Today, we’re diving into the world of immersive audio with the Samsung Q700B soundbar. In the ever-evolving landscape of home entertainment, where the quest for the perfect cinematic experience in the comfort of our living rooms never ends, how does this sleek piece of technology fare? Is it the missing puzzle piece for your home cinema setup, or just another gadget to dust? Let’s find out, with a sprinkle of wit and a dash of expertise.
What exactly is the Samsung Q700B Soundbar?
The Samsung Q700B soundbar is a testament to the idea that you don’t need a full-blown home theatre system to get stellar sound quality. In a world where living spaces are getting smaller but our appetite for quality entertainment is growing, this soundbar promises to deliver an audio experience that’s both rich and robust, without taking up half your living room. With features like Q-Symphony and built-in Alexa voice control, it’s designed to seamlessly integrate into your smart home ecosystem.
Benefits of using this soundbar
- Compact design: Its sleek form factor means it can fit under most TVs without being obtrusive.
- Immersive audio experience: Engineered to fill your room with sound, creating a more immersive viewing experience.
- Smart home integration: With built-in Alexa, it’s a breeze to control not just your soundbar, but other connected devices too.
- Easy connectivity: Bluetooth, WiFi, and HDMI eARC offer multiple ways to connect and stream your favourite content.
Un-boxing & First Impressions
Upon unboxing the Samsung Q700B, its sleek design immediately caught my eye. The dimensions (119 x 47.05 x 28 cm; 10.7 kg) make it substantial yet surprisingly compact, fitting neatly under my TV. The build quality felt premium, and I was eager to see if its performance matched its stylish exterior. My first thought? “This looks like it means business.”
Features: Quick overview of what you’re getting
- Stellar sound quality: Promises clear highs and deep bass.
- Sleek design: Complements modern living spaces.
- Versatile connectivity: Bluetooth, WiFi, HDMI eARC.
- Built-in Alexa: For easy voice control.
- Q-Symphony: Enhances audio in sync with a Samsung TV.
- Easy setup: Straightforward installation process.
- Impressive bass: Comparable to high-fidelity speakers.
- Seamless integration: With multipoint Bluetooth and WiFi.
- Stylish functionality: Adds wireless streaming capabilities.
- Limited remote functionality: Could be more intuitive.
- Display issues: Advanced settings are hard to read.
- Source selection: Lacks direct assignment, requiring cycling.
While the features are impressive, it’s a real shame that the remote could be more intuitive and that the display can be difficult to read. These are small gripes, but they can affect the overall user experience.
Smart Features
When it comes to smart features, the Samsung Q700B doesn’t skimp. It’s like having a Swiss Army knife in your living room, but instead of a tiny scissors and a nail file, you get cutting-edge tech that makes your audio experience as effortless as asking for another cuppa without moving from the sofa. Let’s dive into the smart features that make this soundbar a standout.
Alexa Built-in – Imagine bellowing “Alexa, play my ‘Chill Vibes’ playlist” and the soundbar obliges, filling your room with music that’s as rich and deep as a philosopher’s thoughts. The Samsung Q700B comes with Alexa built-in, allowing for hands-free control and seamless integration into your smart home ecosystem.
What we liked about the Samsung Q700B
Setup Simplicity
The Samsung Q700B is as easy to set up as a teabag is to a mug. Out of the box and into action, we were really pleased to see how straightforward the installation process was. No need for a manual that reads like War and Peace; it’s plug, play, and away you go. This ease of setup is a godsend, especially for those who’d rather not fiddle with cables and settings.
Impressive Bass
The bass on this soundbar is like a good British ale: deep, rich, and utterly satisfying. We were astounded by the quality of the low-end frequencies, which can often be a pitfall for soundbars. The Q700B delivers bass that’s both punchy and nuanced, adding a whole new layer of immersion to movies and music alike.
Seamless Connectivity
In an age where we’re more connected than ever, the Samsung Q700B shines. With both Bluetooth and WiFi capabilities, we found it a breeze to stream music from our devices. The addition of HDMI eARC also means that connecting to the TV is as seamless as a hot knife through butter, ensuring the best possible audio quality.
Exquisite Sound Quality
The overall sound quality of the Q700B is nothing short of stellar. From the whisper of a breeze to the roar of a jet engine, every sound is rendered with crystal clarity. It’s a real testament to Samsung’s audio engineering that they’ve managed to pack such an auditory punch into a sleek and stylish package.
What we were disappointed with
Limited Remote Functionality
It’s a real shame that the remote feels like it was designed in the dark ages. With such a technologically advanced soundbar, we expected a remote that was equally innovative. Instead, we found it somewhat lacking in intuitiveness and functionality. A future iteration could benefit from a more user-friendly design.
Display Issues
Trying to decipher the display on the Q700B can sometimes feel like cracking the Enigma code. For a device that excels in so many areas, the difficulty in reading the display, especially when delving into the more advanced settings, was a letdown. A clearer, more accessible display would be a significant improvement.
Source Selection
The absence of direct source assignment is like having a box of chocolates but not being able to choose your favourite first. Cycling through sources can be a bit of a faff, detracting from the otherwise seamless experience. Direct source selection would be a welcome addition to future models.
Getting set up
Setting up the Samsung Q700B soundbar was, to my surprise, akin to a walk in the park. Not to brag, but I’ve tangled with enough cables and cryptic manuals in my time to consider myself something of a setup savant. However, I can confidently say that even novices will find this process straightforward. Here’s a quick step-by-step guide to get you going:
- Unbox the soundbar and place it where you fancy. Remember, it’s not just about acoustics; it’s about aesthetics too.
- Connect the soundbar to your TV using the HDMI eARC for the best sound quality. If your TV is a bit on the older side, optical and Bluetooth connections are your friends.
- Power on the soundbar and follow the on-screen instructions to connect to your WiFi network. This is crucial for those smart features and updates.
- Download the Samsung SmartThings app on your smartphone to access additional features and control your soundbar from your phone.
- Finally, sit back, grab a cuppa, and immerse yourself in the sound quality that could very well make your neighbours envious.
While my experience was smooth sailing, I’ve heard murmurs in the tech community about some folks struggling with WiFi connectivity and firmware updates. A tip from me: ensure your home network is as reliable as your morning alarm, and patience is your virtue when updating firmware.
Build quality and extras
The Samsung Q700B doesn’t just talk the talk; it walks the walk. The build quality is robust, giving off that ‘built to last’ vibe, which is reassuring given its price tag. The sleek design is not just for show; it’s functional, blending seamlessly with most modern living rooms. However, it’s a real shame that the display can be a bit like reading hieroglyphics from across the room – a minor quibble but worth noting.
As for the warranty, Samsung offers a standard 12-month guarantee. While this is pretty much the industry norm, I always say a longer warranty period would be as welcome as a bank holiday weekend. It’s peace of mind, after all.
Who is this product best suited to?
If you’re a cinephile craving that cinematic experience
The Samsung Q700B, with its Q-Symphony feature, is a real treat for movie buffs. It synchronises audio playback with your Samsung TV, creating an enveloping soundstage that puts you right in the action. Whether it’s the subtle footsteps of a suspense thriller or the booming explosions of a blockbuster, this soundbar has got you covered.
If you’re a tech enthusiast with a smart home
With built-in Alexa voice control and seamless connectivity options, the Samsung Q700B is a dream for those who have or aspire to have a smart home. The ability to control your soundbar with just your voice or integrate it with other smart devices elevates your home’s IQ by several points.
If you’re an audiophile on a quest for quality
Impressive bass, clear highs, and the overall sound quality make the Samsung Q700B a solid choice for audiophiles. The soundbar’s ability to deliver high-fidelity audio without the clutter of a traditional surround sound system is something that will certainly resonate with purists.
Who should avoid this
While the Samsung Q700B has a lot to offer, it’s not for everyone. If you’re living in a compact space, the size and power of this soundbar might be overkill. Similarly, if you’re on a tight budget, there are more affordable options out there that still offer decent sound quality. Lastly, if you’re not a fan of tinkering with settings to get things ‘just right’, the sometimes fiddly display and settings might frustrate you.
Value for money
Considering the features, build quality, and the brand’s reputation, the Samsung Q700B offers good value for money. It’s not the cheapest soundbar on the market, but you’re getting a premium audio experience, versatility in connectivity, and a sleek design that complements your living space. In the grand scheme of things, it’s an investment in your audio-visual setup that pays dividends in enjoyment.
The verdict: Is the Samsung Q700B worth a buy?
The Samsung Q700B is a soundbar that ticks a lot of boxes. Its setup simplicity, sound quality, and smart features make it a strong contender in the crowded soundbar market. However, it’s not without its flaws. The limited remote functionality and challenging display readability are minor gripes that detract from an otherwise stellar product. Compared to similar offerings from brands like Sony and Bose, the Q700B holds its own, especially with unique features like Q-Symphony.
In conclusion, if you’re after a soundbar that enhances your TV viewing experience with minimal fuss and maximum quality, the Samsung Q700B is certainly worth considering. Just make sure it aligns with your needs, space, and budget.
Detailed Specs
| Brand | Samsung |
| Alexa Voice Control | Built-in |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth, WiFi, HDMI eARC |
| Dimensions | 119 x 47.05 x 28 cm; 10.7 kg |
| Q-Symphony | Yes |
| Warranty | 12 months |
| Remote Included | Yes |
| Wireless Streaming | Yes |
| eArc HDMI Support | Yes |
| Weight | 10.7 kg |
