Being able to compare LG SN5Y and Samsung HW-A550 gave us an insight into what features and technologies these devices offer. SN5Y turned out to be a more technological and better-sounding device than the HW-A550. According to the results of our comparison, SN5Y received 6 points out of 10 possible, and HW-A550 was rated 4.6 points.
The SN5Y is rated 6 of 10 against 5 for the HW-A550 according to the audio features rating.
It worth understanding the difference between the two types of amplification: a passive soundbar does not have its own amplifier and receives amplification from the signal source, while an active soundbar has a built-in amplifier. The same active type of amplification is used in the SN5Y and the HW-A550.
There are stereo soundbars and multichannel ones. It is with the help of multichannel devices that you can get volumetric sound. The number of channels in the considered devices is the same - 2.1. Also, the output power of the soundbars under consideration is different, LG SN5Y has 400 (overall) W, and 410 (overall) W has the competitor.
SN5Y | HW-A550 | |
---|---|---|
Built-in channels | 2.1 | 2.1 |
Amplification type | active | active |
Output power, W | 400 (overall) | 410 (overall) |
Separate speaker (in package) | 0 | 0 |
Separate speaker connections | wireless | wireless |
Soundbars can have a built-in or external subwoofer. The first type is inseparable from the soundbar body, but for the second, you can choose a good location for deep bass. Both reviewed devices are equipped with an external subwoofer. Competitors support wireless connection to a separate external subwoofer.
SN5Y | HW-A550 | |
---|---|---|
Built-in subwoofer | ✖ | ✖ |
Separate subwoofer (in package) | ✔ | ✔ |
Separate subwoofer connections | wireless | wireless |
Unlike stereo, when reproducing multichannel sound, each specific direction of sound corresponds to its dedicated channel with a separate independent loudspeaker, which creates a three-dimensional sound stage. The SN5Y received rating 5 out of 10 for multichannel audio processing, but the HW-A550, in the same category, earned 6 out of 10 points.
The peculiarity of Dolby Atmos is that this format is object-oriented, that is, each object of the audio signal is sounded separately and linked to its spatial location. If we look at the models in terms of Dolby Atmos support, then none of these soundbars can work with this technology.
DTS:X is an algorithm for processing sound scenes by the processor, linking directly to objects, rather than channels, and calculating the optimal distribution of sound output in a room. This ability to reproduce surround sound with DTS:X technology is not implemented in any of the soundbars in this comparison.
SN5Y | HW-A550 | |
---|---|---|
Dolby Atmos | ✖ | ✖ |
Dolby (other) | Dolby Digital | Dolby Digital 2ch |
DTS:X | ✖ | ✖ |
DTS (other) | DTS Digital Surround, DTS Virtual:X | DTS 2ch |
The possibility to listen online to millions of songs from one device has become a reality thanks to streaming services.
None of the two models is not implemented AirPlay function. The popular Spotify service cannot be used on both soundbars.
SN5Y | HW-A550 | |
---|---|---|
Apple Music (AirPlay) | ✖ | ✖ |
Amazon Music | ✖ | ✖ |
Spotify | ✖ | ✖ |
Other streaming services | has not | has not |
The existence of a sufficient number of current connectors significantly expands the functionality of the device. For example, only through HDMI is it possible to implement the transfer of object-oriented formats, and the presence of a Bluetooth connection will allow remote control, etc. Connectivity of competitors was rated 8 out of 10.
The presence of Wi-Fi in the soundbar allows you to get rid of wires when connected to a sound source and get minimal audio latency when playing content from streaming services. Such connection as via Wi-Fi is not possible on any of the devices in comparison.
Bluetooth connection is now one of the main communication protocols for speaker systems, which provides excellent quality and minimal audio latency. The availability of Bluetooth protocol, we can see in both models. The competitors in this comparison has 1/1 HDMI inputs/outputs.
HDMI ARC is a very usefull technology that creates a two-way communication channel between a TV and another device. This is convenient since there is no need to use optical and other cables in the system. HDMI ARC is basic for both soundbars.
SN5Y | HW-A550 | |
---|---|---|
WI-FI | ✖ | ✖ |
Bluetooth | ✔ | ✔ |
Ethernet (RJ45) | 0 | 0 |
NFC | ✖ | ✖ |
HDMI input/output | 1/1 | 1/1 |
HDMI ARC | ✔ | ✔ |
HDMI eARC | ✔ | ✖ |
HDMI CEC | ✔ | ✖ |
Optical digital input/output | 1/0 | 1/0 |
USB | 1 (USB 2.0) | 0 |
Coaxial digital input/output | 0/0 | 0/0 |
Analog audio input/output (RCA) | 0/0 | 0/0 |
Headphone output | 0 | 0 |
Subwoofer output | 0 | 0 |
Voice control is designed to make operating the device more convenient. This allows you to control basic soundbar functions from anywhere in the room.
Proprietary applications allow you to control your soundbars remotely. This is possible both via Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. The SN5Y has its own remote control application. Only LG SN5Y has a built-in microphone.
Some soundbars can be part of a multi-room system and it is an affordable solution for sounding the whole house. However, it is impossible to create a multiroom system based on each of these soundbars.
SN5Y | HW-A550 | |
---|---|---|
Voice control | Google Assistant | ✖ |
App control | ✔ | ✖ |
Microphone | ✔ | ✖ |
Remote control | ✔ | ✔ |
Multi-room | ✖ | ✖ |
SN5Y | HW-A550 | |
---|---|---|
Size (Wx H x D), cm/in | 88.9 x 5 x 7.6/35 x 2.2 x 3.4 | 86.1x5.5x8.3/33.9x2.2x3.3 |
Weight, kg/pounds | 2.2/5.2 | 7.3/16.3 |