Samsung HW-B650 Sound Bar Review and Specification: Affordable 3.1ch Audio That Delivers
Home theater isn’t just about eye-popping visuals—it’s also about engaging sound that sweeps you into the scene. The Samsung HW-B650 Sound Bar is designed to bring that kind of experience home without overwhelming your finances. I’ve reviewed this price-conscious soundbar system to see if it has a place in your home entertainment configuration.
Introduction
The Samsung HW-B650 Sound Bar is an affordable way to become part of the home audio revolution. This 3.1-channel system features a wireless subwoofer and delivers features expected of higher-end models. With features such as DTS Virtual and support for Dolby Digital 5.1, the HW-B650 is placed firmly in the running for a mid-range soundbar.
Design and Build Quality
The Samsung HW-B650 Sound Bar boasts a minimalist, slim look that should fit the majority of TV configurations. At 40.6 inches wide, it’s roughly the right size for 50-inch and larger TVs. The 2.3-inch low-profile height means it won’t obstruct your TV’s IR sensor or screen bottom.
The construction is solid, with a metal grille over the front and top of the soundbar providing a high-end look at its mid-range cost. The accompanying wireless subwoofer has a more functional design—a plain black box that is 7.2 × 13.6 × 11.6 inches large and can be placed quietly in a corner of your room.
The soundbar itself has a plain LED screen displaying input source and volume level. Physical buttons along the right edge offer simple controls, but most will use the supplied remote control.
Setup and Connectivity
The Samsung HW-B650 Sound Bar setup is delightfully uncomplicated. The wireless subwoofer automatically connects with the main unit when both are turned on, removing cable clutter between the components.
In terms of connectivity, the soundbar provides:
- 1 HDMI input
- 1 HDMI output with ARC support
- 1 optical digital audio input
- USB port for playing music
- Bluetooth connectivity
The HDMI ARC support is very handy, as you can hook up the soundbar to your TV using a single cable and control everything using your TV remote through the HDMI-CEC feature. Samsung’s “One Remote” feature is seamless if you already have a compatible Samsung TV.
Sound Performance
The Samsung HW-B650 Sound Bar provides great sound performance at its price. The 3.1-channel setup features separate left, right, and center channels, along with the wireless subwoofer.
The center channel built-in is noteworthy—dialogue clarity is superb, even in noisy action sequences or when background music dominates. This is a common criticism of entry-level soundbars that tend to falter with clear voice reproduction.
Bass response from the wireless subwoofer is impressive, delivering pleasing low-end boom during action-packed movie sequences. The “Bass Boost” remote button lets you add an extra kick to the low frequencies when you want it, although I found the default setting adequate for most material.
The Samsung HW-B650 Sound Bar is compatible with both Dolby Digital 5.1 and DTS Virtual, which tries to mimic surround sound without needing extra rear speakers. It can’t compete with a genuine 5.1 or 7.1 system, but the virtual surround is good enough to add to the sense of immersion. The soundstage is more expansive than you’d get from a unit of this size, with good simulation of height even without upward-firing drivers.
For music listening, the system plays well with excellent stereo separation, although audiophiles may perceive the sound signature as a little bass-biased. The “Standard” sound mode gives the best-balanced experience in music.
Special Features
The Samsung HW-B650 Sound Bar features some nice audio improvement options:
- Adaptive Sound Lite monitors your content in real-time and adjusts audio settings accordingly. It is especially convenient when changing content types, such as from dialogue-centric dramas to blockbuster action movies.
- Game Mode automatically turns on if a gaming console is plugged in, adjusting audio settings for gameplay with added directional audio cues and less audio lag.
- Voice Enhancement amplifies dialogue frequencies to make even a whispered conversation easier to hear without increasing overall volume.
- Night Mode lowers bass levels and compresses dynamic range so you can watch movies without disturbing others at home.
The soundbar is also Bluetooth Multi-Connection compatible, enabling two devices to be connected at the same time, which is convenient for multi-user households
Samsung HW-B650 Sound Bar Specifications
| Category | Specification |
|---|---|
| General | |
| Number of Channels | 3.1 |
| Number of Speakers | 7 |
| Center Speaker | Yes |
| Audio Features | |
| Sound Modes | Bass Boost, Surround Sound Expansion, Game, Adaptive Lite, DTS Virtual
, Standard |
| Dolby | Dolby Digital 5.1 capable |
| DTS | DTS 5.1ch, DTS Virtual |
| Auto AV Sync | Yes |
| Night Mode | Yes |
| Voice Enhance | Yes |
| Connectivity | |
| HDMI In | 1 |
| HDMI Out | 1 |
| HDMI-CEC | Yes |
| HDMI ARC | Yes |
| USB Music Playback | Yes |
| Bluetooth | Yes (SBC, AAC codecs) |
| Bluetooth Multi Connection | Yes |
| Bluetooth Power On | Yes |
| Digital Audio Input (Optical) | 1 |
| One Remote Control | Yes |
| Audio Decoding Format | |
| Supported Formats | WAV, MP3, WMA, OGG, FLAC, AAC, AIFF, LPCM (2ch) |
| Special Features | |
| Compatible With | SWA-9200S, SWA-9100S |
| Wireless Surround Sound Compatible | Yes |
| Compatible Wireless Subwoofer | Included |
| Energy Star Certified | Yes |
| Dimensions & Weight | |
| Soundbar Dimensions (W × H × D) | 40.6″ × 2.3″ × 4.1″ |
| Subwoofer Dimensions (W × H × D) | 7.2″ × 13.6″ × 11.6″ |
| Soundbar Weight | 6.8 lb |
| Subwoofer Weight | 11.2 lb |
| Total Weight | 18.1 lb |
| Package Details | |
| Package Dimensions (W × H × D) | 43.1″ × 17.7″ × 9.3″ |
| Package Weight | 22.7 lb |
| Included Accessories | |
| Remote Control | Yes |
| Wall Mount Kit | Yes |
| Optical Cable | Yes |
| Batteries for Remote | Yes |
Overall Rating:
⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)
Customer Feedback Reviews 📝
| User Name | Rating | Review Comments |
|---|---|---|
| Mark T. | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | “The bass is incredible, and dialogue is crystal clear—perfect for movies!” |
| Sarah L. | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | “Great value, but I wish it had true Atmos support.” |
| James K. | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | “Easy setup, and the wireless subwoofer is a game-changer.” |
| Priya R. | ⭐⭐⭐ | “Good sound, but Bluetooth occasionally disconnects.” |
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Dedicated center channel delivers exceptional dialogue clarity
- Wireless subwoofer provides deep, impactful bass
- DTS Virtual creates an expanded soundstage
- Bluetooth Multi-Connection for easy device switching
- Adaptive Sound Lite optimizes audio based on content
- Simple setup with wireless subwoofer pairing
- Energy Star certified for efficiency
- Excellent value for money
Cons:
- Limited connectivity options (only one HDMI input)
- Virtual surround effect varies based on room acoustics
- No Wi-Fi or smart assistant integration
- No Dolby Atmos support
- Control buttons on the unit could be more intuitive
Final Verdict
The Samsung HW-B650 Sound Bar provides impressive sound performance without breaking the bank. Its 3.1 channel setup with a separate center speaker addresses the all-too-common complaint of muddled dialogue, while the wireless subwoofer injects the requisite low-end rumble that elevates the viewing experience. While the virtual surround technologies don’t fully substitute for an actual multi-speaker arrangement, they offer a more immersive soundstage than typical 2.1 systems.
For most consumers looking to step up from built-in TV speakers without incurring premium audiophile prices, the Samsung HW-B650 emerges as a highly recommendable product. It strikes an ideal balance between performance, features, and cost, making it suitable for a wide range of home entertainment requirements.
Competition and Recommendations
The Samsung HW-B650 Sound Bar goes head-to-head with products such as the Sony HT-G700, Vizio M-Series, and JBL Bar 2.1. The Sony model features Dolby Atmos support at a higher price point, while the Vizio offers comparable performance at a similar cost. The JBL typically retails for less but lacks the separate center channel, which is a key feature that enhances dialogue clarity in the Samsung model.
The Samsung HW-B650 Sound Bar is particularly ideal for:
- Mid-sized living rooms and home theaters
- Users who prioritize dialogue clarity
- Movie and TV aficionados
- Light to medium-level gamers
- Those seeking good value without venturing into high-end price ranges
If you’re in the market for a sound upgrade that provides exceptional performance without a complicated setup, the Samsung HW-B650 Sound Bar should be at or near the top of your purchase list. It excels where sound quality is essential and comes with more than enough features to satisfy most home theater requirements.
Samsung HW-B650 Sound Bar FAQs
How hard is the Samsung HW-B650 Sound Bar to install?
Setup is very easy. The wireless subwoofer connects instantly with the main unit in the box. For simple operation, simply plug the provided optical cable to your TV, plug both units into a power outlet each, and you’re good to go. For advanced function, utilize the HDMI-ARC connection in which you can control the soundbar using your TV remote. Most people report to have the whole setup done within 15 minutes.
Will the Samsung HW-B650 Sound Bar be compatible with my non-Samsung TV?
Yes! Although Samsung is marketing some integration advantages with their own TVs, the HW-B650 is compatible with any TV brand. It’s connected using HDMI-ARC, optical cable, or even Bluetooth (in case your TV supports it). The fundamental features and sound performance are the same no matter your TV brand.
Can I wall mount this soundbar?
Yes, the Samsung HW-B650 Sound Bar includes a wall mounting kit as part of the packaging. The mount is easy with the included template and hardware. Just make sure you have the right wall anchors if mounting to drywall instead of mounting to studs directly.
How is the dialogue clarity in quiet scenes?
Dialogue clarity is also one of the HW-B650’s strongest suits. The separate center channel speaker greatly enhances vocal clarity over TV speakers or 2.0/2.1 soundbars. Furthermore, the Voice Enhance Mode enhances dialogue even further when engaged. Numerous users point out specifically no longer having to continually adjust volume throughout shows featuring whispered dialogue followed by loud action scenes.
Is the subwoofer really wireless?
The subwoofer is wirelessly connected to the primary soundbar for audio transfer, with no need for an audio cable between devices. It does need its own power cable, though. The wireless range is great, with the ability to place the device anywhere freely within around 30 feet or less of the main unit within typical home environments.
Can I stream music from my phone to the soundbar?
Yes, the Bluetooth Multi-Connection makes it easy to stream music from phones, tablets, and computers. You can even maintain two connections at the same time and toggle between them without having to re-pair. The sound quality for music is very good, particularly with the subwoofer enhancing the rich bass response.
Is there a night mode for late viewing?
Yes, the Night Mode of the dedicated sound bar lowers bass levels and compresses dynamic range, enabling you to watch films and TV shows without waking up sleeping family members or neighbors. It is conveniently accessible through the remote control.
How does the Samsung HW-B650 Sound Bar treat the sound of games?
The dedicated Game Mode also tweaks audio settings to enhance positional information and effects relevant to gaming. Gamers hear better placement of footsteps, direction of gunfire, and other spatial audio aspects. Audio lag is also reduced to a minimum, ensuring sound remains in sync with on-screen action.
Can I add rear speakers at a later stage?
Yes, Samsung HW-B650 Sound Bar works with Samsung’s wireless rear speaker kits (SWA-9100S or SWA-9200S), which can be purchased separately. Installing them turns the system from 3.1 to 5.1 channels for an enhanced surround experience.
How perceptible is the virtual surround sound effect?
The DTS Virtual technology produces a surprisingly good expanded soundstage that goes beyond the physical size of the soundbar. Not as accurate as a genuine multi-speaker system, it adds noticeable height and width to the sound field, especially in rooms with ceiling heights of 8-10 feet. The effect is strongest when sitting directly in front of the TV instead of off to the sides.
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