Samsung T420/XL 2.1 Channel Wireless Soundbar with Dolby Digital (Black)

Good sound quality…but need to improve remote volume control key features…

Cons:
1- If you connect thru Bluetooth, the output is very low. You will be able to listen at the max volume. I tried connecting with different different devices, like mobile phones, tv.
2 – Rear speakers wire quality is really bad
3- Optical Audio cable should have been included in the package at this price segment
Pros:
1 – Even though the sound output is limited but you will experience the next level clarity.
2: Bass is good, not loud
3 : wireless sub woofer
4: Good quality remote
5: Over all looks wise it embraces your room

If you are not looking for a 5.1 specifically, go for Any 2.1 from JBL.

 Good quality sound, very impressive, crystal clear sound, works with all sound formats Dts, Dolby Atmos, good deep bass, better connectivity with phone, TV & USB, highly recommended! I owned Sony, LG systems but this looks top quality without surround speakers!

This is a revised review after using it for 2 month. Just edited my review after noticing improvement with better content.

1. You will hear the rear speakers if the content is 5.1 surround. The surround sound from the rear speakers is not supposed to be continuously on and its not for dialogue either. Its only on in specific scenes where it is encoded for rear effect. Some people may feel the rear speakers don’t work or the sound is low. But it can actually get extremely loud.

2. The software impementation is such that when you use the standard or other modes, the rear speaker volume is indeed low but when you use the DTS X surround sound you get very good volume and that theater effect that we expect. The rear speaker volume level should also be increased with the remote regardless of the mode you are using. There is no problem with the rear speaker because they can produce very loud sound even at 30 -50 sound level in DTSX mode with rear channel volume level at 3. This again depends on the source and the scene.

3. Works well with Netflix, Prime Video, Xbox games and Apple TV+. I am not sure if Hotstar content is 5.1. If you use the DTS virtual X mode then 5.1 content sounds great and it will converts non surround sound (stereo) to somewhat surround sound. That means the rear speakers will also output the front channel audio also. 5.1 content will output only the rear encoded audio from rear speakers. For true surround, you shouldn’t hear dialogue from rear speaker. Only the front speakers.

4. The modes other than DTS virtual X will output only the rear encoded audio and may not be on continuously for other audio. The volume also will be less from rear speakers. Only some back ground noise may be heard. The dialogues are always output from centre channel. This should be improved by a software update. Once you hear DTS Virtual X mode, you will not listen on other modes. Its the best mode for this system.

5. I have a QN90A 55inch with 4.2 channel sound. The volumne of the TV itself is very good as it has 6 inbuilt speakers. Therefore I was a little disappointed with the performance and volume of this 5.1 initially. But after using DTSX and increasing rear channel volume and Bass i noticed it gets extremely loud even at 30 volume. It cannot be compared to 5.1 with individual speakers set up. The problem with soundbars is you will be able to distinguish the separate channels from the soundbar if you are paying attention or if the source is good. The volume and effect also depend on the size of the room and placement. I have placed it in my bedroom about 3 feet from ground. But when you use a test audio for 5.1 from youtube, you can clearly make out each speaker with your eyes closed.

6. I preferred to get a rear channel rather than atmos speaker in the 3.2 channel Q series available in the same budget. The rear channel effect is much better for surround. Unfortunatley this model is not available in any store. Its probably online only. I have heard the Sony HT S40R in the store and this is much better. The overall sound performance and bass is very good for movies and TV shows. The bass can shake your bed if its nearby if there is a loud explosion for example.

7. If you only want Music or prefer only loud sound or loud bass then better get 2.1 Audio system. Soundbars cannot match them. Also in 2.1 you can get good channel separation as there are individual left and right speakers. I would also say that if you are not planning to have a 5.1 surround set up then better than sound bars go for good 2.1 speaker systems for the reasons mentioned above. Soundbars are good for aesthetic reasons and where keeping speakers is a constraint. This system is good for movies, games etc. Music is also good for me as i dont really want very loud bass .

8. You should also increase the subwoofer level using the remote. Many people just start using it without changing the settings and then feel that it is not working properly. You will need to select audio to auto in audio decoding settings. If its PCM audio then all channels output the audio so you get loud sound. If tis Dolby digital then only those particular channels will output audio as per scene so it will be less than PCM. You can also select PCM manually to output everything to all channels but then that not real 5.1.

9. Always use HDMI if using external source. Bluetooth does not support 5.1. If its just music then bluetooth is fine as sound will be played thorough all the speakers (PCM).

10. If you have a Samsung TV and you turn it off and the on you will have to manually select DTS virtual X mode everytime as it defaults to adaptive mode. This will happen if the Intelligent mode is on in the TV. Switch it off and the soundbar will remember the settings.