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Samsung HW-Q67CB Soundbar Review

Tested using Methodology v1.2
Reviewed Nov 24, 2022 at 08:33 am
Latest change: Writing modified Jul 06, 2023 at 12:40 pm
Samsung HW-Q67CB Picture
7.7
Mixed Usage
8.1
Dialogue/TV Shows
7.4
Music
7.6
Movies

The Samsung HW-Q67CB is a Costco-exclusive 5.1 soundbar setup released in 2022. It supports Dolby Atmos content, which is commonly found on many different streaming platforms and Blu-ray discs. Like many other Samsung models, you get access to many customization tools with this soundbar, including a graphic EQ to switch up its sound and access to Q-Symphony, which syncs the bar up to speakers on your compatible Samsung TV for a more immersive sound. That said, there's no room correction tool, and you have to wire its satellites to a wireless receiver module to get them to work, which may not be ideal for all setups.

Our Verdict

7.7 Mixed Usage

The Samsung HW-Q67CB is good for mixed usage. This soundbar offers a balanced sound right out-of-the-box, so voices in TV shows and podcasts are clearly reproduced, and instruments in your favorite tunes are pleasant and detailed. There are many customization tools on hand, too, including a 7-band graphic EQ. The bar supports many common audio formats found on different streaming platforms, like Dolby Digital and Dolby Atmos. That said, it lacks a bit of low-bass, which is noticeable with bass-heavy content.

Pros
  • 7-band graphic EQ.
  • Dolby Atmos support.
  • Satellites included.
Cons
  • Lacks low-bass.
  • No room correction feature.
8.1 Dialogue/TV Shows

The Samsung HW-Q67CB is great for dialogue-focused content like TV shows and podcasts. Its discrete center channel is designed to improve vocal reproduction, and its balanced sound means that dialogue is clear and easy to follow. There's also a dialogue enhancement tool on hand if you want voices to sound more clear and crisp. You can even stream audio from your phone to the bar over Bluetooth, which is handy.

Pros
  • 7-band graphic EQ.
  • Bluetooth support.
Cons
  • No room correction feature.
7.4 Music

The Samsung HW-Q67CB is satisfactory for music. Right out of the box, the bar offers a pretty balanced sound, so voices and lead instruments are clear and present in the mix. It's suitable for listening to most music genres; however, those who love bass-heavy content like EDM and hip-hop will notice the lack of deep rumble in the low-bass. You can switch up its sound a bit with its 7-band graphic EQ, but unfortunately, this won't enable you to extend the bass lower.

Pros
  • 7-band graphic EQ.
  • Gets loud.
Cons
  • Lacks low-bass.
  • No room correction feature.
7.6 Movies

The Samsung HW-Q67CB is good for movies. This 5.1 setup is a solid pick for watching content, like Dolby Digital and Dolby Atmos, that you're likely to find on most streaming platforms and Blu-rays. Its satellites bring a more clear and real feel to the sound. Dialogue is clear in the mix, too, though there's a lack of rumble in action-packed scenes. You'll notice a touch less height when you watch Atmos content, especially when compared to more premium setups.

Pros
  • Gets loud.
  • Dolby Atmos support.
  • Satellites included.
Cons
  • Lacks low-bass.
  • No room correction feature.
  • 7.7 Mixed Usage
  • 8.1 Dialogue/TV Shows
  • 7.4 Music
  • 7.6 Movies
  1. Updated Jul 06, 2023: Thanks to user feedback, we identified the Samsung HW-Q60B as a variant of this soundbar.
  2. Updated Jun 07, 2023: Converted to Test Bench 1.2. Updated the results for audio format support via ARC/eARC, HDMI In, and Optical. Added Video Passthrough to TV results as well.
  3. Updated Mar 13, 2023: Added cable lengths to In The Box.
  4. Updated Mar 10, 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.
  5. Updated Nov 24, 2022: Review published.
  6. Updated Nov 22, 2022: Early access published.
  7. Updated Nov 17, 2022: Our testers have started testing this product.
  8. Updated Nov 14, 2022: The product has arrived in our lab, and our testers will start evaluating it soon.
  9. Updated Nov 01, 2022: We've purchased the product and are waiting for it to arrive in our lab.

Differences Between Sizes And Variants

The Samsung HW-Q67CB is available in Black, and you can see the label for the model we tested here. You can also purchase the bar and the subwoofer on their own as the Samsung HW-Q60B.

If you encounter another version of this soundbar, let us know in the discussions, and we'll update our review.

Compared To Other Soundbars

The Samsung HW-Q67CB is a 5.1 setup that's exclusively available at Costco. It's a mid-range offering that blends some of Samsung's more premium features into a more affordable package. For example, you get access to Samsung's Q-Symphony technology, as well as its graphic EQ for customization. The smaller sub brings less rumble to the bass, and its Atmos performance doesn't stack up with top-of-the-line models.

You can also check out our best soundbars, the best Dolby Atmos soundbars, and the best Samsung soundbars recommendations.

Vizio M Series M51a-H6

The Vizio M Series M51a-H6 is better than the Samsung HW-Q67CB. They're both 5.1 soundbars with Dolby Atmos support. However, the Vizio can reproduce a more extended low bass, so you can feel more thump and rumble in the mix. The Vizio also offers less compression at max volume, letting you enjoy a clearer sound at louder volumes. It doesn't have a graphic EQ like the Samsung, but its bass and treble adjustments will be enough for most uses.

Vizio M Series Elevate M512E-K6

The Vizio M Series Elevate M512E-K6 is better than the Samsung HW-Q67CB. The Vizio is a 5.1.2 setup that comes with two up-firing drivers built into the bar itself for simulating height with Atmos content, unlike the Samsung, which supports Atmos through side-firing drivers in its bar. Subjectively, it makes a big difference with Atmos content, as you notice more height in the soundstage around you. The Vizio also brings more rumble in the bass, which is nice.

Vizio M Series M51ax-J6

The Vizio M Series M51ax-J6 is a 5.1 Dolby Atmos soundbar just like the Samsung HW-Q67CB. They're similar, but the Vizio is better overall. It reproduces more bass, so you feel more thump and rumble in music and movies. There's less compression as you crank up the volume, too. It doesn't have a graphic EQ like the Samsung, but there are still bass and treble adjustments to give you some control over its sound.

Samsung HW-Q910B

The Samsung HW-Q910B is better than the Samsung HW-Q67CB. The Q910B is a 9.1.2 setup that comes with the same satellites as the Q67CB. However, thanks to its up-firing Atmos drivers, it does a better job with Atmos content compared to the Q67CB, which only uses side-firing drivers to simulate height in the soundstage. The Q910B reproduces more low-bass, and it comes with more features, too, such as room correction.

Test Results

perceptual testing image
Design
Design
Style - Bar

The Samsung HW-Q67CB is made of plastic, with metal grilles covering the top and the front. The controls are on top, too. It has a similar look to the bar that comes with the Samsung HW-Q910B, with angled edges.

Design
Style - Subwoofer
Sub Wireless
Yes
Enclosure
Ported

The sub is made of wood. On its front, there's a fabric covering that's rather thin.

Design
Style - Satellites
Satellite Wireless
Partial, satellites wired together

The satellites are made of plastic. The front and the sides are covered in a metal grille. They connect to the wireless receiver module using the included speaker wires.

Design
Dimensions - Bar
Width 40.6" (103.0 cm)
Height 2.3" (5.8 cm)
Depth 4.2" (10.6 cm)

The bar is a bit wide, so it doesn't fit between the legs of most 55" TV stands. That said, since it isn't very tall, it doesn't obscure most TV screens.

Design
Dimensions - Subwoofer
Width 7.2" (18.2 cm)
Height 13.4" (34.1 cm)
Depth 10.7" (27.3 cm)

The sub is a bit smaller than the model that comes with the Samsung HW-Q910B. It's about the size of an average desktop computer.

Design
Dimensions - Satellites
Width 3.5" (9.0 cm)
Height 5.8" (14.8 cm)
Depth 3.5" (9.0 cm)

The satellites are the same size as those that come with the Samsung HW-Q910B. They aren't very big, but you have to wire them to the receiver module to get them to work, which adds some extra wires to your setup.

Design
Mounting
Mountable Bar
Yes
Bar Brackets Included
Yes
Mountable Satellites
Yes
Satellite Brackets Included
No
7.5
Design
Build Quality

The Samsung HW-Q67CB has good build quality. The bar and the satellites have a similar design, as they're both made of sturdy plastic with metal grilles to protect the drivers within. The wooden sub feels solid; however, the fabric in the front of the sub is thin and seems like it could collect dust over time.

Design
In The Box

  • User manual
  • Remote with batteries (2x AAA)
  • 3x power cables (4.9 ft / 1.5m)
  • ACDC adapter for soundbar (4.9 ft / 1.5m)
  • 2x speaker wire for satellites (13 ft / 3.9m)
  • HDMI cable (4.9 ft / 1.5m)
  • Wall-mount guide
  • 2x wall mount brackets
  • 4x wall mount screws

Sound
7.7
Sound
Stereo Frequency Response
Tested Preset
Standard
Slope
-0.54
Std. Err.
2.55 dB
Channels
5.1
Low-Frequency Extension
44.3 Hz
High-Frequency Extension
19.9 kHz

The Samsung HW-Q67CB has a good stereo frequency response. Its sound is quite even and balanced, especially in the mids, meaning that voices and lead instruments in your favorite tunes are reproduced with clarity and accuracy. There's a touch of extra punch in the mid-bass, too. However, fans of bass-heavy genres like EDM and hip-hop will notice the lack of rumble in the low-bass. You can always customize it, though, thanks to the 7-band graphic EQ on hand.

Some users have reported issues where the bar stops working after several hours of use, which you can read about here and here. We had a similar issue during our testing process, where the bar stopped playing audio, even though it registered the file. Unplugging the bar and plugging it back in seemed to fix the issue on our end. However, if you come across something similar, let us know in the discussions below.

7.7
Sound
Stereo Frequency Response With Preliminary Calibration
Suggested Preset
Standard
Suggested Bass Setting
-2
Suggested Treble Setting
2
Slope
0.15
Std. Err.
2.29 dB
Low-Frequency Extension
46.2 Hz
High-Frequency Extension
19.9 kHz

If you prefer a more balanced sound with stereo content, you can set the bar's bass to '-2' and the treble to '2'. The resulting output is more even, and there isn't as much extra punch in the mid-bass mixed in. As a result, it's suitable for listening to lots of different types of audio content.

7.5
Sound
Stereo Soundstage
Crosstalk Error
2.34 dB

With stereo content, the Samsung HW-Q67CB's soundstage is perceived to be a bit wider than the bar itself. Its focus is good, too, so you won't have any trouble following sound effects to their pinpoint locations in the space around you. However, details mixed to come from the far edges are a bit fainter.

7.1
Sound
Stereo Dynamics
SPL @ Max Volume
97.2 dB SPL
DRC @ Max Volume
3.86 dB

The bar gets really loud, so it easily fills larger and more open spaces with sound. As you crank up the volume, though, there's more compression and pumping artifacts added into the mix. If you want a clear and pure audio reproduction, it's best to listen at a more normal volume level.

6.4
Sound
Stereo Total Harmonic Distortion
Weighted THD @ 80dB
1.41
Weighted THD @ Max Volume
3.80

The Samsung HW-Q67CB has fair stereo THD performance. At normal listening volumes, there's a bit of distortion, and it jumps when you press the bar to max volume. That said, distortion is hard to hear with real-life content. Unless you're an astute audiophile, you won't notice much of a difference in the bar's sound.

8.2
Sound
Center
Localization
Discrete
Slope
-0.63
Std. Err.
3.02 dB
SPL @ Max Volume
88.7 dB SPL
Weighted THD @ 80dB
0.70
Weighted THD @ Max Volume
2.31

The bar's discrete center channel is designed to improve vocal reproduction. Thanks to its even and balanced frequency response, voices are reproduced with clarity and detail in the mix, so you can hear them clearly in movies and TV shows.

7.6
Sound
Surround 5.1
Localization
Discrete
Slope
-1.15
Std. Err.
3.57 dB
SPL @ Max Volume
91.7 dB SPL
Weighted THD @ 80dB
0.55
Weighted THD @ Max Volume
1.01
7.1 Rears
No

The Samsung HW-Q67CB is a good choice for surround sound 5.1 formats like Dolby Digital and DTS. Thanks to its discrete satellites, sound effects are replicated with a clear and real sound in the space around you. Audio seems like it's coming from all around you, rather than just from speakers placed in front of you.

5.7
Sound
Height (Atmos)
Localization
Phantom (Front Firing Bar and Front Firing Satellites)
Slope
-1.05
Std. Err.
4.16 dB
SPL @ Max Volume
82.5 dB SPL
Weighted THD @ 80dB
1.94
Weighted THD @ Max Volume
0.44

The Samsung HW-Q67CB uses front-firing drivers built into the bar and its satellites to simulate height effects in the space around you. It doesn't sound quite as clear or as real as the experience you get with a traditional home theater system, which uses down-firing drivers in your ceiling to create a true sense of height.

Subjectively, we found that the bar's performance with Atmos content is pleasant overall. It does a good job replicating sound effects in the space around you, especially those that are mixed to come from the left and the right of you. However, it's missing some rumble in the bass, which is especially noticeable in action-packed scenes like car chases. It doesn't simulate height as well as more premium models on the market, either, so drones that are meant to fly over your head seem like they're just coming from the spaces beside you.

7.4
Sound
Sound Enhancement Features
Room Correction
No
Dialogue Enhancement
Yes
Auto-Volume/Night Mode
Yes
Subwoofer Level Adjustment
Yes
Bass Adjustment
Yes
Treble Adjustment
Yes
EQ
Graphic + Presets
Surround Level Adjustment
No
Rear Level Adjustment
Yes
Height Level Adjustment
No
Virtual Surround
Yes

The Samsung HW-Q67CB has a decent selection of sound enhancement features. Unlike more premium offerings from the manufacturer, there's no room correction tool, so it sounds a little different depending on the room you listen in. However, you have lots of customization tools to make up for this, including a 7-band graphic EQ that you can access by holding down on the Sound Control button on the remote. There are several presets to choose from, including Surround Sound, Game, Adaptive Sound, and Standard.

Like other Samsung models, the bar offers a feature called Q-Symphony that's advertised to create a more immersive sound when you pair the bar with a compatible Samsung TV. Essentially, this feature uses the bar's speakers in tandem with the speakers built into your TV. In practice, we found it doesn't make a huge difference in the sound quality, though audio can sound a bit louder. Your real-world experience can vary based on your personal preferences, though.

Connectivity
Connectivity
Inputs/Outputs - Bar
Optical Audio In
1
HDMI Out
eARC
HDMI 2.1 Class Bandwidth
No
Full HDMI In
1
Analog Audio In 3.5mm (Aux)
No
RCA In
No
USB for Files
1
Ethernet
No
Subwoofer Output
No

You can connect the bar to your TV over an HDMI connection, and if you have an older TV, it supports Optical, too. Its HDMI In port lets you use the bar as a hub between different devices, like when you want to passthrough high-quality video.

9.6
Connectivity
Audio Format Support: ARC/eARC
Dolby Atmos
Supported
Dolby Digital
Supported
Dolby Digital Plus
Supported
Dolby TrueHD
Supported
DTS
Supported
DTS:X
Not Supported
DTS-HD MA
Not Supported
PCM Channels
Up To 7.1

The bar supports many of the audio formats that you're likely to come across with content on streaming platforms and Blu-rays, like Dolby Atmos and Dolby Digital.

9.6
Connectivity
Audio Format Support: HDMI In
Dolby Atmos
Supported
Dolby Digital
Supported
Dolby Digital Plus
Supported
Dolby TrueHD
Supported
DTS
Supported
DTS:X
Not Supported
DTS-HD MA
Not Supported
PCM Channels
Up To 7.1

Via HDMI In, the bar supports many different audio formats. You can enjoy 5.1 surround sound formats like Dolby Digital as well as lossless and object-based formats like Dolby Atmos.

10
Connectivity
Audio Format Support: Optical
Dolby Digital
Supported
DTS
Supported
PCM Channels
2.0

The bar supports many common 5.1 surround sound formats over Optical, including Dolby Digital and DTS. You're likely to come across both on streaming services and Blu-rays.

8.4
Connectivity
Latency
ARC
38 ms
Optical
15 ms
Full HDMI In
-70 ms

When you connect the bar to your TV over an ARC or Optical connection, latency is low, so the audio you hear is in sync with the video you see. There aren't any issues with lip-synching, either. We measured higher latency over HDMI In; however, with real-life content, we didn't notice much of a delay over this input. The HDMI In port may be compensating for the delay, which is why the real-world results vary slightly from our measured results. Either way, if you experience any latency issues, you can use the bar's Audio Sync feature to manually adjust the delay based on your preferences.

8.5
Connectivity
Video Passthrough To TV
1080p Max Refresh Rate
120Hz
1080p @ 4:4:4 Max Refresh Rate
120Hz
4k Max Refresh Rate
60Hz
4k @ 120Hz @ 10-Bit
Not Supported
4k @ 4:4:4 Max Refresh Rate
60Hz
8k Max Refresh Rate
30Hz
HDR10 Passthrough
Yes
HDR10+ Passthrough
Yes
Dolby Vision Passthrough
Yes
HDMI Forum VRR Passthrough
Yes
FreeSync Passthrough
No
G-SYNC Passthrough
No
ALLM Passthrough
Yes

This soundbar can passthrough some of the highest-quality bandwidth signals, including Dolby Vision Passthrough. When connected between devices like a TV and a PC, text on the screen is clear and crisp.

6.0
Connectivity
Wireless Playback
Bluetooth
Yes
Wi-Fi Playback
No
Chromecast built-in
No
Apple AirPlay
No
Spotify Connect
No

You can stream audio from your phone or other mobile devices to the bar wirelessly over Bluetooth.

Additional Features
Additional Features
Interface
Display
Yes

There's a small display screen beneath the metal grille. It only shows a few characters at a time, so you have to wait for it to scroll through longer messages. Still, it's a handy way to see which input you're on and the other settings you change.

Additional Features
Bar Controls

The top has a few buttons to control the bar. You can turn it on/off, adjust the volume, and switch to a different input source.

Additional Features
Remote

The remote is simple and lets you control all the bar's settings. That said, since it isn't a universal remote, you can't use it to control your TV.

Additional Features
Voice Assistants Support
Amazon Alexa
No
Google Assistant
No
Apple Siri
No
Microphone Mute
No

While Samsung's US website says that the bar supports Alexa, we found no information to support this claim in the manual. Since the bar doesn't support Wi-Fi, it doesn't have any voice assistant capabilities. We suspect this is an error on the manufacturer's website.