Sound quality: Samsung's HW-A550/ZA has Good overall sound quality - this model reproduces music and dialog reasonably well despite the obvious shortcomings in its sound. In the Standard sound mode, the bass has good impact and goes fairly deep, but is slightly prominent and somewhat boomy. Midrange is fairly even, but is somewhat grainy and hazy, and a bit dark. Treble is fairly extended, but is slightly subdued, smeared and sizzly. Does a decent job of recovering room ambience, but sounds a bit congested. With stereo program material sound field extends somewhat above but not much beyond the width of the speaker array and lacks front to back depth. The various sound modes have a noticeable effect on the sound field and tonal balance. In the Standard sound mode with Dolby digital and DTS multi-channel program material the sound image may extend well past the sides and above the soundbar, but still lacks depth. Other than the DTS: Virtual X sound setting, the other sound mode settings had a subtle effect on the sound field and tonal balance. The DTS: Virtual X setting had a more noticeable effect. There was no significant difference in sound quality between the HDMI, optical, USB, and Bluetooth inputs. The system can provide satisfying volume in a medium sized room.
TV setup and ease of use: Good overall.
Features setup and ease of use: Fair overall.
