Samsung HW-QS700F Review – IGN

Samsung HW-QS700F Review – IGN


In an audio world where surround sound and Dolby Atmos are becoming more and more accessible with each passing moment, Samsung is out to prove that there’s still a market for a solid soundbar that forgoes rear speakers in favor of leaning into its front soundstage. The brand’s new HW-QS700F is just that, a 3.1.2-channel system that sounds excellent, except for the times when it leaves you wishing it had those elusive rear channels to complete the ensemble. Still, it’s a Dolby Atmos-enabled bar that steals a few pages out of its flagship sibling, delivering great sound that’s sure to impress for a price that’s far more comfortable than its aforementioned relative.

Specs

  • Price: $699.99
  • Channels: 3.1.2
  • Drivers: 8 total speakers
  • Connections: HDMI eARC 2.1, Bluetooth 5.3, Optical Digital Audio
  • Audio formats: Stereo PCM, Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby Atmos (Dolby Digital Plus), Dolby Atmos, Dolby TrueHD, Dolby Atmos (True HD), Multichannel PCM, Dolby Multichannel PCM, DTS Digital Surround
  • Dimensions (WxHxD): 116 x 51 x 120 inches
  • Weight: 4.4 pounds

Samsung HW-QS700F – Design and Features

If you squint at the HW-QS700F, you might mistake it for Samsung’s flagship Q990F. It borrows much of that same sleek, minimalist design language – which is great news if you like your AV gear to blend in, not stand out.

Samsung’s connectivity perks are all here, including wireless Dolby Atmos when paired with a compatible Samsung TV. In theory, this is handy for wall-mounted setups or anyone who breaks into hives at the sight of dangling wires. In practice? It works, but like most wireless tech, it’s not infallible. For those who value rock-solid signal reliability, wired will still be the way to go.

Samsung’s much-touted Q-Symphony also makes a return, letting your Samsung TV’s speakers play in unison with the soundbar. It’s a neat trick, but again – more of a party trick than a necessity. You’re unlikely to miss it if you never use it.

What does genuinely stand out is SpaceFit Sound Pro – Samsung’s automatic room calibration tool. While not quite on the level of pro calibration gear, it’s an earnest attempt at tailoring sound to your room’s acoustics. It adds value, especially for people who don’t want to fuss with manual EQ tweaking.

Samsung HW-QS700F – Performance

The HW-QS700F wastes no time showing off. The bar’s sound is crisp, bold, and wonderfully balanced across bass, mids, and treble. I tested it with a smorgasbord of content – Season 2 of The Last of Us, which navigates between whispered dialogue and chaotic action, and Deadpool & Wolverine, which mixes some truly awesome action with a great soundtrack. The QS700F handled it all with impressive poise.

When it came time to put Dolby Atmos to the test, The Greatest Beer Run Ever on Apple TV+ has been my go-to thanks to its extraordinary depiction of wartime Vietnam and the sights and sounds that come with it. It offered plenty of dynamic vertical effects that the up-firing drivers translated nicely. But it never quite enveloped me the way a true surround system does. The audio soared above and to the sides, sure – but the rear was noticeably vacant. That sense of immersion – the feeling that something (or someone) is creeping up behind you in a dark forest (TLOU vibes) – just wasn’t there.

To Samsung’s credit, you can add rear speakers. But they’ll run you another $300, bringing your total dangerously close to the price of a Sonos Arc Ultra. That’s where the value proposition starts to fray a little.

Beyond the bar itself, I feel the need to once again give Samsung’s SmartThings app its flowers. The soundbar companion is easy to use, well laid out, and full of helpful controls, taking a lot of the pain out of customizing your sound. Whether you’re adjusting EQ, toggling modes, or switching inputs, the app keeps things intuitive. No steep learning curve, no frustration.

Samsung HW-QS700F – The Competition

The HW-QS700F sits in an increasingly competitive mid-tier soundbar market, and there are a few worthy alternatives that might sway your decision depending on your priorities. The Vizio 5.1.2 Elevate stands out as a budget-friendly option that includes rear speakers and still supports Dolby Atmos, making it an enticing choice for those craving full surround sound without spending extra on add-ons. It may lack the refined polish of Samsung’s offering, but it delivers strong performance for the price.

Then there’s the Klipsch Flexus Core 200, which undercuts the QS700F in price and brings along bigger, more aggressive bass and surprisingly solid Atmos performance. While its design and ecosystem don’t match Samsung’s seamless feel, it’s a compelling alternative for bass lovers. Finally, for those willing to stretch their budget a bit more, the Sonos Arc Ultra becomes an intriguing option. Even without rear speakers or a subwoofer, it delivers a beautifully wide and detailed soundstage.


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