What Hi-Fi? Verdict
A hugely convenient all-in-one home cinema option
Pros
- +
Good build and finish
- +
great spec
- +
wireless sub
- +
expansive, punchy sound
- +
vivid pictures
Cons
- -
Big bar
- -
rather coloured midrange reproduction
- -
some motion issues
Why you can trust What Hi-Fi? Our expert team reviews products in dedicated test rooms, to help you make the best choice for your budget. Find out more about how we test.
There’s a lot to be said for convenience, and there’s no doubt that Samsung’s beautifully realised HT-E8200 soundbar/integrated home cinema system is about as convenient a way to boost the (almost certainly) hopeless sound of your shiny, expensive TV as you can get.
The Samsung HT-E8200 consists of a 104cm wide soundbar (which should fit nicely with a 40-42in TV) with integrated 3D Blu-ray player, smart TV functionality (iPlayer and LoveFilm are among the highlights), integrated wi-fi, Bluetooth compatibility, two-in/one-out HDMI switching and an FM tuner.
This thoroughly specified speaker bar is joined by a discreet, shiny, wireless subwoofer.
Samsung HT-E8200: Installation
Set-up is straightforward, thanks to a fairly logical remote control and a truncated version of Samsung’s on-screen menus.
The bar can either rest on its little feet in front of your TV, or you can use the provided brackets to wall-mount it. When positioning, bear in mind that Blu-rays are loaded into a slot in the top of the soundbar’s central bulge.
Once sited (the subwoofer’s not wild about being put in a corner, but is forgiving otherwise), set up and run in, the Samsung does a good job of wiping the floor with your TV’s speakers.
Samsung HT-E8200: PerformanceSpacious, well-separated and with the ability to project far wider than you’d think, it integrates well with the sub and serves up genuine dynamism and control.
Picture quality is good-going-on-great, too, with natural balance and strong contrasts compensating for occasional hesitancy with motion.
That aside, only a rather cupped, honking quality to voices in the midrange spoils the show. At this price, though, the HT-E8200 demands invesigation.
