Samsung HW-B560 Soundbar: Review & Expert Analysis

by Jhon Lennon 51 views

Hey guys! Today, we're diving deep into the Samsung HW-B560 soundbar. If you're looking to seriously upgrade your home audio without breaking the bank, this could be the answer. We’re going to break down everything you need to know, from its sound quality and design to its features and overall value. So, grab your favorite beverage, sit back, and let’s get started!

What's in the Box?

First things first, let’s talk about what you get when you unbox the Samsung HW-B560. Inside, you'll find the soundbar itself, a wireless subwoofer, a remote control, an optical cable, and the power cables for both the soundbar and the subwoofer. Pretty standard stuff, but it’s good to know exactly what’s included right off the bat. Setting it up is pretty straightforward; you just plug in the power, connect the soundbar to your TV (either via HDMI ARC or the optical cable), and the subwoofer should automatically pair with the soundbar. If it doesn't pair automatically, there's usually a simple pairing button on the back of the subwoofer. The user manual is also included, and it is well written. Even if you're not super tech-savvy, you should be able to get everything up and running in just a few minutes.

Design and Build Quality

The design of the HW-B560 is sleek and understated. The soundbar has a clean, minimalist look with a black finish that should blend in well with most TVs and home decor. It's not flashy, but it’s definitely not ugly. The build quality feels solid, and it doesn't feel cheap. The soundbar is primarily made of plastic, but it feels like a good quality plastic. The subwoofer is also fairly compact, making it easy to place in your room without it being too obtrusive. It has a similar black finish to the soundbar, and it also feels well-built. One minor thing to note is that the soundbar doesn't have a display on the front. Instead, there are a few LED indicators that light up to show you what input you're using or what sound mode you're in. It's not a huge deal, but a small display would have been a nice touch. Overall, the design and build quality are good for the price point. It’s not going to win any awards for its looks, but it's functional and well-made.

Sound Quality: Let's Get Loud!

Okay, let's get to the most important part: the sound quality. The Samsung HW-B560 is a 3.1 channel soundbar system, meaning it has three front-facing speakers (left, center, and right) and a separate subwoofer for the bass. This configuration does a decent job of creating a wider soundstage compared to just using your TV's built-in speakers. The sound quality is a significant upgrade over typical TV speakers. The dialogue is clear and easy to understand, which is especially important for movies and TV shows. The center channel really helps to bring out voices, so you won't have to struggle to hear what people are saying. The bass from the subwoofer is decent for its size. It adds some punch and rumble to action movies and music, but it's not going to shake your entire house. If you're a serious bass-head, you might want to consider a soundbar with a larger subwoofer, but for most people, the bass on the HW-B560 will be sufficient.

The soundbar supports several sound modes, including Standard, Surround Sound Expansion, Game Mode, and Adaptive Sound.

  • Standard Mode provides a balanced sound profile that’s suitable for most types of content.
  • Surround Sound Expansion attempts to create a more immersive sound experience by widening the soundstage.
  • Game Mode optimizes the audio for gaming, emphasizing sound effects and directional audio to help you hear where enemies are coming from.
  • Adaptive Sound is an interesting feature that automatically adjusts the sound settings based on the content you're watching. For example, it might boost the dialogue during a movie or enhance the bass during a music concert. In terms of volume, the HW-B560 can get surprisingly loud without distorting. It should be more than loud enough for most living rooms or bedrooms. Overall, the sound quality is good for the price. It's not going to compete with high-end soundbars that cost several times as much, but it's a significant improvement over your TV's built-in speakers, offering clear dialogue, decent bass, and a variety of sound modes to suit different types of content.

Features and Connectivity

Let's explore the features and connectivity options of the Samsung HW-B560. On the back of the soundbar, you'll find an HDMI ARC port, an optical input, and a USB port. The HDMI ARC (Audio Return Channel) port is the preferred way to connect the soundbar to your TV, as it allows you to control the soundbar's volume with your TV remote. It also supports features like Dolby Digital and DTS. The optical input is a good alternative if your TV doesn't have HDMI ARC. The USB port is primarily for service updates, but you can also use it to play music files from a USB drive.

The HW-B560 also has Bluetooth connectivity, so you can easily stream music from your smartphone or tablet. This is a convenient feature for listening to your favorite playlists or podcasts. The soundbar comes with a remote control that allows you to adjust the volume, change the sound mode, and control other settings. The remote is fairly basic, but it gets the job done. One thing to note is that the HW-B560 doesn't have Wi-Fi connectivity, so you can't use it with voice assistants like Alexa or Google Assistant. This might be a deal-breaker for some people, but it's not a major issue for most users. Overall, the features and connectivity options are decent for the price. The inclusion of HDMI ARC, optical input, USB, and Bluetooth covers most of the bases. The lack of Wi-Fi is a bit of a disappointment, but it's not a deal-breaker.

Pros and Cons

To summarize, let’s break down the pros and cons of the Samsung HW-B560 soundbar:

Pros:

  • Improved Sound Quality: A significant upgrade over TV speakers.
  • Clear Dialogue: The center channel enhances voice clarity.
  • Decent Bass: The subwoofer adds punch and rumble to your audio.
  • Multiple Sound Modes: Offers various modes for different content types.
  • Bluetooth Connectivity: Stream music easily from your devices.
  • Easy Setup: Simple and straightforward installation.
  • Affordable Price: Great value for the features offered.

Cons:

  • No Wi-Fi Connectivity: Lacks support for voice assistants.
  • Basic Remote: The remote is functional but lacks advanced features.
  • Limited Inputs: Doesn't have as many input options as some other soundbars.
  • Subwoofer Size: The subwoofer is compact but might not satisfy serious bass enthusiasts.

Alternatives to Consider

If the Samsung HW-B560 doesn't quite meet your needs, here are a few alternative soundbars to consider:

  • Yamaha YAS-209: This soundbar offers similar features to the HW-B560, but it also includes built-in Alexa voice control. It also has a slightly more powerful subwoofer.
  • Sony HT-S350: Another popular option in this price range, the Sony HT-S350 offers good sound quality and a decent subwoofer. It doesn't have Wi-Fi, but it does have Bluetooth.
  • Vizio V21d-J8: If you're looking for a more affordable option, the Vizio V21d-J8 is worth considering. It doesn't have all the features of the HW-B560, but it still offers a significant upgrade over your TV speakers.

Final Verdict: Is It Worth It?

So, is the Samsung HW-B560 soundbar worth buying? The short answer is yes, especially if you're looking for an affordable way to improve your TV's sound quality. It offers a significant upgrade over your TV's built-in speakers, with clear dialogue, decent bass, and a variety of sound modes to suit different types of content. The setup is easy, and the Bluetooth connectivity is a nice bonus. However, it's important to be aware of its limitations. The lack of Wi-Fi connectivity and the basic remote might be deal-breakers for some people. Additionally, the subwoofer is not the most powerful, so if you're a serious bass enthusiast, you might want to consider a different option. Overall, the Samsung HW-B560 is a good value for the price. It's a great option for anyone who wants to improve their home audio experience without spending a fortune. It’s perfect for small to medium-sized rooms, apartments, or anyone who wants a simple, effective audio upgrade.

So, there you have it – a comprehensive look at the Samsung HW-B560 soundbar. Hopefully, this review has helped you make an informed decision about whether or not it's the right soundbar for you. Happy listening!