What exactly is the Samsung Q800C Soundbar?
The Samsung Q800C soundbar offers a compact yet powerful solution for those seeking cinematic audio quality without the clutter of a traditional home theatre system. In an era where streaming services reign supreme, and the quality of on-screen content continues to improve, the Q800C aims to match this visual excellence with equally compelling audio. Its design is both modern and minimalistic, ensuring it blends seamlessly into any living space.
Benefits of using this soundbar
- Immersive audio experience: With Dolby Atmos and 11 built-in speakers, including a centre channel and side speakers, you’re enveloped in sound from every direction.
- Smart audio features: Wireless Dolby Atmos and adaptive sound with Spacefit Sound adjust audio profiles based on your room’s acoustics, providing optimised sound quality.
- Powerful bass: The inclusion of an 8″ subwoofer ensures that you feel every beat and explosion with depth and clarity.
- Versatile connectivity: With Bluetooth, WiFi, HDMI, and Air Play 2, connecting to your favourite devices is a breeze.
- Seamless integration: For Samsung TV owners, the Q-Symphony feature harmonises soundbar and TV speakers for an even more immersive audio experience.
Un-boxing & First Impressions
Upon unboxing the Samsung Q800C, its sleek design immediately caught my eye. The soundbar’s dimensions (111.07 cm W x 6.04 cm H x 12 cm D) make it substantial yet unobtrusive, a perfect complement to any modern television setup. The build quality is solid, as expected from Samsung, and the material gives it a premium feel. My initial thought was, “This looks like it means business.” And with its promise of immersive Dolby Atmos sound, I was eager to see if it lived up to the hype.
Features: Quick overview of what you’re getting
- Immersive Dolby Atmos
- Sleek design
- Value for money
- Brand: Samsung
- Alexa voice control: Yes
- Connectivity: Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, HDMI, Air Play 2
- Dimensions: 111.07 cm (W) x 6.04 cm (H) x 12 cm (D); Weight: 18 kg
- Integrates with Samsung Q-Symphony
- 11 speakers including a centre channel and side speakers for surround sound
- Wireless Dolby Atmos and adaptive sound with Spacefit Sound
- 8″ subwoofer for deep, booming bass
- Offers Bluetooth, WiFi, HDMI, and Air Play 2 connections
Delving into these features, the Dolby Atmos support and the 11-speaker setup promise an enveloping sound experience that’s hard to find in other soundbars at this price point. The sleek design means it won’t be an eyesore in your living room. However, it’s a real shame that despite its smart capabilities, the Alexa voice control can sometimes be inconsistent. And while the subwoofer’s size contributes to its powerful bass, its bulkiness may not suit all living spaces.
Smart Features
The Samsung Q800C soundbar isn’t just a pretty face; it’s like the Swiss Army knife of soundbars, equipped with a plethora of smart features that make it a formidable addition to any smart home setup. Let’s dive into the digital brain behind the brawn.
Alexa Voice Control – Having Alexa built into the Q800C is like having a personal DJ at your beck and call. You can ask Alexa to play music, check the weather, or control other smart home devices. However, it’s worth noting that Alexa’s reliability can sometimes feel like a moody teenager – mostly cooperative but with occasional bouts of rebellion.
HDMI and AirPlay 2 – For those who like their devices to play nice together, the Q800C’s HDMI and AirPlay 2 compatibility is a godsend. It’s like hosting a party where everyone’s invited – from your Apple devices to your gaming console – and they all get along famously.
SpaceFit Sound – The Q800C doesn’t just play sound; it adapts to its environment like a chameleon. Using SpaceFit Sound, it analyses the room’s acoustics and adjusts its audio output accordingly, ensuring optimal sound quality. It’s like having a sound engineer living inside your soundbar, minus the need to provide snacks.
What we liked about the Samsung Q800C Soundbar
Immersive Audio Experience
The Q800C’s immersive audio experience is akin to being wrapped in a warm, sonic blanket. With 11 speakers, including a centre channel and side speakers, the soundbar creates a surround sound atmosphere that brings movies and music to life. The addition of an 8″ subwoofer ensures that the bass is not just heard but felt, adding depth to every explosion or bassline.
Sleek Design
Let’s face it, nobody wants their living room to look like a teenager’s bedroom – cluttered and chaotic. The sleek design of the Q800C adds a touch of elegance to any space. Its minimalist aesthetic complements modern interiors, proving that good design and superior sound quality can coexist harmoniously.
Limitless Connectivity
In today’s interconnected world, the Q800C’s limitless connectivity options are a breath of fresh air. Whether it’s Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, HDMI, or AirPlay 2, this soundbar ensures that you’re always connected to your favourite audio sources. It’s like having a universal remote for all your audio needs.
Q-Symphony Integration
For those invested in the Samsung ecosystem, the Q800C’s integration with Samsung Q-Symphony is a match made in audio heaven. When paired with a compatible Samsung TV, the soundbar and TV speakers work in harmony to create an enveloping sound experience. It’s like conducting an orchestra, but instead of a baton, you’re wielding a remote control.
What we were disappointed with
Bulky Subwoofer
While the Q800C’s subwoofer delivers deep and booming bass, its size can be a real estate issue in smaller living spaces. It’s like inviting a sumo wrestler into your home – impressive but takes up a lot of space. A more compact design in future models would be welcome.
Alexa Reliability
The inclusion of Alexa voice control is a fantastic feature, but its occasional unreliability can be frustrating. It’s akin to asking a friend for a favour, only to be met with a blank stare. Improving the consistency of Alexa’s responsiveness would enhance the user experience significantly.
Getting Set Up
Setting up the Samsung Q800C soundbar was an adventure, one that could rival a Tolkien novel in complexity if you’re not tech-savvy. But fear not, for I have braved the depths of instruction manuals and emerged victorious, ready to share my wisdom. The process took me roughly 30 minutes, but for those less acquainted with the myriad of wires and wireless connections, it might take a bit longer.
Here’s a simplified step-by-step guide to help you through:
- Unbox the soundbar and subwoofer, placing them in your desired location. Remember, the subwoofer is quite the chunky companion, so plan its placement wisely.
- Connect the soundbar to your TV using the HDMI ARC port. If your TV is a bit older, you might need to use an optical cable instead.
- Plug in the power cables for both the soundbar and subwoofer. The subwoofer should automatically connect to the soundbar wirelessly, but if it doesn’t, there’s a pairing button to help them find each other.
- Download the Samsung SmartThings app on your smartphone and follow the on-screen instructions to connect the soundbar to your Wi-Fi network. This step is crucial for updates and using features like Alexa.
- Customise your audio experience using the app or the included remote. You can adjust the bass, treble, and choose between different sound modes.
Some users have reported issues with the subwoofer pairing and Alexa’s reliability. My tip? Ensure your soundbar’s firmware is up to date through the SmartThings app to iron out any kinks.
Build Quality and Extras
The Samsung Q800C feels like it’s built to last, with a sturdy metal grille covering the speakers and a sleek design that should complement any modern living room. However, it’s not just about looks; the sound quality is robust, with the soundbar and subwoofer both delivering on their promise of deep, immersive audio.
The warranty is a comforting addition, offering 24 months of protection against manufacturing defects. It’s always reassuring to know that your investment is covered, especially when it’s a piece of tech that becomes a central part of your home entertainment system.
Who is this product best suited to?
If You’re an Audiophile
With its 11 speakers, including a centre channel and side speakers for surround sound, the Samsung Q800C is a dream for audiophiles. The sound quality is crisp, clear, and immersive, making every movie night an experience to remember.
If You Love Smart Features
The integration with Samsung Q-Symphony, Alexa voice control, and limitless connectivity options make this soundbar a hub of smart features. It’s perfect for those who appreciate the convenience of controlling their home entertainment system with just their voice or a smartphone app.
If You’re a Movie Buff
The Dolby Atmos support and adaptive sound with Spacefit Sound ensure that you’re getting the best audio experience possible, whether you’re watching the latest blockbuster or an old classic. The soundbar’s ability to deliver clear dialogue and deep bass enhances every viewing experience.
Who should avoid this
Despite its many strengths, the Samsung Q800C soundbar isn’t for everyone. If you’re tight on space, the bulky subwoofer might be a deal-breaker. It’s also worth considering that if you’re not a fan of tweaking settings or using smart features, you might not find this soundbar as appealing. The setup and integration with smart home systems can be a bit of a learning curve for those not technologically inclined.
Value for Money
Considering its advanced features, premium sound output, and the Samsung brand’s reliability, the Q800C offers exceptional value for its price point. It’s competitively priced within the premium soundbar market, making it an attractive option for those looking to enhance their home audio experience without breaking the bank.
The verdict: Is the Samsung Q800C worth a buy?
The Samsung Q800C soundbar is a solid investment for anyone looking to upgrade their home audio system. Its combination of immersive audio, smart features, and sleek design make it a standout product. While the bulky subwoofer and occasional hiccups with Alexa might deter some, these are minor inconveniences compared to the overall quality and performance of the soundbar. If you’re in the market for a soundbar that can bring your movies and music to life, the Q800C is definitely worth considering.
Detailed Specs
| Brand | Samsung |
| Alexa Voice Control | Yes |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, HDMI, Air Play 2 |
| Dimensions | 111.07 cm (W) x 6.04 cm (H) x 12 cm (D) |
| Weight | 18 kg |
| Number of Speakers | 11 |
| Subwoofer Size | 8″ |
| Warranty | 24 months |
| Sound Features | Wireless Dolby Atmos, Adaptive Sound with Spacefit Sound |
| Q-Symphony | Yes |
| Price Point | Value for money |
