A dedicated center channel is the best reason to buy the Q600F. The included sub can give a drum or a closing door more presence than TV speakers, while the bar keeps conversation anchored beneath the picture. The 3.1.2 label also promises height channels, but a signal reaching the bar and a sound appearing overhead are different things.
In depth
Samsung HW-Q600F review
Published · Updated
Best forSomeone who wants centered voices and a separate subwoofer in a living room without room for rear speakers.
At a glance
- Channel configuration
- 3.1.2
- Included system
- Bar and compact wireless subwoofer
- Immersive audio
- Dolby Atmos, Dolby TrueHD, Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby Digital and core DTS; DTS Virtual:X processing
- TV connection
- HDMI eARC / ARC
Pros
- Natural, well-centered speech on the independently tested base system. 1
- A wireless subwoofer can be positioned separately from the bar.
Cons
- Height effects were difficult to locate in the tested room. 1
- The bar’s HDMI passthrough stops at 4K60.
Sound Quality
- 3.1.2 channels
- Bar and wireless sub
RTINGS heard voices clearly in the center and more punch in the upper bass than extension into the deepest movie rumble. With the supplied package, surround tracks were downmixed and height effects were hard to place. The conservative expectation is a firmer front soundstage and easier dialogue. Physical rear coverage requires an additional purchase. 1
Connectivity
- 1 HDMI source input
- 4K/60Hz passthrough
- HDMI eARC
The bar supports eARC and ARC. A console that needs 4K120 should generally go directly to a compatible TV input, returning audio from the TV to the bar. Routing it through the bar would impose the 4K60 limit. RTINGS also noted audio delay in its setup, so it is worth checking lip sync on speech before settling in for a film. 1
Surround Formats
- Dolby Atmos & TrueHD
- Core DTS
- DTS Virtual:X processing
The two height channels can play Dolby Atmos material, while the center anchors speech to the screen. Samsung lists conventional DTS decoding and DTS Virtual:X processing. If your collection is mostly DTS:X discs, those names matter. Virtual:X is a processing option, and Samsung does not list native DTS:X decoding for this model. Use HDMI for a lossless Dolby TrueHD track.
Setup & Controls
- 40.6-inch bar
- Voice Enhance & Night mode
- Wall-mount kit included
The 40.6-inch bar is only 2.2 inches tall, but leave the top openings clear for the height channels. The included wireless sub needs a power outlet. You can switch to Night mode for late viewing or try Voice Enhance before raising the whole system. SpaceFit Sound Pro requires a qualifying Samsung TV, so owners of other brands should judge the adjustable sound without counting on that feature.
Music Playback
- Bluetooth 4.2
- USB playback
- No Wi-Fi streaming
A phone can pair by Bluetooth, and the USB port supports music playback. There is no built-in Wi-Fi playback on the Q600F. Households that want to choose music from a phone without holding a Bluetooth connection can use a streaming device already attached to the TV, or compare the QS700F’s network features.
Alternatives
The optional Samsung rear kit for the Q600F is SWA-9250S. Do not buy a kit on the assumption that every Samsung bar accepts the same one. The convertible QS700F is worth comparing for Wi-Fi music playback or a wall installation.
Verdict
The Q600F earns its place with dialogue, front impact and a small number of boxes. Buy it on those terms. If hearing activity distinctly behind the sofa is a priority, include the correct rear kit or compare a complete surround package.
About this review
This is a research-based review. The Fasit has not physically tested this sound system.
Sources & Research
1 reference
Independent sources cited in this article.
- RTINGSSamsung HW-Q600F Review (opens in a new tab)https://www.rtings.com/soundbar/reviews/samsung/hw-q600f
US retail family; recorded shortlist offer is an exact selected child