Want to give an upgrade to your streaming setup? Well, as of March 2021, Samsung released a 3.1.2 setup soundbar, called the Samsung HW-Q700A. 

It’s a definite upgrade from its 2020 predecessor, the Samsung HW-Q70T, both ranging at $699.99. Similar to the other A series models, the HW-Q700A has a neutral sound profile, making it suitable for a variety of audio content. This review gives you the specs and more!

Samsung HW-Q700A Review 1BUY SAMSUNG 3.1.2ch Q700A Q Series Soundbar – Dolby Atmos/ DTS: X (HW-Q700A, 2021 Model), Black from Amazon.com!

List of Specifications

Chanel Configuration  3.1.2
Product Dimensions 2.4 x 38.6 x 4.5 inches (Soundbar)
13.9 x 8.0 x 11.9 inches (Subwoofer)
Weight 7.9 lbs (Soundbar)
13 lbs (Subwoofer)
Wireless Audio Protocol Bluetooth
Audio Decoding Codecs DTS:X
Dolby Atmos
Amplifier output 170 W (Soundbar)
160 W (Subwoofer)
Connectivity 1 x HDMI Input
1 x HDMI ARC/eARC Output

 

What’s good?

  • Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and Apple AirPlay compatibility
  • Supports Dolby Atmos 
  • Volume can go exceedingly loud
  • Availability of Graphic EQ and presets

What’s not so good? 

  • Chromecast built-in is not supported
  • Lacking in lower-bass

What’s in the box?

  • Remote Controller
  • HDMI Cable
  • Wall mount Kit
  • Battery for Remote Controller
  • Power Adapter
  • Rubber Foot
  • Manual

Design and Build

Samsung HW-Q700A Review 2

The design of the soundbar is almost identical to its predecessor, the Samsung HW-Q70T. Not only do they both share a sleek look, but they also have metal grilles covering their front and top sides whereas the rest of the body is made of hard plastic. Some might be put off by the sound of ‘plastic’, but let me tell you it feels pretty sturdy and durable. 

As for the subwoofer, the majority of it is made of wood, with a thin layer of fabric covering the front. Therefore, it may get dirty easily as it collects dust.

Unfortunately, the Samsung HW-Q700A is rather wide. With a measurement of 2.4 x 38.6 x 4.5 inches, it will not be able to fit between most 55 inch TV setups. It’s not a tall soundbar so you don’t have to worry about it blocking the view.

Thankfully, the subwoofer is relatively the size of a desktop PC, so you won’t have an issue finding a place to fit it in and it is wireless! 

The built quality of the soundbar is quite impressive, considering it sits in the mid-priced range. The same can be said for the subwoofer, although the thin fabric used to cover its front, seems like it could easily rip. 

Controls

Basic controls can be accessed at the top of the bar where the buttons are located. From there, you can adjust the volume, change the input and turn the bar on or off.

The remote control, on the other hand, allows you to control all the bar’s functions. Unfortunately, it does not have the universal remote feature and therefore, the remote cannot be used to control the TV.

As it is a mid range soundbar, it does not come with a built in support for voice assistants. While it has been marketed to support Amazon Alexa (AA), you will need to have an Amazon Echo device for you to be able to use the AA feature.

Despite its inability to support voice assistants, it is compatible with the Samsung SmartThings app, allowing you to control a number of the bar’s features. That includes the sound enhancement features in which you can adjust bass and enhance dialogue. 

Connectivity

SAMSUNG SOUNDBAR

There are several physical inputs that the Samsung HW-Q700A comes with. Firstly, we have the Full HDMI input port, allowing you to utilise the soundbar as a hub between multiple devices. Then we have the micro USB port which can only be used to update software.

Using the HDMI ARC port, the Samsung HW-Q700A is able to support DTS and Dolby Digital audio formats, found on streaming platforms and Blu-ray discs. Additionally, it also supports DTS:X and Dolby Digital Plus which are premium surround formats. 

If you’re looking into wireless playback connectivity, this model does a fantastic job. It allows you to stream audio from any of your smart mobile devices via Wi-Fi, Apple AirPlay2 and Bluetooth.

Performance

As mentioned earlier, the sound profile of the Samsung HW-Q700A is rather neutral, enhanced by a little punch in its bass range. This model is suitable for a variety of audio content. Where it lacks in, is its low-bass range as it fails to replicate a deep thump. This can be a deal breaker for those that enjoy bass-heavy music. 

Although there is the option of using the graphic EQ and presets that come with the HW-Q700A, allowing you to tweak the audio to your liking. 

This model also has an impeccable stereo dynamic performance. The soundbar can get pretty loud, making it suitable for rooms that are large and for parties. At max volume, there’s a hint of compression that can be heard in its treble and bass ranges. That being said, it’s not noticeable with real-life content.

With its 3.1.2 setup the HW-Q700A has a discrete center channel giving it an excellent center performance. This results in an accurate and clearer reproduction of dialogue in TV shows/movies. 

Unfortunately, the HW-Q700A downmixes surround content into the stereo in order to play it. What this means is, sounds such as footsteps and voices aren’t accurately localised. This results in the audio sounding like it’s coming from directly in front of you. Therefore, it can be said that the HW-Q700A has pretty poor surround sound performance.

Moving into the sound enhancement features, the HW-Q700A has a plethora of options to choose from. For example, you can either use the graphic EQ or select one of the presets provided. There is ‘Standard’, ‘Game Pro’, ‘ Adaptive Sound’ and ‘Surround’ for you to choose from. 

The SmartThings app also has a voice enhancement feature allowing you to make dialogue sound more clear and crisp. 

Competition

Let’s see how the Samsung HW-Q700A stacks up against the competition:

Samsung HW-Q600A 

The first contender is the HW-Q600A. Its USB port supports audio playback unlike the HW-Q700A’s USB port which can only be used to update software. Alas, it begins to lose out to the HW-Q700A on soundstage performance, wireless playback options, surround sound performance and the ability to support Amazon Alexa. However, if you are looking for a cheaper option this might do. 

Samsung HW-Q800A 

Samsung HW-Q700A Review 3

The second contender is the HW-Q800A, a fellow 3.1.2 soundbar coming in at a whopping $899.99. Overall you will be paying an extra $200 for a better balanced sound profile and a superior bass performance giving you that deep thump that you want. Although, both setups come with poor surround sound performance. Is it worth the extra $200? You decide. 

Order SAMSUNG 3.1.2ch Q800A Q Series Soundbar  from Amazon.com today!

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a soundbar that provides satisfactory mixed usage for less than $700, this might be it for you. As mentioned earlier, the soundbar provides neutral sounds suitable for a variety of audio content. Additionally, with its graphic EQ and plethora of presets provided, you can truly fine tune your audio to your taste.

Lastly, it provides you with endless ways to connect wirelessly, via Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and Apple AirPlay2, letting you live that wireless life you always wanted!

Buy SAMSUNG 3.1.2ch Q700A Q Series Soundbar from Amazon.com now!

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