Samsung HW-S50B Soundbar Review: Premium Sound at an Affordable Price

Experience premium sound quality without breaking the bank with the Samsung HW-S50B soundbar, offering clear dialogue and smart features in a sleek design.

Why the Samsung HW-S50B Stands Out

When it comes to upgrading your home audio, the Samsung HW-S50B offers a compelling option at roughly $120 USD. This 3.0-channel soundbar delivers crisp sound quality rated 4.3 out of 5 for audio performance, equipped with built-in central speakers that enhance dialogue clarity—a feature that movie buffs and binge-watchers will adore.

The setup supports expansion to 5.1 surround sound, and smart features like voice control and the SmartThings app integration make managing your entertainment system a breeze. While the bass might leave some wanting a bit more punch, the soundbar’s elegant, minimalist design and straightforward setup make it a top contender for anyone looking to elevate their sound without fuss.

Let’s dive deeper into what makes this soundbar a standout, especially compared to pricier models.

Samsung HW-S50B: Key Highlights

• A competitively priced 3.0-channel soundbar around $120 USD, boasting a solid user rating of 4.2 stars from nearly 500 reviews.
• DTS Virtual:X technology alongside a built-in center speaker gives movies and TV shows enhanced dialogue clarity.
• Smart integration with Samsung TVs, including control through the SmartThings app and voice assistants.
• A versatile 178 cm wide design fits most living rooms and comes with wall-mounting hardware, an HDMI cable, and a remote control.
• High-frequency sound and dialogue clarity receive praise, though deep bass is somewhat lacking. Some users noted occasional audio dropouts with 5.1 content.

Performance: What Users Are Saying

Samsung HW-S50B scores impressively on both price and quality, each rated 4.3 out of 5 by users. The center speaker is a game-changer for clear dialogues, and HDMI CEC compatibility means easy control with most TVs.

Be aware, though, of reported issues like audio cutouts during 5.1-channel playback and somewhat limited bass response. For many, these minor hiccups are a reasonable trade-off for the soundbar’s overall performance and affordability.

What We Loved About the HW-S50B

It’s refreshing to find a soundbar in this budget range that doesn’t skimp on quality. The HW-S50B delivers cohesive, full-bodied sound that significantly boosts your viewing experience—scoring a 4.3 out of 5 for sound quality.

Setup is a breeze, earning it a commendable 4.4 stars for ease of use. Samsung TV owners, in particular, will appreciate how seamlessly this soundbar integrates with their existing setup. Its sleek, compact build fits effortlessly into any room without stealing the spotlight.

Close to 500 users have vouched for its dependable performance at this price point, making it a reliable choice for most home entertainment needs.

Areas for Improvement

Despite its strengths, the HW-S50B isn’t without flaws. Audio issues, especially with 5.1 Dolby content, can disrupt immersion. Bass lacks the depth many audiophiles crave, so a separate subwoofer might be worth considering.

Midrange sound sometimes comes off a bit grainy, affecting overall clarity. Bluetooth reconnect issues after power cycles and a user interface that lacks visual feedback or volume alert customization can also detract from daily use.

These minor inconveniences might frustrate users who demand flawless operation but are understandable given the price.

First Impressions: Sleek and Solid

Right out of the box, the HW-S50B impresses with its modern, elegant design and sturdy build quality. Compact and sleek, it slips into your entertainment space without cluttering it.

The built-in center speaker ensures sharp dialogue, and setup is particularly smooth if you pair it with a Samsung TV. Initial sound tests reveal the potential of its 3.0-channel configuration enhanced by Dolby Digital 5.1 and DTS Virtual:X technologies.

Even without exploring every feature, it’s clear this soundbar aims to elevate your movie nights and music sessions.

Unboxing Experience

Inside the box, you’ll find everything you need for a quick start: the soundbar itself, a remote with batteries, a 6-foot HDMI cable, and a wall-mounting kit. The included quick-start guide walks you through setup whether you prefer tabletop or wall installation.

The thoughtful package means you won’t need to hunt for extras—just unpack, connect, and enjoy.

Technical Specs at a Glance

• 3.0-channel soundbar expandable to immersive 5.1 surround sound.
• Compact profile ideal for tight spaces.
• Wall-mount kit for flexible installation.
• HDMI cable included for easy device hookup.
• Remote control with battery and clear user manual.

The slim design (178 x 7.6 x 12.7 cm) allows you to mount it on the wall or place it on a media console without overpowering your room’s aesthetics.

Design and Build Quality

Samsung nails the balance between streamlined aesthetics and practical design with the HW-S50B. Its durable plastic housing features smooth, curved edges and measures just 60 mm in height, perfect for spaces where every inch counts.

A protective metal grille adds a refined touch, while the all-in-one form factor means no tangled wires or extra components cluttering your setup.

Installation is hassle-free with mounting hardware and the included HDMI cable ready to go. The remote control rounds out the package, making daily operation effortless.

Clear High-Frequency Sound

Beyond its good looks, the HW-S50B shines in delivering crisp high-frequency audio. Thanks to the dedicated center speaker, dialogue is sharp and distinct, cutting through even busy background soundscapes.

DTS Virtual:X technology crafts a virtual surround effect, making your films, music, and TV shows sound more immersive than typical soundbars in this bracket.

While the bass might feel a tad restrained, the superb tonal precision more than makes up for it. Whether it’s a tense dialogue or a live concert recording, voices and instruments come through beautifully.

Feature Highlights

• Multi-directional sound with DTS Virtual:X for cinematic immersion.
• Q-Symphony support pairs perfectly with Samsung TVs to enhance audio output.
• Built-in center speaker ensures crystal-clear speech.
• Simple, elegant design paired with easy setup.

This soundbar is ideal for users wanting a blend of performance and convenience without the hassle typical of more complex systems.

Audio Output and Expansion

For audiophiles, the 3.0-channel setup supports Dolby Digital 5.1 and DTS Virtual:X, generating a surround sound effect ideal for medium-sized rooms.

The center speaker’s role in clarifying dialogue can’t be overstated—it elevates your favorite movies and shows with improved speech intelligibility.

That said, the bass response is moderate. If you crave booming lows, investing in a dedicated subwoofer might be your next step.

Some users have noted occasional sound dropouts in 5.1 content, and minor tonal mismatches may occur depending on the sound mode selected.

Connectivity Options

Connectivity is another strong suit for the HW-S50B. Bluetooth lets you stream tunes from phones or tablets effortlessly. The soundbar’s HDMI ARC port enables seamless integration with your TV using just one cable.

The SmartThings app lets you control sound settings from your smartphone, adding a layer of convenience to everyday use.

Samsung smart TV owners will especially appreciate the quick wireless pairing, usually completed in under a minute. This ease of setup makes the HW-S50B a great pick for those looking to upgrade their home audio without complications.

Smart Voice Control

Voice control fans will find plenty to like with the HW-S50B’s smart integration. It works smoothly with popular smart home systems, allowing adjustments and playback control hands-free.

Thanks to the SmartThings app, you can manage the soundbar and connected devices from a single hub. This setup pairs perfectly with the enhanced dialogue clarity, ensuring you catch every word without juggling remotes.

The system syncs with Samsung TV remotes quickly, usually within a minute. Plus, Q-Symphony technology automatically optimizes sound quality when paired with compatible Samsung TVs for a richer experience.

Design & Physical Features Recap

The HW-S50B’s compact footprint (178 x 7.6 x 12.7 cm) ensures it fits neatly in any space. Whether perched on a media console or mounted on the wall, it delivers robust sound without demanding a lot of room.

Samsung’s choice of durable plastics with a mesh grille offers a long-lasting, modern aesthetic that complements any living area.

The included accessories—from remote to mounting kit and HDMI cable—mean you’re ready to enjoy right away.

Sony HT-G700 vs. Samsung HW-S50B

Comparing the Samsung HW-S50B with Sony’s HT-G700 reveals some clear differences. The Samsung soundbar is significantly more budget-friendly at around $120, while the Sony commands a higher price.

Both models deliver solid audio, but the HT-G700 boasts Dolby Atmos and DTS:X support, offering a more immersive soundstage than the HW-S50B’s Dolby Digital 5.1 and DTS Virtual:X.

Sony’s separate subwoofer delivers noticeably deeper bass, whereas Samsung’s onboard center speakers excel at clear dialogue.

Connectivity-wise, the Sony supports HDMI eARC and Bluetooth broadly, while Samsung’s HDMI setup shines best with Samsung TVs.

Final Verdict on Samsung HW-S50B

The Samsung HW-S50B is a fantastic pick for those seeking quality audio on a budget. It offers features often reserved for pricier soundbars—especially the enhanced dialogue clarity courtesy of its dedicated center channel.

While it doesn’t support Dolby Atmos, it compensates with Dolby Digital 5.1 and DTS Virtual:X to create an immersive soundscape that fills medium-sized rooms nicely.

Its simple, all-in-one design means no complex setup or troubleshooting. Though low-frequency performance isn’t its strongest suit, the HW-S50B is a comprehensive solution that will noticeably upgrade your TV’s sound.

FAQ

• Does the Samsung HW-S50B support Dolby Atmos?
  The HW-S50B does not provide true Dolby Atmos support. It relies on Dolby Digital 5.1 and DTS Virtual:X to simulate surround sound but lacks Atmos’s height effects.
• Is Samsung HW-S50B better than JBL soundbars?
  For Samsung TV owners, the HW-S50B offers excellent value with seamless integration features like Q-Symphony and strong dialogue clarity, often making it a more attractive choice over similarly priced JBL models.
• Who manufactures Samsung speakers?
  Samsung Electronics produces its speakers in-house via a specialized audio division, primarily based in South Korea, ensuring tight control over quality and innovation.
• Can the HW-S50B connect to non-Samsung TVs?
  Yes, it supports standard Bluetooth and HDMI ARC connections, but some smart features and optimizations work best with Samsung TVs.
• Is a subwoofer necessary with the HW-S50B?
  While it delivers clear dialogue and decent sound, adding a subwoofer is recommended if you desire deeper bass and richer low-frequency performance.

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