Enjoy! and DTS:XJust like Dolby Atmos, DTS:X is also a 3D sound format, with which the surround sound is expanded by height speakers. There also are variouswireless connection options: In addition to wireless atmos, the Samsung HW-S66B also supports Apple Airplay 2, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.

Fortunately, Dolby Atmos soundbars can deliver cinematic audio in spaces that speaker packages could only ever dream of, at a fraction of the price. All common audio formats are supported by the Samsung HW-Q950A. And if you happen to own a 2021 Samsung TV, you can further enhance the driver count by using a Samsung feature called Q-Symphony,which allows the TV's internal speakers to work in conjunction with the soundbar package to add more height and space to the soundfield. While realistic overhead sounds are a bit of a stretch for these more affordable Dolby Atmos soundbars, having the ability to decode the format well means that you will still find that movies and games have more compelling and nuanced soundtracks. In terms of supported audio formats, the A7000 excels itself by includingDolby Atmos(in both the Digital+ and TrueHD formats),DTS:X, LPCM, hi-res wireless audio andSony 360 Reality Audio. Those who can do without the wireless satellite speakers of the more expensive Q-models will find what they are looking for with the HW-Q800B. What Hi-Fi? However, it is worth noting that the HBO Max app does not support Dolby Atmos onAmazon Fire TV, Android TV,Samsung TVs,VIZIO 4K Smart TVs,Xbox consolesand Xfinity devices. is part of Future US Inc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. Packed with next-gen features and streaming options, the A7000 is an incredibly competent, future-proofed performer that sets a new benchmark forDolby Atmos soundbars. Why should you buy the Samsung Q800A Dolby Atmos Soundbar? As a result, it provides many options for streaming music or podcasts. In addition, this soundbar also features a voice amplifier as well as a night mode. There is streaming on board courtesy of Apple AirPlay, two-wayaptX HD Bluetoothand theBluOS wireless systemthat integrates with services includingTidalandSpotify as well as supporting hi-res audio file formats. The HW-Q600A is the last and also the cheapest premium soundbar from the 2021 Q-series. A microphone in the subwoofer analyzes your four walls and adjusts the sound and bass accordingly. The Samsung HW-B650 is connected via HDMI ARCAudio Return Chanel: With the HDMI ARC connection, the higher bandwidth allows data to be both sent and received over one HDMI cable, saving additional cables in many setups., Bluetooth or an optical port. In addition, the soundbar has some smart features with its integrated Amazon Alexa, Apple Airplay and Bluetooth. Its as packed with streaming smarts as it is stuffed with speakers, withSpotify Connect,Apple AirPlay 2, andGoogle Chromecastall on board, and integration into a multi-room system with Amazon Alexa, Apple HomeKit andGoogle Homeall supported. They are mainly used for 3D sound formats like Dolby Atmos or DTS:X. speakers are installed. As with the previous model in the series, its 3D performance is disappointing despite DTS Virtual:XVirtual 3D sound that can be reproduced by setups without height or down-firing speakers.

The minimalist, sleekness of the Bowers and Wilkins' Panorama 3 Dolby Atmos soundbar belies its fairly unique take on home cinema sound. Unusually, the upper surface also houses twin 10cm subwoofers mounted in an acoustic enclosure. Thus, we do not have to do without the external, wireless subwoofer in this soundbar, but it has a somewhat weaker performance. Mary is a staff writer at What Hi-Fi? The 2.1 setup of the HW-A550 has a total of five integrated speakers. The main soundbar unit houses three forward-facing channels, and on the top are two upward-facing tweeters that provide height channels forDolby AtmosandDTS:Xformats. Thanks to the graphical equalizer and all sorts of features, the sound can also be customized. A center speaker, Q-Symphony and Adaptive Sound Lite are of course also on board. Although this soundbar also comes with a surround sound expansion, it should not provide immersive experiences. If you are in the market for a soundbar, don't mind wall mounting and are already firmly in the Bluesound camp, then its worth holding out for a discount on the Bluesound Pulse Soundbar+. That said, it's well worth its RRP, and if it drops by even a fiver, you will see that in the deals box below. It comes with 5.1.2 channels and a total power output of 360 watts (RMS). Its Atmos delivery is virtual because the two sets of 25mm tweeters, 5cm midrange drivers and 10cm woofers in the Bluesound Pulse Soundbar Plus are front-facing and, being larger in diameter than those in most competing models, give the Pulse Soundbar+ its distinctive slim, tapered, tall build. In addition, it is also an object-based sound format, whereby additional information is assigned to sounds, making them sound even more realistic.. Dune, No Time to Die, Blade Runner 2049, Baby Driver, Mad Max: Fury Road, Bohemian Rhapsody, 1917, Ready Player One and Tenet are among the best releases of recent years. They are mainly used for 3D sound formats like Dolby Atmos or DTS:X. In addition, music can be played easily and quickly via Bluetooth, Wi-Fi or Apple Airplay2. This is thanks to the Adaptive Sound Lite feature, which automatically analyzes the frequencies of different TV content and adjusts the sound accordingly. In addition, the soundbar is available in black and white, which makes it a stylish home accessory. Across the front, in a Left-Centre-Right arrangement, each channel group includes twin 5cm midrange drivers partnered by decoupled 19mm titanium-dome tweeters. What Hi-Fi? A control by voice command is not possible either, since there is no Wi-Fi connection. Discounts are more likely to be found for the white colourway but generally, the Arc is rarely reduced, so if you spot a discount, pounce. The soundbars surround performance, on the other hand, is not very convincing. or DTS:XJust like Dolby Atmos, DTS:X is also a 3D sound format, with which the surround sound is expanded by height speakers. The soundbar does not support Dolby AtmosDolby Atmos is a 3D sound format that adds sounds from above to surround sound systems and can also assign additional information to sounds so that they can be reproduced even more realistically. However, an Amazon Alexa is no longer integrated in this cheaper model of Samsungs Q series. speakers. Instead, two further transducers are positioned at the far left and right that use Bose's PhaseGuide technology. All those drivers dont come cheap, though, so if you fancy maximising your sound per pound ratio, we would suggest keeping an eye out for discounts, which you will see below. Furthermore, the Q-Symphony feature can be used in combination with a Samsung TV, which has been improved once again compared to previous years. This creates a wider soundscape and a certain surround sound. This noticeably increases audio quality., which ensures the lossless forwarding of 4K content at 60Hz. Among these is a center speaker that ensures clearly understandable dialogs. New York, The Q series, for example, contains the manufacturers flagship in terms of home theater equipment. You can have a choice of voice assistants, too, with Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa both built-in. Combining a 180W soundbar with a 250W external subwoofer, the HW-A650 is Samsungs most powerful setup in the series. The model cannot shine with its smart features either: Neither a Wi-Fi interface, nor Airplay or a voice assistant are present. According to Samsung, you still dont have to miss immersive sound experiences thanks to Dolby AtmosDolby Atmos is a 3D sound format that adds sounds from above to surround sound systems and can also assign additional information to sounds so that they can be reproduced even more realistically. But even without a Samsung TV, the soundbars create room-filling soundscapes thanks to Samsungs Acoustic Beam technology. Therefore, it is only 220 watts strong and the soundbar itself also has a lower output power, resulting in a total power of 300 watts. and DTS:XJust like Dolby Atmos, DTS:X is also a 3D sound format, with which the surround sound is expanded by height speakers. In addition, the built-in Center speaker ensures clear voice reproduction. and can forward [emailprotected] losslessly. These create an immersive sound experience that is worth seeing (and above all hearing). Like the previous models in the series, the Samsung HW-S60A is a One Body Soundbar, meaning it comes without an external subwoofer. content is quite acceptable, but those who dream of a cinematic atmosphere should rather go for one of the more expensive models from the Q-series. If you enjoy firing up your favourite streaming app, kicking back and appreciating your home cinema at its very finest, then no doubt at some point you have contemplated upgrading your TVs built-in speakers to a surround sound system only to baulk at the cost and clutter implications. With a depth of just 3.9 centimeters and a height of 3.8 centimeters, the soundbar is ultra compact. There's Apple AirPlay 2 connectivity for easy streaming, andeARCfor Dolby Atmos from compatible TVs. The Acoustic Beam technology provides a more immersive sound experience, but of course it does not come close to real Dolby AtmosDolby Atmos is a 3D sound format that adds sounds from above to surround sound systems and can also assign additional information to sounds so that they can be reproduced even more realistically. At the rear is a singleHDMI eARCport and an optical digital input for older TVs. This one is also very compact in terms of its design. support. Therefore, each of the soundbars has a special Game Mode, which shall provide an even more intense gaming experience. Not every soundbar can pass this format on to the TV.

With a generous 22 drivers delivering 11.1.4 surround sound, the HW-Q950A offers the greatest number of channels of any soundbar on the market right now, as well as 3D audio format support from both Dolby Atmos and DTS:X. and DTS:XJust like Dolby Atmos, DTS:X is also a 3D sound format, with which the surround sound is expanded by height speakers. Psychoacoustic algorithms are used to create surround, height and overhead effects..

Unfortunately, other wireless transmission options or smart features are not available with this model. So, we have explained what Dolby Atmos is and where it is available; now we turn to the meat of the matter: which Dolby Atmos soundbar should you buy this Amazon Prime Day? Thus, anyone who wants to stream content wirelessly has to resort to Bluetooth. Besides the three-dimensional sound format, the soundbar also supports DTS:XJust like Dolby Atmos, DTS:X is also a 3D sound format, with which the surround sound is expanded by height speakers. A slew of excellent Dolby Atmos soundbars has recently hit the market, and there is now a range of models to suit all budgets. The HW-Q700A model from Samsungs soundbar series is a 3.1.2 setup as well. While it doesn't have the height, transparency, musicality, and dynamicsof the similarly priced Sonos Arc, for those already invested in the Bose ecosystem, the Smart Soundbar 900 would be a smart choice. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Only the low-bass could be a little better, as the soundbar has problems playing the deep rumble of bass-heavy music or action-packed scenes. The Bluesound Pulse Soundbar Plus bears more than a passing resemblance to the company's previous models, but internally it sports a custom-specified ARM Cortex A53 quad-core chipset that the company says processes audio up to eight times faster than previous generations and, most importantly, can handle virtual Dolby Atmos. sound. Read the full Bose Smart Soundbar 900 review. Wireless satellite speakers are also included in the setup, but you have to do without the side-firingThese speakers emit the sound to the side. As well as adding thrilling movement to action sequences, Dolby Atmos enhances perspective and immersion in both effects and music. This creates a wider soundscape and a certain surround sound. If you also buy a new Samsung TV like the QN80B or a higher model, you can create a wireless connection between the soundbar and the TV. The SpaceFit Sound 2 feature is also included, so audio is optimally adapted to your spatial conditions. However, the graphic equalizer and the variety of settings can be used to correct its sound performance. Award-winning HT-A7000 is the company's best yet. To help you achieve the AV system of your dreams, we have hand-picked our favourite recommendations for the very latest and greatest Dolby Atmos soundbars along with the most up-to-date pricing available online. Therefore, you have to use an external third-party device for voice control. Those who own a Samsung TV can use Q-Symphony in combination with the soundbar. Psychoacoustic algorithms are used to create surround, height and overhead effects. In return, it can play DTS Virtual:XVirtual 3D sound that can be reproduced by setups without height or down-firing speakers.

You will receive a verification email shortly. and DTS Virtual:XVirtual 3D sound that can be reproduced by setups without height or down-firing speakers. Still, it speaks volumes for the performance of the Beam Gen 2 that, despite these constraints and the lack of upward drivers, if space and budget are limited, there isn't a better Dolby Atmos soundbar that we would recommend at this price. Amazon Prime Video, Vudu and HBO Max also offer Atmos programming, though to a lesser extent. Why should you buy the Bose 900 Smart Soundbar? While genuine overhead sounds are perhaps a stretch too far for this petite performer, its virtual delivery of the Atmos format outstrips any similarly priced soundbar and even a few that are more expensive. Among them are a Bass Boost mode, a Game mode and Adaptive Sound Lite. Few soundbars include dedicated bass-channel drivers, let alone ones of this size, and Bowers & Wilkins says that, by placing them in this way, the Panorama 3 can achieve a "deep, extended bass with no need for an external subwoofer". Thanks to the built-in center speaker, dialogs are reproduced clearly and distinctly. For example, the soundbar lacks Wi-Fi connectivity and support for voice assistants like Amazons Alexa. Some pocket-friendly models offer virtual decoding of the format, using psychoacoustics instead of upward drivers. Among them are also side-firingThese speakers emit the sound to the side. A total of five speakers are hidden in the soundbar, and the woofer is just as powerful as that of the previous model. Not only does the Q800A offer powerful overall performance, but it also has a broad feature set. In addition, it is also an object-based sound format, whereby additional information is assigned to sounds, making them sound even more realistic. They are mainly used for 3D sound formats like Dolby Atmos or DTS:X. speakers. The S series, on the other hand, pays particular attention to stylish design. Packed inside its ultra low profile chassis are 13 individual driver units powered by ten 40-watt amplifiers in a 3.1.2 configuration. The HW-Q910B is supposed to be a somewhat more affordable alternative to the Q990B. Thus, the South Korean manufacturer also offers various equipment for your home theater. But Bluesound is well aware of this and includes a wall-mounting bracket in the box. Of course, this model can also reproduce three-dimensional sound in the form of Dolby AtmosDolby Atmos is a 3D sound format that adds sounds from above to surround sound systems and can also assign additional information to sounds so that they can be reproduced even more realistically. With several series of soundbars with specifications for different types of use, there is something for every taste. Overall, the soundbar has a balanced and clear sound. Unlike some of the more premium soundbars listed here, there is no support for Dolby Atmos rival DTS:X or additional HDMI inputs. Among these, of course, is a center speaker, which contributes to the comprehensibility of quieter scenes and dialogues. It's simple to set up, slots into the Sonos ecosystem as well as you would expect and delivers detailed, dramatic audio for a very reasonable price, transporting you straight to the heart of the action. Why should you buy the Bluesound Pulse Soundbar+Soundbar? As with the Arc, the white Beam Gen 2 is more likely to be found with decent reduction, but since the soundbar was released last September, Sonos has been fairly rigid with its pricing. The soundbar has a graphic equalizer and various settings for individual optimization of the sound. At 130cm long, the main unit of the HW-Q950A isnt tiny, but its nevertheless shorter than many other flagship Dolby Atmos models available at the moment. However, you do not have to miss the voice enhancement, Game Mode and Adaptive Sound Lite. This effect is either provided by satellite speakers or virtually created by side-firing speakers of the soundbar. A connection via Wi-Fi cannot be established either. The center speaker is integrated despite the lower price, which means this soundbar also has a balanced and clear sound. The Samsung HW-Q950A is a comprehensive sound system that offers just about everything you need for a home theater experience. This creates a wider soundscape and a certain surround sound. The main bar has three front-facing channels, two surround channels at either end of the bar, and a pair of upward-firing height speakers on the top surface. The Samsung HW-A450 also is a setup with 2.1 channels. Instead, when watching Atmos content, two of the soundbar's five front-facing arrays are dedicated to reproducing overhead and surround sounds. An external subwoofer in a new, revised design is also included. You will see the new deal price below. Your TV can be connected via optical input or HDMI ARCAudio Return Chanel: With the HDMI ARC connection, the higher bandwidth allows data to be both sent and received over one HDMI cable, saving additional cables in many setups.. This ensures clear speech comprehension, since dialogues are output separately from other sound effects. So, it is also a 11.1.4-channel system that can play the three-dimensional audio formats Dolby AtmosDolby Atmos is a 3D sound format that adds sounds from above to surround sound systems and can also assign additional information to sounds so that they can be reproduced even more realistically. The SP11RA is a significant investment in terms of space as well as money this package includes a separate sub and two surround speakers, and the soundbar itself clocks in at 144cm long.

In addition, the soundbar has a network connection and an integrated Amazon Alexa so smart features have definitely not been skimped on here. Launched in 2020, the Arc is Sonos's flagship soundbar and is the only model from the brand to deliverDolby Atmoswith vertical speakers. However, you have to use an Echo Dot to use Amazon Alexa with this model, because it is not integrated. What's more, Samsung is offering considerable discounts off the Q950A's 1600 / $1800 / AU$2100 launch price. Psychoacoustic algorithms are used to create surround, height and overhead effects.. It comes without height channels and can therefore only play back DTS Virtual:XVirtual 3D sound that can be reproduced by setups without height or down-firing speakers. (besides Dolby AtmosDolby Atmos is a 3D sound format that adds sounds from above to surround sound systems and can also assign additional information to sounds so that they can be reproduced even more realistically.). And as a bonus, because the majority of up-to-date Dolby Atmos soundbars have network connectivity, you can also benefit from upgrading your system with streaming features and voice control. Why should you buy the Sony HT-A700 Dolby Atmos Soundbar? Whilst the Panorama 3 can't deliver resonant cinematic rumble, there is tangible warmth, depth and weight to its delivery that sets it apart from other soundbars. The premium soundbars of the Q-series provide an extraordinary sound experience, particularly in combination with a QLED TV. The Samsung HW-B450 is also a 2.1-channel system. Soundbar technology has come a long way, and you can now take advantage of a wide variety of Dolby Atmos-enabled soundbars designed specifically to envelop you with sound, no matter your size or budget requirements. speakers, audio does not sound quite as clear. The latest, lowest prices are below if you spot a deal, grab it while you can. At the rear is an HDMI-out port that supportseARC, plus twoHDMI 2.1inputs with 4KDolby Visionpass-through. Whether its household appliances, consumer electronics or smart home products youre guaranteed to find what youre looking for at Samsung. And, with a well-considered purchase you can make a powerful sonic impact on your living room for very little outlay. has to be omitted. In addition, it is also an object-based sound format, whereby additional information is assigned to sounds, making them sound even more realistic.. For this, both the soundbar itself and the included satellite speakers have up-firingThese speakers are positioned diagonally upwards so that the reflection of the sound from the ceiling reaches the viewers from above. Tonally, it's nicely balanced if you want to listen to music, though lovers of low-end may wish to explore adding the optional Sub (699 / $699 / AU$999) or holding out the hotly rumoured mini-Sub. This means you can stream to the Beam Gen 2 from a handheld device usingApple AirPlay 2, and Spotify Connect is built-in too. Most premium Atmos soundbars use upward-firing drivers to disperse sound vertically and reflect it off your ceiling giving the effect of having overhead speakers and adding realism to vertical sounds such as planes and helicopters. With the Samsung HW-S50B we are also dealing with an all-in-one soundbar, which has two channels less than its predecessor. Admittedly, the Samsung HW-Q60B stands out a bit compared to the other models in the Q-series. Unfortunately, the Bluetooth interface has to be used for wireless content transfer in this model as well. However, there is still room for improvement in terms of surround performance in this model as well. However, its still a more convenient and less overwhelming undertaking than building a true home cinema system that matches up to the LGs 7.1.4 channels of excellent Dolby Atmos action. While realistic sensations of height are a bit beyond the scope of the Pulse Soundbar+, given its lack of upward-firing drivers, there is much more to Dolby Atmos than just sound coming from your ceiling, and the precision, location and movement that the Bluesound achieves is some of the best we have heard from a soundbar. There will also be a forthcoming upgrade to add support forAmazon Music Ultra HDaudio, which will give access to lossless 24-bit/48kHz tracks and Dolby Atmos Music. In terms of height and precision, the Sony HT-A700s performance is similar to that of theSonos Arc, but the width of the soundstage and its forward projection is more convincing. Of course, the Q700B is also equipped with Samsungs SpaceFit Sound room correction. The reproduced sound is balanced and thus suitable for the most diverse content. Since Samsung has equipped the Q600A with all sorts of features for adjusting the sound, it is very versatile. Samsungs A-series is supposed to appeal to gaming enthusiasts in particular. and DTS:XJust like Dolby Atmos, DTS:X is also a 3D sound format, with which the surround sound is expanded by height speakers. Why should you buy the B&W Panorama 3Soundbar? Underneath the bodywork, Bose's first Dolby Atmos soundbar sports has nine channels of amplification. Streaming is well catered for withAirPlay 2,aptX Adaptive BluetoothandSpotify Connect, while high-resolution listening is supported via the Bowers & Wilkins Music App, which gives listeners access to streaming services including Tidal, Deezer and Qobuz, with the number of supported platforms set to expand later this year. Other features like Amazon Alexa, Apple Airplay or Chromecast are not supported. Sign up below to get the latest from What Hi-Fi?, plus exclusive special offers, direct to your inbox! However, it can be inconsistent in its effectiveness and occasionally adds its own organisational structure and tonal colour to content, particularly noticeable when listening to music. Disney Plus has a generous selection of Dolby Atmos programming, including the back catalogue of the Marvel and Star Wars franchises. Psychoacoustic algorithms are used to create surround, height and overhead effects., the S50B can simulate 3D sound. Below, you will find our favourite models along with the latest, lowest prices. Should you buy the Bose 900 Smart Soundbar? The soundbar is a 3.1.2-channel system, so both a center speaker and up-firingThese speakers are positioned diagonally upwards so that the reflection of the sound from the ceiling reaches the viewers from above. Nevertheless, dialogs can be rendered quite clearly. Furthermore, we are dealing with a 3.0-channel system that comes with five speakers. There's also support for both Amazons Alexa and Google assistants. As well as the pair of height drivers, there is one centre tweeter flanked by four racetrack transducers. The buyer has to do without some features, such as Wi-Fi compatibility, Apple Airplay and the integrated Amazon Alexa. Despite its small size, the S60B should be loud enough for small or medium-sized rooms with a total power of 200 watts. And if you happen to own a 2021 Samsung TV, you can enhance the Q800As sonic performance by using a new feature called Q-Symphony, which allows the TVs internal speakers to work in conjunction with the soundbar package to add more height and space to the soundfield. Her mixing credits include productions at The National Theatre and in the West End, as well as original musicals composed by Mark Knopfler, Tori Amos, Guy Chambers, Howard Goodall and Dan Gillespie Sells.