Samsung HW-B550/ZN Black Soundbar Review: Immersive 3D Audio

Introduction

The Samsung HW-B550/ZN Black soundbar promises a cinematic audio experience, and after weeks of testing in my home theater setup, I’m ready to share my in-depth review. This model boasts impressive features, including 3D surround sound and Adaptive Sound Lite, all packaged in a sleek and stylish design. Let’s dive into the details to see if it lives up to the hype.

Key Features

The HW-B550/ZN offers a compelling array of features designed to enhance your listening experience. The DTS Virtual:X technology creates a surprisingly spacious 3D soundscape, effectively placing audio around the listener. The included subwoofer delivers powerful, deep bass, adding significant impact to movies and music. Adaptive Sound Lite automatically adjusts the audio based on the content, ensuring optimal sound for everything from quiet dialogue to action-packed scenes. The inclusion of a Voice Enhance mode further enhances clarity, making dialogue easily understandable. And finally, the Bluetooth connectivity provides a wireless alternative to the traditional wired connection, adding convenience and a cleaner aesthetic.

Performance & Sound Quality

The HW-B550/ZN significantly improves upon the audio quality of my built-in TV speakers. The DTS Virtual:X delivers on its promise of 3D surround sound; it’s not quite the same as a full 7.1 setup, but it convincingly expands the soundstage, creating a more immersive experience. The bass response from the subwoofer is impressive for its size, providing satisfying low-end without being overwhelming. The Adaptive Sound Lite feature works well, seamlessly adjusting the audio for different content types. I noticed a marked improvement in dialogue clarity when using the Voice Enhance mode, especially during scenes with multiple voices. The Bluetooth connectivity was simple to set up and worked flawlessly throughout my testing.

However, at higher volumes, I noticed a slight distortion at the very top of the frequency range. This was only noticeable during particularly demanding scenes and wasn’t a major issue, but it’s worth noting for audiophiles.

Pros & Cons

  • Pros: Immersive 3D sound, powerful bass, Adaptive Sound Lite, enhanced voice clarity, Bluetooth connectivity, easy setup.
  • Cons: Slight distortion at very high volumes, not a true 7.1 surround sound system.

Final Verdict

The Samsung HW-B550/ZN Black soundbar provides excellent value for its price. It delivers a significant upgrade over built-in TV speakers, offering impressive 3D sound, powerful bass, and convenient features. While it has some minor limitations, like the slight distortion at high volume, these are easily overlooked given its overall performance and features. If you’re looking for a significant improvement in your home theater audio without breaking the bank, the HW-B550/ZN is a great choice. I highly recommend this soundbar to anyone seeking a significant upgrade in their TV’s audio.

Specification Value
Colour Name Black
What’s In The Box Remote Controller, Wall Mount Bracket
Model Number HW-B550/ZN
Model Name HW-B550/ZN
Number of HDMI Ports 2