A Complete Guide to Soundbars: Comparing Basic and Advanced Options in 2024

The World of TV Audio Has Changed

Remember when TVs used to be thick enough to house decent speakers? As displays have gotten impossibly thin, built-in audio quality has suffered. That's where soundbars come in. Today we're comparing two popular but very different approaches to better TV sound - the Bose TV Speaker ($279) and the Samsung HW-S700D ($398).

Understanding What Matters in a Soundbar

Before diving into specifics, let's talk about what makes a good soundbar. The basics are simple: it should make your TV sound better than its built-in speakers. But how much better, and in what ways? This depends on several factors:

• Room size and layout
• What you typically watch or play
• Your audio preferences
• Budget constraints
• Space for equipment

Today's comparison is particularly interesting because these two soundbars represent different philosophies in TV audio enhancement.

The Core Differences

The Bose TV Speaker, released in 2020, takes a minimalist approach. It's a straightforward 2.0 stereo system, meaning it has left and right channels but no separate subwoofer. Bose has focused on clear dialogue and room-filling sound from a tiny footprint.

In contrast, the Samsung HW-S700D is a more advanced 3.1 system. The "3.1" means it has left, right, and center channels (the "3"), plus a wireless subwoofer (the ".1"). This newer design brings more home theater capabilities to the table.

Performance Deep-Dive

Sound Quality and Volume

The Bose excels at dialogue clarity - something I particularly appreciate when watching news or dialogue-heavy shows. It uses digital signal processing (DSP) to enhance voice frequencies, making conversations easier to understand without cranking up the volume.

The Samsung takes a different approach. Its dedicated center channel handles dialogue, while the separate subwoofer manages low frequencies (bass). This division of labor results in clearer sound across all frequencies. In testing, the Samsung gets noticeably louder without distortion - important for larger rooms or action movies.

Feature Sets and Technology

Both soundbars have evolved since their release. The Bose TV Speaker keeps things simple with:

• Bluetooth connectivity
• Dialogue enhancement mode
• Basic remote control
• Optional wired subwoofer connection

The Samsung HW-S700D offers more advanced features:

• Wireless Dolby Atmos (creating a 3D sound effect)
• Q-Symphony (synchronizing with Samsung TV speakers)
• SpaceFit Sound (room calibration for optimal audio)
• Voice assistant compatibility
• Gaming optimization
• Multi-room audio support

Real-World Performance

In everyday use, these differences become clear. The Bose excels in smaller spaces where simplicity is key. Its dialogue enhancement really shines when watching news, sports, or TV shows. The compact size makes it perfect for bedrooms or apartments.

The Samsung shows its strengths with movies and gaming. The dedicated center channel keeps dialogue clear even during intense action scenes, while the subwoofer adds impact to explosions and music. The room calibration feature helps optimize sound for your specific space - something I've found particularly useful in oddly-shaped rooms.

Value Consideration

Price vs. performance is crucial here. The Bose at $279 (often on sale for $199) represents excellent value for basic TV audio enhancement. It's particularly appealing if you:

• Have limited space
• Primarily watch TV shows and news
• Want simple setup
• Prefer minimal visual impact

The Samsung at $398 offers more features and better performance for:

• Movie enthusiasts
• Gamers
• Those with larger rooms
• People wanting room-filling sound
• Samsung TV owners (for Q-Symphony)

Home Theater Perspective

For home theater use, there's a clear distinction. The Bose works as a significant upgrade from TV speakers but isn't designed for a true home theater experience. It lacks surround sound capabilities and the impact that a subwoofer brings to movie watching.

The Samsung, while not a full surround system, offers a more immersive experience. Its Dolby Atmos support creates a wider, taller soundstage, and the dedicated subwoofer adds the low-frequency impact that movie fans crave.

Technology Evolution

Since the Bose's release in 2020, we've seen advancements in soundbar technology. Wireless audio quality has improved, room calibration has become more sophisticated, and features like voice assistant integration have become common. The Samsung represents this newer generation of soundbars.

However, the Bose's simplicity remains appealing. Not everyone needs or wants advanced features, and its focus on core functionality means less can go wrong.

Making Your Decision

Choose the Bose TV Speaker if:

• You want simple, quality audio enhancement
• Space is at a premium
• Budget is a primary concern
• You mainly watch TV shows and news
• You prefer minimal setup hassle

Go for the Samsung HW-S700D if:

• You watch lots of movies or play games
• You have space for a subwoofer
• You want room-filling sound
• You own a Samsung TV
• You value having the latest features
• You might expand your system later

Final Thoughts

Both soundbars excel at their intended purposes. The Bose proves that good things come in small packages, offering remarkably clear audio from a tiny footprint. The Samsung shows how modern technology can create an immersive experience without the complexity of a full surround system.

Your choice ultimately depends on your specific needs and environment. If you're still unsure, consider starting with the Bose - it's easier to upgrade later if you find yourself wanting more. But if you know you want a more theater-like experience, the Samsung's additional features and performance make it worth the extra investment.

Bose TV Speaker Soundbar Deals and Prices

Samsung HW-S700D 3.1 Channel Slim Soundbar Deals and Prices