Samsung HW-QS700F Review: A Unique Soundbar with Flexible Speaker Setup

Explore the Samsung HW-QS700F soundbar, a versatile 3.1.2-channel system designed for powerful audio in both tabletop and wall-mounted setups.

A Soundbar That Breaks the Mold

If you think Samsung’s HW-Q990F soundbar is the end of their audio innovations, think again. The HW-QS700F takes a fresh approach, blending flexibility and power in a package that’s as at home on a desk as it is mounted on a wall. It’s not just another soundbar—it’s a clever reimagining of how a speaker system can adapt to your space without sacrificing punch or presence.

Price and Availability

Priced around £749 (roughly $900), the HW-QS700F commands respect as a true 3.1.2-channel powerhouse, pairing a soundbar with a wireless subwoofer. In some regions, especially across Europe, it can be found for closer to €400 (about $430), making it a surprisingly affordable gateway into immersive sound.

But the story goes far beyond price. What sets this model apart is its smart six-channel configuration that dynamically switches speaker functions based on how you position the bar—vertical on a wall or horizontal on a table. This kind of adaptability is rare and usually reserved for models that cost significantly more.

Consider the Devialet Dione soundbar, for example—a rotating central channel design that runs nearly three times the price of this Samsung. The QS700F’s flexible performance punches well above its weight.

Design and Features

The Samsung HW-QS700F arrives in two parts: a slim soundbar and a compact wireless subwoofer. The soundbar measures 1160 x 51 x 120 mm when laid flat on a table but cleverly swaps height and depth when wall-mounted. The subwoofer, impressively small for Samsung standards at 249 x 252 x 249 mm, balances aesthetics with power.

The slim profile means the soundbar won’t block your TV screen if on a desk, or protrude too much from the wall if mounted. A built-in gyroscope senses its orientation and tweaks the sound output accordingly—talk about smart design!

Its cube-shaped subwoofer with rounded edges looks elegant and promises power thanks to its 6.5-inch active driver paired with an 8-inch passive radiator.

This 3.1.2 setup features front center, left, and right channels, two upward-firing speakers for height effects, and the central subwoofer. The twist? The larger round drivers perched on the top edge serve upward channels when flat, but transform into front left and right speakers when mounted vertically.

Unlike Samsung’s HW-Q990F flagship soundbar, the QS700F does not come with rear surround speakers by default. However, you can expand it with add-ons like Samsung Music Frame or SWA-9500S rear speakers, adding two more upward channels and traditional rear stereo for future-proof upgrades.

Connectivity-wise, the QS700F is a bit simpler than its flagship sibling. It offers one HDMI input and one output, lacking the dual inputs and 4K/120Hz game signal passthrough of the HW-Q990F. Gamers with high-speed consoles like PS5 or Xbox Series X will need to connect directly to a TV with HDMI eARC to enjoy Dolby Atmos or DTS:X sound without frame loss.

Wireless Dolby Atmos streaming from compatible Samsung TVs is supported, yet it’s not lossless, so pure HDMI eARC connections still offer the best audio quality.

When it comes to video passthrough, QS700F shines with full HDR support including Dolby Vision, HDR10+, HDR10, and HLG formats—meaning it won’t hold back your picture quality.

The soundbar is loaded with some clever features too:

• Adaptive Sound uses AI to fine-tune audio based on what’s playing.
• Game Mode Pro enhances directional awareness in games, making it easier to pinpoint enemies or environmental cues.
• Q-Symphony syncs soundbar and compatible Samsung TV speakers together, creating a wider, richer front soundstage instead of the TV speakers going silent.

And with Samsung Space Fit Pro, the soundbar auto-calibrates to your room while still allowing manual fine-tuning for audio balance.

Sound and Performance

From the moment you fire it up in the classic horizontal setup, the QS700F screams Samsung’s signature sound—big, dynamic, and detailed. The soundstage is impressively wide, stretching high for those Dolby Atmos overhead effects without sounding fragile or sparse.

The highs sparkle without being shrill, and the lows are tight and punchy without ever muddling. Even during the most explosive movie scenes, the bass and midrange remain clear and controlled, delivering cinematic impact without distortion.

The subwoofer fills the room with deep, even bass that isn’t directional, just as a good subwoofer should. While it’s not quite as powerful or quick-reacting as the two-way active sub in the HW-Q990F, it still packs a serious punch and never strains or distorts.

Switching to vertical, wall-mounted mode, the gyroscope’s magic kicks in. The big round drivers now take on left and right front duties with authority, pushing more powerful sound than typical wall-mounted bars. Height and width remain impressive, and the midrange blends seamlessly with the subwoofer.

However, the engineer’s holy grail of making the QS700F sound exactly the same both ways isn’t quite achieved yet. Height effects aren’t as expansive vertically, and the center channel’s clarity can dip in horizontal mode under heavy demand. Vertically, dialogue can feel slightly detached from the screen action.

The vertical orientation lends a more rounded, natural stereo sound, especially for music. But if you’re a fan of Samsung’s surround-converting music mode, horizontal placement yields a more consistent immersive experience.

QS700F’s charm lies in its broad appeal—serving users who want the freedom to place it however they like, without having to compromise on sound quality.

One minor quibble beyond the positional sound differences is that while the subwoofer’s smooth bass is impressive, it sometimes struggles to sync perfectly with the soundbar’s output compared to Samsung’s older subwoofer-soundbar combos.

Music Listening

While the QS700F shines for movies, it’s no one-trick pony. Unlike older Samsung models that favored sharp, cinematic sound, this soundbar offers a smoother, more balanced musical performance.

In stereo mode, the left and right channels are well separated without being overbearing. Vocals float just above the mix’s center, clear but perfectly integrated.

The overall sound signature is less aggressive than for movies—more refined and musical—making it well-suited for a variety of genres, from jazz to pop to classical.

Final Verdict

Rather than a cacophony of compromises, the QS700F delivers genuine placement flexibility with a smart, well-thought-out design and configurable drivers. Both tabletop and wall-mounted setups offer powerful, immersive sound rarely seen in this price range.

It plays music nearly as well as it thrills with films, with only minor differences between its two orientations. Samsung has crafted another winner here, though adding rear surround speakers would have made it truly exceptional.

Also Worth Considering

While the flagship Samsung HW-Q990F soundbar boasts the most powerful Dolby Atmos scene on the market, its price puts it in a different league from the QS700F.

A more fitting comparison is the Sonos Arc Ultra soundbar, a streamlined powerhouse with immersive sound and multi-room functionality in a compact design—perfect for those wanting simplicity and quality in one.

If budget is a concern, don’t overlook the Samsung HW-Q800D soundbar, a simpler bar/sub combo that trims cost but still delivers solid performance.

The true flexibility of the QS700F’s design is a game-changer in its price bracket.

FAQ

• What is the channel configuration of the Samsung HW-QS700F?
  It features a 3.1.2 setup: front left, center, right channels, two upward-firing speakers for height effects, plus a wireless subwoofer.
• Can the soundbar be wall-mounted and placed on a table?
  Yes, and it intelligently adapts its sound output depending on its orientation using a built-in gyroscope.
• Does the QS700F support Dolby Atmos wirelessly?
  It does support wireless Dolby Atmos streaming from compatible Samsung TVs, but wired HDMI eARC connections provide better audio quality.
• Are rear speakers included with the soundbar?
  No, rear speakers are optional. You can add Samsung Music Frame or SWA-9500S speakers for surround sound enhancement.
• Is the Samsung HW-QS700F good for gaming?
  It includes Game Mode Pro for enhanced directional gaming audio; however, high-frame-rate 4K gaming audio passthrough isn’t supported via HDMI on the bar itself.

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