I had a chance to test and compare two models: Sony HT-S40R vs Samsung Q700B and this review should help people who are looking for a good soundbar. The Sony HT-S40R was rated 5.2, while the Samsung Q700B has a rating 5.8.
Each of the models under consideration has active amplification type. A noticeable difference is the number of channels that HT-S40R has 5.1 and Q700B has 3.1.2. These rivals can be compared in terms of power, 600 (overall) versus 320 (overall) according to devices. The built-in subwoofer is not implemented in any of these models. An external subwoofer connects to the HT-S40R via wired, but Q700B has wireless connection type. Audio features and specs of considered models we rated 7 out of 10 in our ranking.
Soundbars do not have AirPlay support. The units in this comparison do not support Spotify.
Both models do not have a wireless Wi-Fi interface. Soundbars from this comparison have Bluetooth support. There are 0/1 HDMI inputs/outputs in the Sony HT-S40R versus 1/1 HDMIs in the Samsung Q700B. As in the HT-S40R, so in the Q700B there is the HDMI Audio Return Channel (ARC). Connecting devices via USB is possible in both models. We rated the connectivity of the HT-S40R at 7 out of 10, while the Q700B was rated 8/10.
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 Q700B. The Q700B can work with surround sound due to DTS:X support. The HT-S40R was rated 8/10, while the Q700B received a mark of 10/10 for multichannel surround.