With its promise of superior sound and smart features, I was keen to see if it could transform my living room into a mini cinema. Plus, with Alexa in the mix, I was half expecting it to make me popcorn. Spoiler alert: I’m still making my own snacks, but let’s find out if the soundbar at least delivered on its core promises.
What exactly is the Samsung Q-Symphony Built-in Alexa WiFi Soundbar with Subwoofer?
At its heart, the Samsung soundbar aims to be the centrepiece of your home audio experience. With the promise of superior audio and a sleek design, it’s designed to blend into your living space while elevating your audio-visual experiences. The integration of intelligent features and Alexa voice control suggests a seamless harmony between convenience and immersive sound. But in a market flooded with smart soundbars, does it stand out?
Benefits of using this soundbar
- Exceptional audio: The inclusion of Dolby Atmos technology promises a truly immersive listening experience, wrapping you in sound from every direction.
- Easy installation: A straightforward setup process means you can get to your movie marathon quicker.
- Smart integration: With Alexa built-in, controlling your soundbar and connected devices is as simple as asking.
- Sleek design: Its minimalistic appearance ensures it fits discreetly in any room without cramping your style.
Un-boxing & First Impressions
Upon unboxing the Samsung soundbar, its stylish design immediately caught my eye. It’s sleek, it’s modern, and it looked like it meant business. The dimensions (123.2 x 13.8 x 6.95 cm; 22.8 kg) make it a substantial piece, but not overwhelmingly so. It felt sturdy in my hands, a testament to the build quality Samsung is known for. My first thought? “This looks like it could serenade me to sleep and then wake me up for a rave.”
Features: Quick overview of what you’re getting
– **Superior audio:** Dolby Atmos for a 3D audio experience. – **Sleek design:** Modern and minimalistic. – **Intelligent features:** Smart technology integration. – **Alexa voice control:** Built-in for convenience. – **Connectivity:** Wi-Fi and wireless options. – **Dimensions:** Considerable yet manageable size. – **Sturdy build:** Reflects quality and durability. – **Installation:** Simple and user-friendly. – **Sound quality:** Clear and powerful output. – **Design:** Fits discreetly in any setting. – **Value:** Attractive cashback offer on Amazon. – **Brand:** Samsung’s reputation for innovation.
While I was impressed with the array of features, I couldn’t help but notice the limited rear speaker support for music. It’s a real shame that for those looking to create a more enveloping sound environment, this might not be the one-stop solution. Additionally, the weight might be a consideration for those who prefer a more mobile setup.
Smart Features
When it comes to smart features, the Samsung Q-Symphony soundbar doesn’t shy away from flexing its technological muscles. It’s like having a mini computer dedicated to sound nestled beneath your TV. Let’s dive into the four main smart features that make this soundbar stand out from the crowd.
Alexa Built-in – Having Alexa built into the soundbar is like having a helpful assistant who’s always ready to play your favourite tunes, control your smart home devices, or tell you the weather, all without lifting a finger. The integration is seamless, making it a breeze to use.
What we liked about the Samsung Q-Symphony
The Samsung Q-Symphony soundbar is a symphony of sound and smart features, but let’s focus on what really makes it sing. Here are the four features that struck a chord with us.
Dolby Atmos
The Dolby Atmos technology in this soundbar creates an immersive audio experience that’s simply unmatched. It’s like being in the cinema, but you’re actually just lounging in your pyjamas at home. The sound envelops you, making every movie or music track a more intense experience.
Easy Installation
Setting up the Samsung Q-Symphony was a breeze. It’s like it knew where it wanted to go and practically set itself up. The intuitive controls and multiple connectivity options mean you’re not wrestling with wires or scratching your head over instructions. It’s plug-and-play at its finest.
Sleek Design
This soundbar is not just a feast for the ears but also the eyes. Its sleek, stylish design means it fits discreetly in any room without looking like an eyesore. It’s the James Bond of soundbars – suave, sophisticated, and always dressed to impress.
Exceptional Audio
The clear and powerful sound output of this soundbar is truly a game-changer. Whether you’re watching an action-packed film or listening to a live concert recording, the sound quality makes you feel like you’re right there in the thick of it. It’s a sonic experience that’s hard to beat.
What we were disappointed with
Even the best symphonies have a note or two out of place. Here’s where the Samsung Q-Symphony hit a few bum notes.
Weight
The first thing we noticed was the weight. At 22.8 kg, it’s like lifting a small child. While the soundbar’s heft is indicative of its solid build quality, it does mean you might need an extra pair of hands to set it up. It’s a real shame that something so beautiful can be so heavy.
Limited Rear Speaker Support
For music aficionados looking to immerse themselves in a sea of sound, the limited rear speaker support might be a bit of a letdown. It’s like having a choir but only the front row is singing. We really hoped for a more encompassing soundstage for music playback.
Setup Troubleshooting
While the setup is generally straightforward, we did encounter some hiccups requiring troubleshooting. It’s like the soundbar occasionally forgets its training and needs a gentle reminder of how to behave. A smoother initial setup process would make this soundbar just about perfect.
Getting Set Up
Setting up the Samsung Q-Symphony Built-in Alexa WiFi Soundbar with Subwoofer was, for the most part, a breeze, which is something I always appreciate. However, it wasn’t without its hiccups. The process took me roughly 30 minutes from unboxing to enjoying my first cinematic sound experience. Here’s a quick step-by-step guide based on my experience:
- Unbox the soundbar carefully, keeping in mind its hefty 22.8 kg weight. You might need an extra pair of hands for this.
- Position the soundbar under your TV or mount it on the wall (mounting brackets are included, thankfully).
- Connect the soundbar to your TV using the HDMI ARC port for the best audio quality. If your TV doesn’t support HDMI ARC, opt for an optical connection instead.
- Plug in the power cables for both the soundbar and the subwoofer.
- Turn on the soundbar and use the Samsung SmartThings app to connect it to your WiFi network.
- Follow the in-app instructions to integrate Alexa and any other services you use.
While the setup is straightforward, some users have reported issues with the WiFi connectivity and the initial pairing with the subwoofer. A tip to mitigate these issues is to ensure your soundbar’s firmware is up to date. This can solve a myriad of connectivity and functionality problems.
Build Quality and Extras
The build quality of the Samsung Q-Symphony soundbar is nothing short of what you’d expect from a premium Samsung product. It feels sturdy and well-constructed, which is reflected in its weight. The sleek design is both a visual and tactile pleasure, fitting seamlessly into any modern living space.
Who is This Product Best Suited To?
If You’re an Audiophile Looking for Immersive Sound
With Dolby Atmos technology, this soundbar creates an enveloping sound experience that’s hard to beat. It’s perfect for those who appreciate the nuances in audio, whether it’s the subtle sound of rain in a movie or the complex layers of a symphony.
If You’re a Tech Enthusiast with a Smart Home
The seamless Alexa integration and WiFi connectivity make this soundbar a fantastic addition to any smart home setup. Controlling your sound system with voice commands adds a layer of convenience and futuristic feel.
If You’re Seeking a Sleek Design
The minimalistic and stylish design of this soundbar will appeal to anyone looking to maintain a modern aesthetic in their living space. It’s discreet yet elegant, blending perfectly under your TV or on the wall.
Who Should Avoid This
Despite its many strengths, the Samsung Q-Symphony soundbar isn’t for everyone.
Value for Money
Considering its premium features, exceptional sound quality, and smart home integration, the Samsung Q-Symphony soundbar offers good value for its price point. While it’s on the higher end of the market, the quality and performance justify the investment, especially for those who prioritise audio quality and smart features in their home entertainment system.
The Verdict: Is the Samsung Q-Symphony Soundbar Worth a Buy?
In my opinion, the Samsung Q-Symphony Built-in Alexa WiFi Soundbar with Subwoofer is an excellent choice for anyone looking to elevate their home audio experience. The sound quality is superb, setup is relatively straightforward (with a bit of patience for updates and initial connectivity), and the design is sleek and modern. While it’s not the lightest or the cheapest option available, its performance and features make it a worthwhile investment for serious home cinema enthusiasts. However, if you’re constrained by space or prefer a more portable option, this might not be the soundbar for you.
Detailed Specs:
| Brand: | Samsung |
| Alexa Voice Control: | Built-in |
| Connectivity: | Wi-Fi, Wireless |
| Dimensions: | 123.2 x 13.8 x 6.95 cm; 22.8 kg |
| Sound Technology: | Dolby Atmos |
| Installation: | Simple setup |
| Design: | Sleek, stylish |
| Warranty: | Standard |
| Sound Quality: | Clear and powerful |
| Value: | Good for premium price point |
