The Samsung HW-S801D is a 3.1.2-channel soundbar from Samsung, listed at $898. It ships with a wireless subwoofer, so the price covers the bass as well as the bar.
Samsung HW-S801D Pros and Cons
Drawn from the published figures on this page, not from listening.
- ✓Dedicated height channels (3.1.2) for Dolby Atmos, not only virtual processing
- ✓A dedicated centre channel for dialogue
- ✓Subwoofer included in the box
- ✓Can grow into true surround with optional rear speakers
- ✓Wi-Fi streaming with AirPlay 2, Google Cast, Spotify Connect
- ✓Dialogue enhancement and a night mode
- ✓Learns your TV remote
- ✓Voice assistant built in (Alexa)
- ✗No DTS:X, so DTS soundtracks play without their height layer
- ✗HDMI ARC but not eARC, so lossless soundtracks from the TV arrive compressed
Channels and Surround Sound
The 3.1.2 badge means 3 ear-level channels (left, centre and right), 1 subwoofer channel, 2 height channels firing at the ceiling. It decodes Dolby Atmos. Virtual surround: 3D Surround.
Subwoofer, Rear Speakers and Mounting
A wireless subwoofer is included, measuring 9.38 x 9.44 x 9.88 in (W x H x D). Rear surround speakers are optional, so it can become a true surround system later. Wall-mountable: Yes (bracket included).
Connections
The Samsung HW-S801D has HDMI ARC to the TV (not eARC - lossless formats are compressed on the way).
Streaming, Control and Sound Modes
Wi-Fi (2.4, 5.0 GHz), with AirPlay 2, Google Cast, Spotify Connect, TIDAL, Amazon Music, Pandora, SiriusXM, TuneIn, YouTube Music; Bluetooth; voice control: Alexa built-in, Google Assistant optional; app control (Apple iOS, Android); a remote in the box. Sound features: dialogue enhancement, night mode, learns the TV remote.
Size and Which TV It Suits
The bar measures 45.69 x 1.38 x 1.56 in (W x H x D), or 1161 x 35 x 40 mm, and weighs 3.1 lbs. It is no wider than the screen of a 55-inch TV (47.9 in wide) or larger, which is where a soundbar looks in proportion. At 1.38 in tall it should clear the bottom of most TVs sitting on their own feet.
Open the soundbar size simulator to try another TV or compare two bars.
Samsung HW-S801D Specifications
| Sound |
|---|
| Channels | 3.1.2 |
| Dolby Atmos | Yes |
| DTS:X | No |
| Drivers | Tweeters: Dome (3); Woofers: Cone (5); Subwoofer: 5.5" Cone (2); Enclosure: Sealed |
| Subwoofer | Included |
| Rear speakers | Optional |
| Virtual surround | 3D Surround |
| Dialogue enhancement | Yes |
| Night mode | Yes |
| Connections |
|---|
| HDMI to TV | ARC |
| HDMI inputs | 0 |
| Optical inputs | No |
| Analogue input | No |
| USB | No |
| Subwoofer output | Wireless |
| HDMI CEC | Yes |
| Streaming and Control |
|---|
| Wi-Fi | 802.11ac |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Streaming | AirPlay 2, Google Cast, Spotify Connect, TIDAL, Amazon Music, Pandora, SiriusXM, TuneIn, YouTube Music |
| Voice control | Alexa built-in, Google Assistant optional |
| App | Apple iOS, Android |
| Remote included | Yes |
| Learns TV remote | Yes |
| Physical |
|---|
| Dimensions (W x H x D) | 45.69 x 1.38 x 1.56 in / 1161 x 35 x 40 mm |
| Weight | 3.1 lbs / 1.41 kg |
| Subwoofer size | 9.38 x 9.44 x 9.88 in (W x H x D), 14.1 lbs |
| Wall mounting | Yes (bracket included) |
| Warranty | 1 Year parts, 1 Year labour |
| List price | $898 |
Power is the maker's total across all drivers and is not comparable to an amplifier's per-channel rating.