If you’re hunting for a sleek all-in-one sound upgrade that can handle Dolby Atmos both vertically and horizontally, Samsung’s HW-QS710F deserves a serious look. This 3.1.2 soundbar packs a host of modern features — from passive radiator bass tech to gyroscopic orientation detection — all while keeping a classy footprint under your TV.
In this review, we’ll dive into its design, connectivity, internal audio wizardry, smart features, real-world performance, and overall value. Whether you’re gaming, streaming movies, or cranking out your favorite tunes, stick around to see if this bar hits the sweet spot.
Design & Versatility
Right out of the box, the HW-QS710F screams minimal chic. At 116 cm long and less than 6 cm tall, it slips neatly under any 55″ screen or even ultra-short-throw projectors. The front sports a fine mesh grille while the top reveals a cool striated finish that adds texture and personality.
Weight-wise, the bar’s a manageable 5.2 kg, and Samsung even throws in wall-mount brackets for vertical setup. Thanks to an embedded gyroscope, the sound profile tweaks itself automatically when you stand it upright. Got limited shelf space? No worries — you can flip it on its side without missing a beat.
Connectivity Essentials
Samsung loaded this bar with the basics and a bit extra. You’ve got dual HDMI 2.0 inputs (one with eARC), an optical Toslink port, and a USB slot. Plug in your console, Blu-ray player, or TV, and let the bar handle the audiovisual magic.
On the wireless front, there’s Wi-Fi for AirPlay 2, Chromecast, Spotify Connect, and Tidal Connect. Bluetooth 5.0 is also available for quick smartphone pairing. And if you own a newer Samsung TV, you can wirelessly link the two for a cable-free setup that’s impressively stable.
Internal Design & Audio Tech
The HW-QS710F houses eight drivers: three front channels, two up-firing Atmos drivers, and subwoofer hookup. This setup nails a 3.1.2 configuration, delivering clear dialogue, immersive height effects, and room-filling soundstage.
The real game-changer is the woofer’s passive radiator system. Instead of a standard bass-reflex tube, Samsung opted for a 20 cm passive membrane paired with a 14 cm active driver. The extra surface area pushes extension down to around 35 Hz, giving explosions and bass lines an extra punch without distortion.
SmartThings & Extras
Controlling the QS710F is a breeze with Samsung’s SmartThings app. You get presets like Standard, Surround, Gaming, Adaptive Sound, and DTS Virtual:X. Adaptive Sound is my go-to — it automatically balances dialogue and effects on the fly.
There’s also SpaceFit Sound Pro, which claims to analyze your room’s acoustics for optimized playback. In practice, the difference is subtle, but it’s nice having room calibration baked in. Oh, and if you crave a full 5.1.2 setup, optional wireless rear speakers (kit SWA-9500S) can join the party.
Audio Performance: Home Theater
Dolby Atmos & Vertical Mode
Watching a blockbuster in Atmos mode felt engaging, if not cinematic. I tested on Dune: Part Two and the QS710F handled sandworm rumbles with surprising depth. The passive radiator gave the low end real authority, and the up-firing drivers created believable height cues.
Switching the bar vertically didn’t kill the magic. The gyroscope-adjusted EQ kept effects lively, though exact object placement can vary depending on your shelf or TV blocking the drivers. Still, the difference was minor — you get immersive surround vibes either way.
Dialogue & Clarity
Samsung’s dedicated center driver ensures voices land front and center. In dialogue-heavy scenes like The Last of Us, conversations were crisp, even at lower volumes. If you struggle to catch every line on TV shows, the boost-dialogue mode in the app guarantees you’re never left guessing.
One quirky bit: when vertical, the boost-dialogue feature can amplify voice clarity even more since those drivers are aimed skyward. It’s not for everyone, but in tricky rooms with background noise, it’s a neat trick.
Audio Performance: Music Listening
On the music front, the QS710F holds its own for casual jams. Daft Punk’s “Get Lucky” hits with a lively bounce — bass is tight without overwhelming vocals. The Spatial sound mode spreads synths and guitars around the room, making playback more engaging than a basic stereo bar.
However, if you’re an audiophile chasing ultimate fidelity, you might miss a bit of sparkle in the high end. Billie Eilish’s “Bad Guy” was smooth but lacked crispness in the top frequencies. Still, for house parties or background tunes, it feels punchy and fun.
Price & Verdict
At around $649, the Samsung HW-QS710F is priced competitively against Sonos and Sennheiser rivals. It doesn’t match the max SPL of some higher-end models, but its balanced signature and flexible orientation options are hard to beat at this tier.
If you want a versatile, stylish soundbar that plays well with Dolby Atmos and won’t clutter your living room, the QS710F is a smart pick. It’s not perfect, but it’s a big step up for most TV speakers and a solid hub for your home entertainment setup.
