{"id":127131,"date":"2019-08-16T20:11:32","date_gmt":"2019-08-16T19:11:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.techweekmag.com\/?p=127131"},"modified":"2024-02-28T08:33:42","modified_gmt":"2024-02-28T08:33:42","slug":"samsung-hw-q70r-review-boasts-excellent-power-and-sound-quality","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.stereoindex.com\/tech\/speakers\/samsung-hw-q70r-review-boasts-excellent-power-and-sound-quality\/","title":{"rendered":"Samsung HW-Q70R : Boasts excellent power and sound quality"},"content":{"rendered":"

The mid-range Samsung HW-Q70R soundbar gets its design cues from the 2018 HW-N650 soundbar, but with some upgrades in the form of a larger subwoofer and support for Dolby Atmos and DTS: X. The Q70R soundbar, which turns out to be the same name the abbreviated model name in the company’s QLED TV line, uses Samsung Acoustic Beam technology.<\/p>\n

However, the speakers are now located in a more traditional 3.1.2 configuration.\u00a0The new soundbar isn’t cheap, but it can provide a very commendable multichannel immersive movie experience.\u00a0In this Samsung HW-Q70R review, we’ll take a closer look at the panel options that provide such impressive sound.<\/p>\n

Samsung HW-Q70R review<\/h2>\n

Design<\/h3>\n

The HW-Q70R soundbar uses the same chassis as the previous N650 soundbar.\u00a0This means that it is just as low (56 mm) and will not obstruct the screen when placed in front of a TV.
\nThe design is sleek and stylish, with a solid build and finish that Samsung calls “Black Mineral Ash”.<\/p>\n

There are metal grilles on the front and top, behind which are three direct-radiating speakers and two upward-radiating speakers.\u00a0Samsung has developed a soundbar that will be used in conjunction with the\u00a0Q70R\u00a0QLED\u00a0TVs\u00a0.\u00a0It goes well with this series, hence the rather confusing situation with the duplicated model number.<\/p>\n

<\/a><\/p>\n

However, the understated and minimalist look matches most other modern TVs, and its width means it can be used with screen sizes up to 65 inches.\u00a0The usual three-character screen is located in the far front right corner of the soundbar.\u00a0The display lights up when you select inputs, change settings, adjust the volume, or select one of the four available sound modes.<\/p>\n

The front panel on the right contains several basic controls for power, volume, and source selection;\u00a0everything else is controlled with the included remote control.\u00a0For those planning to mount this soundbar on a wall, a mount with screws and template is included.\u00a0The package also includes a high-speed HDMI cable, which is very convenient.<\/p>\n

The subwoofer has been upgraded from last year’s model.\u00a0It is still wireless and uses a bass-reflex design with a port in the back, but now boasts an 8 \u2033 side-firing woofer and increased power.\u00a0It is well made, and the look and finish is in keeping with the aesthetics of the soundbar.<\/p>\n

\"Samsung<\/a><\/p>\n

Functional<\/h3>\n

The Samsung HW-Q70R Sound Bar is a combination of a seven driver soundbar and a wireless subwoofer to provide a 3.1.2 surround sound configuration.\u00a0The acoustic beam function is based on a tuned resonating tube that directs sounds to the side and upwards towards the ceiling.\u00a0These acoustic beams bounce off the side walls and ceiling for a more immersive sound.<\/p>\n

There are also three forward-facing loudspeakers, i.e.\u00a0dialogue is reproduced by its own speaker in the center.\u00a0When all of these speakers are combined with a subwoofer, multi-channel object sound is produced.\u00a0The HW-Q70R supports Dolby Atmos and DTS: X in all variations except IMAX Enhanced DTS: X.<\/p>\n

The resulting immersion effect is strongly shifted to the front – after all, rear speakers are not provided.\u00a0But you can buy them, for example, wireless SWA-8500S.\u00a0Harman Cardone has also been involved in the development of the soundbar.<\/p>\n

The Samsung SmartThings app makes it easy to set up the HW-Q70R, as well as interact with Amazon Alexa, Spotify Connect, and voice control.\u00a0There is support for all popular audio formats plus UHQ upscaling for compatible devices.<\/p>\n

Performance<\/h3>\n

The HW-Q70R is another attractive audio panel from Samsung that is currently on the rise.\u00a0Overall performance is excellent, with a large and powerful soundstage at the front.\u00a0Left and right drivers provide accurate stereo effect.\u00a0The center speaker provides clear and focused dialogue, while Acoustic Beam technology provides extra width and presence overhead.<\/p>\n

The extent to which this is implemented is highly dependent on the environment.\u00a0For this type of technology to work properly, reflective walls and ceilings are needed.\u00a0This means avoiding excess upholstered furniture that will absorb sound beams.\u00a0You also want a low and flat ceiling that reflects sound down towards the listener.<\/p>\n

And then the panel will sound loud, providing the soundtrack of today’s blockbusters with the effect they really need.\u00a0If you have a high or vaulted ceiling, then this type of technology is not for you.\u00a0In this case, you will most likely have to install the speakers on the ceiling if you really want to use the top-level channels.<\/p>\n

\"Samsung<\/a><\/p>\n

Connections<\/h3>\n

All of the HW-Q70R’s wiring is located in a recess on the back of the device, and they are few and far between.\u00a0For example, there is only one HDMI input and one HDMI output.\u00a0But they both support at least 4K \/ 60p, HDCP 2.2, and all HDR high-bandwidth formats (HDR10, HLG, HDR10 + and Dolby Vision).\u00a0Thanks to a recent firmware update, the HDMI output also supports eARC.<\/p>\n

The limited connectivity doesn’t end there, the only physical input is the optical connector.\u00a0As for wireless connections, there are Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.\u00a0It’s a shame the panel doesn’t support Chromecast or Apple AirPlay.\u00a0And there is no way to reproduce anything from USB drives.\u00a0The USB input is for updates only.<\/p>\n

Conclusion<\/h3>\n

The Samsung HW-Q70R soundbar is a good mid-range offer with very little competition in the market.\u00a0The soundbar benefits from numerous improvements over last year’s product, and the power and sound quality are excellent.<\/p>\n

The combination of a soundbar and a subwoofer creates a wide soundstage that has a high-pitched component and is capable of delivering deep enough bass.\u00a0If you are a movie fan or a gamer, the soundbar is sure to please, and thanks to Harman Cardon, it also does a great job with music.<\/p>\n

Performance with Dolby Atmos and DTS: X is understandably underpowered on the front, given the lack of any rear speakers.\u00a0Only one HDMI input is disappointing.\u00a0In all other respects, however, it is a solid and well-executed structure.\u00a0So if you are looking for an immersive soundbar, then the Samsung HW-Q70R is definitely recommended.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

The mid-range Samsung HW-Q70R soundbar gets its design cues from the 2018 HW-N650 soundbar, but with some upgrades in the form of a larger subwoofer and support for Dolby Atmos and DTS: X. The Q70R soundbar, which turns out to be the same name the abbreviated model name in the company’s QLED TV line, uses […] More<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":10404,"featured_media":189882,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[646],"tags":[778],"class_list":["post-127131","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-speakers","tag-reviews"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.stereoindex.com\/tech\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/127131","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.stereoindex.com\/tech\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.stereoindex.com\/tech\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.stereoindex.com\/tech\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/10404"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.stereoindex.com\/tech\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=127131"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.stereoindex.com\/tech\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/127131\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.stereoindex.com\/tech\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/189882"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.stereoindex.com\/tech\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=127131"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.stereoindex.com\/tech\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=127131"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.stereoindex.com\/tech\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=127131"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}