The new technologies of the 2021 sound bars are here!

For a long time, the television set was the neglected sound system. But since at the beginning, people used the TV to listen to soap operas, those old movies that were no longer shown in theatres and Bernard Derome on the news, there was no need for an enhanced audio system. A one-speaker design and the deal was done! If you remember well where you heard about it for the younger ones 😉 all this started to change with the coming of recent movies into our homes via the rental of cinematic works on VHS or BETA video tapes circa the 80s. EVERYONE was doing it!

People in the business like me remember that it was in the late 80's and early 90's that manufacturers started to offer surround sound systems. We were faced with a compromise, because in order to manufacture a device that would allow both cinema and stereophonic listening for music, without raising the price too much, we had to cut corners...

 In the year 2000, we will remember, the new invention of the manufacturers was the all-in-one cinema sets which did everything (badly) in a compact set including plastic speakers !!! Terrible...

Times have changed, because since the advent of flat TVs, the phoneme has deteriorated further due to a lack of space to place speakers on them. Eureka ! the sound bar was invented... but not so fast, the first five years gave systems that only played the "casseau" louder than the TV set, but without any finesse.

Meanwhile, major manufacturers such as Denon have made it their mission to develop new audiophile-quality cinema receivers. Although more expensive than before, these new products now offer a very pure sound that envelops you thanks to the arrival of Dolby Atmos and other protocols to manage up to 13 sound channels. In addition, the "audiophile sound" lover will be satisfied for the precision obtained in musical listening.

The time is currently ripe for high fidelity, which is why our sound bars offer exemplary performance. Yes, I recommend the purchase of this type of product, it has a new vocation which is no longer to play louder than a TV, but offers a pleasant, enveloping and performing listening in cinema or even during the broadcasting of sports matches!

So here is my 2021 guide with my assessment of the value for money of each.

Two products stand out in 2021, Samsung and Sonos. Why do they stand out? These two manufacturers have invested a lot of money in research and development and it shows!

A simplified methodology in this guide.

5 stars will be awarded for 3 factors of importance.

1. The quality/price ratio
2. Fidelity / sonority = sonic precision + richness of listening.
3. Your customer satisfaction after purchase = likelihood that you are satisfied with your purchase.

Here they are in order of size Samsung followed by Sonos:

SAMSUNG HW-T400 $179.99

There is not much to say about this product. Samsung, seeking to cover the whole of the demand, offers this minimalist product. Although the price is tempting at $179, with its 40 watts, this sound bar develops less than some TVs! It includes 2 tiny 3.7 inch speakers...

Perfect for the sales of large chain shops at low prices...

• Quality price: *
• Fidelity / sound : *
• Customer satisfaction after purchase: *

SAMSUNG S Series

The "S" series offers the smallest footprint. It is compact in size and does not have an external woofer.

HW-S50A $399.99

The first model in the 'S' series for 2021, the S50 offers a compact configuration incorporating an integrated subwoofer. The power output is rather 'fair' at only 140 watts, but it has the virtue of offering Dolby 5.1 simulated sound at low cost. All Samsung soundbars starting with this model incorporate a wall mounting system.

• Quality price: ***
• Fidelity / sound : **
• Customer satisfaction after purchase : **

SAMSUNG HW-S60A $499.99

As mentioned above, the 'S' series does not have external subwoofers, but here with its 200 watts and a total of 7 speakers including two side speakers, we get an honest cinema sound. The finish is impeccable, with a dark grey woolly fabric covering that is very chic and attractive. Unlike the "S50" model, this upgraded version connects to WI-FI and has built-in Alexa voice control.

• Quality price: ****
• Fidelity / sound : **
• Customer satisfaction after purchase : ***

SAMSUNG A series

The 'A' series offers Dolby 5.1 cinema at a very competitive price.

HW-A450 $279.99

With 300 watts of power and a 6.5 inch subwoofer, the sound is well felt. The lack of a modern HDMI socket will be its biggest drawback although it is now possible to connect the TV via Bluetooth or with the good old fibre optic cable still available with this model. This will be the first in the series that will allow you to buy wireless rear speakers to get the same sound as conventional cinema sets.

Note that that there is no centre on this model which will allow a maximum of 4.1 channels with the optional configuration.

• Quality price: ***
• Fidelity / sound : **
• Customer satisfaction after purchase : **

HW-A550 $399.99

The 550 offers the same advantages and limitations as the 450 model, but with the difference of 410 watts more power and an additional simulated surround effect, i.e. 6 rather nice effect modes...

• Quality Price: **.
• Fidelity / sound : **
• Customer satisfaction after purchase : ***

HW-A650 $499.99 Very thin...

This model is the most interesting of the series, because it allows true 5.1 channels, which is the minimum for those who wish to obtain a true cinema effect. The power is correct with its 430 watts, the addition of the central channel completing the set. The presence of an HDMI socket makes this bar completely compatible with all the televisions that have been available for at least a decade. Like all "S" series models, the sound will be fine for cinema listening, but will lack nuance for those who want to listen to a concert or use the bar as a room sound system.

•  Quality price: ****
• Fidelity / sound : **
• Customer satisfaction after purchase : ***

SAMSUNG Q series

The 'Q' series offers the latest technology in the world of sound bars, they are the true leaders in the field and lend an aura of expertise to the Korean brand.

Before I evaluate them, I'd like to give you a rundown of the innovative technologies in these sound bars, which I highly recommend!

Acoustic Beam technology

Ingeniously, Samsung has placed its multiple speakers behind a multitude of holes that serve to direct the sound from them at different angles. The result is a sound that seems to come from all around!

Q-SYMPHONY technology

To take advantage of these innovations, which have been present for 3 model years, you will need a Samsung TV (40% of people!), but it is worth it.

The Q-SYMPHONY uses the speakers of the Samsung TV, while there can be up to eight (8) depending on the model to complete the sound system of the room. Thus the sound will come from the entire rear perimeter of the TV plus the multiple speakers of the sound bar which can have up to 22 speakers! That is to say a possibility of 30 speakers for your cinema, it is frankly astonishing!

HW-Q600A $799.99 Perfect for Gaming

The entry-level model in the Q series features patented Dolby Atmos sound for 360-degree sound. Power is generous at 360 watts . As with the entire Q range for 2021, the new Game Mode is present, which allows the system to be automatically calibrated for typical gaming sound effects and to synchronise the output to the parameters required by the game in progress. A good 6.5" wireless subwoofer is included, which will provide dynamic sound in any situation. Note that this model will offer sufficient performance for music listening via Bluetooth thanks to the "Tap Sound" connectivity feature.

• Quality price: *****
• Fidelity / sound : **
• Customer satisfaction after purchase: ****

HW-Q700A $899.99

Compared to the 600 model, you get a lot for $100 more!

Firstly, this sound bar is the entry model as an audiophile product. The tweeters have a high bandwidth for crystal clear sound, so it can provide sound in the room even when you're not watching a movie. It connects to WI-FI and can therefore tune in to music websites such as Spotify connect" or Apple AIRPLAY 2 and many others.

In conjunction with the Samsung TV, the Q700 and above incorporates the Space Fit feature. Basically, the TV uses a sensor to analyse the sound in the room to give instructions to adjust the sound for maximum clarity and surround effect!

Note that this bar connects with the "Smart thing" application to control the playback of high-fidelity files on your mobile devices.

• Quality price: *****
• Fidelity / sound : ***
• Customer satisfaction after purchase: ****

HW-Q800A $1099.99 Our first choice .

You could say the 800 is a 700 on steroids! The same high-fidelity features are there, but with an 8-inch subwoofer for really deep, uncompromising bass. To get even more from the web, there's built-in Alexa voice control. A pair of wireless, two-way in-ceiling Atmos speakers can be added for the 3.2.2 channel...

• Quality price: *****
• Fidelity / sound : ****
• Customer satisfaction after purchase: *****

HW-Q900A $1699.99 complete! First class!

This bar is for those who want full cinema sound without having to buy conventional, bulkier equipment. Power is high at 406 watts and 16 speakers arranged front, side and towards the ceiling, producing true 7.1.2 Atmos without the rears. The subwoofer is 8 inches, the finish raised with fabric. In addition, we switch to Space fit + which adds the AutoEQ function that adjusts not only the surround effects, but also the frequency response whether in cinema or audiophile mode. For complete versatility, there are 2 inputs and an HDMI output for connecting multiple sources.

• Quality price: *****
• Fidelity / sound : *****
• Customer satisfaction after purchase: *****

HW-Q950A $2,199.99 The whole package!

The 2021 Q950 flagship offers you the true 11.1.4 channels, no less!

If you want a true Atmos sound system without the hassle, this is it! Each element has been designed to complement the other. The Spacefit + adjusts everything constantly without any intervention from the user. The sound is advanced enough for high-fidelity listening. The box includes a pair of two-way speakers for an absolute all-inclusive experience. Power is fabulous at 616 watts. There's nothing like it on the market, to get more you need a traditional bulky set...

• Quality price: *****
• Fidelity / sound : *****
• Customer satisfaction after purchase: ***** more

CINEMA SOUNDS

The last two years have been fruitful for the Californian brand as the range has been 100% renewed after the Playbar and Playbase, and now comes the BEAM and ARC.

So let's face it, it's about time! The Sonos bars at the beginning, was focused only on music, the cinema products seemed to be there only to demonstrate that they were capable of production forgetting nothing in their manufacturing offering...

As some of the more serious home theater competitors added more and more products with WI-FI connectivity, the Sonos product was losing relevance. The two new models offered address this.

For a complete performance, you can add the Sonos Sub at $899, it performs very well and is the most stylish of all that is currently available, very beautiful, we will not try to hide it!

Beam $499.99

The entry-level model from Sonos has nothing to envy the competition. It incorporates 5 speakers and three passive resonant membranes. The voice control is integrated which is surprising at this price, and the voice control microphones are also used for automatic calibration. Sonos does not reveal the power, but we estimate it to be around 150 watts + or - 50. Without being "audiophile grade", the sound is still very acceptable.

• Quality price: *****
• Fidelity / sound : ***
• Customer satisfaction after purchase: ****

ARC 999

Introducing the first and only Sonos Atmos Bar, a state-of-the-art product!

It has 11 drivers, which allow for all-round diffusion. More powerful than the Beam, it's also audiophile-grade with superior components and a stylish, tasteful finish. To keep you out of trouble, there's a night mode that turns down the dynamic performance to avoid startling the sleepers in the household!

For calibration, a system called True Play adjusts the sound to the room.

• Quality price: *****
• Fidelity / sound : ****
• Customer satisfaction after purchase: *****

To complete the set we would like to add a Sonos Sub.

The last word

Although a soundbar cannot completely replace a multiple speaker system including ceiling speakers, the increasingly advanced technology of soundbars allows them to come close in many respects. In addition, soundbars can be installed flexibly in any room of the house, which is a great advantage.

As a general rule, I suggest investing in this type of product, as soon as your decision is made as opposed to a conventional set. You have to go by the rule that more is better, so you avoid a lot of disappointment. A few hundred dollars more will make a big difference. Also, a quality sound bar can be considered a long term purchase, as the quality of manufacture is now at the forefront. Choosing a manufacturer that does research specific to this product line is something to consider when purchasing. I also invite you to ask for a demonstration of the product and to pay attention to the fineness of the highs, the clarity of the voices and the absence of distortion and crackling in the bass.

Stay tuned!

Christian.

Atmos 11.1.4 via SAMSUNG HW-Q950A