Overall, the Samsung HW-T650 soundbar has decent performance. It has a well-balanced and precise sound reproduction that makes it suitable for a variety of uses. This 3.1 configuration has a central channel that makes dialogue and voices clear and accurate. On the flip side, you need to mix surround content with stereo, which doesn’t provide the most immersive movie viewing experience. Movie buffs may also be disappointed that they don’t support Atmos content. However, there are a few sound customization options, so you have some control over the audio playback of the bar.
The Samsung HW-T650 soundbar has a simple and elegant design. It’s mainly made of plastic, and there’s a metal grille on the front that covers the channels and screen. At the top center of the bar, backwards, there are four physical buttons that allow you to control the bar.
The Samsung HW-T650 has a very good stereo frequency response. Its bass does not extend very low, so it will not be able to completely reproduce the deep stroke and rumble in the content of heavy bass. However, the overall sound profile is quite neutral and well balanced, so the bar is suitable for a variety of music genres. It also has five EQ presets (standard, surround sound, game, smart sound, DTS: Virtual X) to help you customize the sound to your liking.
The Samsung HW-T650 soundbar is very good for watching heavy content such as podcasts and TV shows. It has accurate sound reproduction, especially in the mid-range, which is more important for voices. This 3.1 configuration has a dedicated central channel, so entries must be played clearly and accurately. There is also a function to improve dialogue, so dialogue should not be stifled by background noise. In general, this bar can make noise without producing much compression. You can even connect your mobile devices to the bar via Bluetooth.
The Samsung HW-T650 soundbar has adequate film performance. The sound profile is quite neutral and balanced. However, it lacks a bit of sub-bass, so it may not be able to fully reproduce the lowest and most jagged shots in action-packed scenes. This soundbar can be noisy and there aren’t many compression artifacts at maximum volume. On the flip side, mix surround content with stereo, which isn’t very engaging. Unlike other 3.1 configurations we tested, it does not support Dolby Atmos content.
Now, let’s discuss one of the most crucial questions: How does the HW T650 actually deliver its audio performance?
To put it frankly, it sounds exceptionally good.
Overall, it boasts a fairly neutral sound signature, not strongly favoring either end of the audio spectrum. While you do have the option to fine-tune settings like treble and bass through the menu, right out of the box, its sound quality is clear and crisp without being excessively bright or harsh.
Some soundbars tend to exaggerate the treble, leading to a slight hiss with certain content, but happily, this is not the case here.
What you get is a well-balanced and delightful sound that truly impresses, even at higher volume levels.
Moreover, the mid-range frequencies are accurately represented, providing voices with a crisp and lifelike tone. For instance, when watching a movie, even at higher volumes, no single frequency overshadows the others, ensuring a harmonious presence across the entire audio spectrum, from bass to high notes.
Even under regular circumstances and at moderate volumes, the sound remains crystal clear and immersive. I know I’ve emphasized this point already, but it truly encapsulates the experience.
Now, there are multiple ways to set up this soundbar, depending on your specific TV and setup, given its support for optical, HDMI, and Bluetooth connections.
If you have a Samsung TV, especially a newer one with Bluetooth capability, this is likely the easiest option. You simply connect the power cable to the soundbar and pair the two devices. To verify the successful pairing, you can check the device list to ensure the TV detects the signal.
For older TVs lacking HDMI ARC passthrough, you’ll need to use the included optical cable to connect the soundbar to the back of the television. Then, you’ll need to navigate the menus on both the TV and the soundbar to ensure they are set to the correct input.
The third option is for displays that support HDMI ARC. In this case, all you need to do is connect the HDMI cable from the soundbar to the TV. The subwoofer can be powered using the included power cable and paired with the soundbar.
Samsung HW-T650 Specs
Channel Configuration | 3.1-Channel |
Subwoofer Connectivity | Wireless |
Inputs | 1 x HDMI – Audio/Video 1 x Optical TOSLINK – Audio |
Outputs | 1 x HDMI – Audio/Video |
USB Ports | None |
Wireless Audio Protocols | Bluetooth |
NFC | No |
Audio Decoding | DTS Virtual:X, Dolby Digital |
Supported File Formats | AAC, AIFF, FLAC, MP3, OGG, WAV, WMA |