In the world of home entertainment, soundbars have become increasingly popular for their ability to enhance the audio experience.
The Samsung a650 soundbar is no exception, boasting impressive features and performance that make it a top contender in the market.
In this review, we’ll dive into the details of what sets the Samsung a650 apart and why it might just be the perfect addition to your home theater setup.
Pros
- Audio Performance: The HW-A650 delivers a 3.1 channel audio experience, providing clear dialogue and a wide soundstage. The dedicated center channel ensures that vocals and dialogue are crisp and easy to understand, while the wireless subwoofer adds depth and punch to the bass.
- Adaptive Sound: The soundbar features Samsung’s Adaptive Sound technology, which analyzes the audio content in real-time and adjusts the sound output accordingly. This results in a more optimized listening experience for various types of content, such as movies, music, and games.
- Design and Build: The HW-A650 has a sleek and modern design, with a fabric grille covering the front and sides. Measuring 38.6 inches in width, it is suitable for TVs 40 inches and larger. The build quality is solid, with a sturdy construction that should withstand everyday use.
- Connectivity and Control: The soundbar offers Bluetooth and HDMI ARC connectivity for easy integration with your TV and other devices. It can be controlled via the Samsung Audio Remote app, which allows for customization of audio settings and access to various sound modes.
- Sound Modes: The HW-A650 comes with several sound modes, including Standard, Surround, Game Pro, and Adaptive Sound. These modes can enhance the audio experience based on the type of content you’re watching or listening to.
Cons
- Lack of Dolby Atmos and DTS:X Support: The HW-A650 does not support Dolby Atmos or DTS:X, which are popular formats for immersive, 3D audio. This may be a drawback for those who prioritize a more immersive audio experience with height channels.
- Limited Wi-Fi Connectivity: The soundbar does not offer Wi-Fi connectivity, which means it lacks support for multi-room audio and streaming services like Spotify Connect. This may be a drawback for users who prioritize wireless streaming and smart home integration.
- No Voice Assistant Support: The HW-A650 does not have built-in voice assistant support, such as Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant. This means it cannot be controlled hands-free or integrated into a smart home ecosystem.
Sleek Design and Easy Setup
The Samsung a650 soundbar sports a sleek design that easily blends into any home décor. Measuring 38.6 inches in length, it’s the perfect fit for most TV sizes and won’t take up too much space on your entertainment unit.
The soundbar itself is constructed with a durable metal grille. It features a minimalistic design that’s both stylish and functional.
Setting up the Samsung a650 is a breeze, thanks to its wireless connectivity options. Simply connect the soundbar to your TV via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, and you’re good to go.
Additionally, the soundbar comes with an HDMI input and output, allowing for easy integration with your existing home theater system.
Powerful Audio Performance
The Samsung a650 soundbar features a 3.1 channel configuration, delivering rich and immersive audio. The soundbar is equipped with a dedicated center channel, ensuring clear and crisp dialogue.
While the left and right channels provide well-balanced audio for an engaging listening experience.
One of the standout features of the Samsung a650 is its Adaptive Sound Lite technology.
This innovative feature analyzes the content you’re watching and automatically adjusts the audio settings to deliver the best possible sound.
Whether you’re watching an action-packed movie or a quiet drama, the a650 will optimize the audio to suit the scene.
Impressive Bass with the Included Wireless Subwoofer
No home theater setup is complete without powerful bass, and the Samsung a650 doesn’t disappoint. The soundbar comes with a wireless subwoofer, providing deep and rumbling bass that adds depth and intensity to your audio experience.
The subwoofer connects wirelessly to the soundbar, allowing for flexible placement options and eliminating the need for messy cables.
Simply place it in the optimal spot in your room, and enjoy the immersive bass that complements the soundbar’s audio performance.
Expandable to a Full Surround Sound System
For those looking to create a true surround sound experience, the Samsung a650 soundbar is compatible with Samsung’s wireless surround sound speakers (sold separately).
By adding these speakers to your setup, you can create a 5.1 channel system that delivers a fully immersive audio experience.
User-Friendly Remote Control and SmartThings App
Controlling the Samsung a650 soundbar is easy, thanks to its user-friendly remote control. The remote features dedicated buttons for power, volume, and sound mode, as well as a directional pad for navigating the on-screen menu.
For added convenience, the Samsung a650 is also compatible with the SmartThings app. It also allows you to control the soundbar and adjust settings directly from your smartphone or tablet.
Sound Modes for Customized Listening
The Samsung a650 soundbar offers a variety of sound modes to cater to different types of content and personal preferences. These modes include:
- Standard: This mode provides a balanced sound output that’s suitable for most types of content.
- Game Pro: Designed specifically for gaming, this mode enhances in-game audio cues and delivers an immersive experience.
- Adaptive Sound Lite: As mentioned earlier, this mode automatically adjusts the audio settings based on the content being played, ensuring the best possible sound quality.
- DTS Virtual:X: This mode activates the DTS Virtual:X feature, creating a multi-dimensional sound experience.
With these various sound modes, you can customize your listening experience to suit your preferences and the type of content you’re enjoying.
OneRemote Compatibility
For those who own a compatible Samsung TV, the a650 soundbar can be controlled using your TV’s OneRemote. This means you won’t need to juggle multiple remotes to control your soundbar and TV, simplifying your home entertainment experience.
Wall-Mountable Design
If you’re short on space or simply prefer a wall-mounted setup, the Samsung a650 soundbar is designed with this in mind. The soundbar comes with a wall-mount kit, allowing you to easily attach it to your wall and create a seamless look.
Energy Efficiency
The Samsung a650 soundbar is also energy-efficient, featuring an auto power-off function that automatically turns off the soundbar when not in use. This not only helps conserve energy but also prolongs the life of the soundbar.
Final Thoughts
The Samsung a650 soundbar is an excellent addition to any home theater setup, offering powerful audio performance, a sleek design, and easy setup. With its Adaptive Sound Lite technology, wireless subwoofer, and expandability to a full surround sound system, the a650 provides an immersive audio experience that’s sure to impress.
While the Samsung a650 soundbar may not be the most affordable option on the market, its performance and features make it a worthwhile investment for those looking to enhance their home entertainment experience. If you’re in the market for a new soundbar, the Samsung a650 should definitely be on your shortlist.
FAQs
Q: Can the Samsung a650 soundbar be used with non-Samsung TVs?
A: Yes, the Samsung a650 soundbar can be used with non-Samsung TVs as long as they have compatible connectivity options, such as Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or HDMI ARC.
Q: Is the Samsung a650 soundbar compatible with voice assistants like Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant?
A: The Samsung a650 soundbar does not have built-in voice assistant support. However, you can still control the soundbar using compatible voice assistants through external devices, such as an Amazon Echo or Google Home, by connecting them to the soundbar via Bluetooth.
Q: Can I use the Samsung a650 soundbar without the wireless subwoofer?
A: Yes, you can use the Samsung a650 soundbar without the wireless subwoofer. However, the overall audio performance, particularly the bass, will be significantly reduced without the subwoofer.
Q: Does the Samsung a650 soundbar support HDMI eARC?
A: The Samsung a650 soundbar supports HDMI ARC (Audio Return Channel), but it does not support the more advanced HDMI eARC (Enhanced Audio Return Channel).
Q: Can I connect additional devices, such as a gaming console or Blu-ray player, directly to the Samsung a650 soundbar?
A: The Samsung a650 soundbar has one HDMI input, allowing you to connect an additional device directly to the soundbar. However, if you need to connect multiple devices, you may need to use an HDMI switch or connect the devices to your TV and use the HDMI ARC connection to send the audio to the soundbar.
Q: How do I update the firmware on my Samsung a650 soundbar?
A: Firmware updates for the Samsung a650 soundbar can be done through the SmartThings app. Simply connect your soundbar to the app, and it will notify you of any available updates. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the update process.
Q: Is the Samsung a650 soundbar suitable for outdoor use?
A: The Samsung a650 soundbar is designed for indoor use and is not weatherproof or waterproof. It’s not recommended to use the soundbar outdoors or expose it to extreme temperatures or moisture.