Samsung HW-S801B Review

Summary / TL;DR

The Samsung HW-S801B is a compact soundbar designed to enhance your home audio setup with high-quality sound. It features a sleek design that seamlessly blends into any room decor, offering robust build quality and premium aesthetics. With a 3.1.2 channel configuration, the soundbar delivers immersive audio performance, supported by Dolby Atmos and DTS:X technologies for cinematic sound quality.

Connectivity options include HDMI ARC, optical input, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi, providing versatile audio streaming choices. The soundbar also supports voice assistants, Game Mode Pro for gamers, and Adaptive Sound technology for optimal audio customization. Installation is straightforward, and the remote control and SmartThings app offer convenient control options.

Priced around $500, the Samsung HW-S801B offers a balance of performance, design, and features, making it a compelling choice for those seeking a high-quality soundbar for their home entertainment system.

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If you like this review, you might also like our review on the Samsung HW-Q600C or Samsung HW-S60B or Samsung HW-Q990C.

Introduction

The Samsung HW-S801B aims to redefine your home audio experience. As a compact soundbar, it promises high-quality sound without taking up too much space. Designed for the modern consumer, this soundbar blends effortlessly into any room while delivering an audio punch. Whether you're upgrading from built-in TV speakers or looking to complement a high-end TV, the HW-S801B offers a balance of performance and convenience. Featuring advanced audio technologies, it targets both audiophiles and casual listeners alike. Samsung's reputation for integrating cutting-edge tech into their products shines through in this model. We'll delve into specifics in the following sections, covering aspects like design, sound quality, and ease of use. From first impressions to long-term usage, this review will help you decide if the HW-S801B meets your audio needs.

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Design and Build Quality

The Samsung HW-S801B sports a sleek and modern design that seamlessly integrates into any living room decor. With its low-profile form factor, this soundbar is an excellent choice for those who prefer a minimalist aesthetic. Measuring approximately 38.6 inches wide, 2.4 inches high, and 4.3 inches deep, it fits perfectly under most TVs without obstructing the screen.

The build quality of the HW-S801B is nothing short of impressive. It features a robust and durable construction that gives it a premium feel. The front and sides are covered with a high-quality fabric grille, which not only enhances its visual appeal but also protects the internal components. The top panel has a smooth, matte finish that resists fingerprints, keeping the soundbar looking clean and elegant. Samsung has paid attention to the smallest details, ensuring that the HW-S801B looks good from every angle. The edges are rounded, giving it a softer and more refined look. Additionally, discrete LED indicators are positioned on the front, providing clear visibility of the soundbar's status without being overly distracting. On the backside, you'll find well-organized input ports, all neatly arranged for easy access. The design ensures that cables can be managed efficiently, reducing clutter and maintaining a tidy setup. There are also keyhole slots for wall mounting, offering flexibility in installation options.

The overall design approach of the Samsung HW-S801B emphasizes both functionality and aesthetics, making it a visually appealing and practical choice for any home entertainment system. Whether placed on a TV stand or mounted on the wall, this soundbar is sure to complement any living space with its stylish and thoughtful design.

Sound Performance

The Samsung HW-S801B delivers a robust and immersive sound experience that stands out in its category. With its 3.1.2 channel configuration, this soundbar ensures clear, powerful audio that fills the room. The inclusion of two up-firing speakers adds a new dimension to your listening experience, creating a sense of height and depth that truly enhances movies and music. Dolby Atmos and DTS:X support is one of the key features, providing cinema-like sound quality. These advanced audio formats enable more precise placement of sounds, allowing you to pinpoint effects and dialogue with impressive accuracy. The result is a more engaging and realistic audio environment. The soundbar's central speaker is dedicated to dialogue, ensuring voices are crisp and clear even amidst action-packed scenes. This is particularly beneficial for watching movies and TV shows, where clarity of speech is crucial. Samsung's proprietary Q-Symphony technology allows the HW-S801B to work seamlessly with compatible Samsung TVs, synchronizing the soundbar with the TV speakers for a richer, more harmonized sound. This feature maximizes the potential of both devices, making them work as a cohesive unit rather than separate audio sources.

The Game Mode Pro is another noteworthy aspect, optimizing sound effects for an enhanced gaming experience. It adjusts the audio settings automatically, so you can hear every detail, from footsteps to explosions, with pinpoint accuracy. For music lovers, the HW-S801B does not disappoint. It's equipped with Adaptive Sound technology, which analyzes the content being played and adjusts the sound settings in real-time. This ensures that whether you're listening to a quiet podcast or a loud rock concert, the audio remains balanced and dynamic.

Though the soundbar performs admirably on its own, adding the optional subwoofer can elevate the bass response, making it even more impactful. This integration is smooth, with the subwoofer connecting wirelessly for a clutter-free setup. Overall, the Samsung HW-S801B excels in delivering high-quality, immersive sound across various content types, making it a versatile choice for any audiophile.

Connectivity Options

The Samsung HW-S801B offers a versatile range of connectivity options to suit various needs. Whether you prefer wired or wireless connections, this soundbar has you covered. For wired connections, the HW-S801B includes an HDMI ARC port, which allows for a smooth connection to your TV, supporting both audio and basic control commands. There's also an optical input, providing a reliable alternative for devices without HDMI capabilities.

On the wireless front, the HW-S801B shines with its built-in Bluetooth and Wi-Fi capabilities. Bluetooth is perfect for quick and straightforward connections to smartphones, tablets, or laptops, making it easy to stream music directly from your device. Wi-Fi, on the other hand, enables more advanced features like multi-room audio through Samsung's SmartThings app, allowing you to connect and control multiple speakers throughout your home. Here’s a quick overview of the connectivity options:

• HDMI ARC: For high-quality audio and easy control with your TV remote.
• Optical Input: An alternative for older devices that lack HDMI.
• Bluetooth: For fast, wireless streaming from mobile devices.
• Wi-Fi: For multi-room audio and advanced control via the SmartThings app.

The inclusion of Bluetooth and Wi-Fi opens up a lot of flexibility, letting you switch between different audio sources with ease. Additionally, the HW-S801B supports wireless connections to compatible Samsung TVs through the company's Q-Symphony feature, providing synchronized audio from both the TV speakers and the soundbar for a richer sound experience. Overall, the Samsung HW-S801B is well-equipped to handle a wide range of connectivity scenarios, ensuring that you can easily integrate it into your existing home entertainment setup.

Remote Control and App

The Samsung HW-S801B soundbar includes a responsive and user-friendly remote control. Its layout is intuitive, making it easy to navigate even for those who are not tech-savvy. The buttons are well-spaced and clearly labelled, ensuring that you can quickly adjust the volume, switch inputs, or access different sound modes without any hassle. Beyond the physical remote, the *Samsung SmartThings app* offers an additional layer of convenience. Available for both iOS and Android, the app allows you to control the soundbar from your smartphone or tablet. This is especially handy if you often misplace remotes or prefer using a single device to manage your smart home setup. Key features of the app include:

• Easy pairing: Connecting the HW-S801B to your SmartThings app is a breeze. A simple setup process guides you through the steps, ensuring a seamless experience.
• Sound customization: Tweak the equalizer settings directly from the app to tailor the audio output to your preference. This feature is excellent for audiophiles who enjoy fine-tuning their listening experience.
• Firmware updates: Keep your soundbar up to date with the latest features and improvements. The app notifies you of any available firmware updates, ensuring your device stays current.
• Multi-room control: If you have multiple Samsung audio devices, the app allows you to control them all in one place. You can create a synchronized audio environment throughout your home.

The combination of a well-designed remote and a versatile app makes controlling the Samsung HW-S801B incredibly convenient. Whether you prefer traditional buttons or digital interfacing, both options deliver a smooth and efficient experience. Installation and Setup also benefit from these control options, as they simplify the initial configuration process. In summary, Samsung has ensured that the HW-S801B is not only a powerhouse in performance (as detailed in the Sound Performance section) but also excels in usability. This balance between functionality and ease-of-use makes it a strong contender in the soundbar market.

Installation and Setup

Setting up the Samsung HW-S801B is straightforward, even if you're not a tech-savvy person. The soundbar comes with a comprehensive manual that guides you through each step, ensuring that you don't miss anything important. One of the highlights of the installation process is the plug-and-play feature. The soundbar can be connected to your TV using an HDMI ARC or optical cable, both of which are included in the package. Simply plug the cable into the appropriate ports, and the soundbar should be recognized by your TV immediately. The HW-S801B also supports wireless setup via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. For those who prefer a clean, cable-free look, this is an excellent option.

Pairing the soundbar with your TV or smartphone takes just a few minutes. Ensure your devices are within range and have Bluetooth or Wi-Fi enabled. Mounting the soundbar is another critical aspect of the setup. The HW-S801B comes with a wall mount kit, allowing you to position it just below your TV for an optimal audio experience. If you prefer a more temporary setup, the soundbar's slim design fits comfortably on most TV stands. Here’s a quick checklist to help streamline the process:

• Unbox the soundbar and accessories.
• Connect the soundbar to your TV using the included HDMI ARC or optical cable.
• Power on both the TV and soundbar.
• Follow the on-screen instructions for any additional settings.
• Pair the soundbar with your Wi-Fi or Bluetooth device if you prefer a wireless setup.
• Mount the soundbar on the wall or place it on a stand.

The entire setup process should take less than 30 minutes, from unboxing to first use. If you encounter any issues, the manual is very detailed, and Samsung offers decent customer support to help troubleshoot any problems. Overall, installing and setting up the Samsung HW-S801B is a hassle-free experience that doesn't require advanced technical knowledge, making it accessible to a wide range of users.

Additional Features

One of the standout features of the Samsung HW-S801B is its adaptive sound technology. This smart feature automatically optimizes audio output based on what you're watching, from dialogue-heavy dramas to explosive action scenes. This ensures that you get the best sound experience without having to continually adjust settings. The soundbar also supports voice assistants, including Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. This integration allows you to control playback, adjust volume, and even access information hands-free. Simply use voice commands for added convenience. Another handy feature is the Tap Sound function. If you have a Samsung smartphone, you can simply tap it against the soundbar to instantly stream your music. It's a quick and easy way to get the tunes going without navigating through menus or settings. The HW-S801B also includes Q-Symphony technology, which syncs perfectly with compatible Samsung QLED TVs. This feature allows the TV and soundbar speakers to work together, creating a more immersive and fuller surround sound experience. For gamers, there's a Game Mode Pro which optimizes sound for an enhanced gaming experience. This mode reduces lag and enhances the audio so that you can hear every detail and react faster during intense gaming sessions.

The soundbar also boasts 4K pass-through support, ensuring that your movie nights are of the highest quality. This means you can connect your 4K video sources, like Blu-ray players or gaming consoles, directly to the soundbar without losing any video quality. Lastly, the Samsung HW-S801B comes with SpaceFit Sound, a feature that calibrates audio based on your room’s acoustics. This ensures that you enjoy optimal sound quality tailored to your specific environment. These features collectively make the Samsung HW-S801B not just a soundbar, but a versatile and user-friendly audio solution suitable for various types of entertainment.

What's in the Box

Unpacking the Samsung HW-S801B, you'll find everything you need to get started with this impressive soundbar. Here's a detailed list of the contents:

• Samsung HW-S801B Soundbar: The main unit, sleek and elegant, ready to deliver high-quality audio.
• Wireless Subwoofer: Enhances the bass, providing a deeper and more immersive sound experience.
• Remote Control: Offers convenient access to various settings and functions (discussed more in the "Remote Control and App" section).
• Wall Mount Kit: Includes brackets and screws for easy wall mounting, should you choose to install the soundbar this way.
• Power Cords: Two power cords, one for the soundbar and one for the subwoofer, ensuring both are powered up.
• HDMI Cable: Essential for connecting the soundbar to your TV or other devices directly.
• Quick Start Guide: Provides an overview of setup steps to get your soundbar up and running swiftly.
• Warranty Card: Information regarding the product warranty and customer support.

Everything is securely packaged to prevent damage during transit. The inclusion of the HDMI cable is particularly convenient, saving you an extra trip to the store. The wall mount kit is also a nice touch, making it easier to achieve a clean and streamlined look in your living space. Overall, Samsung ensures you have all the essentials straight out of the box.

Video by: Walts TV & Appliance

Price and Value

The Samsung HW-S801B positions itself in the higher midrange of the soundbar market. Priced around $500, it's not the cheapest option available, but it offers a solid bang for your buck considering its features and performance. What you get for your money is substantial. The sound quality, as discussed in the Sound Performance section, is impressive. The soundbar delivers a well-balanced audio experience that can enhance both movies and music. The built quality is also noteworthy, with a sleek and modern design that can fit seamlessly into most home entertainment setups. In terms of connectivity options, the HW-S801B does not disappoint. It includes a comprehensive range of inputs and wireless capabilities. This allows for versatile usage scenarios, whether you're streaming music from your phone or connecting directly to your TV. While the price may seem a bit steep for some consumers, it's important to consider the additional features like built-in voice assistants, sophisticated sound modes, and compatibility with the Samsung SmartThings app. These add significant value, making the soundbar a robust, all-in-one solution for home audio needs. Here’s a quick breakdown of the pros and cons to help you evaluate its worth:

• Pros:
• High-quality sound performance
• Solid design and build quality
• Ample connectivity options
• Additional features like voice assistants and app control
• Cons:
• Premium price point
• Lacks some advanced features found in even higher-end models

Comparing it with other soundbars in the same price range, the HW-S801B holds its own. It’s a worthwhile investment if you’re looking for a reliable, high-performing soundbar that also brings a touch of modern elegance to your living room. While there are cheaper alternatives, they may not offer the same level of performance and feature set, making the Samsung HW-S801B a compelling choice for discerning buyers.

Conclusion

The Samsung HW-S801B solidly demonstrates what a modern soundbar can offer. With its sleek design and robust build quality, it can easily blend into various home decor styles while providing a premium feel. The sound performance is quite impressive, producing clear and dynamic audio that enhances the viewing and listening experience across different types of content. For connectivity, the HW-S801B offers a range of options, from HDMI eARC to Bluetooth, ensuring that users have multiple ways to link their devices. The remote control is intuitive, and the companion app adds an extra layer of convenience for those who prefer using their smartphones for device management. Installation and setup are straightforward, making it accessible even for those who may not be tech-savvy.

The additional features, such as compatibility with voice assistants and various sound enhancement modes, add value and versatility to the soundbar. In the box, you get everything you need to start using the soundbar right away, which is always a plus. The pricing is competitive, especially considering the range of features and performance it offers. Overall, the Samsung HW-S801B is a sound investment for anyone looking to elevate their audio experience without a lot of fuss.

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Pros & cons

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Technical specifications