Have you ever found yourself straining your ears just to understand the dialogue on TV? It’s very difficult to enjoy a movie this way. Enter the Samsung HW-J450, which will allow you to hear not only the loudest explosions but also the quietest pin drop—learn if it’s the right soundbar for you with our Samsung HW-J450 review.
PRO TIP
The Samsung HW-J450 can be tough to find in the market nowadays. If you’re interested in soundbars within this price range, you might like our top choices for soundbars under 300 bucks!
What We Like
- Comes with a wireless subwoofer
- Can do Bluetooth streaming
- Supports surround sound formats (DTS, Dolby Digital)
- Supports HDMI connection
- Comes with a remote
- Is wall-mountable
- Has a slim profile
- Comess for TV SoundConnect for easier etup
- Has a USB port
- Features a front display panel
What We Don't Like
- Setting up could take longer with some TV brands
- The inclusion of the wireless subwoofer would demand more space
Design
The Samsung HW- J450 is a slim soundbar that comes with its own subwoofer. It’s considered a larger soundbar, measuring in at 37 inches with 300 watts of power for earth-shattering effects (Learn how wattage matters to soundbars here).
Despite its larger size, the soundbar is still lightweight at 12 pounds and can be wall-mounted or placed on a flat surface.
The sleek and slim soundbar also has its very own subwoofer and a clear text display panel across the front. This makes it easier to see input controls. Right on top of the display screen are two more control buttons for convenience.
What makes this particular model deliver a listening experience that is at par or even better than other soundbars? We’re covering that and more with our Samsung HW-J450 review.
Features
Wireless Subwoofer
The wireless subwoofer enhances the deep notes in the media that balances out the tweeters. All you need is the AC power cord as the subwoofer connects to the soundbar via Bluetooth.
The wireless connection is stable enough to place the subwoofer up to 33 feet away. Internally, the subwoofer features a 140-watt amplifier and a 6.5-inch woofer inside the cabinet to emit all the rumbling bass notes.
The LG NB4543 is another soundbar with a wireless subwoofer that’s worth checking.
Sound Technology
The Samsung HW-J450 features virtual surround sound. It is also able to decode DTS and Dolby Digital audio, which will add depth and dimension to your listening experience. Dolby Audio is renowned in the entertainment industry as being the unsurpassed leader in surround sound [1].
The expansion feature will further catapult the audio out from the speakers, making simple 2.1 channel soundbar channel soundtracks similar to that of a 5.1 or even a 7.1 system.
Other than surround sound, the HW-J450 also features different sound modes. These are preset settings embedded in the soundbar designed to enhance the effects of certain media. This particular Samsung soundbar offers 5 different sound modes which are night, movie, dialogue, music, and sports.
The LAS551H from LG is a comparable device in this regard.
Wired Connections
HDMI input and output connections will provide the audience with clearer picture and sound by transmitting signals simultaneously. The Samsung HW-J450 can deliver just that through the HDMI, which can support 1080P and 3D video passthrough.
If your TV does not have HDMI, the HW-J450 soundbar also features digital optical and 3.5mm inputs. Moreover, the soundbar offers one more bonus feature that isn’t typically found on soundbars, which is a built-in USB port that gives you the ability to play saved files and control playback functions.
Wireless Bluetooth
Wired connections can add a cluttered feel to the room, but if you have the option to set up and stream content via Bluetooth, the mess can be eliminated. You will be able to sync your Bluetooth-enabled devices with the soundbar to play your favorite content from the soundbar itself.
However, even with this Bluetooth sync, the HW-J450 soundbar will have no control over your mobile device. What you can do is download the Bluetooth app for Android systems to control the soundbar.
The Samsung soundbar also features a very handy SoundConnect feature, which simplifies the installation process by ridding the need for wires. Simply set up the soundbar and subwoofer and follow the instructions to pair them to your TV.
Control
The soundbar comes with its own remote control that has Anynet+ capabilities. This feature lets the remote sync with other Samsung devices that have Anynet+, creating a master control remote for all devices.
The bass and treble levels on the soundbar as well as the subwoofer sound level can be completely customized to fit your preferences. When in use, the soundbar has an auto-off/on function.
The HW-J450 will automatically turn on when you switch your TV on and automatically shut off if it has been idle for more than 20 minutes. This is a helpful feature that can save power and extend the life of your soundbar.
Channels
The Samsung HW-J450 is a 2.1 channel soundbar. The first number, which is 2, just means that the speakers are located on the left and right sides. Meanwhile, the number after the decimal refers to how many subwoofers the soundbar has. This can either be a built-in or external subwoofer.
The more channels a soundbar has, the better chance it has at taking advantage of the different speaker directions and acoustics in the room to envelop you with the audio.
Need more speakers? Check out the V51-H6 from Vizio.
Setup
Setting up the Samsung HW-J450 soundbar is simplified with multiple connections. If you have a Samsung TV, the SoundConnect is a wireless option that can pair your soundbar to your TV set.
In the case of wired connections available in this soundbar, they have a simple plug-and-play design. You can locate the input and output ports on both devices, connect the cable, and enter the correct settings and you’re good to go.
Everything you’ll ever need, which includes the cables and wires, instruction manual, a wall-mount kit, and remote control, comes with the box.
There are more soundbars below 400 that are worth buying here.
Samsung HW-J450 Review Conclusion
After our careful Samsung HW-J450 review, we have found that the soundbar is very much capable of delivering impressive audio even when it only operates with 2.1 channels.
The subwoofer itself is successful in emphasizing previously inaudible low notes to let users enjoy their favorite movies to the full extent. And thanks to its Surround Sound Expansion, the Samsung HW-J450 can emit 3D audio that regular 2.1 channel soundbars struggle to achieve.
Want to know if Insignia soundbars are worth your money? Check our review, next!
