Thank you for the great review. Too many reviewers as you pointed out focused on the technical aspect and overhyped it while you focused on the experience. You answered a key point for people like myself who are thinking of switching home theatre systems to a soundbar. One key concern was as you mentioned, the bar being too low and below the screen compared to 2 front speakers at the side. I use a similar 5.1 system to your sony and i just added an entry level receiver Denon X1400H and Onkyo Skh-410 atmos upfiring speakers for a total cost of usd530 resulting in 5.1.2. So I was considering the N950 as a potential upgrade to 7.1.4 (mainly for the .4 rear heights). Sorry to hear about your atmos experience. I doubt your ceiling would impact the sound so much that you cannot hear anything above. I suspect it to be the content. Blurays from Disney have a tendency to have poor atmos implementation due to the way the audio was mixed. I have several movies with the same issue. I highly recommend these 2 movies for the best atmos experience. 1) Ready Player One (Excellent and high replayability) 2) Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle
Thanks and congrats on your new set up. I tried to cover the average user experience, my experience. The reviews I've seen were pretty accurate but they never get into the nitty gritty of things, the little points of using it day to day, they get it for a day and do a quick run through then publish or so it seems. I have tried many of my uhd disks and I just can't hear atmos how it is represented in reviews, nothing is overhead, no rain falling, no planes flying over, nothing, all it does in my lounge room is give a slight height to it which is quite hard to explain but definitely not overhead. The recommended material for the best performance is plasterboard as it is more reflective with sound but yeah I'm definitely not hearing what all the big reviewers are which is a shame.
silenthillstrangler i noticed you had an xbox one x, I assume you had already downloaded the dolby atmos app and tried their demos? I think I needed to install it on mine and set the audio to be atmos bitrate, then I finally had the atmos effects.
It's got great sound for a soundbar and everything works seemlessly, a few things to get used to if your coming from traditional floor standing speakers as I was but set up and connectivity is a breeze and sound quality and level is awesome. It's worth having those rears hey :)
Nope, that's to turn auto power Link off, there is NO WAY turn off the power saving feature that automatically turns of the system after 5 mins of no input, absolutely none, Samsung themselves informed me directly.
If you had a Samsung TV you get more options in the menu. My N950 is arriving today. There must be a way to turn the power saving features off from there. That's the first thing I'm gonna check when I hook it up to my Q9FN.
I own the K950 and it's great after 2wks of owning it. I am pissed Samsung wont update the firmware to include DTS-X. So now I am stuck with a sound bar that doesn't decode DTS-X swear I honestly feel the nakamichi system would have been a better purchase. Enjoy the system and dont be suprised if the hdmi arc doesn't carry atmos. It has some corks. Great video by the way. An the phone application is very useful.
I wouldn't worry too much as I haven't found many movies with dtsx myself, I only own two and even those seem to only come through as atmos but that may be because of my xbox one x, I'm not sure, would love to know how I can get it to work. The arc does carry atmos, otherwise it would be false advertising to the extreme. It certainly isn't the smoothest machine when it comes to the use of swapping imputes through arc though.
@@keef78you can get lossy Dolby Atmos through arc. it doesn't support lossless Dolby Atmos through arc. You must plug your X Box into the HDMI in Port on the sound bar. Then another cable from arc Port from sound bar to HDMI in on tv. Then you should get lossless Dolby Atmos.. How did you find the sound with live tv? I'm a very disappointed with the live tv sound. My old Logitech speakers sounded better when watching live tv.
That pattern on the roof would reflect the sound waves all over the place, that's why you won't get that sound from the atmos system. It's like a small an-echoic chamber. Nice review and thanks. I've just bought a factory refurbished one for $899 so I hope it goes ok. Be well.
Some content I do get a sense of overhead atmos sound but weirdly I've found in its "surround" mode with "virtual" on when playing 5.1 I often get a better sense of Atmos as well which is surprising and impressive. All in all it's pretty good and especially now as you can get it cheaper which makes it an even better deal. Have a fiddle around with levels and turn on virtual (which is the last option after "rear top level") when you get yours, you'll eventually find what works for you and your setup, it really would be great if it had a calibration mic though, ah well. enjoy.
After spending more and more time with it I have grown to love it but it has its draw backs with some odd things and is an adjustment coming from conventional speaker placement. when all is said and done it performs quite amazingly, I'd highly recommend it anyone.
It does sound good but unfortunately with my room dimensions and material I don't get the atmos effect to a convincing degree, sometimes I think I kind of hear it but that's just not enough. Rebounding atmos depends on the shape and material of the room, one guy I've spoke to on here named flukey bought the system after seeing this and has a plasterboard room and gets great atmos effect, so it is possible.
No worries, glad you liked it. I can hear "height" but it's not as pronounced as I expected and that has to be because of the geometry and make up of where I live.... It's cement and open which makes it far less reflective. One guy I spoke to in the comments got this system after seeing my review and his room is plaster board and square and he said the atmos effect was really great where he could really hear the sounds coming from above, so it does depend on what your room is made of and the shape of it, it is a good system overall.
I have a similar (non-Atmos) Samsung soundbar and put a couple of rubber feet at front to tilt the soundbar up slightly (5mm) and it improved the sound quite a bit...but I guess with the Atmos speakers on top of this particular model it would not work as it would suffer from being tilted back. A huge omission from this is the lack of any kind of room correction/calibration and that alone would prevent me from buying this unit.
It would have been great for them to include a simple mic set up. I don't know what they were thinking when they didn't considering they are touting this as being comparable to a much more expensive system.... Expensive systems have calibration!
yeah virtual atmos bouncing off walls really isn't great imo. You'd probably need an ideal room for it to work. Roof speakers are really the way to go. Even without atmos, this soundbar is still the best in it's class for general surround sound anyway.
I’m late to the party SORRY! But quick question... how does it fair with your previous Sony sound system in this video which I’m sure is rated at 1000-1200 watts... is the Samsung set up that much better??
It has great sound but it isn't the same as seperate stereo speakers obviously, so it sounds a bit different and takes some getting used to, which you will do. In saying that the surround cohesiveness is way better than any system I've owned, the Atmos is alright but hard pressed to hear things really coming from overhead but it adds to the atmosphere regardless.
Do you know if the content you were playing supported atmos or the device playing the movie supported it? I haven't researched the ps4 pros specs but I'm not entirely sure it supports it. There are shows on Netflix that support dolby atmos but it wouldn't show up for me on mine with arc on my soundbar. Maybe it wasnt the ps4 he was using but it's just something to consider. My s9+ has that dolby atmos option and I use it to stream the music to it. It sounds very nice but I'm not too sure about the atmos effect still
I use my xbox one x for atmos content, both uhd discs and netflix and you know if you have it set up right as whenever atmos is detected "Dolby atmos" scrolls across the small oled screen on the right side of the soundbar. my TV won't pass Dolby atmos so it doesn't show up in the TV's inbuilt netflix app which sux, the ps4 pro can't do atmos and the galaxy s9+ Dolby atmos is simulated as there is only 2 speakers, still sounds good though for a phone.
If you had a movie with a better soundmix than a recent disney blu ray volume 8 probably would be very loud :-D (disney has been making anemic mixes) Well compared to man of steel or the like.
That is not true. The system itself has an auto off feature of 5 mins and 15 mins depending on what input and it cannot be changed, it is mentioned in the manual, was also confirmed by Samsung customer service.
+silenthillstrangler I've tried for hours to get this N950 connected to wifi. Called Samsung and they could not help. Can you provide steps or upload a walkthrough? The directions provided in manual dont seem accurate.
Hi, thanks for the review. I'm going to buy this soundbar, just wondering about to mount it above the tv cause it's an attic apartment and the ceiling above tv is around 2 meters higher then listening position. Do you think this may help? I know that flat ceiling is better for Atmos but at least I have plasterboard and even wood between it and concrete.
Congrats, you will love the sound. I personally wouldn't put it above the TV, after all they are designed to go below, raise your TV then have the soundbar at or almost at ear level or try at both and see which one you like best.
Yes and that scene is the most convincing example of achieving over head effects with this soundbar. Sometimes the overheads do shine but most of the time it just makes movies sound fuller, higher rather than directly above you.
You mention that music is good with this system.. But basically that comes only from the soundbar + subwoofer, right? Even with the virtual option on I basically don't get any sound in the rear speakers.
Music does really sound great through this soundbar, very clear and detailed, it does come through stereo because that is the way music is produced but you can turn on the surround effect when listening to stereo sources and it actually does a good job, I often find myself using it to good effect with certain genres. Their is also a smart function you can use on top of that which works really well too, helps to really seperate and enhance non surround audio.
For owners of the previous K950, how do you find the N950 subwoofer compared to it? I find it to be not as powerful but to be fair the K950 sub was quite overwhelming.
I never heard the k950 but I feel the n950 sub is just right if you turn it up to +6. It isn't ridiculous rumbling everything off the walls, it's the right amount.
Why are soundbars with atmos so much more expensive than 5.1 systems? Really doesn't make much sense when they don't sound as good. Why don't they just make more atmos 5.1.4 home theater systems in a box. Hell they use to go crazy making dvd/bluray 5.1 in a box for pretty decent prices.
I agree, I'd rather a traditional upright all in one atmos system but soundbars are the trend now, it's a bloody shame cause an upright would kill it but I will say this does sound very good.
I haven't had a chance to experience dtsx or hi res but atmos in theatres was a let down for me, could have been that the particular movie didn't utilise it well or the sheer loudness of the audio in theatres. At home as I've stated I can't hear it either, I'm still hoping that atmos isn't all just a huge gimmick but I'm starting to feel that it is unfortunately.
@@keef78 agreed not noticing anything with it. Sat in a demo shop and sounded like a plain/ average surround sound with deep bass. Nothing that rang any bells like nicam did first time round. Have enjoyed dts though also. Cheers
The rear speakers are good, perhaps a bit too loud out of the box for side couch position and one thing that has me baffled is the volume level does not change regardless of me lowering and raising the rear level in options, it just makes no audible difference, so strange.
Yes I would highly recommend this, dispite its few infuriating issues it is an amazing sounding system that will really impress once you have it set up right, I recommend having it at ear level for full effect.
How would you compare the LG SK10Y with the Lg sk8s rear speakers compared to thia soundbar? Plus i have a LG Oled tv not sure if this Samsung soundbar is as compatible as the LG Sk10y since my tv is a LG
This is the best sounding soundbar you can, the rear speakers are way better than the LG ones. It works with all TV's but has extra functionality with Samsung TV's being a Samsung product.
Hi mate i have the last gen model and i get a static noise from the rears which is common on that model loads of ppl have same issue can u confrim that the new model doesnt have any static noise from the rears please. Id get it atmos and even non atmos content very frustrating
Hi, sorry for lat reply, haven't been too active on here of late. As to your question, I can confirm that there is no hiss or noise from rear speakers what so ever. I'd read that the last model had this and it stopped me from getting it. This time around they got things right.
hey there i got a edifier s760d home cinema system my self but i am thinking of getting this sound system how would this samsung hw n950 compare to my edifier s760d?
Hey man, I''ve just bought mine, I have a Sony X9000F 4K TV with a 1 HDMI ARC input, I have tried connecting my sony tv via ARC to soundbar ARC,however it doesn't produce any sound at all as I am trying to watch netflix on my 4k tv, unless if i connect it on optical port it will produce the sound, but when i try connecting my ps4 to the soundbar and connected it to the to ARC it works fine,is that mean my TV doesn't support to produce sound arc to arc?
If it has an arc hdmi input then it supports arc, try going into the sound options of your TV and switching from TV to audio system, mine has that option. In saying that it automatically worked on my sony ZD9, it will work, it's just a matter of finding what settings may affect it.
Has there been an update yet, issuing the standby problem with that system ? Really wanna get that thing and this literally is the deal breaker for me right now.
No update, I notice it only happens when I have it on the TV's inbuilt apps but it was stated to me it has this auto off feature and that they can't do anything about it. Typical terrible Samsung "support", service seems to be terrible world wide. The product itself is very good sound wise but has some annoying features and handshake issues.... At least with my sony ZD9.
A real bummer. This soundbar would be the perfect fit for me but usually I don't watch regular TV. It's mostly A Prime, Netflix, RU-vid, Twitch etc. via the inbuilt apps so a lot of pausing, looking up what to watch next etc.. I would hate to constantly reboot the soundbar and change the sound output option in the TVs menu... Do you mind to keep me posted if there is an update or solution for this ?
@@ikont100 I am going to test it again and see which apps/inputs it actually does it on and I'll let you know, also when an update comes and what, if anything, it does.
@@keef78 If you're interested, I just got off the phone with a Samsung technician. They are aware of that problem but Samsung Germany has no information about a roadmap or emergency update to fix that 'feature'. The intention behind it is indeed to extend the product life span, they understand the customers disappointment and apologize... sad but I think I have to look out for another soundbar.
@@ikont100 typical Samsung customer service. They said the same thing to me. It is a shame as it really does sound great, I don't think any soundbars out now can compete with it in that respect. On the topic of weird features though I have found lately that the auto off feature is oddly inconsistent, sometimes it happens and sometimes it doesn't, it also sometimes just switches to TV audio when I go into my tvs inbuilt apps which is annoying and even though it's going through arc when I change to say xbox i have to change the input on TV remote as well as the soundbar remote....im not sure the point of arc. In saying this i feel this wouldn't be the only soundbar to have handshake issues as my sister in laws Bose soundbar has its own quirks. If you can try and find a place where you can get a good demo and try it out for yourself. Good luck :)
I have no idea if it's good for a gaming pc but if it connects like a console then sure. I have not experienced any delay what so ever but there is a sync option you can adjust in case some content should come through delayed.
Definitely the n950, the z9f is just 3 speakers with virtual surround sound where as the n950 is actually firing from seperate speakers. Though in saying that it really does depend on what you like the sound of, check them both out if you can.
My first stumbling block was assuming the power button lit up when depressed. After 10 mins of stuffing around wondering why it wouldn't turn on I decided to lay the soundbar on its correct profile ( I had it vertical when connecting cables and trying to power it). Then I saw the blue indicator on the front grrrrr lol. Bloody Samsung how about lighting up the button or even a simple red power led near the button to show its on. ANyway basic testing done now to enjoy it. Thanks for your review.
I haven't heard those systems personally but I reckon this would beat them both hands down and it has 2 rear speakers with upward firing drivers where as the others don't.
@@Viettzz it has both front and rear, try and find a place to get a demo but I really think you would be very impressed with the sound even if you blind bought.
Lol, you are joking right? You think Bose is good? My sister in law has a Bose 700 and it's just doesn't compare. Have you even heard this system yet? For all its faults sound quality is not one of them, it's sounds absolutely amazing.
@@keef78 Yes I tested them all out for hours at Best Buy. Sony and LG don't even compare, don't bother with those. Have you heard the full Bose 700 system with sub and surrounds? It sounds much richer, cleaner, and full. The Sonos Playbar full system is a close second. This Samsung 950 a close third. The Atmos is really cool with the Samsung but for quality of sound, Bose is the best
Yes, that's how I have it set up, xbox and ps4 to the soundbar then soundbar to arc, works fine though it sometimes has a few visual and audio hiccups as it is switching so it's not perfect, also I've found that when switching inputs to say xbox i have to do it with both TV remote then n950 remote so arc isn't all it's cracked up to be. I imagine with a Samsung TV this would work perfectly.
@@ThatFreelance I will try it though defeats the purpose of arc. The hiccups and glitches are with both ps4 and xbox attached through arc, in fact I have found recently that it likes to simply cut the ps4 picture and leave audio and a static screen at times, Im starting to feel they have released a half baked prooduct, hopefully an update will come and fix these issues but I'm not holding my breath.
@@ThatFreelance like I thought it doesn't work, at least with this tv, on that note only a few makes of TV can pass atmos directly and unfortunately the Sony Z9d isn't one of them, which also means no atmos through the TV's native netflix app which is annoying. On ANOTHER note the xbox one has atmos but no Dolby vision and the Z9d has Dolby vision (netflix) but no atmos....this home entertainment lark is taking years off my life! 😩💀
It seems like this atmos thing with soundbars isn't working... it's a gimmick. I have heard great things about Amazon's #1 seller. The NAKAMISHI ELITE 7.2 ALL WIRELESS SYSTEM.
I've been hearing rumors about Nakamichi releasing an Atmos/Dolby Vision firmware update for the Shockwafe Ultra 9.2 (probably 7.2 as well) in December. It's probably going to be a premium update though, so we'll have to purchase it to get it. This is great if it's true because I have alot of Blu-Rays with TrueHD and Atmos and I love the sound of movies like Star Trek: Into Darkness and Star Trek: Beyond. I don't mind paying for an upgrade, that's not uncommon with AVR manufacturers to get premium features that were made compatible after a product got released.
@D. B. Cooper I have the N850 and i love Atmos but to be honest I would describe it as a wall of sound rather than surround sound, nothing actually beats having physical speakers
Their aren't too many settings really, you can adjust the levels of each speaker set, there is also a few sound modes such as surround which gives a fake surround sound as well as a smart mode which automatically adjusts the sound to what you are watching and actually sounds pretty good, there is also another mode that I can't recall the name of that adds the atmos effect to normal surround which sounds decent, so just go through them and adjust as you like.
silenthillstrangler yup, I’ve tried changing the settings on the tv and remote. I got it is an open box so may have been defective. Sonos come tomorrow. Great tutorial though!
Where is the best positions for the 2 speakers that come with the sound bar?. Also what part of the suborder should be facing the wall.? Also have xbox one x and a Nu8000 how do I stop the xbox one x losing TV connection when it's running through the the sound bar. It goes black then resyncs the screen. The hdmi cables are both HDR and 4k combatible
So the samsung/harmon kardon badge should be facing you and dont worry my xbox does the same thing when connected, the screen flickers black then its fine so no way to stop that from happening, i do actually have to change input via both tv controller and then the soundbar remote to get xbox picture so arc is kind of useless and there are switching glitches from time to time but all in all it comes good.
