Sony HT-S40R vs Samsung HW-A550 review
The Sony HT-S40R vs Samsung HW-A550 comparison proves that these soundbars have many common features. Based on our rating, HT-S40R has a total rating of 5.2 out of 10 versus 4.6 for HW-A550.
Audio features
Both soundbars have active amplification type. A significant difference between the units in the number of channels, the Sony HT-S40R has 5.1 versus 2.1 for the Samsung HW-A550. The output power is different and equal to 600 (overall) W for the HT-S40R versus 410 (overall) W for the HW-A550. Competitors do not have a built-in subwoofer. The HT-S40R has a wired connection to separate subwoofer, and the HW-A550 - wireless. The Sony HT-S40R got our rating of 7 out of 10, and the Samsung HW-A550 5 for its audio features and specs.
Streaming services
Soundbars do not have AirPlay support. Spotify support not implemented in both soundbars.
Connectivity
Both models do not have WI-FI support. Rivals from our review have Bluetooth support. The Sony HT-S40R has 0/1 HDMI inputs/outputs versus 1/1 of the Samsung HW-A550. The HDMI Audio Return Channel (ARC) feature supports both devices. For connectivity, the HT-S40R received a rating of 7/10 versus 8/10, respectively.
Features
Compared soundbars have no app control. None of the models under consideration have a built-in microphone. Soundbars do not have Multi-room support.
Multichannel surround
None of soundbars equipped with Dolby Atmos multichannel audio decoder. The soundbars do not support the surround sound technology DTS:X. For multichannel surround Sony HT-S40R got a rating of 8, and Samsung HW-A550 6 out of 10.