You can also stream music (or anything else) to it easily over Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, including support for Apple AirPlay 2. Published 2 July 22, The key settings to change to get the best possible picture quality no matter what you're watching, By Carrie Marshall Hailing originally from Montana, Ryan parlayed his time working as a musician and audio engineer into a career in digital media in 2012. It offers all the major features we expect for a soundbar in its class and, on semi-permanent sale at least, its price is generally in line with the competition. The Q800T also supports HDR passthrough, including both the newer HDR10+ format (which Samsung champions) as well as Dolby Vision, though Samsung doesnt list it in the specs. Only slightly better audio then the TCL 2020 6 series TV. The lowest-priced brand-new, unused, unopened, undamaged item in its original packaging (where packaging is applicable).Packaging should be the same as what is found in a retail store, unless the item is handmade or was packaged by the manufacturer in non-retail packaging, such as an unprinted box or plastic bag.See details for additional description. It has an HDMI connection to connect to your TV, but also an HDMI input, for 4K HDMI passthrough. For over 25 years, Steve has been casting his keen eyes and ears over the best that the world of TV and audio has to offer. In this Samsung HW-Q800A review, we're going to look at how Samsung has built this Dolby Atmos soundbar into a T3 Awards 2021 winner of our Best Soundbar award. And how it looks. There are some physical buttons centred up top, including power and volume control, but they probably wont get much use. But the Q800T does Atmos differently than competitors. Needs satellite speakers. One of my favorite Blu-ray test discs, Sam Mendes' Skyfall, offered a brilliant palette on which the Q800Ts skill set flourished. They need to add a delay if you put the sub behind the couch. While soundbar and sub are solidly built, they wont win prizes for design flair. That said, Samsung's HW-Q70T soundbar offers nearly identical specs with two standout exceptions: there's no built-in microphones for Alexa, and it offers a smaller subwoofer. Published 7 June 22. A Samsung rep tells me this may be caused by a known bug for Alexa when connected to a hardwired digital source, which he expects to be corrected in a firmware update. Email us and we'll compare notes. The Sonos Arc is probably a little better for sound quality when it comes to refinement (partly thanks to Sonos' TruePlay tuning, available to iPhone users), but lacks the rich impact of the sub. The Q800T places even stereo tracks along the vertical plane with care, dropping an acoustic guitar to the upper left here, a Hammond organ whirling to the lower right there. As well explore below, this offers both plusses and minuses when it comes to its performance. This comes highly recommended, even if there are a few caveats to note about its features. The 7 band eq can only help so much. Dialogue handling is excellent, the soundbar thrills with action movies, yet is capable of subtle sonic nuance, and the sub has popper wallop. Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned, Great Sound, easy to install, sync with tv remote. Published 21 July 22, In school or college? This Q800 soundbar is amazing! That includes WiFi streaming alongside built-in Alexa support to control basic playback and a litany of smart features. Still, the Q800T sounds more organic and sumptuous than LGs ultra-thin SN9YG, especially in the upper midrange. The HW-Q800A is the kind of Dolby Atmos soundbar that puts a smile on your face. It's only saving grace is its ease of setup. From shards of glass to a jungle thunderstorm, the overhead trick so integral to creating the hemispheric immersion of Atmos is stunted here. Given the fact that it can still support Alexa commands with the addition of an Echo speaker at $50, it's definitely a way to cut down the price significantly (especially given those Alexa bugs). Even the settings you can adjust do not edit the sound very much. Feed it something of higher quality and things get even more intriguing. In the end, whether the HW-Q800T is right for you may depend on your love for overhead effects, bass, and Alexa herself. She's not set up for Spotify commands, either, though you can control Spotify from both the SmartThings app and Spotify Connect directly. Before we dig in, a quick look at the HW-Q800Ts basic specs: The HW-Q800T supports both major 3D surround formats in both Dolby Atmos and DTS:X. Recognising this, the HW-Q800T can be used with optional rear speakers to create a full physical surround system, which this year have been upgraded for Dolby Atmos. Samsungs Adaptive Sound mode works pretty well to automatically optimize the bar for most content, and I only occasionally switched to the Standard mode for a bit more clarity. As soundbars (even of the Dolby Atmos variety) get increasingly compact Ive become used to digital displays creeping out of the pictureSonos soundbars offer nothing more than a color-coded LED strip. My old Vizio soundbar had much more sound customization. Subscribe in print, digital, or a great-value bundle. The bass is superb. Its a genuine crowd pleaser no matter what TV you have, though with the right Samsung TV you get even better performance. This further diminishes the immersion level youll get from Dolby Atmos and other surround sound content; swirling effects are cut off starkly before they curl behind you, and those designed to blow past you from behind seem to just suddenly appear at the front of the room, breaking the illusion. How much this matters may depend on how much Atmos content you watchit's still relatively limited on most streaming services. It compares well to the likes of the Sonos Arc, which likely to be the closest alternative you might consider. On QLED TVs without top firing speakers, the combo use the TV speakers to create a virtual height effect. The HW-Q800A has Amazon Alexa on board, complete with far-field microphone, which means itll function as a genuine Alexa smart speaker in its own right. This is a treat reserved for owners of select Samsung QLEDs. It's also a Dolby Atmos bar, and also includes Wi-Fi and music streaming. A 3.1.2-channel system, the bar offers left, center, and right channels at the front, a side-firing wireless subwoofer, and dual upfiring channels to create the hemispheric effect for which Dolby Atmos and its contemporaries are prized. Even if most of the sound is confined to the front of the room, it pulls you into the action, allowing you to bask in precisely placed ambient details and yet never miss a line of dialogue. Here's what you need to know, Samsungs wireless rear surround kit for around $180, Dolby Digital Plus to source Atmos directly. Of course, what the HW-Q800A doesnt offer is genuine surround sound. At the time of publication, Vizio's 46-inch 5.1.4 soundbar (with separate surrounds) also rings in at similar pricing and offers much better surround immersion. Theres plenty of detail, light and lyrical treble response, and impressive balance, to the point that I rarely found myself pumping the sound up or down between the loudest and quietest moments. Coupled to a QLED TV with top-firing speakers, Q Symphony directs surround sound left and right channels through the TV heights, leaving left, centre and right duties to the soundbar array. Samsung has stuck with its wand-style remote for its soundbars (and many of its TVs) for years now, and theres good reason. Samsung has diversified its Dolby Atmos lineup significantly since its first entry, the $1,500 5.1.4-channel HW-K950, now offering a slew of Atmos options to fit a wider array of setups (and budgets). Since then he's had extensive experience as a writer and editor, including everything from op-eds and features to reviews on TVs, audio gear, smart home devices, and more. Credit: Reviewed/Jackson Ruckar.

Powered up, the soundbar will automatically pair with the subwoofer. Our writers, editors, and lab technicians obsess over the products we cover to make sure you're confident and satisfied. The remote is attractive and well laid out, with tactile keys for both subwoofer and volume levels that feel like those electric window switches on your parents old station wagonin a good way. The Samsung HW-Q800T launched in spring 2021, at a launch price of 799 in the UK and $799 in the US. The action takes place front-of-house rather than to the side or rear but it fills the front of house. You can buy better speakers for the money you put down on this. Playing my go-to Dolby Atmos demo discs, I found myself waiting in vain for effects to effectively rain down upon me. While the sound signature is notably light in the midrange, the Q800T sounds quite good, even when playing back standard fare like sitcoms. Adding the Sonos Sub effectively doubles the price, too. View cart for details. As touched on above, the Q800T is impressively compact for a Dolby Atmos bar, especially one without any surround speakers to spread the soundstage around (though you can add Samsungs wireless rear surround kit for around $180). For connection, the bar offers a spare HDMI input to source Dolby Atmos directly from a Blu-ray player or game console (something Sonos Arc doesnt have), as well as HDMI eARC connection. Its bright but quickly dims after a few seconds. It also includes a 4K HDMI passthrough, so you don't miss out on that key feature either. Instead of a traditional driver for each of its dual height channels, it employ's Samsungs Acoustic Beam technology, a series of up-firing sonic chambers designed to work similarly to the keyholes of a flute. The best way to put it is the way I heard it put to me. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Thank you for signing up to T3. However, even when connected over WiFi, Alexa integration had issues. It aims to create effectively the same kind of soundstage as the Samsung, but uses fewer speakers, and even more acoustic trickery. While there are a few big competitors in its class (including Sonos' brilliant Arc and LG's loaded SN9YG), the bars top competition for value may come from within: Samsungs much cheaper HW-Q70T stacks up extremely similarly, with just a few notable differences. I was perplexed to see no power key on the soundbar's topside controls but, importantly, there is a mute key to keep Alexas nose out of your business. The main hangup again seemed to be balancing the volume of streaming audio with Alexa responses. All the best features, news, tips and great deals to help you live a better life through technology. Recommendations are independently chosen by Revieweds editors. Samsung - HW-Q800T - 3.1.2-Channel Soundbar with Dolby Atmos System - Black. Can't adjust eq in surround modes! Along with the bar, the HW-Q800T ships with a basic manual, power cables, a wand-style remote, an HDMI cable, and mounting brackets. Streaming music over Spotify Connect via WiFi provides a similar, if more toned-down, effect. I highly recommend for anyone! 2022 Reviewed, a division of Gannett Satellite Information Network LLC. Its a 3.1.2 channel design in classic black, but there are some welcome new features in this model. As you'd expect from its compact speakers, the bar's lighter sound means acoustic instruments sound less natural than what youll get from traditional speakers, as well as the Sonos Arc's bulbous tube.

Prices were accurate at the time this article was published but may change over time. Steerage around the front soundstage, and even up high in the gods, is energetic. Very easy setup through my Samsung TV and updating the bar through the SmartThings app was not too difficult. In Australia, the nearest equivalent soundbar in Samsungs line-up is the HW-Q700A, which lacks Alexa, and is priced at AU$950. Lugs allow it to be wall-mounted, if required. The only notable issue is that the fully perforated cover is a styrofoam magnet; I was never able to remove all the little white bits without resorting to tweezers. Music if fuller than I have ever heard it with anyother sound or home theater system. The highs and mids are crips and clean with no distortion, with a hard hitting and low rumbling base that bring action movies to life! Purchases you make through our links may earn us a commission. As a Bluetooth audio system, the HW-Q800A is perfectly fine. The HDMI passthrough is 4K, of course, and HDR compatibility covers Dolby Vision, HDR10+, HDR and HLG. The HW-Q800A is a highly entertaining 3D audio soundbar, that in its core 3.1.2 configuration provides a towering soundstage that benefits action movies and sports. I would recommend this to anyone. At 980mm wide, the HW-Q800A's size is an ideal partner for the best 48, 49 and 50-inch TVs, the best 55-inch TVs or the best 65-inch TVs. It can't produce a genuine sense of surround immersion, but you can invest in the optional rears to add that later. The cost of soundbars has been coming down recently, and this price is where things just start to get premium, though is still mid-range in the overall scheme of things. He was the creator of Home Cinema Choice magazine, and contributes to huge range of technology, home and music titles along with T3, including TechRadar, Louder, Ideal Home, the i newspaper, and more. The only notable omissions are WiFi add-ons like Chromecast and AirPlay 2 support and a 3.5mm analog inputhandy for connecting legacy devices like turntables, but increasingly rare in 2020. It will decode Dolby Atmos in both compressed Dolby Digital Plus (for streaming from your TV) and uncompressed Dolby TrueHD, as well as DTS Surround Sound and DTS:X, though the latter is seemingly going extinct. The Q800T offers just about everything youd expect in a new bar that nips at the $1,000 price point. Theyre outstanding little performers, capable of ultra fine detail, but never overly sharp or sibilant. Total power output is quoted at 330W, split between 2x 60W left and right, with the centre and that acoustic beam array getting 2x 20W. Visit our corporate site, Future US, Inc. Full 7th Floor, 130 West 42nd Street New York, NY 10036, We check over 250 million products every day for the best prices, Samsung will give you $100 credit if you reserve a Galaxy Z Fold 4 foldable phone, Apple student discounts 2022: pay less for iPads, Apple Music and more, Samsung TVs are getting this cool free upgrade, 5 quick settings tweaks to make your Samsung TV's picture even better. While its always wise to take such numbers with a pinch of marketing salt, theres no doubt that this system plays loud and has considerable dynamic attack. It offers a well-stocked feature set, including built-in Amazon Alexa, modern eARC connection, and both Dolby Atmos and DTS:X support. Though its $899.99 MSRP is too high, its usual sale price of $750 to $800 (or much less) puts it more in line with competitors and well worth consideration for your audio upgrade. The sub, a rear-ported design with a side-firing 8-inch driver, is relatively large and hefty (9.8kg) MDF. The same applies to SpaceFit. Copyright 1995-2022 eBay Inc. All Rights Reserved. The latter should not be engaged, as it sounds horrible. However, it offers warmer, more natural performance, simpler ways to build out a surround system (like adding the Symfonisk wireless speakers), and is backed by high-powered software. If you want something like the HW-Q800A but cheaper, look to the Sony HT-G700. Theres no significant difference in the soundbar's performance between Dolby Atmos and DTS:X. Those who want better Dolby Atmos immersionparticularly when it comes to overhead and surround effectsmay want to opt for the Sonos Arc instead. Do you need the best 8K TVs to get the best from your next-generation PlayStation 5 console? You can get money off a range of Apple products with these student discounts, Now you can play big-name games even if you dont have an Xbox Series S|X or a PS5, By Carrie Marshall Samsung says Alexa Spotify control is coming, again via firmware, but gave no indication of when. It is not great but very good, especially for the price. Let's dig into exactly why, in the full Samsung HW-Q800A review. While 2020 has been short on mid-tier and premium soundbars compared to "normal" times, the HW-Q800T's sound performance is among the best we've heard all year.

However, in terms of raw performance, we have few qualms. Considering an outdoor TV? That said, at its sale price, the Q800T is a stalwart new competitor that should fit quite nicely into most living rooms. The product experts at Reviewed have all your shopping needs covered. Behind the grille are two woofers and five tweeters, plus Samsungs Acoustic Beam array technology, which is actually a line of 56 tiny holes used to project height audio. With features including Wi-Fi streaming, HDMI passthrough and the ability to act as an Alexa smart speaker, it's absolutely packed with useful tricks. When I streamed The Office on Netflix, for example, it was about half as loud as Alexa, resulting in her shouting responses with biting force.

The latter allows you to source full-resolution audio from your TV via HDMI, as well as adjust audio sync issuesprovided youve got a newer TV that also supports eARC. One key point of difference between this model and last is the inclusion of Samsungs Active Voice Amplifier.

By Carrie Marshall In comparison, regular Dolby 5.1 mixes lack the same spatial detail, but theres still width and imaging to admire. Planning on buying an OLED TV? Oh, the sub fills in some of the low end so it needs to be near the sound bar, to be in sync. The Samsung HW-Q800A is a Dolby Atmos soundbar that offers deeply satisfying sound for a good price. I'll be judging the soundbar's audio on its own merit for this review, separate from the Q Symphony potential, but this is a truly impressive extra boost for those who go all-in on Samsung. Bass lovers will miss the heftier sub, but those with smaller living quarters may welcome the swap. Thats fine for content at the same volume level, but depending on the content it can be a problem. It's also pretty easy to use and doesn't take up much space on the mantle (for a Dolby Atmos bar anyway). Have a different opinion about something we recommend? I should also note that Atmos content like Marvel's Ant-Man on Disney+ still sounds compelling and dynamic even without the striking overhead effects. I should note that my current TV / Chromecast does not support Dolby Atmos or uncompressed 5.1 through eARC, so hopefully the sound improves once I upgrade to a newer TV model. The brands expansive Q Symphony technology is a brilliant idea, but only works for owners of specific Samsung TVs. At just over 38-inches across and 2.4 inches high, its cut to fit on most TV consoles without obscuring your TV screen like Sonos beefy Arc. This patented system enables the soundbar to function in tandem with the speaker compliment in the TV itself. It's made to work excellently with any TV, though it has some extra special sauce when paired with certain Samsung TVs that are compatible with the 'Q Symphony' combined with its overall quality (as I'll explain soon), it's the best soundbar for Samsung TVs you can buy right now, but ultimately its also arguably the best buy for any TV you want to add bigger, better sound to. At first glance, this model looks very much like last years Samsung HW-Q800T. I found a good balance by simply raising the adjustable center channel by 1 point, which allowed for clear dialogue across genres. I am pretty disappointed with the lack of customization for the sound settings. The sound quality is very good when casting directly to the bar but when playing tv or Netflix content the bar is not that much more impressive compared to my old $150 soundbar. Combined, TV and soundbar deliver a veritable wall of sound that doesnt just leer with mean intent, but employs artful sonic steering. Turning the height channels up didn't help much, instead making effects sound strained. It's worth checking our Samsung discount codes to see if you can save on your order. Samsungs Smart Things app also lets you tweak bass and toggle voice enhancement. Its a brilliant idea. It's a bit wider only really for 55-inch TVs and up and doesn't include a subwoofer. A simple, ergonomically shaped plastic remote control is included. Recommendations are independently chosen by Revieweds editors. Overall, the Q800T's Alexa integration just doesn't seem ready for primetime. I was just hoping for a little more overall performance but I do believe for the cost it balances out. Dolby atmos content is not great, no emersion in my setup. Very good clarity even at full blast. Thanks to the inclusion of 3D audio (including DTS: X) and a wireless subwoofer, this is perfect for those looking to upgrade their TV audio to something that sounds cinematic without incurring the complexity of an AV receiver and separate speakers. Theres no standalone soundbar calibration offered, although the HW-Q8090A does offer SpaceFit, which works with compatible Samsung TVs specifically the Samsung Q70T and up, to optimise performance for a given space.