Samsung HW-K550 or LG SH4 soundbar?

Lancerx on 12/10/2016 - 18:33
Last edited 12/10/2016 - 20:20 by 1 other user

Hi all,

Having dilemma here, can't decide between LG SH4 & Samsung HW-K550 soundbar. I have a LG 55" TV too, so would prefer to stick to same brand but don't like the fact that the LG one doesn't have volume indicator in the front, and also looks little bit "cheaper" in build compared to Samsung. Wanted to go with other larger LG soundbar, but shame they don't come in black color. The Samsung one is about $200 more, but is it superior in build & sound quality?

Tested them in store, but can't tell the difference, as they are placed in different places, and played different movies. What are your thoughts? Spend more or save the money & go LG one?

Thanks!

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  pformag on 12/10/2016 - 18:43

  Regarding your two picks. The LG is only a 2.1 Channel system, where the Samsung is 3.1 Channel, which will be better for dialog in movies and tv shows, as you can boost the centre speaker.

  I have never heard a LG soundbar, but I reviewed the Samsung HW-J651 last year and enjoyed the sound. They have gotten their soundbars right and it looks and sound decent.

  http://www.headspacereviews.com/2015/11/samsung-hw-j651-seri…

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    Lancerx on 12/10/2016 - 18:55

    Yea, you're right about 2.1 & 3.1, but could it be just marketing gimmick?

    Anyone know if you could control the Samsung soundbar with LG TV remote?

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  pformag on 12/10/2016 - 18:57

  You can't really lie about the amount of speakers. The LG will only have a left and right speaker, where the Samsung will have left, centre and right. It does make a difference if you like dialog in movies and sports.

  Usually won't work with each other regarding the remotes.

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    Lancerx on 12/10/2016 - 19:05

    Well, I guess the more appropriate conparison would be LG SH4 & Samsung HW-K450 huh …in this case who win you reckon?

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  Regie69 on 12/10/2016 - 19:40

  These sound pretty good
  http://www.alburytelephonesystems.com/store/p1430/PLAYBAR%3A…

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    Lancerx on 13/10/2016 - 00:20

    With that money, I might as well buy the Yamaha YSP series ..only need this for living room, not HT setup, so not expecting complete surround effect

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  CyberMurning on 12/10/2016 - 20:07

  Hey I have 55" lg too. And also looking for sound bar! But I prefer sound base design, ie the subwoofer is built in into the unit. Eventhough some subwoofer are wireless it is still taking extra space.

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    Lancerx on 13/10/2016 - 00:25

    the subwoofer is really not that big surely you could find a space somewhere

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      CyberMurning on 13/10/2016 - 00:46

      Nah I really prefer compact package but good sound quality

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        Lancerx on 13/10/2016 - 00:55

        No offence, but most soundbases are ugly as hell though..

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        Jalif on 13/10/2016 - 22:40

        @Droid11:

        Ugly as hell, sound terrible and have no bass.

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  Lancerx on 13/10/2016 - 00:48

  Samsung it is…screw the $200 bucks..lol

  I think if I buy the basic LG one, I might be itching to upgrade very soon ..

  • 

    CyberMurning on 13/10/2016 - 00:57

    Give review after few days please. Btw I feel sound bases are nice not ugly….

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    Jalif on 13/10/2016 - 22:42

    The Samsung is a solid unit, LG sound is generally ok, but the equivalent Samsung sound bar is much better.

    I believe LG TVs are better than Samsung, but they are both good.

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      Lancerx on 14/10/2016 - 01:25

      The Samsung one is much better designed, look so much sexier compared to LG. Very happy with my choice

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        jacharya on 20/02/2017 - 17:04

        Hey OP, Hows your soundbar going?
        I am in the market for a new tv and a sound bar.
        How much was the HW-K550 and where did you buy it from?
        Thanks,
        AJ

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        Lancerx on 20/02/2017 - 17:24

        @jacharya: so far so good, nothing to complain about..sound is loud & clear enough, bass not wow, but good enopugh.. got it from TGG ebay 20% sale last time, around $420? t

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        jacharya on 20/02/2017 - 17:31

        @Droid11: Thanks mate That will help a lot during the haggling process :)