Samsung HT-C6200 review

This smart Samsung system has everything we'd expect to find in a worthy Blu-ray package, plus bags of style and substance Tested at £450.00

What Hi-Fi? Verdict

This is what we expect from a 2.1 home cinema system: style and substance

Pros

  • +

    Powerful, dynamic sound, with features and picture performance to back it up

Cons

  • -

    Treble could be a little more open

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.

It's said a smile goes a long way. Well, in the case of AV kit, the equivalent might just be a gloss-black finish – it's hard not to feel you're getting more for your money when you unbox a system like this.

Nevertheless, that takes you only so far; fortunately there's plenty of substance to this stylish Samsung HT-C6200.

Supremely well connected
Uniquely in this system, you'll find two HDMI inputs alongside the output, allowing you to connect other kit such as games consoles.

You'll also find an ethernet connection which, when connected to your home network, gives access to Samsung's internet@TV service – so you can use the likes of YouTube, Picasa and Twitter directly on your telly.

HD audio decoding is present and correct too, while there's also support for 1080p/24fps HD video and upscaling for DVDs.

A standalone iPod dock connects to the rear of the unit and gives you full on-screen control of your music.

Getting to know the system is easy enough, thanks to a colourful interface adorned with large icons, and you'll find a set-up system that gives you a test tone and lets you adjust individual speaker volume.

Listening first to music, the decent-sized speakers and sub deliver a large but detailed sound. There's substance and weight to Drake's Karaoke, while vocals have immediacy and insight.

Movies are the same
It's more of the same when switching to movies. Treble frequencies err on the thick side, so there's no sign of harshness, but it's a big, bold and powerful sound with good dynamics for such a relatively compact system.

Focusing on the picture, Green Zone provides a tricky test of motion with which the Samsung copes admirably, while there's good attention to detail, a vivid, full colour palette and solid, true black levels.

Far from just a pretty face, the Samsung backs up its sleek, smart appearance with features and performance to match. Now that's something worth smiling about.

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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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