l would like to share my experience after comparing and testing two soundbars – Dayton Audio BS36 vs Samsung HW-K850. The Dayton Audio BS36 was rated 4.5, while the Samsung HW-K850 has a rating 6.
Soundbars have different amplification type - passive versus active respectively to devices. A noticeable difference is the number of channels that BS36 has 3.0 and HW-K850 has 3.1.2. The built-in subwoofer is not implemented in any of these models. Rate 5 out of 10 received the Dayton Audio BS36 for audio features and specs, but the Samsung HW-K850 received 6 out of 10.
Soundbars do not have AirPlay support. The HW-K850 can play audio from Spotify.
Wireless Internet connection is realized only in the HW-K850. Bluetooth support integrated in the HW-K850. The HDMI Audio Return Channel (ARC) is implemented only in the HW-K850. We rated the connectivity of the BS36 at 4 out of 10, while the HW-K850 was rated 7/10.
None of these soundbars can be controlled using the app. Soundbars in this review are not equipped with a microphone. The models under consideration cannot become part of a multiroom system.
Dolby Atmos audio decoder is onboard the HW-K850. Devices from this comparison cannot process surround sound due to lack of DTS:X.