Matches screen size: 49” and up
HDMI: 1 in, 1 out (ARC)
Digital in: Optical
Wireless: Bluetooth
Analogue in: 3.5 mm AUX
Website: samsung.no
HW-N660 supports 4K-video from Blu-ray through the HDMI input, and it also extends the sound in height in order to give an additional dimension. Unlike Sony there is no decoding of 360 audio formats such as Dolby Atmos and DTS:X. Instead, Samsung scales the volume in height from regular two-dimensional audio formats. The usability is good, but the display is narrow and can accommodate few characters. This means that the text must scroll sideways in order for us to read it.
Sound quality
The sound is more well-balanced than the rest in its class. The dialogue in Alien: Covenant sounds open and natural, without any humps or colouring anywhere. The subwoofer integrates well and the bass is rendered very good tonally. This adds a good foundation to the soundscape, and explosions also work quite well within certain limits.
The soundscape is large and open and even when we play Forza Horizon 3 on Xbox One S, we do so with a surprisingly large amount of immersion. There is room, and there is dynamics. Samsung cannot work wonders in terms of power, and we feel it perhaps gives up a little early.
Music in stereo never sounds harsh or problematic. The voice of David Gilmour on Pink Floyd’s Hey You is clear as day, and it sounds natural and well balanced in the timbre. Samsung sounds more resolved in overtones than the others in the test and is the best for music if you do not have to play loudly.
Conclusion
Samsung has gradually become very good at making well-sounding soundbars, and the HW-N660 is no exception. It is very well balanced in the timbre and sounds resolved and natural for movies, games and music. It could, admittedly, be a little more powerful, but the total package is so good that it deserves our full recommendation.
The display could have had more room for text, otherwise it’s usability is also very good.
Also in this test
Klipsch RSB-6
Does not follow up
A masculine expression and rugged sound does not have the power to follow up, and Klipsch lands at the bottom.
JBL Bar 3.1
Powerhouse
No one in the class provide this sense of home cinema. JBL crushes everyone on sheer force, and the sound quality is good enough for it to take the lead.
LG SJ8
Let the sound flow
The soundbar from LG is one of the most affordable with built-in network features and streaming of music services. It also sounds good.
Panasonic SC-HTB250
Small and half-hearted
The small soundbar from Panasonic sounds bigger and more powerful than you might think. But it has a few issues.
Creative Sound BlasterX Katana
For gamers
Creative’s soundbar is for gamers and the only one in the test with USB inputs that replaces the sound card in PCs and Macs.
Yamaha YAS-207
Surprisingly huge sound
Yamaha was first on the market with active soundbars. This is their first with DTS Virtual:X surround sound.
Philips Fidelio B1/12
Better on TV than music
This is one of the smallest soundbars on the market. It sounds bigger than it looks, but has its shortcomings.
Sony HT-XF9000
Extra dimension in height
Sony’s soundbar simulates both Dolby Atmos and DTS:X in height, thus giving an extra dimension to the soundscape. Yes, it works.
