I recently picked up a used Samsung HW-Q60CF/ZA with the wireless subwoofer for about $180, and I wanted to share my experience because I have not seen this model discussed very much.
For context, I'm using it with a Samsung 55" M70H Mini LED TV. This is my first time really getting into the home audio side of things, so I've been experimenting quite a bit with the different sound modes and settings.
Sound Quality
Overall, I'm really enjoying it. Coming from an older Samsung HW-J6000, I find the Q60CF noticeably clearer, especially with dialogue. Movies sound immersive, and the soundstage can feel surprisingly wide for a soundbar with no dedicated rear speakers.
It did take me a bit of time to figure out the settings I actually liked. I've experimented with Surround mode, DTS Virtual, and the bass and subwoofer levels. I'm still figuring out what works best for different types of content, but I've enjoyed the results so far.
Bass and subwoofer
The included subwoofer adds a lot to the experience, especially with movies and music. I personally enjoy a bass-heavy sound, so I've been adjusting the levels to get the kind of impact I like. The ability to tweak the bass and subwoofer independently has been useful.
Surround sound and Dolby Atmos
I've enjoyed experimenting with the different sound modes. Surround mode gives the audio a more spacious feel, while DTS Virtual can make certain tracks sound more three-dimensional. Obviously, virtual surround isn't the same as having dedicated rear speakers, but I think the effect is enjoyable.
I've also tested Dolby Atmos with some Apple TV Movies, and the soundbar will display "DOLBY ATMOS" when available, and thats a nice little feature.
Settings and Q-Symphony
One thing worth mentioning is that it took me a few days of experimenting to get everything configured the way I wanted. There are quite a few settings to play around with, and I'm still learning what works best for me.
I initially used Q-Symphony with my Samsung TV, but after a few days, I decided to disable it. I'd rather use the soundbar on its own instead of combining its output. That's just my personal preference, but I wanted to hear what the soundbar itself could do.
Things I like
- Clear dialogue and enjoyable overall sound
- A dedicated subwoofer that adds impact to movies and music
- Virtual surround effects that can make content feel more immersive
- Dolby Atmos support
- Plenty of settings to experiment with
- Good value
Things I'm still figuring out
I've experienced some audio synchronization issues with my setup, so I've had to experiment with the audio delay settings. I'm not sure whether the issue comes from the soundbar, the TV or the way everything is configured, so I wouldn't necessarily blame the soundbar alone.
I'm also still learning which sound modes work best for different content. I don't think theres one setting that is going to sound best for everyone.
Final thoughts
For $180 used, I'm happy with my purchase. It took a bit of experimenting to get the settings where I wanted them, but I've really enjoyed the sound quality so far. I think it's worth considering for someone looking for an affordable Samsung soundbar with a subwoofer and Dolby Atmos support.
I haven't tested every soundbar in this price range, so I can't confidently say its the best option available. This is simply my experience as someone whos recently started getting more interested in home audio.
I'd love to hear from other HW-Q60CF owners. What sound modes and settings do you use, and have you found anything that noticeably improves the sound?