The B400F is narrow enough to sit below a modest-size screen and it keeps its woofer inside the bar. That makes it easy to accommodate in a bedroom or a small apartment, particularly if the alternative is finding room for a box on the floor.
In depth
Samsung HW-B400F review
Published
Best forSomeone looking to improve television dialogue with one small speaker cabinet.
At a glance
- Channel configuration
- 2.0
- Included system
- Soundbar with built-in woofer
- Immersive audio
- No Dolby Atmos or DTS Virtual:X
- TV connection
- HDMI ARCOptical
Pros
- A single 25.23-inch-wide cabinet contains the woofer.
- HDMI ARC, optical and Bluetooth offer several connection choices.
Cons
- Two-channel playback has no discrete center or height channel.
- A source device cannot pass video through the bar.
Sound Quality
- 2.0 channels
- Built-in woofer
- Voice Enhance
The two main channels share the work of presenting voices. Voice Enhance can emphasize dialogue, and Night Mode offers a useful option for watching while another person sleeps. The built-in woofer saves space, but there is no separate bass cabinet to position elsewhere in the room.
Connectivity
- HDMI ARC
- Optical input
- Bluetooth
For a recent TV, ARC is the convenient connection because its volume control can usually travel with the audio over HDMI-CEC. An optical cable is included for a TV without ARC. The soundbar has no separate HDMI input for a player, so connect sources to the television first.
Design and Setup
- 25.23 in wide
- 2.62 in high
- 4.6 lb
Measure the clearance below the screen rather than just the width of the furniture. A low TV stand can place even a small bar in front of the picture or remote sensor. The supplied package includes a remote. You will need to provide mounting hardware for a wall installation.
Alternatives
Samsung's B550F includes a separate wireless subwoofer and occupies more space. It is a more deliberate choice if bass is what the TV speakers lack. For spoken programmes or a secondary room, the smaller B400F's single-cabinet approach may be easier to live with.
Verdict
Choose the B400F for clear controls, simple connections and a small footprint. I'd choose a bar with a real center channel or separate bass speaker when either of those is the specific reason for upgrading.
About this review
This is a research-based review. The Fasit has not physically tested this product.
Sources & Research
Manufacturer documentation
The specifications and features discussed in this review come from manufacturer documentation.
Samsung US — Samsung HW-B400F specifications / family documentation