The Samsung HW-A650 is a 3.1 soundbar from the manufacturer's 2021 lineup. Out-of-the-box, this soundbar offers a very neutral sound profile that's suitable for listening to lots of different types of audio content, though it struggles to reproduce a thumpy low-bass. It comes with lots of sound enhancement features, including a graphic EQ and several presets like 'Adaptive Sound Lite', which can enhance dialogue, and 'Bass Boost', which can add more punch to your audio. It also supports surround content, but unfortunately, it has to downmix it into stereo to play it.
Our Verdict
The Samsung HW-A650 is satisfactory for mixed usage. Out-of-the-box, this soundbar has a pretty neutral sound profile suitable for listening to lots of different types of audio content, and it comes with lots of sound enhancement features. However, it still struggles to reproduce a thumpy low-bass, so you don't feel the rumble in bass-heavy music or action-packed movies. It also has to downmix surround content into stereo to play it, which doesn't sound as immersive.
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Graphic EQ and presets.
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Gets loud.
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Lacks low-bass.
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No Dolby Atmos support.
The Samsung HW-A650 is great for dialogue-centric content like TV shows. Thanks to its dedicated center channel and balanced mid-range, it can reproduce clear and accurate dialogue. There's also a feature called Adaptive Sound Lite, which can help make voices more clear and crisp. It gets pretty loud, too, and it's Bluetooth-compatible, so you can wirelessly stream podcasts and audiobooks from your phone to the bar.
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Gets loud.
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Bluetooth-compatible.
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Doesn't support Wi-Fi, Apple AirPlay, or Chromecast built-in.
The Samsung HW-A650 is good for music. Out-of-the-box, it has a pretty neutral sound profile that makes it suitable for listening to lots of different genres. It gets loud, and it comes with lots of sound enhancement features like a graphic EQ and several presets, including a 'Bass Boost' mode. However, it still struggles to reproduce a thumpy low-bass, so you don't really feel the deep rumble in bass-heavy genres like EDM and hip-hop.
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Graphic EQ and presets.
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Bass and treble adjustment features.
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Gets loud.
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Lacks low-bass.
The Samsung HW-A650 is reasonable for movies. Its balanced mid-range can reproduce clear and accurate dialogue, but it lacks some low-bass, so you don't feel the deep thump and rumble in action-packed scenes. While it supports surround content, it has to downmix it to stereo to play it, which doesn't sound as immersive. It also doesn't support Dolby Atmos content. On the upside, it gets pretty loud, so it's suitable for watching movies in large rooms.
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Graphic EQ and presets.
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Gets loud.
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Lacks low-bass.
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No Dolby Atmos support.
- 7.4 Mixed Usage
- 8.0 Dialogue/TV Shows
- 7.6 Music
- 6.8 Movies
- Updated Apr 06, 2023: Added cable lengths to In The Box.
- Updated Apr 05, 2023: Converted to Test Bench 1.1. With this update, we've added a Mounting test and added information aboutSubwoofer Output, Spotify Connect, and Microphone Mute.
- Updated Nov 11, 2022: Changed the rear level adjustment from 'no' to 'yes' in Sound Enhancement Features as you are able to adjust the rears if you add them on from a separate purchase.
- Updated Oct 17, 2022: Added information about Dolby Vision Passthrough support to 'Other Input Specifications'.
- Updated Apr 20, 2021: Updated DTS support via Full HDMI In to 'Yes'.
- Updated Apr 20, 2021: Review published.
- Updated Apr 15, 2021: Early access published.
- Updated Apr 14, 2021: Our testers have started testing this product.
- Updated Apr 14, 2021: The product has arrived in our lab, and our testers will start evaluating it soon.
- Updated Apr 03, 2021: We've purchased the product and are waiting for it to arrive in our lab.
Differences Between Sizes And Variants
The Samsung HW-A650 is available in 'Black', and you can see the label for the model we tested here.
If you come across another version of this soundbar, please let us know in the discussions so we can update our review.
Compared To Other Soundbars
The Samsung HW-A650 is a 3.1 setup that can be upgraded with Wireless Surround Kit speakers, which are sold separately. It replaces the Samsung HW-T650 from 2020, and it comes with a few additional sound features, including Adaptive Sound Lite, Game Mode, and Bass Boost, though we don't test for these. Unlike some of Samsung's more premium soundbars, like the Samsung HW-Q700A, it doesn't support Dolby Atmos, and it doesn't come with Q-Symphony or Acoustic Beam technology built-in to the bar.
See also our recommendations for the best Samsung soundbars, the best soundbars under $500, and the best soundbars with a subwoofer.
The Samsung HW-B650 is the next generation of the Samsung HW-A650. They're both 3.1 bars with similar sounds right out of the box, and their customization tools make it easy to get a different sound. You don't notice much difference between their performances, so it's best to go with the cheaper option.
The Sonos Arc is a better soundbar than the Samsung HW-A650. The Sonos is a 5.0.2 setup that offers better center, surround, and soundstage performances. Unlike the Samsung soundbar, it supports Dolby Atmos content, offers built-in voice assistant support, and comes with a room correction feature. You can even upgrade it to the Sonos Arc with Sub + One SL Speakers for better performance. However, unlike the Sonos, the Samsung has a graphic EQ and presets for sound customization and a Full HDMI In port.
The Samsung HW-B550 and the Samsung HW-A650 offer similar frequency responses, so you don't notice much of a difference between their sound. However, the A650 is a 3.1 setup with a discrete center, which improves vocal clarity in your audio. Given the price difference, though, this may not be worth the value for some listeners.
The Samsung HW-Q600A is a better soundbar than the Samsung HW-A650. The HW-Q600A is a 3.1.2 setup that supports Dolby Atmos, unlike the 3.1 HW-A650. It can also passthrough the highest bandwidth signals, and it comes with a few sound enhancement features that we don't test for, including Acoustic Beam and Q-Symphony.
The Samsung HW-A650 is a better soundbar than the Samsung HW-A450. The HW-A650 is a 3.1 setup, so it comes with a discrete center channel that can reproduce clearer and more accurate dialogue in TV shows than the 2.1 HW-A450. It's also better built, and it comes with a virtual surround feature, as well as an ARC port and a Full HDMI In port.
The Vizio V Series V51-H6 is better than the Samsung HW-A650. The Vizio is a 5.1 setup that reproduces a more extended low-bass. It also gets louder with less compression at max volume, and it has a better surround performance. However, the 3.1 Samsung is better built with a graphic EQ for sound customization.
The Samsung HW-A650 is better than the Sony HT-S400. The Samsung is a 3.1 bar, and unlike the 2.1 Sony, it has a discrete center channel to improve dialogue clarity in the mix. It also has more sound enhancement features, including a graphic EQ to customize its sound.
The Samsung HW-Q700A is a better soundbar than the Samsung HW-A650. The HW-Q700A has a better soundstage performance, and it supports Dolby Atmos content thanks to its two up-firing speakers. It offers more wireless playback options, and it can passthrough the highest bandwidth signals.
The Samsung HW-A650 is slightly better for mixed usage than the Sonos Beam. The HW-A650 has a dedicated sub that helps reproduce a more extended low-bass. Unlike the Sonos, it has a Full HDMI In port and a graphic EQ for sound customization. However, the Sonos has a better soundstage. Some users may prefer its compact design and built-in voice assistant support.
The Samsung HW-A650 is a bit better for mixed usage than the JBL Bar 5.1 Surround. The Samsung has a better soundstage, and it comes with a few more sound enhancement features like a graphic EQ and dialogue enhancement. That said, the JBL has a better surround performance, and it supports high quality passthrough via Full HDMI In.
The Sonos Beam (Gen 2) is marginally better for mixed usage than the Samsung HW-A650. The Sonos is a better built 5.0 setup with a compact, standalone design. Unlike the Samsung, it supports Atmos content and has built-in voice assistant capabilities. Its soundstage and surround performances are better, too. However, the 3.1 Samsung has a dedicated subwoofer and can reproduce a more extended low-bass. It can also get louder.
The Samsung HW-A650 is better than the Hisense HS218. The Samsung is a 3.1 soundbar that's better-built and has better center and soundstage performances. It comes with more sound enhancement features, like a graphic EQ, too. Unlike the Hisense, it also supports DTS content.
The Samsung HW-A650 is better than the Yamaha YAS-209. The Samsung is a 3.1 setup that's better-built and has a better center channel performance. It also comes with more sound enhancement features, like a graphic EQ and auto-volume mode. However, the 2.1 Yamaha reproduces a more extended low-bass. It also has built-in Wi-Fi and voice assistant support.
The Samsung HW-A650 is marginally better for mixed usage than the Sony HT-G700. The Samsung is better-built, and it has a better soundstage. It also comes with more sound enhancement features like bass and treble adjustments as well as a graphic EQ. Some users may prefer its more neutral sound profile out-of-the-box, too. That said, the Sony has a better surrounds performance, and it also supports Dolby Atmos content.
Depending on your listening habits, you may prefer either the Samsung HW-A650 or the Sony HT-A3000. They're both 3.1 bars, but with different features on hand. The Sony supports Dolby Atmos content, although it has to downmix it into stereo to play it, which isn't quite as immersive-sounding. While the Samsung soundbar doesn't support Atmos, it comes with a dedicated sub, so it reproduces more low-bass. It's more customizable, too.
The Vizio M Series M51a-H6 is better than the Samsung HW-A650. The Vizio is a 5.1 setup that supports Dolby Atmos content and comes with discrete satellites, unlike the Samsung soundbar. It also reproduces a more extended low bass and has a better surround performance. However, the 3.1 Samsung is better built, and some users may prefer its graphic EQ for sound customization.
The Samsung HW-Q70T is a bit better soundbar for mixed usage than the Samsung HW-A650. The HW-Q70T supports Dolby Atmos content and offers a better surround performance. It also supports more wireless playback options. That said, the HW-A650 may be better for users who like dialogue-centric content like TV shows since it comes with an auto-volume mode, unlike the HW-Q70T.
The Samsung HW-Q60T and the Samsung HW-A650 are very similarly performing soundbars, but the HW-A650 is a bit better overall. It has a slightly more neutral sound profile out-of-the-box, which some listeners may prefer.
The Samsung HW-Q65T is a bit better for mixed usage than the Samsung HW-A650. The HW-Q65T is a 5.1 setup that comes with discrete satellite speakers. As a result, it has a better surround performance than the 3.1 HW-A650, since it doesn't have to downmix surround content into stereo in order to play it.
The Samsung HW-A650 is marginally better for mixed usage than the JBL Bar 5.0 MultiBeam. The Samsung is a 3.1 setup with a dedicated subwoofer that can reproduce a more extended low-bass. However, the 5.0 JBL is better suited for movies. It has a better surrounds performance, and it supports Dolby Atmos content. There are also some more wireless playback options to choose from.
The Samsung HW-Q900A is better than the Samsung HW-A650. The HW-Q900A is a 7.1.2 setup that supports Dolby Atmos content, unlike the HW-A650. It has better soundstage and surround performances, and it can reproduce a more extended low-bass. Also, it has more sound enhancement features, such as room correction. That said, the 3.1 HW-A650 is still a solid choice for users who prefer dialogue-centric content like TV shows.
The Vizio M Series M51ax-J6 is better than the Samsung HW-A650. The Vizio is a 5.1 setup with discrete satellites; it offers better surround performance. Unlike the Samsung soundbar, it supports Atmos content and can reproduce a slightly more extended low bass. However, the 3.1 Samsung is better built and has a graphic EQ.
The Samsung HW-A650 is marginally better for mixed usage than the Samsung HW-Q59CT. The HW-A650 is better built, and it has better center and surround performances. However, both bars have good stereo frequency responses and lots of customization options.
The Samsung HW-A650 is better than the Bose TV Speaker. The Samsung is a 3.1 setup with a dedicated subwoofer that can reproduce a more extended low-bass. It has better soundstage and center channel performances, and it can get louder. Also, there are more sound enhancement features to choose from, such as a graphic EQ. Unlike the 2.0 Bose, it also has a Full HDMI In port.
The Samsung HW-A650 is a bit better for mixed usage than the LG SL6Y. The Samsung is better-built, and it reproduces a more extended low-bass. It also comes with a graphic EQ to help with customizing its sound, unlike the LG. Some users may also prefer its more neutral sound profile out-of-the-box. That said, the LG has a better surrounds performance.
The LG SN8YG is better for mixed usage than the Samsung HW-A650. The LG is a 3.1.2 setup that supports Dolby Atmos content and more wireless playback options. However, it isn't as well-built as the Samsung. Also, the Samsung gets louder with less compression at max volume. It's still a solid choice for dialogue-centric content and music, but movie loves will prefer the LG.
The Klipsch Cinema 600 is a better soundbar than the Samsung HW-A650. The Klipsch has a more neutral sound profile out-of-the-box with a more extended low-bass, meaning you can feel the deep thump and rumble in bass-heavy music. It also has a better soundstage performance. However, the Samsung is better built with more sound enhancement features and a Full HDMI In port.
The Samsung HW-A650 is better than the Klipsch Cinema 400. The Samsung is a better built 3.1 setup with better soundstage, center, and surround performances. It gets louder with less compression at max volume, too. There are even more sound enhancement features, including a graphic EQ and presets. That said, the 2.1 Klipsch can reproduce a more extended low-bass out-of-the-box.
Depending on your listening habits, you may prefer either the Samsung HW-A650 or the LG SP7Y. The Samsung is a better built 3.1 setup that offers a more neutral sound profile out-of-the-box, which some listeners may prefer. It also comes with a graphic EQ to help you customize its sound. However, the 5.1 LG offers better soundstage and surround performances.
The Samsung HW-A650 is better than the Bose Solo 5. The Samsung is a 3.1 setup with a dedicated sub that can reproduce a more extended low-bass. It's better built, and it has better soundstage and center channel performances. It can get louder with less compression at max volume. There are more sound enhancement features to choose from, like a graphic EQ, and some HDMI inputs. That said, some listeners may prefer the Bose's small, standalone design.
The Samsung HW-Q800A is better than the Samsung HW-A650. The HW-Q800A supports Dolby Atmos content and has built-in voice assistant capabilities. It also has better soundstage and surround performances, and it supports more wireless playback options.
The Samsung HW-A650 is a bit better for mixed usage than the Samsung HW-S60A. The HW-A650 is a 3.1 setup with a dedicated sub that helps reproduce a more extended low-bass. It also has a Full HDMI In port. However, the 5.0 HW-S60A has better soundstage and surround performances. It also has built-in voice assistant support.
Depending on your listening habits, you may prefer either the Sony HT-Z9F or the Samsung HW-A650. The Sony has a better surrounds performance, and unlike the Samsung, it supports Atmos content. However, the Samsung has a more neutral sound profile out-of-the-box, which some users may prefer. It also comes with more sound enhancement features, including a graphic EQ.
Depending on your listening habits, you may prefer either the Samsung HW-A650 or the LG SPD7Y. The Samsung is a 3.1.2 setup that, unlike the LG, supports Dolby Atmos content. However, it doesn't reproduce quite as much low-bass as the LG, so you don't feel as much thump and rumble in bass-heavy music and action-packed movies. They're both decently versatile setups overall.
The Vizio SB36512-F6 is better than the Samsung HW-A650. The Vizio is a 5.1.2 setup with discrete satellites that supports Dolby Atmos content, unlike the Samsung. It has a better surrounds performance, and it gets louder with less compression at max volume. That said, the 3.1 Samsung is better built.
The Samsung HW-Q950A is better than the Samsung HW-A650. The HW-Q950A is a premium 11.1.4 setup with better soundstage and surround performances. Unlike the HW-A650, it supports Dolby Atmos content, too. There are also more sound enhancement features, including room correction, and more wireless playback options.
The Samsung HW-A650 is better than the Bose Smart Soundbar 300. The Samsung is a 3.1 setup with a dedicated sub. It can reproduce a more extended low-bass, and it has more sound enhancement features like a graphic EQ. It even comes with a Full HDMI In port, unlike the Bose. However, the Bose offers a solid performance for a standalone bar, especially for dialogue-centric content like TV shows. It even has a better soundstage, and built-in voice assistant support.
The Samsung HW-A650 is the upgraded version of the Samsung HW-R650. The HW-A650 is better-built. It can also reproduce a more extended low-bass. That said, both bars offer similar overall performances.
The Samsung HW-A650 is better than the Vizio V Series V21-H8. The Samsung is a 3.1 setup that's better built with a discrete center channel to help anchor voices in the soundstage. Unlike the Vizio, it also has a Full HDMI In port. Some listeners may also prefer its more neutral sound profile out-of-the-box. That said, the 2.1 Vizio can reproduce a more extended low-bass.
The Samsung HW-A650 is better than the Sony HT-S350. The Samsung is better-built, with more sound enhancement features like a graphic EQ as well as bass and treble adjustments. It has better center and surround performances, too. Also, some listeners may prefer its more neutral sound profile out-of-the-box.
The Samsung HW-Q60R is marginally better for mixed usage than the Samsung HW-A650. The HW-Q60R has a better surrounds performance thanks to its phantom localization. It also supports high quality passthrough via its Full HDMI In port, unlike the HW-A650.
The Samsung HW-Q800T is better than the Samsung HW-A650. The HW-Q800T has two up-firing drivers that support Dolby Atmos content. It reproduces a more extended low-bass, and it comes with voice assistant support. That said, only the HW-A650 comes with an auto-volume mode.
The Samsung HW-A650 is better than the TCL Alto 6+. The Samsung is a better-built 3.1 setup with better soundstage and center channel performances. It offers more sound enhancement features, like a graphic EQ, and it has a Full HDMI In port. That said, the 2.1 TCL gets louder with slightly less compression at max volume.
The Samsung HW-A650 is better than the Samsung HW-T450. The HW-A650 is a better-built 3.1 setup with more physical inputs, including HDMI ARC and HDMI In ports. It has better center and surround performances, and there are more sound enhancement features available, like a graphic EQ.
Depending on your listening habits, you may prefer either the Samsung HW-A650 or the LG GX Soundbar. The Samsung has a more neutral sound profile out-of-the-box, and it comes with a graphic EQ for sound customization. It's also better-built. However, the LG has a better soundstage performance, supports Dolby Atmos content, and offers support for more audio formats. It can also passthrough the highest quality bandwidth signals.
The Samsung HW-A650 is a better soundbar than the Samsung HW-T550. The HW-A650 is a 3.1 setup, so it comes with a discrete center channel that can reproduce clearer and more accurate dialogue in TV shows than the 2.1 HW-T550. It's also better-built, and it can get louder.
The Samsung HW-T650 and the Samsung HW-A650 have similar overall performances, so you may prefer one over the other. The HW-A650 is better built, and it has a better surrounds performance. However, the HW-T650 has a better soundstage performance, and it can get a bit louder.
The Samsung HW-A650 is a bit better for mixed usage than the LG SN6Y. The Samsung is better built. It has a more neutral sound profile out-of-the-box, which some users may prefer. Also, it comes with a graphic EQ so you can customize its sound, which is handy.
The 3.1 Samsung HW-A650 is a better soundbar than the 2.1 Samsung HW-A550. The HW-A650 offers a discrete center channel that can reproduce dialogue more clearly and accurately in movies and TV shows. Also, it's better-built.
The Samsung HW-A650 is a better soundbar than the TCL Alto 9+ for most uses. The Samsung is better-built, with a more neutral sound profile out-of-the-box and more sound enhancement features. It gets louder and also has a better soundstage performance. However, the TCL supports Dolby Atmos content, offers more wireless playback options, and can passthrough the highest bandwidth signals.
Test Results
The Samsung HW-A650 has a similar design to the Samsung HW-T650. The top and the front are covered by a metal grille, and the rest of the bar is plastic.
The sub is mostly made of wood. The port is located in the rear, and there's a fabric covering the front.
The Samsung HW-A650 doesn't come with any satellites. However, it's compatible with Samsung's Wireless Surround Kit, so you can add on surround speakers if you purchase them separately.
The Samsung HW-A650 is pretty wide, so it likely won't fit between the legs of a 55" TV. That said, it also isn't very tall, so it shouldn't block your TV screen unless it sits flush on the table.
The Samsung HW-A650's sub is about the size of an average desktop PC. It connects to the bar wirelessly, so you can place it anywhere in your room.
The Samsung HW-A650 has an impressive build quality. The bar itself has a metal grille covering the top and the front, which helps to protect the drivers. The rest of the bar is made of plastic, which feels quite solid and durable. The sub is mostly made of wood, but unfortunately, the fabric covering on the front seems like it could rip or get dirty easily.
- User Manual
- Remote with batteries (2xAA)
- Mounting brackets screws and template
- Adapter for bar (4.9 ft / 1.5m)
- 2x power cables (4.9 ft / 1.5m)
- Optical cable (4.9 ft / 1.5m)
The Samsung HW-A650 has a very good stereo frequency response. Out-of-the-box, it has a pretty neutral, balanced sound profile that's suitable for listening to lots of different types of audio content. However, it struggles to reproduce a deep low-bass, so you don't feel the deep thump and rumble in bass-heavy music like EDM or action-packed movie scenes. Fortunately, there are sound customization features available, including a graphic EQ and presets and bass and treble adjustments.
With calibration, this soundbar has a very good stereo frequency response. With the Bass set to '-1' and the Treble set to '+2', it has a very neutral, balanced sound profile suitable for listening to a wide range of audio content. However, it still struggles to reproduce low-bass, so you don't feel the deep thump in genres like EDM and hip-hop.
The Samsung HW-A650 has a decent stereo soundstage. The soundstage is perceived to be about as wide as the bar itself, which isn't as wide as the Samsung HW-T650. The bar doesn't have any tricks to make it sound wider than that, though. That said, it has good focus. Objects in the soundstage, like voices and footsteps, aren't as easy to follow, but they still seem to come from a pretty accurate location.
The Samsung HW-A650 has a very good stereo dynamics performance. It gets pretty loud, so it's suitable for use at crowded parties and in large rooms. When you play it at max volume, there aren't many compression or pumping artifacts present, which is nice.
The Samsung HW-A650 has a decent stereo THD performance. At normal listening volumes, it falls within good limits, resulting in a clean and pure audio reproduction. When you play the bar at max volume, there's a noticeable jump in THD. However, this may not be audible with real-life content.
The Samsung HW-A650 has an impressive center channel performance. Unlike the Samsung HW-A450, this 3.1 setup has a dedicated center channel, so dialogue is reproduced more clearly and accurately. While the frequency response is a bit bass-heavy, it shouldn't be too noticeable since there typically isn't a lot of bass reproduced on the center channel. The mid-range is also balanced, resulting in clear and detailed vocals. However, the center channel doesn't get very loud, which can be disappointing for listeners who want to listen to audio in large rooms.
The Samsung HW-A650 has poor surround performance. It has to downmix surround content into stereo using its left and right speakers, so objects like voices and footsteps aren't as clearly or accurately represented in the soundstage as they would be with discrete localization. As a result, audio may seem like it's coming from in front of you, rather than from speakers placed all around you.
The Samsung HW-A650 has a fair selection of sound enhancement features. There's a graphic EQ to help you customize its sound, as well as some EQ presets: 'Standard', 'Surround Sound', 'Bass Boost', 'Game', 'Adaptive Sound Lite', and 'DTS Virtual X'. The 'Adaptive Sound Lite' mode can enhance audio like dialogue by making voices sound more clear and crisp. The 'Game' preset is advertised to adjust your audio settings to improve directionality so you can keep track of sound cues in your games. You can also turn its auto-volume mode on or off by holding the SOUND MODE button on the remote while the bar is turned off, and if you add on rear speakers, you can adjust their levels.
The Samsung HW-A650 has several physical inputs. There's a Full HDMI In port, which lets you use the bar as a hub between different devices. However, it doesn't have an AUX port, so you can't wire older devices like smartphones to the bar to play audio.
The Samsung HW-A650 supports both Dolby Digital and DTS content via ARC, commonly found on Blu-ray discs and streaming platforms. However, it doesn't support object-based surround formats like Dolby Atmos.
Update 04/20/2021: After adjusting our setup, we were able to confirm that this soundbar does support DTS content via Full HDMI In.
The Samsung HW-A650 has decent audio format support via Full HDMI In. It can playback Dolby Digital and DTS content, which are commonly found on streaming platforms and Blu-ray discs.
Via Optical, the bar can play Dolby Digital and DTS content, which are commonly found on Blu-ray discs and streaming platforms.
The Samsung HW-A650 has a decent latency performance. Its latency is a bit high via ARC, Optical, and Full HDMI In, so your video and audio may be out of sync. As a result, it may not be suitable for watching videos. That said, some apps and some TVs compensate for latency differently, so your real-world experience may vary.
You can wirelessly connect the Samsung HW-A650 to your phone or tablet via Bluetooth, so you can play audio from these devices without needing a wired connection. However, you can't wirelessly playback audio via Wi-Fi, Chromecast built-in, or Apple AirPlay.
The Samsung HW-A650 can't passthrough the highest bandwidth signals like Dolby Vision Passthrough, which can be disappointing if you want to use it as a hub between your TV and your PC to play video games. At most, it can passthrough 4k @ 4:4:4 30Hz.
There's a small display on the right side of the bar behind the metal grille. It indicates the volume level and the current input. Since it's only a four-character display, you may need to wait to let it scroll through longer words.
On the top of the bar, there are four physical buttons that let you power the bar on/off, adjust the volume, and switch the input source.
