Samsung HW-Q800D review: Better Than The HW-Q800C Soundbar?

[@TotallydubbedHD]

Buy from Newegg: howl.me/cmgsJT5dfGK Buy from Amazon: locally.link/Ee2O Buy from Samsung UK: fave.co/44NnDlh Buy from Samsung USA: fave.co/3K63DAS Video timestamps: Price & design: 00:00 Controls & app: 01:10 Connectivity: 02:27 Sound demo: 04:31 Driver configuration: 06:47 Bass: 08:45 Treble: 09:30 Dolby Atmos demo: 10:44 Soundstage: 12:38 Verdict: 13:57

[@DanielMitraMusic]

Thanks for the review! Probably the only video on YT for the Q800D. I got this recently from a local retailer (upgraded from the small Bose TV speaker). Enjoying it so far!

[@TotallydubbedHD]

Pleasure, glad you enjoyed it and thanks for sharing!

[@d4nith3]

Amazing that u discovered the fact that there is no HDMI 2.1 but only 2.0 That's why is important to watch reviews before buying something.

[@TotallydubbedHD]

Yup! Glad you liked the video!

[@DoctorHades]

Great review. The first I have seen for the 800D here in the UK. I was one of the suckers that bought the 800D over the £350.00 cheaper 800C from Richer Sounds for £849 because, like you, I went by the Samsung website which listed this as having HDMI 2.1 passthrough! I actually feel scammed and will be contacting Samsung about this with a link to your video. While the soundbar is admittedly superb, I feel that I could have got 99.9% of the same experience from the £500 800C and that the extra £350.00 I paid does not justify the few improvements that this has over last year's model.

[@TotallydubbedHD]

Thank you, glad you enjoyed it! Indeed, I do think you would have been better off saving that money and maybe even putting towards rear speakers or even last year's flagship - I wonder if you'll be able to get a refund given it's false marketing (and it's still live - v2.1 - on many retailers like John Lewis!). Feel free to use my video as proof to the retailer in question.

[@DoctorHades]

@@TotallydubbedHD - Thanks for the reply. I did contact Samsung via their Live Chat earlier today and I linked your video. I was told that someone from support will be calling me back in the next two days. I'll update this post once they do to let people know what they said.

[@DoctorHades]

True to their word at least, someone from Samsung did call me this morning to discuss my complaint about the misleading specs for HDM 2.1 passthrough originally posted on their website for the Q800D. This has since changed but only after I'd bought it and realised it only supported 60 Hz passthrough. The conversation was confusing as the Samsung representative was telling me that their website currently shows this as 60 Hz passthrough only but then went on to ask me if I was using an HDMI 2.1 cable which would enable 120 Hz passthrough! He also mentioned that I could send it in for a repair, as if that would do anything unless they were offering to upgrade the HDMI passthrough port from 2.0 to 2.1 (not very likely!). Not sure if it was a language barrier but while he apologised for their product not meeting my expectations, he didn't go as far to admit that had made a mistake and had changed their website to remove all mention of 120 Hz passthrough. A very frustrating experience really. They are going to send me a follow up email. I will then contact the retailer and see if I can get some kind of refund for the misleading advertising, thought that is Samsung's fault not the retailer's. @TotallydubbedHD - Can you confirm please if you did see the Q800D advertised on the Samsung website as having 120 Hz passthrough and what date you saw this? I thought I saw this on 20th May as I posted this on the AVForums: www.avforums.com/threads/samsung-q800-series-is-it-just-me.2497675/#post-32272594. I then ordered this soundbar that same day and it was delivered on Wednesday, 22nd. I was only able to test the passthrough with my Xbox Series X when I got my new LG C3 TV on Friday, 24th. I assume that Samsung must have amended their website for the Q800D between 20th and 24th May. Thanks.

[@TotallydubbedHD]

@@DoctorHades thanks for sharing! I noticed it on 17 May 2024 (and a few days before), and it was then amended on Samsung's website (as far as I'm aware) after 28 May - as Samsung's UK PR then confirmed that Samsung had made a mistake.

[@DoctorHades]

​@@TotallydubbedHD - Thank you for replying. I really appreciate this, and the info. So Samsung PR admitted to you that they had made a mistake and then corrected it? Wish I had known that before I spoke with Samsung! I have had two phone calls from Samsung today. The second was at 4:45pm and from someone called John, who was following up on my phone call this morning. I explained the situation (again) and also mentioned your video as evidence that the Samsung site did show 120 Hz passthrough for the Q800D as a feature. I again asked them if they had changed the website and he basically said he did not know and there was no way to check. Whether he was telling the truth or not, is hard to say; he was very pleasant on the phone and it is not hard to believe that in an organisation as big as Samsung that the 'right hand' might not know exactly what the 'left hand' is doing so maybe he didn't know about the PR blunder? He apologised and said that it was his job to ensure that the products they are selling are advertised properly, to avoid mistakes like this happening again (which sounds like an admission really) and that he had been reviewing all the Q800D products from UK retailers to check that they were correct and only mentioned 60 Hz passthrough. He could only suggest that I contact Richer Sounds and return the soundbar as not fit for purpose since I bought it thinking it had 120 Hz passthrough. Since Richer Sounds advertised the soundbar correctly and the mistake was entirely on Samsung then I don't think there is anything more I can do. I don't want the hassle of having to return the soundbar as I am happy with it as far as its primary function (audio) is concerned. I will email them to explain what has happened and see what they say though. I think I have learnt a valuable lesson to NOT order anything that has not been reviewed on your site!!!

[@reddead2067]

Good review. I liked hearing about the pros and cons. But I don’t understand the audio test sections. Are they useful when the audio goes through your mic, then out our own speakers? And likely compressed by KZbin as well. The audience can just sense loudness, not quality.

[@TotallydubbedHD]

Thanks. As for the audio demos, if I don't include them people complain, if I do people also complain, there's no winning with the internet - would just be great if people just appreciated the work that goes into creating videos!

[@darshaktds342]

Bought the 800c after seeing this. Was waiting for the 800d to launch since two months but upon comparing the specs found that there is no major upgrade and didn't make sense to wait for the new version and pay extra.

[@TotallydubbedHD]

Good decision!

[@piyushhell]

How is the performance of 800c. I am confused between jbl 500 pro, sony g700 and samsung 800c. @totallydubbedHD can you help me out in selecting any one. I am not much of a bass person but would want to have dolby atmos and clear music

[@chinteikyeap4425]

I owned Q800A with SWA9500S …. Awesome Atmos content

[@TotallydubbedHD]

Nice!

[@Gas49man]

I have the same setup but I have trouble syncing the voice with the tv.

[@RedSea520]

Awesome video, thanks! Torn between the Samsung 800c and Vizio 5.1.2 Elevate. Elevate is $475 for Prime Day. Any opinion there?

[@jetchavz]

Hi i watched you’re review for the JBL 800 because i cant decide what to buy. Which one would you prefer? The JBL 800 or Samsung HW-Q800D? Thank you!

[@TotallydubbedHD]

I'd pick the Samsung

[@NGERIChannel]

Sound the spec doesn't much diff with the 800C, does it more worth C then D? I am using in small bedroom with the frame. Was expecting the Symphoni feature for clearer vocal / dialogue. Thanks for replying

[@TotallydubbedHD]

@@NGERIChannel watching the video might help.

[@nikhilnagpal24]

Hello..Its a great review. I would like to know your suggestion between Q800d ans Lg Sp95QR which one would u recommend?

[@TotallydubbedHD]

@@nikhilnagpal24 I'd never recommend LG products as they only work with paid reviewers. Hope that helps!

[@abhishekmarriala7013]

@@TotallydubbedHD They both are almost similarly priced samsung being cheaper than lg by just 10-15%. On paper LG looks twice as powerful. Just wanted to know your thoughts.Confused because lg is flagship model and samsung is mid range product. Your suggestion would really be helpful in making this purchase

[@TotallydubbedHD]

@@abhishekmarriala7013 thoughts are above.

[@Jeffvs]

Bought the HW800c 7 months ago for 360euro. They are the same. Cant beat that.

[@TotallydubbedHD]

Happy days!

[@TripleBug]

thanks for the detail comparison, may I know if it comes with HDMI cable (for eARC) inside the box? or it need to be purchase seperately?

[@TotallydubbedHD]

Pleasure! From my understanding an HDMI cable should come in the box, but I can't say for certain, sorry!

[@TripleBug]

@@TotallydubbedHD I just bought one and confirm the HDM cable comes with the box, thanks.

[@TotallydubbedHD]

@@TripleBug great!

[@Thealexandrept]

Between the Soundbar Samsung 800C and the SoundBar, JBL 800, Pro which one will be better, which one will have better sound quality? (I can find it, practically at the same price, hence my doubt/Question?)

[@TotallydubbedHD]

I'd pick the Samsung.

[@curtis2726]

i’m doubting weather to get this sound bar as i already have a samsung b530 but just want an upgrade. i mainly care about bass and loudness but i still want to stay with samsung. does the sub on the q800d get very low as my subs lows just roll right off around 45hz

[@TotallydubbedHD]

@@curtis2726 not tried the other so can't comment, but usually these Samsung subs roll off at around 35-38hz

[@joseragasa4040]

Hi just got my q800d and just wondering is it better compared to bose 900 w/o sub and sonos w/o sub? And second question can i add rear surround speakers on this 800d?tha k you so much! Btw great review videos!!

[@TotallydubbedHD]

@@joseragasa4040 not tried that Bose, so can't comment sorry! Surrounds can be added, pretty sure that was covered? Check the specs too. Glad you're enjoying the videos though :)

[@th_3931]

what would you pick between Samsung Q800D or JBL Bar 800? considering they're the same price in my country

[@TotallydubbedHD]

@@th_3931 the Samsung

[@nachobel]

Primarily for movies, would you recommend a Q800D + 9500S setup, or an LG S95TR? I've got an LG C4 TV. I'd like to get the Q990D but it isn't available for me.

[@TotallydubbedHD]

@@nachobel I can't recommend LG products as they only work with paid influencers, but can recommend the Samsung.

[@Bagarrao_]

Hello sir @TotallydubbedHD I love your monitor videos, I basically watch them all. Could you make a video explaining the best PANEL TYPE for competitive games? How the difference between (FAST TN / TN / FAST IPS /IPS / VA)

[@TotallydubbedHD]

Thanks! That's an interesting one, but quite complex to say the least lol; not sure it'll happen, but you never know!

[@RandyBandit37]

Is the q800 soundbars worth it over the q700 soundbars just for the subwoofer? Even if theres a big price difference?

[@TotallydubbedHD]

@@RandyBandit37 yes, but not for the subwoofer.

[@RandyBandit37]

@@TotallydubbedHD thank you!

[@GiulianoM14]

This one is sold with the rear speakers included for $500 here in Chile. Which I find insane deal and strange at the same time as I can't find this combo anywhere online. Must be a Chilean exclusive lol.

[@TotallydubbedHD]

Wow nice!

[@KkkPpp-jt4eh]

Which is better the vizio elevate 5.1.2 or this samsung q800d?

[@TotallydubbedHD]

@@KkkPpp-jt4eh not tried the other so can't comment

[@Hermcules]

So you are saying that if i connect this to my tv with the EARC port and then my pc to my tv with 4k 120fps capability it wont be an issue?

[@TotallydubbedHD]

Of course not, as long as your TV has HDMI 2.1 and your PC does too - soundbar is irrelevant in that chain

[@Hermcules]

@@TotallydubbedHD yeah thats why i was so confused when you said that i wont be able to play at 4k 120 fps. I was thinking what does the soundbar have to do with that haha. Anyways thanks for your answer

[@TotallydubbedHD]

@@Hermcules well it's still relevant for people that don't have a TV with HDMI 2.1. But for a PC, that wouldn't be relevant anyway, as you'll have to connect to the TV, not the soundbar.

[@Edward-Plantagenet]

Great review. I'm currently considering a replacement sound bar since my 13 month old £600 Sony HT-A5000 just dies on me (the seemingly all too prevalent stuck on "Hello" problem) and Sony want £200 to replace the motherboard! Needless to say, the replacement, despite having a Sony TV, will NOT be Sony! I was pondering a JBL Bar 300 but am now looking at the Q800D given there's some great deals coming here for 7/7 sales. How much of an issue will the HDMI not being 2.1 be? What will it interfere with? I'm looking at other options too, the only stipulation being I don't want a rear speaker set up, soundbar and S/W only (I'd loose the SW if I could. Looked at the Bose 600 too but there seem to be way too many problems with it. Almost everything I see these days says HDMI 2.1, odd that this doesn't have it.

[@TotallydubbedHD]

@@Edward-Plantagenet thanks! Yeah I don't recommend Sony soundbars as they're often disappointing. As for your question, as covered, it's only really relevant if you need v2.1 and don't have it on your TV. Thus would only really affect console gamers with older TVs. I'm pretty certain it's running on V2.0, and yes it's surprising!

[@Edward-Plantagenet]

@@TotallydubbedHD Thanks. Disappointing I think is being charitable 🤣. Just bought the 800D for £342. Had the opportunity to listen to it in the store. Way better than the Sony, like not even in the same league, and at half the price! Looks better too AND fits between the Bravia 65” TV legs, something Sony couldn’t manage!! Your review tipped it for me and away from the JBL Bar 300! 🙏

[@TotallydubbedHD]

@@Edward-Plantagenet ah pleasure, glad it was helpful. And that's a fantastic price too!

[@Edward-Plantagenet]

@@TotallydubbedHD Indeed! I’m in SE Asia so the cost of Samsung products here is MUCH lower than the UK. Just 7% VAT helps too.

[@TotallydubbedHD]

@@Edward-Plantagenet madness!

[@stevetaibi320]

You say HDMI 2.1 is being "updated"? Do you mean that they are updating their site or are doing a software update to "enable" HDMI 2.1 features?

[@TotallydubbedHD]

Updating the site, as shown in the video :)

[@danijel8890]

I have q800a, and is this q800d upgrade big enough to replace my q800a, what do you think??

[@TotallydubbedHD]

Honestly think it'll be a slight upgrade but not something substantial (to the C or D). My review of the A: kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z56Ul2WcYrqMidUsi=szdDcmsart1ljo9f

[@haubawi6817]

No 4k at 120 but at 60 hz. My question is can I do 1440p at 120hz for ps5 or pro ???? Please let me know.

[@TotallydubbedHD]

@@haubawi6817 should be fine, can't confirm

[@MrDeniosPL]

JBL Bar 800 or Q800D? I know that there's a pretty big price gap and JBL is almost 2x "stronger", but what about sound quality?

[@TotallydubbedHD]

Suggest watching both reviews.

[@MrDeniosPL]

@@TotallydubbedHD Thanks for response! ​I'm just watching, but it's always harder to decide when watching two reviews :/

[@aldoraine1259]

Please help me, which one would you choose, samsung q800d or the jbl bar 500, for movies and music? I have a sony tv btw.

[@TotallydubbedHD]

@@aldoraine1259 the Samsung

[@aldoraine1259]

@@TotallydubbedHD thankss !!

[@ricardoaraujo5007]

Boa Noite amigo Meu Nome é Ricardo Alexandre Sou Brasileiro Minha Lingua é o Português Quais Foram as Mudanças que teve nas Soundbar da Samsung HW- 800 B Vs 800 C Vs 800 D ? Muito obrigado

[@TotallydubbedHD]

Suggest looking on Google or watching the video.

[@OzzyMandias]

I bought my Q930B over a year ago for £500, I keep seeing these middling Sound Bars, I don't see why anyone would buy any of these over the Q930 B or C, I just don't see the point 🙄

[@amalvsreedhar830]

What is the average volume level that you would prefer to get a decent output?

[@TotallydubbedHD]

@@amalvsreedhar830 that's subjective.

[@amalvsreedhar830]

@@TotallydubbedHD For example, the audio demo in this video.

[@TotallydubbedHD]

@@amalvsreedhar830 around level 11-12.

[@Gas49man]

Hi, Thanks for the video. I have the q800a with the swa-9500s rear speakers. The only thing I don't like about it is that I can't get my Samsung TV sync voice with the soundbar. Does this model have a better sync? Thank you

[@TotallydubbedHD]

@@Gas49man glad you enjoyed it. Not sure what you mean - audio sync? If so, yes there's a setting, check the manual.

[@Gas49man]

@@TotallydubbedHD The voice doesn't match with the person speaking. It has a delayed. I tried the tv settings and the soundbar settings and I can get it a little better. They are out of sync. Thanks for getting back to me.

[@TotallydubbedHD]

@@Gas49man yeah audio sync, shouldn't happen if connected over HDMI, but check the settings.

[@Gas49man]

@@TotallydubbedHD Thanks, I am using HMI ARC. Have a great holiday weekend!

[@TotallydubbedHD]

@@Gas49man cool, then settings will do it

[@chingco2189]

Which one is better? Q800D or JBL Bar 800?

[@TotallydubbedHD]

@@chingco2189 the Samsung

[@unyimusic]

I have a question, my TV supports HDMI 2.1 and I connect my PS5 straight to my TV, then can I use this soundbar with my PS5?

[@TotallydubbedHD]

@@unyimusic yes of course

[@death057]

I just got this. I am trying to find a good setting for my EDM I listen to old school Florida breaks, industrial, and electro and I'm having issues with getting the sound right. With adaptive sound the treble is too high but it's more like the mid trebles pretty much it's the snare on the two and the four if that makes sense. But on adaptive if I turn down the treble it just sounds muted I want to have bass I know the mids are what they are but it's like they're missing one EQ band. That's actually what it is I think! I'm used to having three for highs three for mids and three for Low and this is missing one bar. If I try and EQ it with the EQ it just gets muddy I can't seem to get it is there something I am missing?

[@TotallydubbedHD]

Not really, not sure what more to suggest. Maybe try the surround EQ instead? I didn't experience such issues but you might have overly sensitive ears?

[@zest1989]

is there big difference in dolby atmos compared q800d with q700d ? pls advise

[@TotallydubbedHD]

@@zest1989 yes suggest watching both my reviews, but effectively no side drivers impacts soundstage performance in the 700 line

[@zest1989]

Thanks for the reply.. Lightning fast😅​@@TotallydubbedHD

[@TotallydubbedHD]

@@zest1989 no worries, don't forget to drop a like and sub.

[@maich3lbio]

hi. is this better than the jbl 9.1 or jbl bar 800?

[@TotallydubbedHD]

@@maich3lbio the 9.1 or 800d. I'd side towards the JBL though

[@johnkelvinleyba8681]

Which is better this samsung or sony HT-S40R?

[@TotallydubbedHD]

The samsung

[@onderdemir9596]

Merhaba sence jbl derp bass 2.1 mi yoksa samsung Q800c mi çok kararsızım

[@TotallydubbedHD]

Get the Samsung

[@smetljesm2276]

Loking for a bedroom soundbar I started from Q600B and 50 by 50€ here I am 2 days later at Q800D for 390€. And I must say they sure are doing their best to confuse the offering with 60models old and new...

[@TotallydubbedHD]

@@smetljesm2276 haha wow! Get the 800D!

[@johnworkman2743]

Where did you manage to get the HW-Q800D for that price?

[@smetljesm2276]

@@johnworkman2743 in most of EU they are like 450-500€ but for some reason they are 390-450 here in Croatia

[@rishabhbansal]

Will it support 3D sound from PS5 if it only has hdmi 2.0

[@TotallydubbedHD]

3D sound?

[@rishabhbansal]

@@TotallydubbedHD 5.1

[@TotallydubbedHD]

@@rishabhbansal best looking into what the PlayStation supports and can output via its ports.

[@evo78]

Hi, i got a Q700A how do you enable Dolby Atmos on Q700A?

[@TotallydubbedHD]

Use Atmos content

[@vijju49]

Does jbl 800 pro supports dts x and dts streaming contents

[@hardXful]

No

[@EmirkülalTaşdemir]

Merhaba,Logitech z906 hakkında tecrübeniz var mı?Samsung q800d veya z906 alacağım.Ülkemde her ikisininde fiyatı aynı.Yardımcı olursanız memnun olurum.

[@TotallydubbedHD]

For a TV setup, the Samsung. For PC, the Logitech.

[@EmirkülalTaşdemir]

@@TotallydubbedHD EyvAllah dostum!

[@itsmearv07]

I just have purchased it. 😊😊

[@TotallydubbedHD]

Hope you like it!

[@Coach_cesar]

Just got it for 700 on amazon

[@TotallydubbedHD]

Not bad!

[@kearley]

$350 at Video Only

[@joelkuznetsov2826]

​@kearley love my local video only

[@kearley]

@@joelkuznetsov2826 Absolutely the BEST prices! Prices so good it’s plain stupid to go anywhere else…

[@wturner777]

Just got mine for $400 at Conn's. I had to get it before it's gone because they're going out of business.

[@toddc737]

Re: verdict, what model was "Last Year's Flagship?"

[@TotallydubbedHD]

See description...

[@toddc737]

@@TotallydubbedHD HW-Q990C?

[@TotallydubbedHD]

@@toddc737 yes.

[@toddc737]

I appreciate your replys. I have a cathedral ceiling. Will 990c/d rear speakers lose their effectiveness as compared to 800D?

[@japzahaha]

HW-Q800D its product lasted of this year ?

[@ashdenlilley9260]

Nope

[@Marsha_83]

Has anyone compared the sound quality of 800d and 800c?

[@TotallydubbedHD]

Really?

[@darshaktds342]

Q800C in itself is so brilliant, I don't think there would be any change in q800d sound quality. One version higher of Bluetooth is the only change I could see as far as specs are concerned.

[@Marsha_83]

Hello. Is there Dolby Vision pass through support?

[@TotallydubbedHD]

Not sure, best checking the specs!

[@f4ll3nzr0]

it will recognize Dolby Vision but processes it to HDR and will not do 120hz. Sony HT-A7000 with the sw5 sub and RS5 satellites.

[@DoctorHades]

I can confirm that this soundbar supports Dolby Vision via the HDMI passthrough as I tested it on my Xbox Series X (60 Hz only as it does not support HDMI 2.1 passthrough) and Panasonic UB-820 4K BD player. It also supports DTS passthrough from my PS5, Xbox Series X, Panasonic UB820 and LG C3 TV despite Samsung TVs not supporting DTS at all. It's a great soundbar, having been using the 800D for over a week now here in the UK, but on reflection I feel that I should have bought the cheaper 800C as my reason for buying the 800D in the first place was for HDMI 2.1 passthrough, which I swear was what the Samsung website stated prior to me ordering it. However, when I checked the day after receiving the soundbar and testing it, the website description had changed. I have complained to Samsung about this today and am currently awaiting a phone call from them in the next 24-48 hours.

[@TotallydubbedHD]

@@DoctorHades thanks for sharing! Indeed it was, as you'll see from my video - I had a pre and post image. Hopefully this review will help people make the right decision.

[@richirdfitzwell]

only 360 watts? weak

[@Gavindeftrap]

The reviews are great but the horrible music you play is ruining, you only pay attention to the terrible lyrics/singing

[@TotallydubbedHD]

Sorry to hear that for you.

[@Gavindeftrap]

@@TotallydubbedHD I doubt it'd just me