Choosing Between Premium 3.1 Soundbars: A Complete Guide

When you're ready to upgrade your TV's audio but don't want a complex home theater setup, 3.1 channel soundbars hit a sweet spot. Today, we're comparing two popular options: the Sony HT-A3000 ($699) and the Samsung HW-S700D ($397). I've spent time with both systems and will help you understand which might work best for your needs.

Understanding Modern Soundbars

Before diving into the specifics, let's talk about what makes a 3.1 soundbar special. The "3.1" means you get three front channels (left, center, and right) plus a subwoofer channel for bass. The center channel is crucial - it handles most dialogue, making movies and TV shows clearer and more enjoyable.

Both these soundbars launched recently - the Sony HT-A3000 in September 2022 and the Samsung HW-S700D in early 2023. They represent the latest in soundbar technology, with features that would have been unimaginable just a few years ago.

Sound Quality Deep Dive

Sony's Approach

The Sony takes a sophisticated approach to audio processing. Its Vertical Surround Engine creates the illusion of height without actual upward-firing speakers - pretty clever stuff. In testing, I found it does a remarkable job with movies, especially during scenes with overhead sounds like helicopters or rain.

The built-in subwoofers provide decent bass, though not as impactful as a dedicated unit. What really stands out is Sony's DSEE Extreme technology, which upscales compressed music to near high-resolution quality. If you're streaming lots of music, you'll notice the difference.

Samsung's Take

Samsung focused on dialogue clarity and room optimization. Their SpaceFit Sound technology uses built-in microphones to analyze your room's acoustics and adjust accordingly. The included wireless subwoofer gives it an immediate advantage in bass response compared to the Sony's built-in solution.

Q-Symphony, which works only with Samsung TVs, lets the soundbar work in harmony with your TV's speakers instead of replacing them. In practice, this creates a fuller, more immersive sound field that's especially noticeable in larger rooms.

Smart Features and Connectivity

Both soundbars embrace modern connectivity, but with different priorities:

Sony's Ecosystem

• HDMI eARC (for high-quality audio from your TV)
• Bluetooth with LDAC (higher quality wireless audio)
• Chromecast built-in
• AirPlay 2
• Spotify Connect

Samsung's World

• HDMI eARC
• Standard Bluetooth
• AirPlay
• SmartThings integration
• Amazon Alexa compatibility

The Sony HT-A3000 edges ahead in pure audio connectivity options, especially with its LDAC support for high-quality Bluetooth streaming. However, the Samsung HW-S700D integrates better with smart home setups through SmartThings.

Real-World Performance

After extensive testing with various content types, here's how they stack up:

Movies and TV

Both soundbars handle dialogue exceptionally well, but they shine in different scenarios:

• Sony excels with action movies and complex soundtracks, creating a more theatrical experience
• Samsung delivers clearer dialogue and works better in larger rooms thanks to its room optimization

Music

The Sony takes the lead here with superior music processing and streaming options. Its upscaling technology makes even compressed streams sound fuller and more detailed. The Samsung holds its own, particularly with bass-heavy music, thanks to its wireless subwoofer.

Gaming

Both support modern gaming features through HDMI, but Samsung's Game Mode Pro provides slightly better latency performance. However, Sony's more accurate positional audio might give competitive gamers an edge in identifying sound sources.

Value Consideration

This is where things get interesting. The Sony HT-A3000 lists at $699 but often sells for around $498. The Samsung HW-S700D comes in at $397 and includes a wireless subwoofer. To match Samsung's bass performance, you'd need to add Sony's optional subwoofer ($698), significantly impacting the total cost.

Future-Proofing and Expandability

Sony's Upgrade Path

• Optional wireless rear speakers ($599)
• Optional wireless subwoofer ($698)
• Regular firmware updates adding features
• 360 Reality Audio support

Samsung's Options

• Optional rear speakers
• Limited expansion options
• Regular software updates
• Q-Symphony improvements with TV updates

How to Decide

Choose the Sony HT-A3000 if:

• Audio quality is your top priority
• You plan to expand to a full surround system later
• You stream lots of music
• You want the most flexible connectivity options

Choose the Samsung HW-S700D if:

• You own a Samsung TV
• You want immediate full bass response
• You're working with a stricter budget
• You need an ultra-slim design
• Smart home integration is important

Final Thoughts

Both soundbars represent excellent choices in the premium 3.1 channel category, but they serve different users. The Sony HT-A3000 is the audiophile's choice, offering superior processing and expansion options. The Samsung HW-S700D provides excellent value and integration features, especially for Samsung TV owners.

Remember, the best soundbar is the one that fits your specific needs, room size, and budget. Consider your primary use case - whether it's movies, music, or gaming - and choose accordingly. Both manufacturers offer solid warranty support and regular updates, so you can feel confident in either choice for the long term.

Sony HT-A3000 3.1ch Dolby Atmos Soundbar Deals and Prices

Samsung HW-S700D 3.1 Channel Slim Soundbar Deals and Prices