When it comes to premium audio experiences, two names stand out in the industry: Harman Kardon and Samsung. Both brands are synonymous with high-quality sound systems, and many consumers wonder if they collaborate on soundbar production. In this article, we’ll delve into the relationship between Harman Kardon and Samsung, exploring whether Harman Kardon makes Samsung soundbars and what this partnership means for audiophiles.
The Harmonious Partnership
Harman Kardon, a well-established audio brand, was acquired by Samsung in 2017 for approximately $8 billion. This strategic move aimed to strengthen Samsung’s position in the audio industry, combining Harman Kardon’s expertise with Samsung’s technological prowess. The partnership enabled both companies to leverage each other’s strengths, resulting in innovative audio solutions that cater to diverse consumer needs.
What Does the Acquisition Mean for Samsung Soundbars?
The acquisition has had a significant impact on Samsung’s soundbar production. With Harman Kardon’s expertise in audio engineering, Samsung gained access to cutting-edge technology and design principles that elevated their soundbar offerings. This collaboration has resulted in the development of premium soundbars that boast exceptional sound quality, sleek designs, and innovative features.
Soundbar Design and Engineering
Samsung’s soundbars, such as the HW-Q90R and HW-Q80R, showcase Harman Kardon’s influence in their design and engineering. These soundbars feature sleek, compact bodies that house advanced audio components, including custom-designed drivers and tweeters. The result is a rich, immersive sound experience that complements Samsung’s flagship TVs.
Sound Quality and Calibration
Harman Kardon’s expertise in audio calibration has significantly improved the sound quality of Samsung soundbars. Their proprietary calibration technology, known as HARMAN Pure, ensures that the sound produced is precise, detailed, and engaging. This technology optimizes the soundbar’s performance, taking into account the room’s acoustics and the source material being played.
The Samsung HW-Q Series: A Testament to the Partnership
The Samsung HW-Q Series soundbars are a prime example of the successful collaboration between Samsung and Harman Kardon. These premium soundbars boast advanced features, sleek designs, and exceptional sound quality, making them a popular choice among audiophiles.
Key Features of the HW-Q Series
The HW-Q Series soundbars are equipped with cutting-edge features that set them apart from competitors:
- Object-based sound: This technology allows the soundbar to pinpoint and move sound effects to specific locations, creating a more immersive experience.
- Wireless surround sound: The HW-Q Series soundbars can connect wirelessly to rear speakers, providing a more comprehensive surround sound experience.
- 4K Pass-through: These soundbars can pass through 4K video signals, ensuring that the video quality remains uncompromised.
- SmartThings integration: The HW-Q Series soundbars can be integrated with Samsung’s SmartThings ecosystem, allowing users to control their soundbar with their smartphone or tablet.
HW-Q90R: The Flagship Soundbar
The HW-Q90R is the flagship soundbar of the HW-Q Series, boasting an impressive set of features and exceptional sound quality. This soundbar is designed to provide an immersive audio experience, with 17 speakers, including four upward-firing drivers, two side-firing drivers, and a dedicated subwoofer. The HW-Q90R is the perfect companion for Samsung’s flagship TVs, providing an unparalleled audio-visual experience.
The Benefits of the Partnership
The partnership between Samsung and Harman Kardon has yielded numerous benefits for consumers, including:
- Improved sound quality: The combination of Harman Kardon’s expertise and Samsung’s technological prowess has resulted in premium soundbars with exceptional sound quality.
- Innovative features: The collaboration has led to the development of innovative features, such as object-based sound and wireless surround sound, which enhance the overall audio experience.
- Seamless integration: Samsung soundbars can be easily integrated with Samsung TVs and other devices, providing a streamlined and convenient user experience.
- Enhanced customer support: The partnership has enabled both companies to provide enhanced customer support, ensuring that consumers receive assistance and guidance when needed.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the partnership between Samsung and Harman Kardon has resulted in the production of premium soundbars that boast exceptional sound quality, innovative features, and sleek designs. While Harman Kardon does not directly manufacture Samsung soundbars, their expertise and influence are evident in the design and engineering of these devices. The collaboration has elevated the audio industry, providing consumers with unparalleled audio experiences that complement Samsung’s flagship TVs. As the partnership continues to grow and evolve, we can expect even more innovative audio solutions from these two industry giants.
| Feature | HW-Q90R | HW-Q80R |
|---|---|---|
| Sound Quality | Exceptional, with 17 speakers | Excellent, with 13 speakers |
| Object-based Sound | Supported | Supported |
| Wireless Surround Sound | Supported | Supported |
Does Harman Kardon own Samsung soundbars?
Harman Kardon does not own Samsung soundbars. However, Harman Kardon is a subsidiary of Samsung Electronics, which means that Samsung owns Harman Kardon. This is the reason why you might see some Samsung soundbars carrying the Harman Kardon brand name.
The partnership between Samsung and Harman Kardon allows Samsung to leverage Harman Kardon’s expertise in audio technology to produce high-quality soundbars that offer an immersive listening experience. This collaboration has led to the creation of some exceptional soundbars that are highly regarded by audiophiles and casual listeners alike.
Why do some Samsung soundbars have the Harman Kardon name?
Some Samsung soundbars carry the Harman Kardon name because they have been co-designed and co-developed by both companies. The Harman Kardon brand name is synonymous with high-quality audio, and by partnering with Samsung, Harman Kardon is able to bring its expertise to a wider range of consumers.
When you see a Samsung soundbar with the Harman Kardon name, it means that the product has undergone rigorous testing and quality control to ensure that it meets the high standards set by both companies. This partnership has resulted in some truly exceptional soundbars that offer a level of audio fidelity that is hard to find in other soundbars on the market.
What is the difference between a Samsung soundbar and a Harman Kardon soundbar?
The main difference between a Samsung soundbar and a Harman Kardon soundbar is the level of audio expertise and technology that goes into each product. While Samsung is an expert in consumer electronics, Harman Kardon is a specialist in audio technology.
Harman Kardon soundbars tend to offer more advanced audio features, such as higher-quality drivers, more advanced signal processing, and proprietary audio technologies like HK’s Logic 7 surround sound technology. Samsung soundbars, on the other hand, tend to focus more on ease of use, sleek design, and seamless integration with other Samsung devices.
Are Harman Kardon soundbars compatible with Samsung TVs?
Yes, Harman Kardon soundbars are compatible with Samsung TVs. In fact, Harman Kardon soundbars are designed to work seamlessly with Samsung TVs, offering features like single remote control, automatic setup, and optimized audio performance.
The partnership between Samsung and Harman Kardon means that both companies work closely together to ensure that their products are compatible and optimized for each other. This means that you can enjoy a hassle-free listening experience with your Samsung TV and Harman Kardon soundbar.
Can I use a Harman Kardon soundbar with a non-Samsung TV?
Yes, you can use a Harman Kardon soundbar with a non-Samsung TV. While Harman Kardon soundbars are optimized to work with Samsung TVs, they are not exclusive to Samsung devices.
Most Harman Kardon soundbars come with a range of connectivity options, including HDMI, optical, and Bluetooth, which allow you to connect them to a wide range of devices, including non-Samsung TVs. However, you may not get the same level of seamless integration and optimization as you would with a Samsung TV.
Do Harman Kardon soundbars offer better sound quality than Samsung soundbars?
Harman Kardon soundbars are generally known for their better sound quality compared to Samsung soundbars. This is because Harman Kardon is a specialist in audio technology, with a long history of producing high-quality audio products.
Harman Kardon soundbars tend to offer more advanced audio features, such as higher-quality drivers, more advanced signal processing, and proprietary audio technologies. These features allow them to produce a more immersive and engaging listening experience, with clearer dialogue, deeper bass, and more detailed soundstages.
Are Harman Kardon soundbars worth the extra cost?
Whether or not a Harman Kardon soundbar is worth the extra cost depends on your personal preferences and budget. If you’re an audiophile who values high-quality sound and is willing to pay a premium for it, then a Harman Kardon soundbar may be worth the extra cost.
However, if you’re on a tight budget or just need a basic soundbar for casual listening, then a Samsung soundbar may be a more affordable option. Ultimately, the decision comes down to your individual needs and priorities.