Samsung HW-B550 Sound Bar Review And Specification: Budget Audio Brilliance for Your Home Cinema

In the constantly changing world of home audio, the quest for the perfect harmony between sound and spending can sometimes be likened to finding a needle in a haystack. Now, we’re taking a close look at the Samsung HW-B550 Sound Bar, a mid-range device which delivers high-quality audio without denting your wallet. As a person who’s reviewed hundreds of sound systems over the years, I was curious to find out if this 2.1 channel soundbar could live up to Samsung’s claims of immersive sound and deep bass. After weeks of testing with a variety of content types, I’ve put together my thoughts on whether or not this soundbar is worth taking up space in your living room.

Design and Build Quality

The Samsung HW-B550 Sound Bar adopts Samsung’s minimalist aesthetic with a slim, discreet profile that works well with most contemporary TVs. At 860mm wide, 59.4mm high, and 75mm deep, the central speaker unit is small enough to sit neatly underneath most TV sets without obstructing the IR sensor. The matte black finish and fine mesh grille provide a premium appearance that’s at odds with its mid-range price tag.

The wireless subwoofer is only 346mm tall and has the dimensions of 184mm wide and 295mm deep. It’s compact enough, considering the competitors, and can be placed discreetly in your home. The construction is of good quality throughout and has no rattling effect or cheap plastic feel that tends to infect cost-cutting audio gear.

The control panel is placed atop the soundbar with simple controls for power, volume, and input selection. The remote that comes with it works if a little rudimentary, providing access to all the sound modes and settings. A front-mounted small LED display shows critical information regarding volume levels, input sources, and sound modes.

Setup and Connectivity

One of the Samsung HW-B550 Sound Bar’s biggest selling points is that it’s easy to set up. The procedure is simple – hook up the soundbar to your TV using an HDMI ARC or optical cable, plug both devices into power cords, and you’re done. The wireless subwoofer connects automatically to the main unit, removing cable mess between devices.

For connectivity, the HW-B550 provides:

• 1 HDMI input
• 1 HDMI output with ARC support
• 1 Optical input
• Bluetooth connectivity with multi-connection capability
• USB port for music playback

HDMI ARC feature enables you to control the soundbar using your TV remote via HDMI-CEC, eliminating remote clutter. For Samsung TV users, the One Remote Control compatibility is especially convenient, allowing you to control both devices hassle-free.

Bluetooth connectivity is seamless, enabling you to stream music from your smartphone or tablet. The multi-connection feature is particularly handy, enabling you to connect two devices and switch between them without disconnecting.

Audio Performance

Finally, onto the most important part of any Samsung HW-B550 Sound Bar Review And Specification breakdown: how does it actually sound?
2.1 channel mode provides an overall power output of 410W, which is impressive for such a soundbar at this price point. Five speaker drivers contained within the main unit produce a reasonably expansive soundstage, but the low end comes courtesy of the wireless subwoofer, which performs surprisingly well.

Movie Experience

During tests using action films such as “Mad Max: Fury Road” and “Dune,” the HW-B550 performed well. DTS Virtual creates a good imitation of 3D sound space that stretches past the soundbar’s physical space. Though it can’t replace the actual surround experience offered by more costly setups with rear speakers, it manages to do a good job projecting sound to a medium room.

The Dolby Audio support provides heightened dialogue clarity so that even whispered words in “Tenet” can be heard clearly without continually turning up the volume. The Bass Boost feature provides cinematic weight to explosion and chase scenes, though at their highest levels, there is a bit of distortion that higher-end systems don’t experience.

The Adaptive Sound Lite mode came in handy most especially while watching movies, automatically adjusting audio according to content. It focused on dialogue in dialogue-rich scenes and boosted effects during action scenes without the need for manual tweaking.

Music Performance

For music playback, the Samsung HW-B550 delivers a pleasant, balanced sound profile with the standard sound mode. Testing across genres from classical to hip-hop revealed good stereo separation and a respectable soundstage. The midrange is clear, making vocals stand out nicely in tracks from Adele and Sam Smith.

The bass response is punchy enough for contemporary popular music, with the subwoofer providing significant depth to songs from such artists as The Weeknd and Billie Eilish. Audiophiles may, however, find the bass a bit boomy and not having the subtle control that they would expect in top-end systems.

The highs are clean but not harsh, although more complex orchestral works tend to get a bit muddy when several instruments fight in the higher registers. For everyday listening, though, most users will find the sound quality quite satisfactory.

Gaming Experience

Gamers will enjoy the exclusive Game Mode, which prioritizes directional audio cues important for competitive gaming. Testing with “Call of Duty: Warzone” and “Fortnite” showed good positional audio that assists in locating enemies. The mode also boosts environmental effects and reduces audio delay, giving a competitive advantage.

The cross-talk cancellation technology performs as described, serving to isolate important game sound from ambient effects. Racing games such as “Forza Horizon 5” are significantly enhanced by the strong subwoofer, which provides real weight to engine growls and crashes.

Special Features

The Samsung HW-B550 Sound Bar features a number of capabilities that make it more versatile:

• Night Mode: For nighttime viewing, Night Mode cuts bass and focuses on dialogue so that you can watch content without disturbing members of your family. It’s an excellent feature that reduces dynamic range but leaves audio clarity unaffected.
• Voice Enhance: The Voice Enhance feature amplifies dialogue frequencies, allowing for easier conversation tracking in poorly mixed audio content or when viewing at reduced volumes. This was especially helpful for news programs and documentaries where narration clarity is critical.
• Bass Boost: With a single button press, Bass Boost mode maximizes low frequencies for a more dramatic effect. Though it does introduce tons of rumble to action sequences and music cuts, it does sometimes overpower mid-range frequencies at higher levels.
• Wireless Surround Sound Compatibility: While not part of the standard system, the HW-B550 is compatible with Samsung’s Wireless Rear Speaker Kit (a separate purchase), making it possible to expand in the future to a more immersive 4.1 channel system. This future upgrade path is a plus for those who may consider upgrading their system in the future.

Everyday User Experience

Living with the Samsung HW-B550 Sound Bar over several weeks revealed its strengths and limitations in real-world use. The soundbar remembers your preferred settings for each input source, eliminating the need to readjust when switching between your TV, gaming console, or Bluetooth device.

The auto power feature that powers up the soundbar when the TV turns on works flawlessly, although there is a slight lag before sound output begins. The LED display is visible from afar but turns itself off after a few seconds to prevent distraction while watching.

Remote control is great with no apparent delay, although the absence of backlit buttons means nighttime adjustments are tricky. Top-mounted controls are a handy fallback when the remote inevitably gets lost between couch cushions.

Overall Star Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐½ (4.5/5)

The Samsung HW-B550 Sound Bar performs exceedingly well considering the price tag, offering solid power, useful capabilities, and decent connectivity features. Though not up to the quality of a pair of double-expensive premium soundbars, it’s phenomenal value for most folks wanting an improvement over TV audio.

Customer Feedback Reviews

User Name	Rating	Review Comments
AudioPhil	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐	“Transformed my viewing experience completely. The subwoofer packs a serious punch for its size, and dialogue clarity is excellent. Best audio purchase I’ve made under $300.”
MovieMom	⭐⭐⭐⭐	“We bought this mainly for watching films, and it’s been great. The night mode is a lifesaver when the kids are asleep. Lost one star because the remote feels a bit cheap.”
GamerGuy89	⭐⭐⭐⭐½	“Game mode works better than expected! Can actually hear footsteps and directional cues now. Bass is powerful but can get slightly muddy during intense scenes.”
TechReviewer	⭐⭐⭐⭐	“Solid mid-range option with good feature set. The virtual surround isn’t as convincing as Samsung claims, but the overall sound quality exceeds expectations at this price point.”

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Powerful 410W output delivers room-filling sound
• Wireless subwoofer adds substantial bass without cable clutter
• Easy setup with automatic subwoofer pairing
• Multiple sound modes for different content types
• Dolby Audio and DTS Virtual support
• Bluetooth multi-connection for convenient device switching
• Adaptive Sound Lite technology optimizes audio based on content
• Compatible with Samsung One Remote Control
• Expandable with optional wireless rear speakers
• Excellent value for money

Cons:

• Single HDMI input limits connected devices
• No Wi-Fi connectivity or smart features
• Bass can become boomy at highest volumes
• No true Dolby Atmos support
• Remote lacks backlit buttons
• Virtual surround effect is limited compared to systems with dedicated rear speakers

 

Final Verdict

The Samsung HW-B550 Sound Bar is a great compromise in the ever-more crowded soundbar market. It provides significant audio upgrades over TV speakers with sufficient advanced features to please most consumers. At its price level (usually around $250-300), it’s an incredible value that’s difficult to match.

The system excels in providing clear dialogue, powerful bass, and a wider soundstage than its physical dimensions would suggest. While audiophiles might notice its limitations with complex musical passages, and home theater enthusiasts might miss true surround sound, the average consumer will be thoroughly impressed by the audio upgrade.

The bundled subwoofer is one of the standout features, providing powerful low-end response that enhances the cinematic experience during movies and gaming. The multiple sound modes and optimization options demonstrate Samsung’s grasp of how products are used in everyday life, solving typical audio problems in the process.

Where the Samsung HW-B550 Sound Bar truly shines is in its balance of performance, features, and affordability. It doesn’t try to be the absolute best soundbar on the market – instead, it focuses on providing the most bang for your buck, delivering the audio improvements most users will notice and appreciate without unnecessary bells and whistles that drive up the price.

Notable Competitors

At the same price point, the Samsung HW-B550 Sound Bar has some strong competition from the following worthy alternatives:

• The Sony HT-S350 provides equivalent 2.1 channel setup with a higher power 320W subwoofer but misses some of the Samsung’s sound enhancement capabilities.
• The JBL Bar 2.1 Deep Bass delivers superior low-frequency output but fails to deliver the Samsung’s dialogue purity.
• The Yamaha YAS-209 features Amazon Alexa integration and slightly improved music output but normally sells for $50-100 more.

What distinguishes the Samsung HW-B550 is its well-balanced approach to all types of content and the expansion path through compatible rear speakers, making it a system that will adapt to your needs.

Who Is It Best Suited For?

The Samsung HW-B550 Sound Bar is suited for:

1. Apartment residents who desire better sound without a complicated setup or space-taking equipment
2. Film buffs wanting improved dialogue definition and bass extension without spending on a complete surround system
3. Recreational gamers who could make use of more positional audio
4. Samsung TV customers looking for convenient integration through One Remote Control
5. Music fans looking for improved sound compared to TV speakers for online music services
6. Frugal shoppers wanting the highest-quality audio under $300

It’s less ideal for serious audiophiles, those with expansive viewing areas needing authentic surround sound, or people looking for smart features and voice assistant capabilities.

In short, the Samsung HW-B550 Sound Bar provides phenomenal performance at mid-range cost. By prioritizing essential sound quality over flashy features, Samsung has developed a soundbar that makes significant, real-world improvements to your video and audio experience. If you’re wanting to move beyond your TV’s stock speakers without spending a fortune, the HW-B550 should be at or very close to the top of your list.

Frequently Asked Questions: Samsung HW-B550 Sound Bar

Is the Samsung HW-B550 Sound Bar universally compatible with any TV?

Yes, the Samsung HW-B550 is universally compatible with most any TV. It may be connected via HDMI ARC (the most desirable method for ultimate audio quality and control features), optical cable, or even Bluetooth in case your TV is so equipped. For best integration, Samsung TV owners will also appreciate One Remote Control functionality.

How do I pair the subwoofer to the soundbar?

The subwoofer pairs wirelessly with the main soundbar unit. Just plug the soundbar and subwoofer into power sockets, and they will automatically be paired. If they won’t automatically pair, refer to the instruction manual for the manual pairing process, which generally requires pressing a subwoofer button.

Can I wall mount the Samsung HW-B550?

Yes, the wall mounting brackets and mounting template are included in the box with the soundbar. The thin height (59.4mm) is ideal to be mounted below your TV and not stick out too much.

Does the HW-B550 deliver true surround sound?

The Samsung HW-B550 has a 2.1 channel system and virtual surround technology (DTS Virtual). Though it produces a great virtual surround effect, it is not surround sound. Nevertheless, it can be augmented by buying optional Samsung Wireless Rear Speaker Kits (SWA-9200S or SWA-9100S) separately.

Is it possible to stream audio from my phone onto the soundbar?

Yes! The soundbar also has Bluetooth connectivity that lets you stream music directly from smartphones, tablets, and computers. It even has multi-connection Bluetooth so you can connect two devices at a time and switch between them without having to disconnect.

Will this soundbar be compatible with my Samsung TV remote?

If you own a newer Samsung TV, the soundbar is compatible with Samsung’s One Remote Control feature. With this, you can control fundamental soundbar operations using your current Samsung TV remote without the necessity of using the soundbar remote.

Can the dialogue clarity be improved?

Yes, the soundbar features a Voice Enhance mode specifically designed to boost dialogue frequencies. This is particularly useful for news programs, dialogue-heavy films, or when watching TV at lower volumes.

How loud is the Samsung HW-B550?

With a total of 410W power, the HW-B550 is capable of filling medium to big rooms with clear sound. The wireless subwoofer delivers powerful bass power, and it is apt for apartments, but neighbors may like you playing the Night Mode at late night hours!

Can I control the bass and treble?

Yes, you can separately adjust the bass and treble levels with the specific buttons on the remote control. That way, you can get the sound tailored to your taste or tuned for various content types.

Does it support Dolby Atmos?

No, the Samsung HW-B550 does not include support for Dolby Atmos. It does include support for Dolby Audio (2-channel) and DTS Virtual, which will create virtual 3D surround sound, but not actual overhead Atmos effects. For Dolby Atmos, you might need to look at higher-end models in Samsung’s product line.

How many devices can I connect to the soundbar?

It features 1 HDMI input, 1 HDMI output (with ARC), 1 optical input, and 1 USB port for music playing. In addition, it is also Bluetooth compatible. This allows you to plug in about 3-4 devices and more using Bluetooth.

Does it include all cables required?

The Samsung HW-B550 usually comes with an optical cable in the package, but there are no HDMI cables included as a rule. Check the actual package contents upon purchase, since accessories included might differ by country.

Can I use my phone to control the soundbar?

The soundbar lacks Wi-Fi connectivity, and therefore it does not support Samsung’s SmartThings app. Nevertheless, if your TV has HDMI-CEC support and you are connecting using HDMI ARC connection, you can possibly control some of the soundbar functions using your TV’s mobile app if it supports one.

Is the Night Mode effective for late-night viewing?

Yes, quite effective is the Night Mode that some users prefer. It lowers low-frequency bass tones (which spread most easily across walls), attenuates the dynamic range, and improves dialogue readability so you don’t have to listen at normal volumes but will still be entertained.

How power-efficient is the soundbar?

The HW-B550 is Energy Star compliant with standby power consumption being low (0.5W for main unit and subwoofer). Operating power is at 25W (main unit) and 45W (subwoofer), which is quite good for the amount of power put out.