There is nothing more fun than installing a new device. The previous soundbar (version with separate subwoofer) was 'banned' to the attic just a few days before the delivery of the new soundbar. Not that I wasn't satisfied with the previous soundbar (Samsung HW-J550), I just wanted a soundbar for upstairs for a while, and now that I got the chance to test a new soundbar, I thought this one has its place in my living room deserved.
Unpacking the package went smoothly, a bit of a shock when you compare the size of the soundbar with my previous model! However, the MS650 contains 9 speakers and therefore also the subwoofer and you also get more channels compared to the J550 (5.1 vs 2.1). Everything you need to connect the soundbar to your TV is included, only an HDMI cable is missing. The latter is not necessary in itself, but facilitates installation and operation (see below).
The installation can be done wirelessly with TVs that have bluetooth (which I don't have), or via the supplied optical cable or with an additional HDMI cable. I started the installation with the optical cable. Very easy; you plug the cable into the soundbar and into the TV, choose the right channel and the music plays through the soundbar! BUT … still through the TV speakers. This is not so bad in itself, it only becomes disturbing if you want to MUTE for a while, because if the soundbar goes into MUTE mode, the TV continues to play happily.
Installation via the ARC HDMI port with an HDMI cable (purchased for 1.5 euros at action) also ensures a flawless installation and does not cause the above problem. So the optical cable was relegated to the box and the HDMI cable was kept.
As mentioned before, the soundbar is quite large in size. Still about 8cm high, so it protrudes above the foot of my TV. This covers my IR port, so I can no longer use my remote control, unless I hold it very high in the air. This problem can be solved by either placing something under the TV base (this cannot be seen, since the soundbar is in front of it anyway), or by placing an external IR receiver (extra cost) or by mounting the TV on the wall. hang above the soundbar.
In terms of sound, this soundbar is top! Nicely clear and full sound, with deep basses (and this while the subwoofer is missing). A nicer sound than what I was used to from my previous soundbar with subwoofer. There is certainly some surround effect, maybe not as much as with the expensive 5.1 channel surround sets, but you also don't have all the separate speakers and cables, which is a real advantage. For those who want it, a separate set of rear speakers can be purchased.
The operation is very simple. A few buttons on the soundbar itself, or via the supplied remote control. The soundbar also listens to the TV remote control, so you can actually leave the soundbar tray in the cupboard.
Nice to know is that there is no standby consumption due to useless lights that stay on.
