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2022 saw the debut of the 5.1.2 configuration known as the Samsung HW-Q800B. It’s a fine alternative for those who don’t have space in their setup for discrete rear speakers, which are included in both of Samsung’s top-of-the-line models, the Samsung HW-Q930B and the Samsung HW-Q990B. It’s a mid-range offering that’s a good option for those who don’t have much money to spend.
It is equipped with a multitude of Samsung’s premium enhancement capabilities, including the SpaceFit Sound room correction tool, and it is compatible with content encoded in the Dolby Atmos format. There is also compatibility for Q-Symphony, which enables you to pair the bar with a compatible Samsung TV and use the speakers from the TV in conjunction with the bar.
Samsung HW-Q800B Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Product Name | Samsung HW-Q800B |
| Soundbar Configuration | 3.1.2 channels |
| Total Power Output | 330W |
| Dolby Atmos | Yes |
| DTS:X | Yes |
| Connectivity | HDMI, Optical, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, USB |
| Subwoofer Included | Yes |
| Rear Speaker Included | No |
Samsung HW-Q800B: Design
The Samsung HW-Q800B has an angled shape and a matte black finish. All of the speakers are covered by a mesh grille. Even though the build quality isn’t great, the metal grilles make it pretty strong. With dimensions of 1111 x 60 x 120 mm (WxHxD) and a weight of 5.1kg, the soundbar is wide enough to fit larger screen sizes.
The portable subwoofer is big and bulky, with a driver that fires to the side and a bass port in the back. Matte black covers the woofer, and black cloth goes over the driver. It is 210mm wide, 403mm tall, and 403mm deep, and it weighs 9.8kg. You can buy this soundbar from its official website
Connections and Control
The main soundbar of the Q800B features highly pointed ends, which may cause some to describe it as “spiky.” We think this is a great example of how function should come before form because any other shape wouldn’t work with the soundbar’s slanted front “side” channels. It’s great that Samsung preserved an LED display on the front edge of the Q800B, even if it isn’t particularly spectacular, and the four buttons on the top edge of the soundbar are perfectly incorporated for accessing its basic functions.
Samsung HW-Q800B: Sound Quality
Even though I didn’t try the HW-Q800A, it seems pretty clear from the specs that the new side-firing speakers on the HW-Q800B are an improvement. In our study of the Q800A, we said that it did a good job of sending sound out of its body, and the Q800B is the same.
When you watch The Batman in Atmos and it’s raining in Gotham City, the set is a lot bigger than you might think. The presence of rainy showers can be felt in the height channels and far to the left and right of the bar, so even though it’s a front-heavy Atmos presentation, it’s a big and open performance to get into.
Price and Availability
The Samsung HW-Q800B is one of the more expensive soundbars the company makes, but its price has recently gone down, so you can now get it for £699/$699. It costs the same as the 3.1.2-channel HW-Q700B, which makes the Q800B a good deal.
For an extra £249/$199, you can add the wireless SWA-9500S rear speakers to the HW-Q800B. This makes it a 7.1.4-channel system, which is better than Samsung’s HW-Q900B, which has a 9.1.4-channel system but costs £1,099/$899 overall.
Final Words
The Samsung HW-Q800B is a high-quality soundbar with a lot of features that is sure to please fans who want a big, epic sound. The field is heavy on the front, which makes sense, but it has a lot of width, height, and scale. The subwoofer is great, but it might need some adjustments to make sure its bass doesn’t drown out the rest of the system.
If you want a more immersive experience, you can add wireless rear surround and height channels. You can also use Q Symphony to connect the Q800B to some Samsung TVs.
Samsung HW-Q800B review: The good and The bad
The Good
- Graphic EQ and presets.
- Extended low-bass.
The Bad
- No rear speakers.
FAQS
The Samsung HW-Q800B is a 5.1. 2 setup in the middle of the price range, and it has a good general performance. It has a lot of ways to improve the sound, and if you don’t have room for rear speakers, it’s a good option. But other 5.1 setups, like the Vizio Elevate, come with side speakers and cost about the same.
With the Wireless Rear Speaker Kit, you can easily turn your soundbar into a surround sound system for a better movie experience.