When it comes to improving your TV's audio, soundbars offer an accessible solution that can dramatically enhance your viewing experience. Today, we're comparing two popular options: the entry-level Bose Solo Soundbar Series 2 ($179.99) and the mid-range Samsung HW-S700D ($397.99).
Before diving into the specifics, let's talk about what matters in a soundbar. Think of a soundbar as a significant upgrade from your TV's built-in speakers, which are typically thin and lack power due to modern TV designs. The key factors to consider are:
The Bose Solo Series 2 represents a straightforward approach to sound enhancement, while the Samsung HW-S700D showcases more recent innovations in home audio. Let's break down what this means for you.
The Bose offers a 2.0 channel setup - essentially left and right speakers in one bar. It's similar to a basic stereo system, which works well for music and general TV watching. The Samsung, with its 3.1 configuration, adds two important elements:
Think of it like having a special speaker just for voices, plus a separate speaker for all the deep sounds - explosions, music bass lines, and rumbling effects.
The Bose Solo Series 2 provides clear, balanced audio that's a definite upgrade from TV speakers. It handles dialogue well through digital processing, though it lacks the precision of a dedicated center channel. The bass response is adequate for casual viewing but won't give you that theater-like rumble during action scenes.
The Samsung HW-S700D delivers a more sophisticated audio experience. The dedicated center channel makes dialogue crisper and more distinct, while the wireless subwoofer adds meaningful depth to explosions, music, and sound effects. In testing, this difference is particularly noticeable during movies with complex soundtracks.
Both soundbars include basic audio enhancement features, but Samsung has invested heavily in advanced processing:
Bose Features:
Samsung Features:
The Bose keeps things simple with optical and Bluetooth connections. This means easy setup but limited expandability. The Samsung offers more flexible options including HDMI eARC (Enhanced Audio Return Channel), which allows for higher-quality audio transmission and easier control through your TV remote.
In practical use, both soundbars excel in different environments:
The Bose Solo Series 2 performs admirably in smaller spaces, where its limitations in bass response and overall volume are less noticeable. It's perfect for:
The Samsung HW-S700D shows its strengths in larger spaces:
The Samsung's higher price point buys you:
The Bose represents good value if:
Choose the Bose Solo Series 2 if:
Choose the Samsung HW-S700D if:
The soundbar market continues to evolve, with newer models featuring increasingly sophisticated room correction, wireless connectivity, and voice control. The Samsung represents this forward-looking approach, while the Bose focuses on perfecting the basics.
Remember that both soundbars will significantly improve your TV's audio. The choice really comes down to your specific needs, room size, and budget. If you're just starting your home theater journey, either option will serve you well - but the Samsung offers more room to grow into its capabilities over time.
For most users, I recommend stretching the budget to the Samsung HW-S700D if possible, as its additional features and better sound quality will provide a more satisfying long-term experience. However, if budget is tight or your needs are basic, the Bose Solo Series 2 remains a solid choice that will noticeably improve your TV watching experience.
| Bose Solo Soundbar Series 2 $179.99 | Samsung HW-S700D $397.99 |
|---|---|
| Channel Configuration - Determines how sound is distributed and dialogue clarity | |
| 2.0 (basic stereo) | 3.1 (dedicated center + subwoofer) |
| Bass Performance - Critical for movie impact and music enjoyment | |
| Limited bass, no subwoofer | Wireless subwoofer included |
| Room Size Suitability - Impacts whether the soundbar can fill your space effectively | |
| Small to medium rooms (up to 200 sq ft) | Medium to large rooms (up to 400 sq ft) |
| Audio Processing - Affects sound quality and special features | |
| Basic dialogue enhancement | Dolby Atmos, SpaceFit Sound, Q-Symphony |
| Connectivity Options - Determines compatibility and future flexibility | |
| Optical and Bluetooth only | HDMI eARC, Bluetooth, SmartThings |
| Setup Complexity - Consider your comfort with technology | |
| Very simple plug-and-play | More setup options, but more complex |
| Height Profile - Important for TV clearance | |
| 2.8 inches (works with most setups) | 2.1 inches (ultra-slim design) |
| Smart Features - Adds convenience and future-proofing | |
| Basic remote control only | Voice assistant compatible, app control |
| Expandability - Consider future upgrade potential | |
| No expansion options | Can add wireless rear speakers |
| Value Proposition - What you get for the money | |
| Excellent value for basic needs | Better long-term investment with superior features |
The Samsung HW-S700D is significantly better for movies due to its 3.1 channel configuration and dedicated center channel for dialogue. The included subwoofer also provides deeper bass for explosions and soundtracks. The Bose Solo Series 2 is adequate for casual viewing but lacks the immersive experience home theater enthusiasts prefer.
For home theater use, yes. The Samsung HW-S700D at $397.99 offers substantially better sound quality and features compared to the Bose Solo Series 2 at $179.99. The additional features, better bass, and superior dialogue clarity justify the price difference for most users.
The Samsung HW-S700D provides better dialogue clarity thanks to its dedicated center channel. While the Bose Solo Series 2 has a dialogue enhancement mode, it can't match the natural clarity of a dedicated center speaker.
Both the Bose Solo Series 2 and Samsung HW-S700D can be wall-mounted, and both include mounting hardware in the box. The Samsung's slimmer profile (2.1 inches vs 2.8 inches) makes it particularly suitable for wall mounting.
The Bose Solo Series 2 is ideal for small apartments due to its compact size and simpler setup. While the Samsung HW-S700D offers better sound, its subwoofer might be overkill in smaller spaces and could disturb neighbors.
The Samsung HW-S700D features HDMI eARC for better audio quality and easier control. The Bose Solo Series 2 only uses optical connection, which is simpler but more limited in features.
Both work well with streaming services, but the Samsung HW-S700D supports Dolby Atmos and has better audio processing, making it superior for streaming high-quality content from services like Netflix and Disney+.
Only the Samsung HW-S700D can be expanded with additional wireless rear speakers. The Bose Solo Series 2 is a closed system with no expansion options.
The Bose Solo Series 2 is simpler to set up - just connect the optical cable and power. The Samsung HW-S700D has more features but requires more setup time to optimize all functions.
The Samsung HW-S700D offers better music performance due to its subwoofer and superior sound processing. The Bose Solo Series 2 provides decent stereo music playback but lacks deep bass response.
Yes, both soundbars work with any TV that has optical output. However, the Samsung HW-S700D offers additional features when paired with Samsung TVs, like Q-Symphony technology.
The Samsung HW-S700D is better for gaming with its Game Mode Pro feature and superior bass response. The Bose Solo Series 2 works for gaming but doesn't offer gaming-specific features or immersive sound capabilities.
We've done our best to create useful and informative comparisons to help you decide what product to buy. Our research uses advanced automated methods to create this comparison and perfection is not possible - please contact us for corrections or questions. These are the sites we've researched in the creation of this article: rtings.com - bose.com - bose.com - assets.bose.com - bestbuy.com - youtube.com - pistonheads.com - costco.com - googlenestcommunity.com - youtube.com - discussions.apple.com - crutchfield.com - samsung.com - bestbuy.com - avsforum.com - walts.com - samsung.com - samsung.com - videoandaudiocenter.com - samsung.com - samsung.com - samsung.com - pcrichard.com
