When it comes to enhancing your home theater experience, a good soundbar can make all the difference. Two of the most popular options in the market today are the Samsung HW-Q800A and LG soundbars. Both brands are well-known for their high-quality products, but which one is better? In this article, we’ll delve into the features, pros, and cons of each soundbar to help you make an informed decision.
Design and Build Quality
The first thing that catches your attention when you unbox a soundbar is its design and build quality. The Samsung HW-Q800A has a sleek and compact design that fits perfectly under most TVs. It has a rectangular shape with a metal grille covering the front and top, giving it a premium look. The soundbar measures 35.7 inches wide, 2.3 inches tall, and 4.7 inches deep, making it perfect for small to medium-sized rooms.
On the other hand, LG soundbars are known for their modern and slim design. The LG SN9YG, for example, has a sleek and compact design with a wireless subwoofer. It measures 43.7 inches wide, 2.2 inches tall, and 4.7 inches deep, making it suitable for larger rooms. Both soundbars have a sturdy build quality, but the Samsung HW-Q800A seems to have a more premium feel to it.
Sound Quality
The most important aspect of a soundbar is its sound quality. The Samsung HW-Q800A has a 3.1.2 channel configuration, which means it has three front-firing channels, one subwoofer, and two up-firing channels for Dolby Atmos and DTS:X support. It has a total power output of 330W, which is more than enough to fill a medium-sized room with crystal-clear sound.
The LG SN9YG, on the other hand, has a 4.1.2 channel configuration, which means it has four front-firing channels, one subwoofer, and two up-firing channels for Dolby Atmos and DTS:X support. It has a total power output of 520W, making it more powerful than the Samsung HW-Q800A.
In terms of sound quality, both soundbars deliver impressive performance. However, the LG SN9YG seems to have a slight edge when it comes to dialogue clarity and bass response. The Samsung HW-Q800A, on the other hand, has better surround sound performance and supports more audio formats, including eARC.
Additional Features
Both soundbars have a range of additional features that enhance their overall performance. The Samsung HW-Q800A has Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, making it easy to connect to your TV and other devices. It also supports Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, allowing you to control it with voice commands. The soundbar also has a built-in chroma subsampling feature that improves picture quality when connected to a Samsung TV.
The LG SN9YG also has Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, as well as support for Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. It also has a feature called AI Room Calibration, which uses artificial intelligence to optimize sound quality based on the room’s acoustics. The soundbar also has a built-in 4K passthrough feature, which means you can connect it to a 4K TV without compromising on picture quality.
Smart Features
Both soundbars have smart features that make it easy to control them using your phone or tablet. The Samsung HW-Q800A has a dedicated app that allows you to adjust settings, customize sound modes, and even update firmware. The app is available for both Android and iOS devices.
The LG SN9YG also has a dedicated app that allows you to control the soundbar remotely. The app also has a feature called Music Flow, which allows you to connect multiple LG speakers and create a whole-home audio system.
Pros and Cons
Before we make a final verdict, let’s take a look at the pros and cons of each soundbar.
Samsung HW-Q800A
Pros:
- Sleek and compact design that fits under most TVs
- Supports eARC and more audio formats than LG SN9YG
- Better surround sound performance
- Has a built-in chroma subsampling feature that improves picture quality
Cons:
- Less powerful than LG SN9YG
- No built-in 4K passthrough feature
- More expensive than LG SN9YG
LG SN9YG
Pros:
- More powerful than Samsung HW-Q800A
- Has a built-in 4K passthrough feature
- Better dialogue clarity and bass response
- AI Room Calibration feature optimizes sound quality based on room acoustics
Cons:
- Larger and more expensive than Samsung HW-Q800A
- No built-in chroma subsampling feature
- Less compact design than Samsung HW-Q800A
Verdict
So, which is better – the Samsung HW-Q800A or LG SN9YG? The answer depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you’re looking for a more compact design and better surround sound performance, the Samsung HW-Q800A is the better choice. It’s also a good option if you have a Samsung TV, as it supports more audio formats and has a built-in chroma subsampling feature.
On the other hand, if you’re looking for a more powerful soundbar with better dialogue clarity and bass response, the LG SN9YG is the better choice. It’s also a good option if you have a larger room and need a soundbar that can fill it with sound.
In terms of price, the LG SN9YG is generally cheaper than the Samsung HW-Q800A, making it a more affordable option for those on a budget.
| Feature | Samsung HW-Q800A | LG SN9YG |
|---|---|---|
| Design | Sleek and compact | Modern and slim |
| Sound Quality | 3.1.2 channel configuration, 330W power output | 4.1.2 channel configuration, 520W power output |
| Additional Features | Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, eARC support, built-in chroma subsampling feature | Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, AI Room Calibration feature, built-in 4K passthrough feature |
| Price | More expensive | Cheaper |
In conclusion, both the Samsung HW-Q800A and LG SN9YG are high-quality soundbars that offer impressive performance and features. The right choice for you depends on your specific needs and preferences. We hope this article has helped you make an informed decision.
What are the key differences between the Samsung HW-Q800A and LG soundbars?
The Samsung HW-Q800A and LG soundbars are both high-end soundbar systems designed to provide an immersive audio experience. However, they have some key differences in terms of design, features, and performance. The Samsung HW-Q800A has a more sleek and compact design, with a slimmer profile that can fit seamlessly into modern living rooms. It also features Samsung’s proprietary Q-Symphony technology, which allows it to work in harmony with Samsung TVs to create a more immersive audio experience.
On the other hand, the LG soundbar has a more robust design, with a separate subwoofer that adds more depth and bass to the audio. It also features LG’s AI-powered sound technology, which uses machine learning algorithms to optimize sound quality based on the content being played. Additionally, the LG soundbar has more connectivity options, including Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, as well as support for multiple audio formats.
Which soundbar has better sound quality?
The sound quality of both soundbars is exceptional, but they have some differences in terms of tone and character. The Samsung HW-Q800A has a more neutral sound signature, with clear and detailed highs, and a balanced midrange. It’s particularly good at reproducing dialogue and music with a lot of detail and nuance. The HW-Q800A also has a more pronounced bass response, thanks to its separate subwoofer, which adds more depth and rumble to the audio.
The LG soundbar, on the other hand, has a slightly warmer sound signature, with a more emphasized low-end response. It’s particularly good at reproducing bass-heavy content, such as action movies and electronic music. However, some users may find the bass response to be a bit too pronounced, depending on their personal preferences. Overall, both soundbars are capable of producing excellent sound quality, but they cater to different tastes and preferences.
Does the Samsung HW-Q800A support Dolby Atmos?
Yes, the Samsung HW-Q800A supports Dolby Atmos, which is a key feature for anyone looking for an immersive audio experience. Dolby Atmos is an object-based audio format that allows for the creation of 3D soundscapes, with sound objects that can move independently in three-dimensional space. The HW-Q800A is capable of decoding and rendering Dolby Atmos audio, which makes it an excellent choice for anyone who wants to experience the latest audio technologies.
In addition to Dolby Atmos, the HW-Q800A also supports other advanced audio formats, including DTS:X and eARC (enhanced Audio Return Channel). These features allow the soundbar to receive and process high-quality audio signals from compatible devices, such as 4K TVs and Blu-ray players.
Can I use the LG soundbar with my Samsung TV?
Yes, you can use the LG soundbar with your Samsung TV, as long as the TV has an HDMI ARC (Audio Return Channel) port. The LG soundbar has an HDMI ARC port that allows it to receive audio signals from the TV, and it’s compatible with a wide range of devices, including Samsung TVs. However, keep in mind that you may not be able to take full advantage of the LG soundbar’s features and technologies if you’re using it with a Samsung TV.
For example, the LG soundbar’s AI-powered sound technology may not work seamlessly with a Samsung TV, as it’s optimized to work with LG TVs. Additionally, some features, such as wireless connectivity and multi-room audio, may not be available when using the LG soundbar with a Samsung TV.
How do I connect the Samsung HW-Q800A to my TV?
Connecting the Samsung HW-Q800A to your TV is relatively straightforward, as long as your TV has an HDMI ARC port. Simply connect the soundbar to the TV using an HDMI cable, and set the TV’s audio output to “External Speakers.” The HW-Q800A will automatically detect the TV and configure itself to receive audio signals.
If your TV doesn’t have an HDMI ARC port, you can also connect the soundbar using an optical audio cable or a 3.5mm audio cable. However, keep in mind that these connections may not support advanced audio formats like Dolby Atmos or eARC.
Does the LG soundbar have a built-in subwoofer?
No, the LG soundbar does not have a built-in subwoofer. Instead, it comes with a separate subwoofer unit that needs to be placed separately from the soundbar. This allows for more flexibility in terms of placement and setup, as you can place the subwoofer in a location that best suits your listening environment.
The separate subwoofer also allows for more powerful and detailed bass response, as it’s not limited by the soundbar’s compact design. However, it does require more space and cabling, which may be a consideration for some users.
Can I use the Samsung HW-Q800A as a wireless speaker?
Yes, the Samsung HW-Q800A can be used as a wireless speaker, thanks to its built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity. You can connect the soundbar to your smartphone or tablet using the Samsung SmartThings app, and stream music wirelessly from your device. The HW-Q800A also supports multi-room audio, which allows you to connect multiple Samsung soundbars to create a whole-home audio system.
However, keep in mind that the HW-Q800A’s wireless connectivity is primarily designed for streaming music and other audio content, rather than for immersing yourself in a cinematic audio experience. If you want to use the soundbar for wireless surround sound, you may need to purchase additional wireless rear speakers or a wireless subwoofer.