We've put our ears to a variety of speaker solutions for delivering the audio portion of your video entertainment experience, but the virtual-surround soundbar category is one that we've missed. Just from the sheer number of these products in the market, you know this gadget genre is popular with folks, so when the Samsung
HT-WS1 drifted by, we just had to grab it up for review. Out of the box it sure does look nice in the red "Touch of Color" design, and feels more solid than the Samsung AS730 HTIB we
reviewed last month. This $350 soundbar + subwoofer combo is limited to a 3.5-mm stereo jack and a SPDIF optical feed. As we said in our
ZVOX review, though, we'd rather have good performance on a few codecs than poor performance on all of them. We'll tell you if Samsung's HT-WS1 finds a good balance in the features-performance-price triad in due time, but until then, take a gander at the pics after the break.
posted May 28th 2009 2:04PM
I own one of these for a bedroom setup. The only problem I see is that the subwoofer has a slight "whirring" sound that you will hear when it starts and stops, probably an internal cooling fan (why?). In any case, it is not noticeable really during regular use.
I'd guess it is getting interference from another device or from the ac outlet. I have not heard it from this system ever.
A friend of mine has this thing and the subwoofer and sound bar loose connection ever so often and it is annoying as heck. Not to mention that the fan in the subwoofer has a weird hum and gets annoying in quiet parts. I am not impressed, especially because of the price tag.
Is it hooked to the output of the TV? Is it using optical? I use and install electronics daily and haven't seen this. There may be a lag from another device to the TV, not from the optical out of the tv to soundbar.
I've used both, the analog input and the optical input. I think the cutting out is because of the wireless technology because the subwoofer placement makes it better or worse. The person lives in a condo and there are a ton of wireless networks, all of which are probably using the 2.4Ghz spectrum, just like the link of this subwoofer. It probably doesn't help that there is a wireless router near it too...
The fan is probably to cool the amp (that I'm guessing is built into the sub), rather than the speaker itself. That stinks that it is noisy though.
There is no amp in the sub sending a signal to the speaker. The sub is wireless. The signal goes from the output of the TV to the speaker, it then sends the signal wirelessly to the sub. Most people have said they can't hear the fan. There is a few people mentioning the fan though.
you went from never hearing of this unit to knowing all about it in 6min. way to go! i believe the complaint is that the cooling fan from the sub amp is making the whirring noise. I hear this too and have had a couple of clients complain about it. Honestly, I don't hear it unless im right up next to it. and for only $350, this little baby does quite alright - especially if you're looking to match your speakers to your tv.
I returned mine the next day. The sub turning itself on and off is too noticeable to enjoy what you are watching. I would have kept it if it only had a way to make the sub wired as well. Ended up getting a Yamaha ysp-900 and couldn't be happier.
I don't understand why anyone would spend money on soundbars.
Stick to your television's built-in speakers or set up a pair of floorstanders/bookshelves.
I'm not rushing out to get one, but I can see some applications.
What if your TV speakers are terrible?
What if you don't have a receiver (or want to buy one) that fits into your setup?
What if you want to keep your setup low on clutter and devices?
You really don't understand why 'anyone'? or you?
all of these "surround sound bars"....poor man's YSP.
trust trust trust me. i had one, it sux. Buy the vizio one. I have 4 networks in my house and 7 laptops 3 gaming consoles wireless; the subwoofer has never ever ever lost connection. The wireless vizio soundbar subwoofer is sweet. Plus too, the feet come off so that it fits perfectly under the tv. get it walmart for like 300
Do you know when the review will be released ?
Taking a few more days of serious listening, but I'm hoping to get the review up early next week. Any specific questions?
Hi. I have this particular soundbar and I'd like to add my comments to the discussion.
1. Why get a soundbar? The reply above noted it best...reduce clutter, improve a terrible built in speaker, and honestly, I am not going to put in a receiver, etc. The soundbar is terrific is size and shape and for what it does, it's an upgrade from the in-set speaker!
2. Sound? Again, it's not a bookshelf set up but I do not want a cluttered look. Any bookshelf system is going to have some type of amp...this set up improves sound without adding the bulk.
3. Noisy subwoofer. Yep. That part is true. It must be the fan cooling it. I hear this hum but only after shutting off the system. I will try a different outlet to see if that helps. It just might be the fan. I have not had the sub drop-outs others mentioned or where it goes on/off by itself.
4. Overall. Nice addition. Just remember what you are getting and it's not a full true surround system by any stretch.
Migg...
Steven...One question for you. Since I already have the unit...any tricks in order to maximize the units performance? The subwoofers performance? Thanks.
Yeah, the review should be coming up this week. I found a small tweak for enhancing the performance, especially in the bass. Stay tuned!
I moved the subwoofer and can confirm it is the fan in the unit. After the system is turned off, the fan runs. About 20 minutes later it shuts off. During use, I never hear it. Only after turning it off. It does not bother me but if your a light sleeper and turn it off at night I could see where it might be an issue.
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The system light under the center is quite bright in a dark room. Any way to turn it off? The TV allows you to turn off the accent lighting. It seems the accent lighting comes on after using the system and shutting it down. Any way to turn off that light?
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I did some serious listening today and honestly, I thought it was pretty good. I am no expert mind you but it was clear, loud, and did what I needed it to do.