO UPGRADE TO, WELL THIS SET UP IS EXCELLENT!!!
AS SOON AT I SUPPLIED POWER TO THE SOUND BAR THE TV ASKED IF I WANTED TO CONNECT TO IT. CLICKED ON YES AND DONE!!!!!!
THE TV REMOTE CONTROLS THE SOUNDBAR GREAT AND IT SOUNDS WAY BETTER THAN MY "OUTDATED" SURROUND SOUND EVER DID!
OH YEAH, NO WIRES OTHER THAN THE TWO POWER WIRES
Pros: easy to hook up, sounds great
I would recommend this to a friend!
Features
5
Performance
5
Design
5
Value
5
Written by a customer while visiting Samsung US
Customer Rating
5
Simple, Powerful, Clear Sound
on April 29, 2013
Posted by: JimSays
from calif
Expertise:Intermediate
I was looking for a sound bar to go with my un55f8000. I went and listen to all the Soundbar's in this price range and a few that were a little more.The Samsung HW-F550 sounded the best. I have it set up wireless to my tv and i have no lag and sound is crystal clear. I plan to get another hdmi cable just for giggles to see if it will sound even better but i am blown away by how it sounds now wireless. The soundbar is all metal and seems well made (don't feel cheap). It has just the right amount of bass imo and can adjust it thru the remote from -6 to +6 from standard setting.There are about 9 sound effects setting to adjust the sound to your taste. The volume setting is from 0 to 50 and i spend most of the time between 15 to 25 ( that is in a very large open floor plan). My un55f8000 tv sits on a stand and the soundbar sits in front of it not blocking any of the screen. I watched my first movie with this soundbar and was just blown away by the sound this sleek soundbar gave off. If your looking for a soundbar in this price range, I highly recommend you give this one a look
I would recommend this to a friend!
Features
5
Performance
5
Design
5
Value
5
Written by a customer while visiting Samsung US
Customer Rating
5
You will love it!
on June 28, 2013
Posted by: italianstallion08
from Virginia
Expertise:Intermediate
I've had this for only a week now but from day 1 I have been impressed. Setup was a breeze, installation took only 5 minutes, and the sound that comes out from that slim sound bar is just amazing! I would highly recommend you give it a try.
Pros: Built-in speakers, Bright display, Inexpensive, Durable
I would recommend this to a friend!
Features
5
Performance
5
Design
5
Value
5
Written by a customer while visiting Samsung US
Customer Rating
5
Beyond Amazing sound!
on September 26, 2014
Posted by: Conansr
from Norman, Oklahoma
Expertise:Intermediate
First thing you notice is the very small form factor of the main speaker assembly. Then there is the absolutely awesome sound that you can't believe is coming from the very slim main speaker array. The gloss black sub woofer pumps out the bottom line sound that goes great with the mids & highs coming from front and center, a perfect complement of sound, Samsung hit it out of the park with this little system. Keep up the great work!
Pros: Bright display, small foot print
I would recommend this to a friend!
Features
5
Performance
5
Design
5
Value
5
Written by a customer while visiting Samsung US
Customer Rating
5
Phenominal Bluetooth!
on July 7, 2013
Posted by: ToMiBo
from Houston, Texas
Expertise:Intermediate
Super-easy to install on the wall and my hook-up only required the power cord and the optical cable. Whatever plays through the TV plays through the sound bar!
I was completely impressed when I switched over to the Bluetooth input and synced my phone! The sound was incredible!
I have not used the USB input but don't see why that would be any different and sound quality.
Highly recommended!
Pros: Lightweight, style
I would recommend this to a friend!
Features
5
Performance
5
Design
5
Value
5
Written by a customer while visiting Samsung US
Customer Rating
5
Big sound, Small package
on February 23, 2014
Posted by: Paxmar
from New York
Expertise:Intermediate
Great sound quality. I love the wireless connection to my TV. Highly recommend.
Pros: Built-in speakers, Inexpensive, Durable, Lightweight, great sound
I would recommend this to a friend!
Features
5
Performance
5
Design
5
Value
5
Written by a customer while visiting Samsung US