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The Samsung HW-T650’s low latency, dialogue clarity, customizable EQ presets, and hassle-free Bluetooth pairing makes it a superb mid-range soundbar for TV shows and music listening. However, Bluetooth connectivity has some lag, and the flat soundstage and underemphasized sub-bass lack immersion for movie buffs.
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Table of Contents
Product Snapshot
Overview
The Samsung HW-T650 is a 2020 model entry-level 3.1 channel soundbar that boasts a dedicated center channel speaker to provide a wide stereo soundstage inside large living rooms.
Similar to some of the best-rated speakers out there, it features an extremely low frequency response slope to reproduce crystal clear vocals and dialogues and to deliver a highly neutral and balanced sound profile.
The soundbar also comes with a dedicated wireless subwoofer that connects via Bluetooth, which is the only available wireless streaming mode, meaning it lacks Wi-Fi, Chromecast, or Apple AirPlay.
And in terms of wired connectivity, this soundbar features a full-speed HDMI passthrough, an optical audio jack, and a USB port to play back audio files through a thumb drive.
In addition, it touts an exceptionally low audio latency over HDMI, which is very useful to those sensitive to audio delay.
Consensus
our Verdict
The Samsung HW-T650 connects through HDMI ARC, while the subwoofer features quick wireless Bluetooth pairing.
There are no audio disturbances, and wired connections (ARC, Optical, Full HDMI in) ensure remarkably low latency (tested at 20ms via ARC and 16ms via Optical), but you’ll notice some lag while watching videos via Bluetooth.
With a slightly wide soundstage and downmixed surround sound performance, the movie-watching experience isn’t thoroughly immersive, and the sub-bass isn’t punchy enough for gripping action scenes.
Nonetheless, the center channel ensures accurate dialogue delivery while the sound profile is well-balanced for listening to a variety of audio content.
Samsung’s sleek OneRemote lets you control the volume and EQ settings. You also get responsive input commands, five customizable EQ presets, and an app for convenient smartphone control.
ReasonS to Buy
Smooth connection
No audio disturbances
Low latency with a wired connection
Clear dialogue
Easy-to-use remote
Five EQ presets
Smartphone app
Reason to Avoid
Lag with Bluetooth
The soundstage is not wide enough
Subpar surround sound performance
Less extended sub-bass
Samsung HW T650 Specs
Bluetooth Enabled
Yes
Depth
3.5"
Dialogue Enhancement Feature
Yes
Energy Star Certified
Yes
HDMI ARC
Yes
Height
2.3"
Number of Audio Channels
3.1
Subwoofer
Included
Surround Sound Supported
Dolby Digital, DTS, DTS Virtual:X
Voice Assistant
No
Wall Mountable
Yes
Weight
5.3 lbs
Width
38.6"
Wireless Connectivity
Bluetooth
Wireless Subwoofer Connectivity
Yes
Works With
Bluetooth, Remote Control
All Specs
Test Results
These are the most important criteria to test for Soundbars based on our comprehensive Testing Methodology.
Low End Roll Off (Hz)
63.496
High End Roll Off (Hz)
12,177.48
Max Volume Test (db)
94.9
Latency (ms)
20
THD @ 80dB
0.43
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The Samsung HW-T650 is a 2020 model entry-level 3.1 channel soundbar that boasts a dedicated center channel speaker to provide a wide stereo soundstage inside…
The Samsung HW-T650 is a 2020 model entry-level 3.1 channel soundbar that boasts a dedicated center channel speaker to provide a wide stereo soundstage inside large living rooms.
Similar to some of the best-rated speakers out there, it features an extremely low frequency response slope to reproduce crystal clear vocals and dialogues and to deliver a highly neutral and balanced sound profile.
The soundbar also comes with a dedicated wireless subwoofer that connects via Bluetooth, which is the only available wireless streaming mode, meaning it lacks Wi-Fi, Chromecast, or Apple AirPlay.
And in terms of wired connectivity, this soundbar features a full-speed HDMI passthrough, an optical audio jack, and a USB port to play back audio files through a thumb drive.
In addition, it touts an exceptionally low audio latency over HDMI, which is very useful to those sensitive to audio delay.
Both the Samsung HW-T650 and the Samsung HW-A650 soundbars feature similar 3.1 channel speaker setups and, as a result, have identical overall performance in most…
Both the Samsung HW-T650 and the Samsung HW-A650 soundbars feature similar 3.1 channel speaker setups and, as a result, have identical overall performance in most aspects. The Samsung HW-T650 does have a slightly wider stereo soundstage than the HW-A650 soundbar, with better localization, vocals, and dialogue reproduction, and a more natural-sounding neutral sound profile.
Thanks to its more comprehensive 3.1-channel speaker setup, the Samsung HW-T650 delivers a much wider stereo soundstage than the 2.0-channel Sony HT-S350 soundbar. And thanks…
Thanks to its more comprehensive 3.1-channel speaker setup, the Samsung HW-T650 delivers a much wider stereo soundstage than the 2.0-channel Sony HT-S350 soundbar. And thanks to its dedicated central channel speaker, the Samsung soundbar reproduces much clearer vocals and dialogues with a more balanced and true-to-life sound profile. In addition, the Samsung model sports a full-speed HDMI passthrough port and bass and treble adjustments, both of which the Sony soundbar lacks.
The 3.1-channel Samsung HW-T650 soundbar has a better stereo soundstage than the 2.1-channel Yamaha YAS-209, and it also touts a better build quality. And thanks…
The 3.1-channel Samsung HW-T650 soundbar has a better stereo soundstage than the 2.1-channel Yamaha YAS-209, and it also touts a better build quality. And thanks to its dedicated center channel speaker, the Samsung soundbar delivers better vocals, dialogues, and a more neutral sound profile than the Yamaha model. However, the Yamaha soundbar does have Wi-Fi for Spotify and Amazon Prime music casting, which the Samsung model lacks.
