Choosing Between Modern Soundbars: Samsung HW-S700D vs Sony HT-A8000

In the ever-evolving world of home audio, picking the right soundbar can feel overwhelming. Today, we're comparing two compelling options: the $417.99 Samsung HW-S700D and the $999.99 Sony HT-A8000, both released in the past year. Let's break down what matters for your living room setup.

Understanding Modern Soundbars

Today's soundbars are light-years ahead of the basic stereo bars from a decade ago. They've become sophisticated audio systems that can create immersive sound experiences from a single unit. Before diving into our comparison, let's understand what makes modern soundbars special.

The key advancement has been in spatial audio processing - that's tech that makes sound appear to come from different directions, even when it's not physically possible. Both the Samsung HW-S700D and Sony HT-A8000 handle this differently, which we'll explore.

Design and Setup

The first thing you'll notice about these soundbars is their physical presence - or lack thereof. The Samsung takes a minimalist approach with its ultra-slim design. At just over 2 inches tall, it's one of the slimmest soundbars I've seen. This matters more than you might think - nobody wants their soundbar blocking the TV's IR sensor or the bottom of the screen.

The Sony takes a more traditional approach, standing about 2.6 inches tall but packing in more speakers. It's built like a premium piece of equipment, with a metal grille and a clean, professional look that wouldn't be out of place in a high-end home theater.

Both bars can be wall-mounted, but the Samsung's slim profile makes it particularly attractive for this setup. Having installed several soundbars, I can say the Samsung's lightweight design makes installation notably easier.

Audio Performance

Here's where things get interesting. The Samsung uses a 3.1 channel setup - that means three front speakers (left, center, right) and one subwoofer. The center channel is crucial for dialogue clarity, which the Samsung handles exceptionally well.

The Sony steps things up with a 5.0.2 configuration - adding surround channels and two up-firing speakers for height effects (that's what creates the overhead sound in movies). Having tested both, the difference is noticeable when watching movies with complex soundtracks.

Real-World Testing

I tested both systems with a variety of content:

• Movies with Dolby Atmos (like "Dune")
• Standard TV shows
• Music streaming
• Gaming sessions

The Sony HT-A8000 consistently created a more immersive soundfield - you really feel surrounded by the audio. However, the Samsung HW-S700D surprised me with its ability to project sound widely despite its smaller size.

Smart Features and Connectivity

Both soundbars embrace modern connectivity, but they approach it differently:

Samsung HW-S700D:

• Q-Symphony (syncs with Samsung TV speakers)
• WiFi and Bluetooth 5.2
• AirPlay 2 and Chromecast
• Voice assistant compatibility

Sony HT-A8000:

• 360 Spatial Sound Mapping
• BRAVIA Acoustic Center Sync
• HDMI 2.1 with more gaming features
• Similar streaming capabilities

The Samsung's Q-Symphony feature is particularly clever - it uses your TV's built-in speakers alongside the soundbar, rather than disabling them. However, this only works with compatible Samsung TVs.

Value Proposition

Let's talk about value - there's a significant price gap between these units. The Samsung at $417.99 hits a sweet spot for features and performance. The Sony at $999.99 delivers more sophisticated audio processing and better overall sound quality, but at more than twice the price.

Is the Sony worth the premium? It depends on your priorities:

For movie enthusiasts:

• The Sony's superior spatial audio and height channels create a more theater-like experience
• Better processing of complex soundtracks
• More upgrade options with additional speakers

For general TV watching:

• The Samsung's dialogue clarity is excellent
• The slim design is more versatile
• The price point is more accessible

Room Considerations

Your room setup should influence your choice:

Small to medium rooms (up to 300 sq ft):

• The Samsung's compact design works well
• Less need for powerful spatial processing
• Easier to achieve good sound coverage

Larger rooms or dedicated home theaters:

• Sony's more powerful output fills the space better
• Additional channels create better immersion
• Room calibration features become more important

Future-Proofing

Both soundbars support current audio formats like Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, but the Sony's HDMI 2.1 support gives it an edge for gaming features. The Samsung counters with better smart home integration, especially within the Samsung ecosystem.

How to Decide

Consider these key factors:

1. Budget
2. Under $500: Samsung is the clear choice
3. Over $1000: Sony offers premium features that justify the cost

1. Room Size and Setup
2. Limited space: Samsung's slim design wins
3. Dedicated home theater: Sony's better sound staging shines

1. Primary Use
2. Mainly TV/streaming: Samsung offers great value
3. Movies/Gaming: Sony's additional channels matter more

1. Ecosystem
2. Samsung TV owner: The HW-S700D's integration is valuable
3. Sony BRAVIA owner: The HT-A8000's synergy is worth considering

Final Thoughts

After extensive testing, here's my take: The Samsung HW-S700D is the better choice for most people. It delivers excellent performance for its price point and fits easily into any setup. However, if you're building a serious home theater setup and budget isn't a major concern, the Sony HT-A8000 delivers a more premium experience that audio enthusiasts will appreciate.

Remember, the best soundbar is the one that fits your space, budget, and listening habits. Both of these options represent significant upgrades over TV speakers - it's just a matter of how far you want to take your home audio experience.

Samsung HW-S700D 3.1 Channel Slim Soundbar Deals and Prices

Sony HT-A8000 BRAVIA Theater Bar 8 Soundbar Deals and Prices