A few years ago when I took a tour of Samsung's massive California audio lab, I realized the company was serious about sound. Invoking the name of legendary speaker maker B&W, Samsung's Alan Devantier told me his company's simple goal at the time: "When you think of Bowers and Wilkins, you think of Samsung." For their part, B&W representatives recently told me this specific quote is displayed on their meeting room wall.

The Samsung HW-Q70R is a Dolby Atmos soundbar with wonderfully enveloping sound for movies, but music lovers should look elsewhere.

For a single speaker, the Samsung HW-Q70R offers excellent faux-surround effects, and the wireless subwoofer packs a punch; It supports both Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, plus pass-through 4K HDR video; The system is attractive and well built.

Not all that convincing with music; The speaker lacks features found on cheaper rivals, including a voice assistant or Google Chromecast streaming.

I couldnt believe the difference in sound from standard speakers

Despite the lack of side- to rear-firing speakers, the HW-Q70R does a commendable job of delivering expansive, panoramic audio. Against its competitors it’s a little lacking in the connectivity department as well as Chromecast and Apple AirPlay 2 support, for its price.

Sleek; minimalist design; Excellent build quality; Easy setup; Simple remote control; Dolby Atmos and DTS:X support; Subwoofer offers punchy bass; Overall good soundstage; Immersive 3D-like movie experience; Adaptive Sound does well in enhancing clarity of dialogue; Soundbar can go really loud

No side- or rear-firing speakers; Only one HDMI input; No built-in Chromecast; Apple AirPlay 2 support; No Bluetooth aptX or aptX HD; Doesn’t play surround content; Better at movies than music; Pricey; Tricky unboxing

The Samsung HW-Q70R is the latest mid-range soundbar from the company, and squeezes three forward-firing and two upward-firing drivers into a slimline chassis. The new model replaces last year's HW-N650 , and while it retains acoustic beam technology, it also adds Dolby Atmos and DTS:X decoding.

Big and immersive sound; Dolby Atmos and DTS:X; Well-integrated subwoofer; Solid build quality; Simple to set up

Single HDMI input; Limited audio setup; Pricey

The Samsung HW-Q70R is an impressive mid-range offering from the company that slots into an area of the market which contains very little competition. The soundbar benefits from the numerous improvements compared to last year's product, while the performance with immersive audio is excellent.

Impressive sound performance; Upgraded subwoofer; Dolby Atmos and DTS:X; Easy setup; Attractive and well made

Only one HDMI input; Effects focused at the front

is the company's latest soundbar and wireless subwoofer combination, developed in conjunction with its Harman Kardon subsidiary.

Excellent sound quality; Big and beefy sub; Dolby Atmos & DTS:X support; Easy to setup; Attractive and well made

Front-heavy soundstage; Disappointing connectivity; Limited room EQ

The Samsung HW-Q70R refines the company’s Acoustic Beaming technology and delivers immersive cinematic soundscapes thanks to support for Dolby Atmos and DTS:X soundtracks. As a result, this good-looking and well-specified soundbar is ideal for both movies and gaming.

Big immersive soundstage; Souped-up subwoofer; Great with movies and games; Looks good and well made;

Limited connections; Only one HDMI input

This impressive soundbar delivers immersion without the clutter, making it ideal for movies and games

Big and immersive sound; Dolby Atmos and DTS:X; Well-integrated subwoofer; Solid build quality; Simple to set up;

Single HDMI input; Limited audio setup; No eARC support; Pricey;

Sounds like you are at the movies, my house shakes with the Dolby surround mode on and it's tweeter set up bounces well around the room. Sub woofer is great quality, don't need to turn it up that much to get an awesome experience!

Pretty decent sound from this system. Clean, crisp sound and handles dialogue well. Not convinced about it's Atmos capabilities but it does present a wider sound stage than cheaper Samsung soundbars I have tested. The bass will rumble...Simple setup and a good match with my Q90R 65 inch tv.

Good looks; good sound and probably priced right

Could have included used Samsung's side firing speakers to widen soundstage a bit more; Atmos effect is minimal but that may be due to the room and position of the tv