Sound quality: Samsung's HW-Q600B has decent 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 a bit prominent and somewhat boomy. Midrange is fairly even, but is somewhat grainy, a bit dark, and a touch echoey. Treble is fairly extended and detailed, but is a bit subdued. Does a decent job of recovering the actual room ambience from the recording. The overall sound is a bit congested. With stereo program material sound field extends somewhat above and 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. The various sound modes have a noticeable effect on the sound field and tonal balance. When playing Dolby Atmos or DTS:X material the width and height of the sound stage expands and depending on the program material can fill the front end of the room; audio imaging can extend up and above from the front of the room to almost directly overhead depending on the program material, but there was no rear surround effect, and sounds that should have been in the rear come from the front. Except for the Game mode, the various sound modes had minimal, if any, effect when Dolby Atmos or DTS:X material is played back; the Game mode had a more noticeable effect. There was no significant difference in sound quality between the HDMI, optical, USB, and Bluetooth inputs. Dolby Atmos and DTS:X program material can only be played through the HDMI input and through the HDMI ARC/eARC input when it is connected to a TV that has a HDMI ARC connection that supports Dolby Digital+ and/or DTS-HD High Resolution Audio, or a HDMI eARC connection that supports Dolby Digital+ or Dolby Digital TrueHD and/or DTS-HD Master Audio or DTS-HD High Resolution Audio. The system can provide satisfying volume in a medium sized room.
TV setup and ease of use: very good overall.
Features setup and ease of use: good overall.
