Choosing Between Modern Soundbars: Sony HT-A5000 vs Samsung HW-S700D

Understanding Today's Soundbar Market

The home audio landscape has changed dramatically in recent years, with soundbars becoming the go-to solution for better TV audio. Let's compare two popular but very different options: the premium Sony HT-A5000 ($640) and the budget-friendly Samsung HW-S700D ($148).

Modern soundbars need to balance multiple priorities: delivering engaging sound, fitting into our homes aesthetically, and integrating with our streaming and smart home systems. They've evolved from simple speaker upgrades to sophisticated audio hubs that can handle everything from movies to music to gaming.

Audio Performance Deep Dive

Channel Configuration and Sound Processing

The HT-A5000 brings a robust 5.1.2 channel configuration, which means five main channels (left, center, right, and two surrounds), one subwoofer channel, and two height channels for Dolby Atmos effects. These upward-firing speakers bounce sound off your ceiling to create a dome of sound above you. When watching movies with Atmos soundtracks, you'll hear rain falling from above or helicopters moving overhead with surprising accuracy.

In contrast, the HW-S700D offers a 3.1 channel setup - left, right, and center channels, plus a subwoofer. While this might seem basic, it's actually ideal for most TV watching where dialogue clarity and stereo separation are the primary concerns. The center channel, dedicated to voice reproduction, ensures you won't miss important dialogue.

Sound Quality and Processing

Sony's 360 Spatial Sound Mapping technology in the HT-A5000 creates virtual speakers beyond the physical drivers. This processing trick expands the soundstage significantly, making your room feel larger and more immersive. It's particularly effective with action movies and games where spatial awareness matters.

Samsung approaches things differently with their Q-Symphony technology, which uniquely allows the soundbar to work in concert with compatible Samsung TV speakers rather than replacing them entirely. This creates a fuller sound field, though not as immersive as the Sony's height channels.

Bass Response and Impact

Both units handle bass differently. The HT-A5000 integrates subwoofers into the main unit, providing tight, controlled bass that's well-suited to both music and movies. The HW-S700D pairs with a separate wireless subwoofer, which can deliver more impactful low frequencies but might be less precise in timing and integration.

Design and Integration

Physical Design Considerations

Released in late 2022, the HT-A5000 follows traditional soundbar design principles with a substantial presence (47.75" x 2.75" x 5.62"). This larger size houses more drivers and processing hardware, but it might not suit all setups.

The HW-S700D, launched as part of Samsung's 2023 lineup, embraces an ultra-slim profile that's particularly appealing for wall-mounted installations. Its sleeker design sacrifices some audio capability for aesthetics, but in many living rooms, this tradeoff makes sense.

Connectivity and Compatibility

Both soundbars support HDMI eARC, which allows high-quality audio transmission from your TV through a single cable. The HT-A5000 adds an extra HDMI input with 4K/120Hz passthrough - crucial for latest-gen gaming consoles. It also supports a wider range of audio formats, including high-resolution audio files for music enthusiasts.

The HW-S700D focuses on seamless integration with Samsung's ecosystem. If you own a recent Samsung TV, features like Q-Symphony and SpaceFit Sound (which automatically calibrates audio based on your room) work exceptionally well.

Smart Features and Streaming

The HT-A5000 offers comprehensive streaming support: Chromecast built-in, AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect, and Bluetooth with LDAC (Sony's high-quality wireless audio codec). This flexibility means you can easily stream from virtually any device at high quality.

The HW-S700D provides basic streaming features through Bluetooth and Samsung's SmartThings platform. While more limited, these cover most users' needs for casual music playback and TV audio.

Value Analysis

The price difference between these units ($492) is substantial and reflects their different market positions. The HT-A5000's premium price brings advanced audio processing, more channels, and broader format support. The HW-S700D focuses on core functionality at an accessible price point.

Since their respective releases, both have maintained their value well. The Sony has seen occasional sales dropping it to around $500, while the Samsung typically stays near its launch price, indicating strong market positioning.

How to Decide

Choose the Sony HT-A5000 if:

• You want the best possible audio quality and don't mind paying for it
• Dolby Atmos and immersive sound are priorities
• You need comprehensive streaming options
• You have a larger room that benefits from expanded soundstage
• Gaming features matter to you

Choose the Samsung HW-S700D if:

• You want significant audio improvement on a budget
• You have a Samsung TV and want seamless integration
• Clean aesthetics and wall-mounting are priorities
• Basic streaming and sound improvements meet your needs
• You prefer a separate subwoofer for more flexible placement

Conclusion

Both soundbars excel in their respective price brackets. The HT-A5000 represents the high end of soundbar technology, while the HW-S700D delivers impressive value for everyday users. Your choice ultimately depends on your priorities between audio performance, design, and budget.

For home theater enthusiasts, the Sony's additional channels and processing power make it the clear choice. For those seeking significant audio improvement without breaking the bank, Samsung's offering hits a sweet spot of features and affordability.

Remember that room size and layout play crucial roles in soundbar performance. The best choice for your space might not be the most expensive option, but rather the one that fits your specific needs and environment.

Sony HT-A5000 5.1.2 Channel Home Theater Soundbar Deals and Prices

Samsung HW-S700D 3.1 Channel Slim Soundbar Deals and Prices