amazon SAMSUNG HW-Q60R reviews
Elegant design, suitable for many interior spaces
Samsung HW-Q60R inherits many design similarities with the previous N650 model. Basically, this is a stylish and slim soundbar, moderately high, only 5.9 cm. The quality of processing and finishing is commensurate with the price of approximately $500 with sturdy metal mesh on the front and top. Both sides and back are also made of metal very solid. Main black color, easy to coordinate with many different interior spaces.
Although designed primarily to pair with Samsung’s 2019 QLED TVs with a length of 1.1 meters, just the width of the stand base of 55-inch TVs, the Q60R is fully compatible with all TVs other in the market. The moderate height of this soundbar makes it not blocking the screen even when placed on the same shelf as the TV. You can also mount the wall if you want to use the hangers available inside the box.
On the front, there’s a simple LED display that is tilted to the right, automatically lights up when you use the controls and provides basic information about the volume, input or sound mode. The screen is hidden under the speaker grids and creates interesting visual effects. However, the size is a bit small, so it is difficult to observe from 2 meters upwards.
On the right, Samsung arranges some basic buttons to turn on and off, select input, or increase or decrease the volume. Perhaps you will rarely need to use these buttons because the controller has done all the functions. Not only that, the Q60R can also be controlled via the smartphone app thanks to Bluetooth connectivity.
Remote control is still the familiar type that Samsung has used for many years on their soundbar models. Compact size, simple buttons, easy to get used, reasonable layout, help set up and operate quickly.
The ports are located in 2 concave areas on the bottom including HDMI input, HDMI output supports ARC and optical digital audio port. In addition, there is a micro USB port with an OTG cable to connect external devices such as USB, portable hard drive, memory card reader, support for playing high quality music, software updates, as well as a gateway into standard 3.5mm audio (AUX).
The HW-Q60R comes with a completely wireless subwoofer connected with the new design and much bigger than the previous generation. The unit weighs 6.2kg and has a 6.5 inch driver. Sound bar and woofer will automatically pair with each other, without any operation. You can adjust the bass level with the remote control.
Feature rich, support for high-end audio standards
Samsung HW-Q60R has a total of 8 internal speakers, using a 3.1.2 channel configuration, with a frequency range of 42Hz to 20kHz and a total output of 360W. There are three speakers facing forward, with a center speaker exclusively for reproducing voice when watching movies.
This soundbar also has a pair of speakers that sound to the side, emit sound directly into the wall, simulating surround sound from the left and right channels. This is also a feature that Samsung calls Acoustic Beaming. The best results when you have a wall with a moderate distance, about 3 meters or less, flat and without the material or surface canopy.
The “.1” part of this system is the wireless active subwoofer. The new design uses a 6.5-inch driver placed on the side, combined with rear vents to enhance the bass of the entire system.
Q60R supports both Dolby Audio and DTS Digital Surround with 5.1 audio. You can also equip the Samsung SWA-8500S wireless speaker set to enhance the system’s ability to reproduce surround sound when adding 2 satellite speakers at the back of the head.
This is the first Samsung audio product in 2019 to be fully developed together with its subsidiary Harman Kardon. The main design and testing were still conducted at the Samsung California audio lab, but Harman added expert advice and system tuning.
The HDMI ports on the Q60E can handle 4K / 60p, 4: 4: 4 color system, support HDCP 2.2 and HDR standards (namely HDR10, HLG, HDR10 + and Dolby Vision). Q60R can play AAC, MP3, WAW, OGG audio files but unfortunately does not support FLAC, ALAC and AIFF. You can fix this by playing music on your phone and streaming audio via Bluetooth.
There are four built-in sound modes: Standard (Standard suitable for listening to music), Surround (Surround sound suitable for watching movies), Game Pro (playing games) and Adaptive Sound (Like sound application). Adaptive Sound is a new feature with the ability to analyze the audio input and automatically adjust to suit the context. Suppose when you are watching a movie, playing a game, the speaker automatically boosts the bass. While listening to music, the bass will be moderated so as not to overwhelm the mid and treble.
About gaming, if you use a PS4 or Xbox One and also have a Samsung TV, the Q60R will be able to automatically detect whenever you are playing the game, automatically switch to the best audio and visual mode for game on both soundbar and TV to bring the full experience.
As mentioned, the Q60R allows smartphone control, and you’ll need to install the additional Audio Remote app. In addition to complementing the remote control, this app can also play music, track playlist, display cover photos with beautiful interface.
Dynamic bass natural sound, suitable for movies, action games, EDM music
Samsung HW-Q60R has a full, natural sound with an expanded soundstage suitable for action movies, games or vibrant young music. When watching movies, the sound is spread evenly on both sides of the screen and spread throughout the room, while still reproducing the dialogue.
Speakers that work to the side are also effective, creating the illusion that sound comes from many directions. Meanwhile, the subwoofer with new design helps the system enhance the bass effectively.
The sound of the bombs falling, bullets exploding, the engine sounds of Jaeger when fighting Kaiju monsters in the movie Pacific Rim is vividly reproduced by Q60R. Especially, when the main song in the movie rang, the feeling of boiling, longing for a third part of the Pacific Rim film of the writer rose.
Of course, the soundbar is always the soundbar and still has certain physical limitations, especially in recreating large spaces or accurately describing the direction of sound. At this time, the addition of auxiliary wireless speaker system SWA-8500S will be the solution to consider.
Summary
At the price of $500, obviously Samsung HW-Q60R is not easy to reach the majority of users. You absolutely can buy good 5.1 sound systems at an equivalent cost. However, the benefit that Q60R brings is the ability to set up conveniently, does not occupy a lot of space, vibrant sound quality, natural bass beat good. The ability to connect to smartphones, enable control via the app, automatic sound mode to adapt to the context are also valuable advantages.
where can you get a SAMSUNG HW-Q60R online
Samsung Harman Kardon 5.1 Soundbar HW-Q60R with Wireless Subwoofer, Samsung Acoustic Beam Technology, Adaptive Sound, Game Mode, 4K Pass-Through with HDR, Bluetooth Compatible, 360-Watts: Buy it now
Samsung HW-Q60R 360W Virtual 5.1-Channel Soundbar System + Rear Speakers Bundle Includes, SWA-8500S/ZA Wireless Rear Speakers Kit, 6ft HDMI Cable & 6ft Optical Toslink 5.0mm OD Audio Cable: Buy it now
Samsung HW-Q60R 5.1 Channel Harman Kardon Samsung Acoustic Beam SoundBar – (Renewed): Buy it now
Samsung HW-Q60R 360W Virtual 5.1-Channel Soundbar System – (Renewed): Buy it now
Samsung Harman Kardon HW-Q60R Samsung Acoustic Beam Q60R Series Soundbar and 2.0 Speaker System Wireless Speaker(s) Wall Mountable Black Model: Buy it now