Today, we’re diving into the world of immersive audio with the Samsung S60B soundbar. In a market teeming with options, does this sleek piece of tech manage to stand out with its promise of a wireless Dolby Atmos experience? And more importantly, can it transform your living room into a cinematic haven without requiring a Ph.D. in sound engineering? Let’s find out, shall we?
What exactly is the Samsung S60B?
At its core, the Samsung S60B is a soundbar designed to enhance your TV audio experience, promising to deliver immersive, 3D surround sound without the mess of wires. In an era where the aesthetics of living spaces are as important as functionality, this soundbar aims to blend in seamlessly, both in design and audio performance.
Benefits of using this soundbar
- Compact design: Its sleek form factor ensures it doesn’t dominate your living space.
- Wireless Dolby Atmos: Offers a truly immersive audio experience, enveloping you in sound from all directions.
- Seamless connectivity: With Bluetooth, Airplay 2, HDMI, and Wi-Fi, it promises an end to the tangle of cables.
- Enhanced dialogue clarity: Ensures you catch every whisper, making it perfect for movie nights.
First Impressions and Product Overview
Upon unboxing the Samsung S60B, its minimalist design and sturdy build immediately caught my attention. Measuring 10.5 x 67 x 6.2 cm and weighing just 4 kg, it’s compact enough to fit under most TVs without intruding into the room. The promise of wireless Dolby Atmos piqued my interest, suggesting an end to the days of fiddling with multiple speakers for a surround sound setup.
Features: Quick overview of what you’re getting
– Wireless Dolby Atmos: For a 3D audio experience. – Bluetooth, Airplay 2, HDMI, Wi-Fi connectivity: Offers versatile pairing options. – Compact design: Sleek and unobtrusive. – Enhanced dialogue clarity: Never miss a word. – Q Symphony: Harmonises with Samsung TVs for an integrated audio experience. – 7 speakers: Including a built-in AVA, center speaker, and side speakers. – 5.0ch all-in-one design: Fills your space with sound. – Easy setup: Hassle-free installation. – Compatible with Samsung TVs: For enhanced dialogue and sound integration. – Good value: Impressive sound quality for its size. – Sound quality: Remarkable audio performance. – Brand reputation: Backed by Samsung’s quality assurance.
It’s a real shame that the Dolby Atmos functionality is not as effective without a specific Samsung TV, and the brand-specific features may limit its appeal to non-Samsung TV owners.
Smart Features Overview
Alexa voice control: The built-in Alexa allows you to control the soundbar with just your voice, making it a breeze to adjust volume, play music, or ask for the weather forecast, all without lifting a finger.
What we liked about the Samsung S60B
Wireless Dolby Atmos
The promise of wireless Dolby Atmos is what sets the Samsung S60B apart. The ability to experience immersive, 3D audio without the hassle of wires is a game-changer. It truly elevates the home cinema experience, making you feel like you’re in the heart of the action.
Compact and Sleek Design
We really liked how the S60B’s design complements modern living spaces. Its compactness ensures it fits neatly under your TV, while its sleek aesthetic enhances your room’s decor rather than detracting from it.
Seamless Connectivity
The range of connectivity options, including Bluetooth, Airplay 2, HDMI, and Wi-Fi, was a real plus. It meant we could easily connect the soundbar to a variety of devices, ensuring our audio experience was not just limited to the TV.
Q Symphony
For those with a Samsung TV, the Q Symphony feature is a standout. It allows the soundbar to work in harmony with the TV’s speakers, creating a richer, more enveloping sound. It’s a smart integration that we found genuinely enhances the audiovisual experience.
What we were disappointed with
Dolby Atmos Limitations
It’s a real shame that the Dolby Atmos experience is somewhat diluted unless paired with a specific Samsung TV. This limitation may deter those without a Samsung TV from experiencing the soundbar’s full potential.
Brand-specific Features
The restriction of certain features to Samsung TVs is a double-edged sword. While it offers seamless integration for Samsung TV owners, it leaves others missing out on some of the soundbar’s best features.
Getting Set Up
Setting up the Samsung S60B soundbar was, for the most part, a breeze, which is a relief for those of us who’d rather not spend our evenings wrestling with cables and manuals the size of “War and Peace.” The soundbar promises plug-and-play simplicity, and it largely delivers on this front. However, it’s not all sunshine and rainbows. Some users have reported issues when trying to sync the soundbar with non-Samsung TVs, which can be a bit of a headache. My tip? Make sure you have the latest firmware update; it seems to smooth over a multitude of sins. And if you’re a Samsung TV owner, you’re in luck—the Q Symphony feature sets up with an almost magical ease, creating an audio harmony that’s quite impressive.
Build Quality and Extras
The build quality of the Samsung S60B is robust, feeling sturdy enough to survive a few knocks and bumps. The design is sleek and unobtrusive, blending seamlessly with most modern interiors. However, it’s worth noting that some users have reported the soundbar’s fabric covering attracting dust and being somewhat difficult to clean—a minor quibble but something to consider for the neat freaks among us.
Who is this Product Best Suited To?
If You’re a Samsung TV Owner
It’s no secret that the Samsung S60B soundbar works like a dream with Samsung TVs. The Q Symphony feature, which syncs the soundbar with your TV speakers for a fuller sound experience, is a game-changer. It’s a real shame that this seamless integration isn’t available with other brands, but if you’re already in the Samsung ecosystem, this soundbar will fit in perfectly.
If You Crave Wireless Simplicity
With support for Bluetooth, Airplay 2, HDMI, and Wi-Fi, the Samsung S60B is a godsend for those looking to reduce cable clutter. The ability to stream music directly from your phone or tablet without having to physically connect anything is a feature we really liked. It’s perfect for impromptu dance parties or background music during dinner parties.
If You’re After Immersive Sound Without the Hassle
The wireless Dolby Atmos functionality, while not without its limitations, does offer a taste of immersive sound without the need for a room full of speakers. For those living in smaller spaces or simply looking to enhance their TV’s audio with minimal fuss, the S60B is a compelling option.
Who Should Avoid This
While the Samsung S60B has a lot to offer, it’s not for everyone. Those with non-Samsung TVs might find the setup more frustrating than it’s worth, especially given the soundbar’s best features are optimized for Samsung products. Additionally, audiophiles seeking the pinnacle of Dolby Atmos performance may be disappointed with the soundbar’s limitations in this area.
Value for Money
Considering its features and performance, the Samsung S60B offers excellent value for its price point. It’s competitively priced within the soundbar market, especially when you factor in its wireless capabilities and the brand’s reputation for quality. For those looking to enhance their home audio experience without breaking the bank, this soundbar is definitely worth considering.
The verdict: Is the Samsung S60B worth a buy?
In the grand scheme of home audio solutions, the Samsung S60B strikes a fine balance between price, performance, and convenience. Its seamless integration with Samsung TVs and wireless connectivity options are big pluses. However, its Dolby Atmos performance and compatibility issues with non-Samsung devices are notable drawbacks. Compared to similar products, it holds its own, especially for those already invested in the Samsung ecosystem. Would I recommend it? Yes, but with the caveat that it’s best suited to Samsung TV owners or those willing to navigate its limitations for the sake of convenience and a clutter-free setup.
Detailed Specs:
| Brand: | Samsung |
| Alexa Voice Control: | Yes |
| Connectivity: | Bluetooth, Airplay 2, HDMI, Wi-Fi |
| Dimensions: | 10.5 x 67 x 6.2 cm; 4 kg |
| Wireless Dolby Atmos: | Yes |
| Q Symphony: | Yes |
| Built-in Speakers: | 7 (including AVA, center, and side speakers) |
| Compatibility: | Optimized for Samsung TVs |
| Warranty: | Yes (unspecified duration) |
| Price Point: | Competitive |
