Its really only where its spatial audio party-piece is concerned that it comes up short…
In many ways its an admirable performer where movie soundtracks are concerned.
Certainly the integration between soundbar and subwoofer is smooth, and theres detail aplenty available throughout the frequency range.
The Samsung HW-Q600C is a nice match, size-wise, for a 48in Philips OLED TV.
Rhythmic expression, in particular, is a bit lumpy.
Samsung HW-Q600C review: Price and release date
The Samsung HW-Q600C launched in September of 2023.
Even if you end up paying top whack, though, theres plenty of product here for your money.
There are a few physical controls on top of the soundbar.
There are three on either side of the front face, dealing with left- and right-channel information.
Another sits in the centre, where it takes care of hey!
The subwoofer, meanwhile, has a single forward-facing 165mm bass driver doing the low-frequency business.
The remote control covers every eventuality.
As far as connectivity is concerned, its easiest to deal with the subwoofer first.
Theres also a little button to initiate pairing in the unlikely event it doesnt happen automatically.
There are a couple of recesses at the rear of the soundbar.
The subwoofer features a rear-firing bass reflex port.
One has an input for mains power and a USB slot thats purely for servicing.
The other features a digital optical input and a couple of HDMI sockets, one of which is eARC-enabled.
That means 4K passthrough (with HDR10+ but not Dolby Vision HDR) is available.
A right-channel driver isjust aboutvisible beneath the perforations.
For wireless connections, the HW-Q600C has Bluetooth 5.0, with SBC and AAC codec compatibility.
There are four sound modes available: standard, surround, game pro and adaptive.
The Samsung is a spacious, confident listen that can organise a soundstage properly.
Once suitably balanced, the subwoofer proves quite an adept little performer too.
In fact, detail levels are gratifyingly high throughout the frequency range.
What the HW-Q600C cant do with any great positivity is generate meaningful height to the presentation.
Almost exactly the same width as a standard AV rack.
Usability, too, is of the childs play variety.
If youre hoping for app-control, though, youre out of luck.
The determined user with an Alexa smart speaker can enjoy a little voice-control, though.
As is usual with Samsung products, build quality and the standard of finish are well up to par.
Specification, too, is quite comprehensive at the price.
Should I buy the Samsung HW-Q600C?
The HW-Q600C is tidy enough to look good accompanying a 48in screen.
Read our fullBose Smart Soundbar 600 review.
And there it stayed, for well over a week.
