Samsung HW-K950 test: Top soundbar with very good price

The Samsung HW-K950: a soundbar with Dolby Atmos.


Dreamteam


Admittedly, we have been looking forward to this test for quite some time. Specifically, since the assessment of the first prototype at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas last January. Now it is time: Samsung is the second manufacturer worldwide to launch a soundbarsystem, which supports the immersive sound format Dolby Atmos and thus more than classic 5.1 sound. It carries the sound upwards! The three-dimensional Dolby technology works object-based. The sound effect is thus no longer bound to one or more loudspeakers, but only during the encoding is it calculated which loudspeakers should reproduce the sound object. Thus, the Atmos mix of any loudspeaker combination can be adapted - even that of a soundbarsystem.


In the middle


Samsung brings with the HW-K950 the mid-range experience in its own four walls, which can be without any problems also a little smaller. Because the new system offers a clear advantage: instead of extensive box setup (not to mention the possibly complicated installation of ceiling speakers) including AV receivers you can only get four compact speakers into the living room. Do they really catapult us into the action? We dared a first test!


Conclusion


The main feature on the Atmos stage is the narrow, eight-centimeter high sound beam, which is supported by the accompanying subwoofer in slim design and two rear speakers. The four high-quality boxes in black, brushed metal complement each other with a rear speaker, a subwoofer and a soundbar. Thanks to the wireless connection, they can be integrated into every living space individually and in a child-friendly way. The 5.1.4 channel system works with a total of 15 individual loudspeakers, eleven of which are installed in the soundbar itself and two in the surround speakers. Four of them radiate upwards and are thus responsible for the altitude information. A center channel is also on board.


Via the HDMI-ARC output of the Soundbar, we send the picture to the TV, the Blu-ray player is connected to one of the two HDMI inputs. Practically, the HW-K950 is also compatible with the latest image standards in 4K and HDR. Thanks to the wireless connection, the surround speakers and the subwoofer can be freely positioned and thus individually adapted to the acoustic room conditions. Also, ugly cable harness falls away, since only a power connection is required. The system helps with the installation: If one of the two rear speakers is not connected properly, a "Check Surround Right" warning appears on the soundbar display. A small lamp, on the back of each box gives information about the connection to each other. Lights all blue, can go.


As soon as we insert "The Expendables 3", the Dolby Atmos appears, too, on the display of the sound beam. And then it goes right, neatly round. Shots are whirring around our heads, the helicopter, and we can be sure of ourselves. Less effects from the ceiling, but an impressive overall atmosphere is transmitted by the HW-K950, a sequence from "Everest". At the latest we are really right now, in the middle of the ice storm! The surround effects also form the system, deceptively real. Details go down a bit, but we ignore the rest of the performance. If the system is equipped with Atmos sound, the total of six DSP effects (including Clear Voice or Music) and the Surround Sound On / Off function are disabled. The 747 flight on the Dolby Atmos demodisc can not be completely concealed in the film: In the rear area, the system makes the height information somewhat more pronounced than in front.

At all, the 8-inch subwoofer can not be forgotten, its sound contributes to the home cinema feeling. He plays for his size neatly, so we have to curb him from time to time, giving Stallone the change of the shots and other carnage the necessary drama without booming

The "HW-K950" in the case of music tapestries, especially in highs and centers, "Adeles" "Hello", we have already heard in this price class with more brilliance and precision. In terms of streaming is the Korean manufacturer, but as usual: The soundbar can be easily connected via Bluetooth to the mobile phone or by means of a corresponding app to integrate into a corresponding system. There is also a large number of music services, such as Spotify, Pandora or Deezer.


Samsung brings the three-dimensional sound with the chic HWK950 set, in an impressive way into every living room. Even if the 5.1.4 system is well-suited for classic surround effects, action tones or live concerts in Dolby Atmos are more fun here. Now just have enough content to follow.