Samsung HT-E8200 review

A hugely convenient all-in-one home cinema option Tested at £500

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.

Samsung HT-E8200

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.

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What Hi-Fi?

What Hi-Fi?, founded in 1976, is the world's leading independent guide to buying and owning hi-fi and home entertainment products. Our comprehensive tests help you buy the very best for your money, with our advice sections giving you step-by-step information on how to get even more from your music and movies. Everything is tested by our dedicated team of in-house reviewers in our custom-built test rooms in London, Reading and Bath. Our coveted five-star rating and Awards are recognised all over the world as the ultimate seal of approval, so you can buy with absolute confidence.

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