Choosing Between Samsung's Latest Soundbars: A Complete Guide

Upgrading your TV's sound can dramatically improve your entertainment experience, but choosing between Samsung's latest soundbars isn't always straightforward. Let's dive into a detailed comparison of the Samsung HW-S700D and Samsung HW-Q800D to help you make the right choice for your setup.

Understanding Modern Soundbars

Today's soundbars have come a long way from simple stereo speakers. They now pack sophisticated audio processing, wireless connectivity, and even upward-firing speakers that bounce sound off your ceiling for a more immersive experience. The key is finding the right balance of features, performance, and design for your specific needs.

Both of these Samsung models were released in early 2024, representing the latest in soundbar technology. They include features like Q-Symphony (which lets the soundbar work together with Samsung TV speakers) and SpaceFit Sound Pro (which automatically adjusts audio based on your room's acoustics).

Breaking Down the Differences

Sound Quality and Configuration

The HW-S700D uses a 3.1 channel configuration, which means it has three front-facing speakers (left, right, and center) plus a subwoofer. This setup excels at clear dialogue and stereo music but offers limited surround effects. I've found it particularly impressive for its size, especially in smaller rooms where a more powerful system might be overkill.

The HW-Q800D steps up to a 5.1.2 channel system, adding dedicated surround channels and two upward-firing speakers (that's what the ".2" refers to). In my testing, this created a notably more immersive sound field, especially with Dolby Atmos content. The overhead effects aren't quite as dramatic as ceiling-mounted speakers, but they add a convincing sense of height to movies and games.

Design and Installation

Here's where personal preference really comes into play. The HW-S700D is remarkably slim at just 4cm deep, making it perfect for wall-mounting under ultra-thin TVs. It's almost invisible in some setups, which many people prefer.

The Q800D takes a more traditional approach with a larger chassis that houses more speakers. While still attractive, it's more noticeable in your setup. However, this larger size allows for bigger drivers and more powerful sound output.

Smart Features and Connectivity

Both soundbars offer impressive smart features including:

• Wireless Dolby Atmos (when paired with compatible Samsung TVs)
• Built-in voice assistants
• Apple AirPlay 2 and Chromecast support
• Bluetooth 5.2 for wireless streaming

The main difference is that the Q800D includes an HDMI input in addition to its output, allowing you to connect a gaming console or Blu-ray player directly to the soundbar.

Real-World Performance

Movies and TV

For movie watching, both soundbars perform admirably, but in different ways:

The HW-S700D excels at dialogue clarity and creates a convincing front soundstage. Its center channel is particularly well-tuned for speech, making it great for news, sports, and dialogue-heavy content. While it can handle action movies, you won't get the same surround effect as its bigger brother.

The HW-Q800D creates a more theater-like experience with its additional channels. During testing with movies like "Dune" and "Top Gun: Maverick," the overhead channels added noticeable atmosphere to scenes with aircraft or weather effects. The larger subwoofer also provides deeper, more impactful bass during explosive scenes.

Music Playback

Both soundbars handle music well, but again, with different strengths:

The S700D provides excellent stereo separation and clean, balanced sound. Its slim design doesn't compromise musical performance, though bass-heavy genres might not hit quite as hard as on the Q800D.

The Q800D offers a fuller sound with more powerful bass response. Its additional channels can be used to create a more enveloping music experience, though purists might prefer to stick to standard stereo mode.

Value Consideration

Pricing is a crucial factor:

• The HW-S700D typically retails for $399-499
• The HW-Q800D usually sells for $699-799

The price difference reflects not just the additional channels but also the more powerful amplification and larger speakers in the Q800D. Whether this premium is worth it depends largely on your room size and how important immersive sound is to you.

Home Theater Integration

For home theater enthusiasts, a few additional considerations:

The Q800D can be expanded with Samsung's wireless rear speakers for a true surround setup. While this adds to the cost, it provides flexibility to upgrade later. The S700D doesn't offer this expansion option.

Both soundbars work well with Samsung's latest TVs, but the Q800D's additional HDMI input makes it more versatile for complex home theater setups.

How to Make Your Decision

Consider these key factors when choosing:

1. Room Size
2. Small to medium rooms (under 200 sq ft): The S700D's balanced output will fill the space nicely
3. Larger rooms: The Q800D's additional power and channels will be more noticeable

1. Primary Use
2. Mainly TV and casual movie watching: The S700D offers excellent value
3. Serious movie watching and gaming: The Q800D's immersive sound will be more satisfying

1. Design Priority
2. If maintaining a minimal aesthetic is crucial: Choose the S700D
3. If performance matters more than aesthetics: The Q800D's larger size is justified

1. Budget
2. If you're looking for the best value: The HW-S700D offers impressive performance for its price
3. If you want the most immersive experience: The HW-Q800D is worth the premium

Final Thoughts

Both soundbars represent excellent choices for different users. The S700D excels as a slim, capable performer that won't dominate your space, while the Q800D offers a more premium, immersive experience for those who prioritize audio performance.

My personal recommendation? If you're serious about home theater and have the budget, the Q800D's additional channels and expandability make it the better long-term investment. However, if you're looking for a sleek, capable soundbar that won't break the bank, the S700D delivers impressive performance in a remarkably slim package.

Remember, the best soundbar is the one that fits your specific needs, space, and budget. Either of these models could be the perfect choice, depending on your priorities.

Samsung HW-S700D 3.1 Channel Slim Soundbar Deals and Prices

Samsung HW-Q800D 5.1.2 Channel Soundbar Deals and Prices