The Samsung HW-B650 is a 3.1 soundbar released in 2022, serving as the next generation of the Samsung HW-A650. It offers a similar design to the Samsung HW-B550 and HW-B450, with a simple and elegant appearance. The soundbar is equipped with a graphic EQ, allowing users to customize its sound to their preferences. While it lacks some features found in more premium models, such as room correction or Dolby Atmos support, the HW-B650 still delivers a decent performance for its price.
Overview
The Samsung HW-B650 is a 3.1 channel soundbar that offers a multi-directional sound experience with Dolby Digital 5.1 capability and DTS Virtual:X support. Key features and specifications of the Samsung HW-B650 include:
- Dolby Atmos and DTS Virtual:X: These technologies create realistic 3D sound by projecting it from all around you, including from above, while DTS Virtual:X expands your listening experience without the need for additional speakers.
- Built-in Center Speaker: The soundbar includes a built-in center speaker that delivers enhanced dialogue, ensuring you won’t miss a word.
- Bass Boost: The HW-B650 allows you to boost the bass with the touch of a button for a more immersive audio experience.
- Compatibility: The soundbar is compatible with various audio formats and can be connected to your TV or other devices via HDMI ARC, optical, or Bluetooth.
- Design: The HW-B650 has a simple design, similar to the Samsung HW-B550 and HW-B450, but without the premium features found in more expensive models like room correction or Dolby Atmos support.
- Price: The soundbar is priced at $199.99, offering a balance between performance and affordability.
Overall, the Samsung HW-B650 is a decent choice for most purposes, providing an improved audio experience for TV shows, movies, and music. However, if you’re looking for a more versatile soundbar with support for Dolby Atmos, you might want to consider the more expensive Samsung HW-Q60B, which is also a 3.1 channel soundbar but supports Atmos content.
Design and Setup
We were impressed with the sleek and modern look of the soundbar itself; its relatively compact size and modest footprint allow it to blend seamlessly into any entertainment setup without taking up much space. The materials felt premium, with a durable metal grill and a minimalist design that should complement any home theater aesthetic.
Setting up the HW-B650 was quick. With options for HDMI, optical, and Bluetooth connections, there should be no trouble wirelessly pairing it with devices. There’s also WiFi compatibility for a stable streaming experience. We appreciated the inclusion of necessary cables in the box, which meant we didn’t have to run out for an extra purchase to get everything hooked up.
Operating the soundbar with the included remote felt intuitive; the buttons were responsive, and we quickly got the hang of navigating through different sound modes.
Features
When we set up the Samsung HW-B650 Soundbar with the SWA-9200S Rear Speakers in our living room, the first thing we noticed was the improvement in multi-directional sound over 2.1 soundbars. You feel like you’re in the middle of the action thanks to the DTS Virtual:X virtualization with satellite speakers. A single button press enhanced the bass, adding depth to the audio that we found perfect for movie nights.
The built-in center speaker was a standout, catching every line of dialogue clearly, so we didn’t miss out on quiet conversations even when the soundtrack swelled. The wireless surround sound setup was effortless, with no cables cluttering the space, creating an immersive experience from every corner of the room.
We appreciated the Bluetooth multi-connection feature, making it a breeze to switch between devices. The system doesn’t skimp on connectivity—it effortlessly paired with optional Samsung speakers for that room-filling sound.
However, while using it, we felt the absence of WiFi streaming and voice assistant compatibility, which could have taken convenience to the next level. We didn’t find direct mentions of sound adjustment modes like surround or game, but the standard audio output was already quite rich. Another point to mention is the lack of explicit details on HDMI ports or audio passthrough for 4K video sources, which could be a consideration if your setup relies on ultra-high-definition content.
In summary, despite a couple of missed features that tech enthusiasts might look for, the audio performance on offer by the HW-B650 Soundbar with SWA-9200S Rear Speakers is solid, especially when it comes to building that home theatre atmosphere with ease.
Sound Quality
Recently, we had the opportunity to test the HW-B650 with the SWA-9200S Rear Speakers and we’ve been quite impressed. The 3.1 channel soundbar, when combined with the wireless rear speakers, creates an immersive audio experience. Whether we were watching action-packed movies or streaming our favorite TV shows, the clarity of dialogue stood out. The Dolby 5.1 and DTS Virtual:X support brought a cinematic feel to our living room, and the performance is solid even without the satellite speakers.
A big feature of the HW-B650 is the center channel speaker. It plays a critical role in delivering clear and crisp dialogue, a feature that’s often overlooked in sound systems. The built-in subwoofer didn’t disappoint either, providing sufficient depth and rumble in the bass that elevated our music listening sessions. For those moments when we wanted earth-shattering bass, the Bass Boost feature was just a button press away.
While we enjoyed the boosted bass, we appreciated being able to adjust it. This meant that we could scale back the bass for a more balanced sound during late-night TV sessions, preventing any potential disturbances. The Bluetooth Multi Connection was handy, allowing seamless switching between audio sources without the hassle of reconnecting devices.
Overall, for a sound system that aims to blend power, clarity, and immersive audio without overpowering, the HW-B650 with SWA-9200S ticks a lot of boxes.
Wireless Surround Sound
Our expectations were high when we started using the HW-B650 soundbar with the SWA-9200S rear speakers—and we weren’t disappointed. The ease of wirelessly connecting optional Samsung speakers to the soundbar was a game-changer. We felt enveloped by the sound, which truly filled the room without the hassle of running cables across our space.
Despite this seamless connectivity, we did notice a potential downside for those seeking the ultimate surround experience. The system doesn’t pack the power one might want for a larger room.
Conclusion
The Samsung HW-B650 soundbar with the SWA-9200S Rear Speakers is a robust addition to any home entertainment setup. The sound quality is significantly better than any built-in TV speakers, and the potential to upgrade it with rear speakers is nice. Within its ~$300 budget, you won’t find many better-sounding soundbars.
For those looking to elevate their audio without spending a fortune, this soundbar strikes a balance between quality and value. It’s particularly suited for mid-sized rooms where its capabilities can shine without being overpowered by space. We recommend this soundbar as a sound investment—pardon the pun—for anyone wanting an audio upgrade from their standard TV speakers without the complexities of a full home theater system.