Samsung HW-S60B: A Deep Dive into Smart Audio Performance

The Samsung HW-S60B soundbar makes an immediate impression with its compelling design, tastefully blending functionality and aesthetics. It boasts a sleek, black, all-in-one design, with dimensions at 764.0 x 125.0 x 70.0 mm. Its compact and elongated profile allows it to effortlessly blend with the surroundings while not compromising on the audio output, making it ideal for use with medium-to-large-sized televisions.

The soundbar is encapsulated in a premium, wrap-around grille, adding an artistic touch to its overall appeal. A minimalistic array of touch-sensitive controls adorns the top, providing easy access to core features and settings. The right-hand side is subtly decked with an LED display, showing essential statuses like volume, input source, and more. This display is intuitively designed to fade out when not in use, thus keeping in line with the soundbar’s clean, distraction-free aesthetics.

Performance-Driven Features

Acoustic Beam Technology: Creating a Panoramic Soundscape

At the core of the HW-S60B’s audio performance lies Samsung’s proprietary Acoustic Beam technology. This groundbreaking feature utilizes a series of strategically placed holes in the speaker enclosure to guide the sound, creating a more dynamic and immersive soundscape. By precisely directing sound waves, the Acoustic Beam technology ensures that you experience accurate and lifelike audio reproduction.

Whether you are watching a movie or playing games, the Acoustic Beam technology truly shines. It enhances the spatial dimension of the sound, making it feel like it’s coming from all around you. As a result, you can feel fully immersed in the action, with sound that is directionally accurate and truly captivating.

Preset Sound Modes: Tailoring Audio Output to Your Content

To further optimize the audio experience, the HW-S60B offers a variety of preset sound modes. Each mode is designed to enhance specific types of content, allowing you to customize the audio output based on your preferences.

Mode	Description
Standard Mode	This mode provides an all-around sound output suitable for a range of media. Whether you’re watching TV shows, listening to podcasts, or enjoying casual music, the Standard mode delivers a balanced audio performance.
Music Mode	If you’re a music enthusiast, the HW-S60B’s Music mode is perfect for you. This mode optimizes the audio settings to enhance the details and bass, resulting in a precise and high-definition audio experience.
Adaptive Mode	Sometimes, you may not know the ideal sound settings for a particular piece of content. That’s where the Adaptive mode comes in. It automatically analyzes the audio input and adjusts the sound parameters accordingly.
Surround Mode	For a truly cinematic experience, the Surround mode is your go-to option. This mode creates an immersive and panoramic soundstage, simulating a multi-channel audio setup to bring the action to life.

Hands-Free Control with Amazon Alexa Integration

In addition to its exceptional audio performance, the HW-S60B goes a step further by integrating with Amazon Alexa. With this feature, you can control the soundbar using simple voice commands, making hands-free control a reality.

By connecting the HW-S60B to your Alexa-enabled device, you gain access to a wide range of voice-activated controls. Whether you want to change the audio track, adjust the volume, or seek information, all you need to do is ask Alexa. This seamless integration provides convenience and ease of use, allowing you to focus on enjoying your audio experience without any distractions.

Delving into the Sound Quality

The Samsung HW-S60B is a soundbar that sets the bar high with its quality sound performance. Acoustic Beam technology, Standard and Adaptive modes, and excellent music capabilities all contribute to its outstanding performance. Let’s delve into the sound quality in more detail.

1. Acoustic Beam Technology

One of the striking features of the Samsung HW-S60B is the Acoustic Beam technology, which gives it an edge over many other soundbars in the market. This technology ensures that sound is delivered across a wider area, creating a much more immersive listening experience.

• The soundbar fills the room with balanced and rich sound, which enhances the overall listening experience, be it movies, music, or any other form of media;
• Action scenes in movies feel more engaging and lively;
• Dialogues stand out, clearly discernible, even amidst complex sound mixes.

2. Standard and Adaptive Modes

The Samsung HW-S60B comes with both Standard and Adaptive modes, each enhancing the sound output in its unique way.

Mode	Description
Standard Mode	This mode provides a well-rounded sound output, capable of effectively handling various types of media. It offers an overall solid performance without the need for constant adjustments.
Adaptive Mode	This mode intelligently adjusts the audio output to match the content being played. It enhances the clarity and richness of details in the sound. This feature is especially noticeable during dialogue-heavy scenes, where each word is crystal clear. The background score is finely balanced, making sure it doesn’t overpower the dialogues.

3. Music Performance

The HW-S60B shines brightly when it comes to music performance.

• It provides a nuanced, detailed sound output that brings out the best in every genre;
• The bass is strong and well-defined without overwhelming the mids and highs;
• This results in a satisfying listening experience for both casual listeners and audiophiles.

Feature	Benefit
Acoustic Beam Technology	Delivers sound across a wider area, offering a more immersive experience.
Standard Mode	Provides well-rounded sound output for various media types without the need for adjustments.
Adaptive Mode	Adjusts audio output intelligently to match the content, enhancing clarity and richness.
Music Performance	Offers nuanced, detailed sound with well-defined bass, suitable for all music genres.

The Samsung HW-S60B, with its combination of features, delivers superior sound quality, making it an excellent choice for anyone looking to enhance their home audio experience.

A Look at the Connectivity Options

The Samsung HW-S60B does not hold back in terms of connectivity options. It supports both Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, allowing you to stream music directly from your phone or via online streaming platforms. The soundbar delivers a seamless, wireless listening experience, free from the clutter of cables.

For those who prefer wired connections, the HW-S60B offers HDMI (ARC), optical input, and a USB port. The HDMI ARC simplifies the setup process by reducing cable clutter and allowing the TV remote to control the soundbar.

Connectivity Option	Description
Bluetooth	Wireless connection for streaming music from mobile devices
Wi-Fi	Connects to your home network for internet radio and online streaming
HDMI (ARC)	Simplifies setup and allows control via TV remote
Optical Input	For connecting to TVs or other devices that do not support HDMI
USB port	For playing media files directly from a USB flash drive

Installation & Setup Process

The Samsung HW-S60B Soundbar offers an immersive audio experience for your home entertainment system. With its easy installation and setup process, you can enjoy high-quality sound in no time. 

Unboxing and Package Contents

When you first unbox the HW-S60B, you will find the following items in the package:

• HW-S60B Soundbar;
• Wireless Subwoofer;
• Remote Control with Batteries;
• Power Cord;
• HDMI Cable;
• Wall Mount Bracket;
• Wall Mount Guide;
• User Manual.

Make sure you have all the components before proceeding with the installation.

Placement Options

Before starting the installation, decide where you want to place the soundbar. The HW-S60B offers two placement options: sitting in front of your TV or wall mounting. Consider your room layout and personal preferences when choosing the placement.

• Placement in Front of TV: If you choose to place the soundbar in front of your TV, make sure it is centered and aligned with the TV screen. This setup works well for most living rooms and provides easy access to the soundbar’s controls;
• Wall Mounting: Wall mounting the HW-S60B can be a great option if you want to save space or achieve a cleaner look. Follow these steps to mount the soundbar on the wall:

Step	Instructions
1	Identify a suitable wall location above or below your TV.
2	Use the provided Wall Mount Guide to mark the position of the screw holes.
3	Drill holes according to the markings and insert the provided wall anchors.
4	Attach the Wall Mount Brackets to the wall using screws.
5	Carefully align the soundbar with the brackets and secure it in place.

Physical Connection

Once you have decided on the placement, it’s time to connect the soundbar to your TV and power source.

• HDMI ARC Connection: The HW-S60B features HDMI ARC (Audio Return Channel) connectivity, allowing you to connect the soundbar to your TV with a single HDMI cable. Follow these steps to establish the HDMI ARC connection:

Step	Instructions
1	Locate the HDMI ARC port on your TV and the corresponding port on the soundbar.
2	Connect one end of the HDMI cable to the HDMI ARC port on the soundbar.
3	Connect the other end of the HDMI cable to the HDMI ARC port on your TV.
4	Power on both the soundbar and the TV.

The HDMI ARC connection enables seamless audio transmission between your TV and the soundbar while eliminating the need for extra cables.

• Power Connection: Connect the power cord to the soundbar and plug it into a power outlet. Ensure the power source is easily accessible and can accommodate the soundbar and its subwoofer.

Configuration and Setup

Now that you have completed the physical installation, it’s time to configure the soundbar settings and fine-tune the audio output.

• Alexa Setup: The HW-S60B comes with built-in Alexa voice control, allowing you to interact with the soundbar through voice commands. Follow these steps to set up Alexa:

Step	Instructions
1	Ensure your soundbar is connected to the internet via Wi-Fi.
2	Download the Samsung SmartThings app on your smartphone or tablet.
3	Open the app and sign in or create a Samsung account.
4	Follow the on-screen instructions to set up the soundbar with Alexa.
5	Once the setup is complete, you can control the soundbar using voice commands.

• Audio Settings: To optimize your audio experience, you can adjust the soundbar’s settings according to your preferences. The HW-S60B offers various sound modes, equalizer settings, and audio enhancements. Use the remote control or the Samsung SmartThings app to access these settings and customize the audio output to your liking.

Troubleshooting

If you encounter any issues during the installation or setup process, refer to the user manual for troubleshooting steps. Common troubleshooting tips include checking the connections, ensuring the soundbar and TV settings are correctly configured, and updating the soundbar’s firmware if necessary.

Setting up the Samsung HW-S60B Soundbar is a straightforward process, thanks to its user-friendly design and clear instructions. Whether you choose to place it in front of your TV or mount it on the wall, the HW-S60B delivers immersive sound quality that enhances your home entertainment experience. With features like HDMI ARC and built-in Alexa, the soundbar offers convenience and ease of use.

Contemporary Alternatives to Samsung HW-S60B Soundbar

While the Samsung HW-S60B offers a stellar performance with its immersive sound and smart features, there are also other contemporary soundbars in the market that deserve consideration. Here are a few alternatives you might want to look at:

• Sonos Beam Gen 2: Compact yet powerful, this soundbar supports Dolby Atmos and is known for delivering impressive sound quality. Its built-in Alexa and Google Assistant, and the ability to integrate into the larger Sonos system, make it a flexible and smart choice for contemporary households;
• Bose Smart Soundbar 700: This high-end soundbar from Bose is lauded for its immersive sound experience. It features built-in Alexa, with an advanced eight-microphone setup for superior voice pickup. Plus, its stylish design adds a touch of elegance to any home theater setup.

Here’s a comprehensive videos review of the Samsung HW-S60B to give you a more detailed overview of the product: 

Conclusion

 The Samsung HW-S60B is a well-rounded soundbar that checks all the right boxes. It scores high on design, delivers top-notch sound performance, and comes loaded with advanced features that make it a worthwhile addition to your home entertainment system.

FAQ