However, it does not support Dolby Atmos, a more immersive format available on streaming platforms. You do get access to Samsung’s more premium features, like room correction, which optimizes audio to your room’s unique acoustics, and Q-Symphony, which pairs a compatible Samsung TV and bar for enhanced sound. The Samsung B550 is decent for mixed use; as a 2.1 soundbar, it is ideal for listening to stereo content, which encompasses most music and dialogue-heavy TV shows. It also offers plenty of customization tools to modify the sound. The bass is not as pronounced as on the premium models, especially with bass-enhanced music and movies. 5.1-channel surround sound, such as Dolby Digital, is available on many streaming platforms, but it does not sound very realistic. The Samsung HW-B550 delivers surprisingly loud audio with DTS Virtual:X using the bar’s four built-in speakers to simulate a surround effect. Smart Processing also optimizes sound settings based on the scene being viewed. In addition, the included subwoofer delivers punchy bass that matches the movement of the screen. The compact subwoofer can also be connected wirelessly for easy installation. (Samsung designed this bar to work seamlessly with their impressive QLED TVs so that you can control and adjust the settings of both the TV and the soundbar with your Samsung TV remote (just remember, you have to plug it into an AC outlet). If you’re looking to minimize cord clutter, you can even use the Soundbar’s Bluetooth to receive stereo audio signals from compatible Samsung TVs.
