Samsung/Harman Kardon HW-Q70R Soundbar System

Powered 3.1.2-channel Soundbar with Wireless Sub, Dolby Atmos and DTS:X

In 2019 Samsung introduced the Q Series premium class of soundbars. This lineup includes the entry-level model HW-Q60R ($429.99), followed by the HW-Q70R ($699.99), HW-Q80R ($1,099.99) and the HW-Q90R ($1,499.99). All models are available now.

Those of you who are familiar with the model names of Samsungs latest QLED 4K TVs may have noticed the similarity to the soundbar model names presented here and how each soundbar corresponds to a particular QLED TV model. For example, the HW-Q70R soundbar matches the QLED Q70R 4K TV. This naming method also holds true for the other soundbar models mentioned above.

And of course, this branding similarity is not by coincidence, but instead by marketing design strategy. The reason being, according to Samsung, is the Q Series soundbars are optimized to work seamlessly with Samsung QLED TVs, and allow Plug-and-Play connectivity via wired or wireless connections to control both TV and soundbar with the Samsung OneRemote and fine-tune your sound right from the TV menu.

HW-Q70R closeup view

In this article, I will profile the HW-Q70R.

Note: The Q80R and Q90R soundbars are larger models, each offering more drivers (speakers) for better and more immersive sound output, in addition to more power output.

The HW-Q70R is a two-piece powered 3.1.2-channel soundbar with a wireless sub. The soundbar features a very slim and sleek design that should fit below or in front of most flat-panel TVs, including Samsung’s own QLED series, without blocking the TV screen. The HW-Q70R can also be wall-mounted and is supplied with the necessary hardware for this application.

The soundbar measures 43-3/8″ W x 2-5/16″ H x 3-15/16″ D and weighs 7.9 lbs. The soundbar contains seven total drivers that include forward-facing center, front left, and front right channels; along with upward-firing Dolby Atmos-enabled channels. The soundbar speaker’s front left and front right channels consist of two drivers each, while the center channel features a single driver. The two upward-firing Dolby Atmos channels utilize a single driver each. All seven drivers are powered by a built-in 170-watt amplifier (30W x 5ch for Left/Center/Right + 10W x 2Ch for the upward-firing drivers).

The subwoofer measures 15-15/16” H x 8-1/8” W x 16-3/8” D and weighs 21.6 lbs. The sub enclosure contains a single 8” driver (woofer). The sub is powered by a built-in 160-watt amplifier. The sub connects wirelessly to the soundbar (no wired connection).

The HW-Q70R is supplied with a small remote control for easy operation of the soundbar. You can also use the remote supplied with any of the QLED 4K TVs to control the soundbar for a “one remote” setup.

Image credit Samsung

HW-Q70R Key Features

• Dolby Atmos and DTS:X object-based/immersive sound technologies: These surround sound formats allow for immersive overhead, in front, and behind sound effects delivering up to 3.1.2 channels of surround sound from Dolby Atmos and DTS:X enabled audio/soundtracks for a more three dimensional sound presentation (see image above).
• Samsung Acoustic Beam technology utilizes the soundbars, and two up-firing speakers, to push immersive sound into your viewing/listening environment to maximize the surround sound effects. The Acoustic Beam technology is also used to help maximize the sound effects of Dolby Atmos and DTS:X surround formats.
• Adaptive Sound: The soundbar automatically delivers optimized sound based on each scene and even lets you hear voices clearly at low volume levels.
• A dedicated center channel keeps dialogue crystal clear, so you can hear every word during a movie soundtrack.
• Harman/Kardon Sound: Samsung teamed up with audio expert Harman/Kardon for the acoustic design of this soundbar system, resulting in high-quality sound output that you will certainly enjoy. (Harman/Kardon is owned by Samsung).
• Game Mode Pro will automatically detect when you’re video gaming and optimize the sound in real-time for an enhanced audio experience.
• Alexa Voice Control: Use Amazon Alexa and an Amazon Echo device to control the soundbar system with your voice.
• Supports HDR10 and HDR10+ high dynamic range (HDR) formats
• UHQ 32-bit technology upsamples audio for improved sound and supports AAC, WAV, OGG, ALAC, AIFF and FLAC audio formats.

Connectivity:

• 1 HDMI 2.0 input / HDCP 2.2 compliant – supports ARC (audio return channel) Also supports HDR and 4K video pass-through
• 1 Optical digital output
• Built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth for wireless music streaming from compatible smartphones, tablets and computers.

Although I wasn’t able to do a hands-on evaluation of the HW-Q70R soundbar system, I was, however, able to do a recent audition of Samsung’s HW-R650 soundbar system which is an affordable option that delivers very good sound quality. So my point of making this statement is that since the HW-R650 produced very satisfying sound quality, then I can assume the HW-Q70R would sound better without actually listening to the soundbar, considering it has a more capable design and premium class status.

That being said, if you want to know what actual owners are saying about Samsung’s HW-Q70R soundbar including how it performs, then check out the customer reviews at Amazon.com.

Interested in the HW-Q70R? Check current pricing at Amazon.com.

Also, check out this short video presentation for the HW-Q70R…

https://youtu.be/W7jCEX3fass