l would like to share my experience after comparing and testing two soundbars – Samsung HW-T550 vs LG S80QR. The Samsung HW-T550 was rated 4.5, while the LG S80QR has a rating 8.4.
Each of the models under consideration has active amplification type. A noticeable difference is the number of channels that HW-T550 has 2.1 and S80QR has 5.1.3. These rivals can be compared in terms of power, 320 (overall) versus 490 (overall) according to devices. The built-in subwoofer is not implemented in any of these models. An external subwoofer can be connected to any of the units in this comparison. Rate 6 out of 10 received the Samsung HW-T550 for audio features and specs, but the LG S80QR received 8 out of 10.
The S80QR can play audio from Spotify.
Wireless Internet connection is realized only in the S80QR. Soundbars from this comparison have Bluetooth support. 1/1 HDMI inputs/outputs are in each of soundbars. As in the HW-T550, so in the S80QR there is the HDMI Audio Return Channel (ARC). Connecting devices via USB is possible in both models. We rated the connectivity of the HW-T550 at 6 out of 10, while the S80QR was rated 10/10.
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 S80QR. The S80QR can work with surround sound due to DTS:X support. The HW-T550 was rated 5/10, while the S80QR received a mark of 10/10 for multichannel surround.