Customer Ratings & Reviews

Hi Junk,

We appreciate you sharing your review of the HW-A40R and detailing your experience with the included Wireless Rear Speakers. Please know, there are a few adjustment settings available for the rear speakers after you update to the latest firmware version (v.1014).

You can update the firmware by connecting a USB device with the firmware update stored on it to the USB port on your Soundbar.

1.Go to the Samsung Electronics website (www.samsung.com) → click on the “Support” option in the upper right corner.
2.Click on “Manuals & Software” from the pop-up list > TVs & Home Theater > Home Theater > Select your model
2. Download the firmware file (USB type).
3. Unzip the file to create a folder with the file name.
4. Store the created folder in a USB and then connect it to the Soundbar.

Once installed, with the Soundbar on, press and hold the STANDARD button on the remote control for about 6 seconds; the LEDs will blink to indicate you are in adjustment mode. You can then use the BASS Up/Down buttons to adjust the level of the REAR speakers between -6 to +6. The adjustment mode will exit if the surround button is pressed, or if no button is pressed for 10 seconds.

I hope this tip helps you enjoy the experience with your new Samsung soundbar! Should you have additional questions regarding the audio settings available for your soundbar, please call us at 1-800-SAMSUNG (ask for Soundbars), available 8AM - 12AM EST, 7 days a week.

For additional support resources, visit us on the Samsung website and click on the ‘Support’ link in the upper right corner of the homepage for:
1) Chat with Us/Product Help: To begin a chat or find solutions, choose ‘TVs & Home Theater’ and select your model & topic.
2) Manuals & Software
3) Warranty Info
4) Register a Product: For access to easy warranty support, convenient opt-in to special promos and offers, faster troubleshooting and service, and quick notification of system updates
5) Contact Us

~ Samsung Solutions

Hi RadioKenny!

Thank you for your review of the HW-A40R Soundbar and for your feedback regarding the volume issues you are experiencing with the included rear speakers. It is our customers’ concerns and opinions that drive our continuous efforts towards delivering world-class service and products. Your feedback is very important to us and will be shared with our product team.

By design, the surround speakers are supposed to simulate sounds happening behind the viewer. Therefore, most of the time the surround channels are only used for ambient sounds, which are naturally lower in volume.

However, there are a few settings you can change to adjust the surround effect to your preference. Please be sure to attempt both troubleshooting steps.

Make sure your soundbar is up to date with the latest firmware. You can download and install the latest firmware version found at the following link (ver. HMS-A4X0WWB-1011): https://www.samsung.com/us/support/downloads/?model=N0021435&modelCode=HW-A40R/ZA

1) Once installed, with the Soundbar on, press and hold the STANDARD button on the remote control for about 6 seconds
2) The LEDs will blink to indicate you are in adjustment mode
3) Use the BASS Up/Down buttons to adjust the level of the REAR speakers between -6 to +6.
4) The adjustment mode will exit if the surround button is pressed, or if no button is pressed for 10 seconds

If the volume levels still seem to low for your preference, please be aware of the following:

1) Make sure that the source (e.g. TV output) is sending surround channels to the Soundbar. If the source is not capable of surround, then set the Surround mode to OFF on the Soundbar by pressing the Surround button on the remote.
2) If the source has surround channels, select the Surround Sound Mode from the Soundbar remote.
3) Turn off Dynamic Range Control. This is done by pressing and holding the SURROUND button for 5 seconds.
4) Turn off the soundbar, then press and hold the source button on the soundbar for 7 seconds to enable Gain Boost. With Gain Boost active, the rear speaker’s volume level will be increased when the soundbar is in Surround mode. This feature can be turned off by following the same process.

I hope these tips help to enhance your audio enjoyment.

Should you ever have questions or need help, please call us at:

1-800-SAMSUNG (ask for Soundbars), available 8AM -12AM EST (Mon-Fri), 9AM – 6PM EST (Sat). Or text HELP to 62913.

For additional support resources, visit us on the Samsung website and click on the ‘Support’ link in the upper right corner of the homepage for:
1) More ‘Contact Us’ options – LiveChat, Facebook, Twitter, Samsung Community, Samsung Members app
2) Manuals & Software
3) Warranty Info
4) Product Registration: For access to easy warranty support, convenient opt-in to special promos and offers, faster troubleshooting and service, and quick notification of system updates.

~ Samsung Solutions

Hi Jeremire,

I am sorry to hear that you are not completely satisfied with the out of box experience from your new Samsung Soundbar. You may want to try checking the sound format on your TV to ensure you are getting the best experience for a surround sound setup.

If your Digital Output Audio Format is set to PCM then you will likely notice decreased performance with surround sound audio systems. Dolby options are designed for surround systems (like 3.1.2 or 7.1), whereas PCM provides great sound quality for stereo speakers.

On a Samsung TV this setting can be found at Home > Settings > Sound > Expert Settings. (It can also be found in the Quick Settings.)

Additionally, some sources have their own volume control which might be set too low. Please check the volume control of the external device (cable box or satellite box, DVD, Blu-ray, etc.) connected to your TV or soundbar. Also, check the cable connection between an external device and the TV or soundbar and then try cable connection again.

I hope this helps! Should you ever have questions or need help, please call us at 1-800-SAMSUNG (ask for Soundbars), available 8AM - 12AM EST, 7 days a week.

For additional support resources, visit us on the Samsung website and click on the ‘Support’ link in the upper right corner of the homepage for:
1) Chat with Us/Product Help: To begin a chat or find solutions, choose ‘TVs & Home Theater’ and select your model & topic.
2) Manuals & Software
3) Warranty Info
4) Register a Product: For access to easy warranty support, convenient opt-in to special promos and offers, faster troubleshooting and service, and quick notification of system updates
5) Contact Us

~ Samsung Solutions

Hello,

Thank you for purchasing the Samsung HW-A40R and for sharing your review. Your feedback regarding the audio performance of the rear speakers is important to us and will be shared with our product teams.

There are a few settings and adjustments that can be made to increase the volume of the rear speakers to your liking. First, make sure you have the latest firmware version installed. Once installed, with the Soundbar on, press and hold the STANDARD button on the remote control for about 6 seconds. Use the BASS Up/Down buttons to adjust the level of the REAR speakers between -6 to +6.

Additionally, turn off the soundbar, then press and hold the source button on the soundbar for 7 seconds to enable Gain Boost. With Gain Boost active, the rear speaker’s volume level will be increased when the soundbar is in Surround mode. This feature can be turned off by following the same process.

I hope this helps you further enjoy the audio experience. Call us at 1-800-SAMSUNG (ask for Soundbars), available 8 AM – 12 AM EST, 7 days a week.

LiveChat with an agent by clicking the ‘Support’ link on the Samsung website.

~Samsung Solutions

Hi JerryGolden,

I am sorry that you are having issues with your rear speakers not pairing up properly.

Before performing the manual connection procedure below:

• Check whether the power cables for the Soundbar and Wireless Surround speaker are
connected properly.
• Make sure that the Soundbar is turned on

1. Press the ID SET button on the back of the Wireless Receiver Module with a pen tip for 5~6 seconds until the LINK LED indicator blinks fast (in Blue).
2. Press and hold the MUTE button on the remote control for at least 5 seconds.
3. Check if the LINK LED is solid blue (connection complete).
The LINK LED indicator stops blinking and glows a solid blue when a connection is established between the Soundbar and the Wireless Receiver Module.

Refer to page 15 of the full manual, https://downloadcenter.samsung.com/content/UM/202104/20210414174844187/HW-A40R_ZA_FullManual_X9_210203.0.pdf for more information.

Should you have questions or need additional help, please call us at 1-800-SAMSUNG (ask for Soundbars), available 8 AM – 12 AM EST, 7 days a week.

For additional support resources, visit us on the Samsung website and click on the ‘Support’ link in the upper right corner of the homepage for:
1) Chat with Us/Product Help: To begin a chat or find solutions, choose ‘TVs & Home Theater’ and select your model & topic.
2) Manuals & Software
3) Warranty Info
4) Register a Product: For access to easy warranty support, convenient opt-in to special promos and offers, faster troubleshooting and service, and quick notification of system updates
5) Contact Us

~ Samsung Solutions

Hi Dominick,

Thank you for purchasing the Samsung HW-A40R and for sharing your review. Your experience with the rear speakers is very important to us and will be shared with our product team.

It is possible that your unit needed minor troubleshooting, a firmware update, or adjustments in settings.

Should you ever decide to give Samsung Soundbars another try and have questions or need assistance with settings, setup, or features, please know we are always here to help. Call us at 1-800-SAMSUNG (ask for Soundbars), available 8AM - 12AM EST, 7 days a week.

For additional support resources, visit us on the Samsung website and click on the ‘Support’ link in the upper right corner of the homepage for:
1) Contact Us: For additional Chat & Text options, choose ‘TVs & Home Theater’ and select your model & topic.
2) Manuals, Software, & Warranty Info

We hope to regain you as a customer in the future.

~ Samsung Solutions

Hi Matt2,

Thank you for purchasing the Samsung HW-A40R soundbar and for sharing your review. I’m sorry to hear that your out-of-box experience has initially fallen short of your expectations. Your feedback regarding the rear speaker volume and lack of information included in the manual is important to us and will be shared with our product teams.

I am glad to hear the Gain Boost feature has helped improved your experience, however, there is an additional setting you can change to adjust the surround effect to your preference:

1) Download and install the latest firmware version found at the following link (ver. HMS-A4X0WWB-1011): https://www.samsung.com/us/support/downloads/?model=N0021435&modelCode=HW-A40R/ZA
2) Once installed, with the Soundbar on, press and hold the STANDARD button on the remote control for about 6 seconds
3) The LEDs will blink to indicate you are in adjustment mode
4) Use the BASS Up/Down buttons to adjust the level of the REAR speakers between -6 to +6.
5) The adjustment mode will exit if the surround button is pressed, or if no button is pressed for 10 seconds

I hope this helps!

Should you ever have questions or need help, please call us at 1-800-SAMSUNG (ask for Soundbars), available 8AM - 12AM EST, 7 days a week.

For additional support resources, visit us on the Samsung website and click on the ‘Support’ link in the upper right corner of the homepage for:
1) Chat with Us/Product Help: To begin a chat or find solutions, choose ‘TVs & Home Theater’ and select your model & topic.
2) Manuals & Software
3) Warranty Info
4) Register a Product: For access to easy warranty support, convenient opt-in to special promos and offers, faster troubleshooting and service, and quick notification of system updates
5) Contact Us

~ Samsung Solutions

Hello,

Thank you for purchasing the Samsung HW-A40R Soundbar. We appreciate you sharing your feedback regarding parts missing from your recent purchase.

If purchased brand-new and unopened, please contact Samsung Customer Support and a representative will gladly help you.

If purchased in open-box condition, we recommend contacting Best Buy directly for assistance. We hope your issue is resolved in a timely manner.

If we can further help with any other issues, please know we are here for you. Just call us at 1-800-SAMSUNG (Ask for Soundbars), 8 AM – 12 AM EST, 7 days a week. Or visit us on the Samsung website and click on the ‘Support’ link for:
• LiveChat with an agent
• Manuals, Software, & Warranty Info

~ Samsung Solutions

Hi ConcodSteve,

I am very sorry to hear about the connection issues you experienced with the included Wireless Rear Speaker Kit and that the troubleshooting steps attempted did not resolve the issue. It is our customers’ concerns and opinions that drive our continuous efforts towards delivering world-class service and products. Your feedback is very important to us and will be shared with our product team.

Should you ever decide to give Samsung Soundbars another try and have questions or need assistance with settings, setup, or features, please know we are always here to help. Call us at 1-800-SAMSUNG (ask for Soundbars), available 8AM - 12AM EST, 7 days a week.

For additional support resources, visit us on the Samsung website and click on the ‘Support’ link in the upper right corner of the homepage for:
1) Contact Us: For additional Chat & Text options, choose ‘TVs & Home Theater’ and select your model & topic.
2) Manuals, Software, & Warranty Info

We hope to regain you as a customer in the future.

~ Samsung Solutions

Hi TheHales,

Thank you for your review of the HW-A40R Soundbar and for your feedback regarding the connection issues you are experiencing with the included rear speakers.
When connecting the speaker cables to the Wireless Receiver Module & surround speakers, follow these steps:
1. Match the speaker cable connected to the grey port to the speaker with the grey label.
2. Match the speaker cable connected to the blue port to the speaker with the blue label.
3. Insert the red and black colored ends of each speaker cable into the red and black ports of the
appropriate speaker (the labels are on the backs of the speakers).

When you turn the power on after connecting the power cables to the Soundbar and Wireless Surround speaker, the surround speakers are automatically connected to the Soundbar.
• When auto pairing is complete, the blue indicators at the rear of the Wireless Receiver Module turn on.

If automatic connection fails, try manually pairing the rear speakers:
1. Check whether the power cables for the Soundbar and Wireless Surround speaker are connected properly.
2. Make sure that the Soundbar is turned on
3. Press the ID SET button on the back of the Wireless Receiver Module with a pen tip for 5~6 seconds until the LINK LED indicator blinks fast (in Blue)
4. Press and hold the mute button on the remote control for at least 5 seconds.
5. Check if the LINK LED is solid blue (connection complete)

- If the LED light is solid blue, the rear speakers are connected to your soundbar.
- If the LED light is blinking blue fast, the module is in pairing mode. Check to see if your soundbar is turned on and repeat the above steps.
- If the LED light is blinking blue slowly, the module is disconnected. Turn off your soundbar and press the Up button on the remote for 5 seconds. The ID SET message will appear on the soundbar for a short time and then disappear. After the ID SET process, the soundbar power is automatically turned on. The LINK LED indicator stops blinking and glows a solid blue when a connection is established between the soundbar and the wireless receiver module.

This issue may also be caused by wireless interference. When there is a wireless device (e.g., wireless LAN) using the same frequency (5.8GHz) near the Soundbar, the wireless connection between the Subwoofer and Surround Speaker could become unstable. This will affect the quality of audio output.

Should you ever have questions or need help, please call us at 1-800-SAMSUNG (ask for Soundbars), available 8AM - 12AM EST, 7 days a week.

For additional support resources, visit us on the Samsung website and click on the ‘Support’ link in the upper right corner of the homepage for:
1) Contact Us: For additional Chat & Text options, choose ‘TVs & Home Theater’ and select your model & topic.
2) Manuals & Software
3) Warranty Info
4) Register a Product: For access to easy warranty support, convenient opt-in to special promos and offers, faster troubleshooting and service, and quick notification of system updates

~ Samsung Solutions

Hi LGBTQ!

Thank you for your review of this Samsung HW-A40R Soundbar System. We appreciate you sharing your audio experience with us. Your feedback is very important to us and will be shared with our product team.

By design, the surround speakers are supposed to simulate sounds happening behind the viewer. Therefore, most of the time the surround channels are only used for ambient sounds, which are naturally lower in volume.

However, there are a few settings you can change to adjust the surround effect to your preference:

1) Download and install the latest firmware version found at the following link (ver. HMS-A4X0WWB-1011): https://www.samsung.com/us/support/downloads/?model=N0021435&modelCode=HW-A40R/ZA
2) Once installed, with the Soundbar on, press and hold the STANDARD button on the remote control for about 6 seconds
3) The LEDs will blink to indicate you are in adjustment mode
4) Use the BASS Up/Down buttons to adjust the level of the REAR speakers between -6 to +6.
5) The adjustment mode will exit if the surround button is pressed, or if no button is pressed for 10 seconds

If the volume levels still seem to low for your preference, please be aware of the following:

1) Make sure that the source (e.g. TV output) is sending surround channels to the Soundbar. If the source is not capable of surround, then set the Surround mode to OFF on the Soundbar by pressing the Surround button on the remote.
2) If the source has surround channels, select the Surround Sound Mode from the Soundbar remote.
3) Turn off Dynamic Range Control. This is done by pressing and holding the SURROUND button for 5 seconds.
4) Turn off the soundbar, then press and hold the source button on the soundbar for 7 seconds to enable Gain Boost. With Gain Boost active, the rear speaker’s volume level will be increased when the soundbar is in Surround mode. This feature can be turned off by following the same process.

If there is anything we can do to improve your sound such as helping to optimize settings, please let us know. Contact us at: 1-800-SAMSUNG (ask for Soundbars), available 8AM -12AM EST (Mon-Fri), 9AM – 6PM EST (Sat). Or text HELP to 62913.

For additional support resources, visit us on the Samsung website and click on the ‘Support’ link in the upper right corner of the homepage for:
1) More ‘Contact Us’ options – LiveChat, Facebook, Twitter, Samsung Community, Samsung Members app
2) Manuals, Software, & Warranty Info

We hope to regain you as a customer in the future.

~ Samsung Solutions

Hi Expectedmore,

Thank you for your review of the HW-A40R Soundbar and for your feedback regarding the connection issues you are experiencing with the included rear speakers.

When connecting the speaker cables to the Wireless Receiver Module & surround speakers, follow these steps:
1. Match the speaker cable connected to the grey port to the speaker with the grey label.
2. Match the speaker cable connected to the blue port to the speaker with the blue label.
3. Insert the red and black colored ends of each speaker cable into the red and black ports of the
appropriate speaker (the labels are on the backs of the speakers).

When you turn the power on after connecting the power cables to the Soundbar and Wireless Surround speaker, the surround speakers are automatically connected to the Soundbar.

If automatic connection fails, try manually pairing the rear speakers:
1. Check whether the power cables for the Soundbar and Wireless Surround speaker are connected properly.
2. Make sure that the Soundbar is turned on
3. Press the ID SET button on the back of the Wireless Receiver Module with a pen tip for 5~6 seconds until the LINK LED indicator blinks fast (in Blue)
4. Press and hold the mute button on the remote control for at least 5 seconds.
5. Check if the LINK LED is solid blue (connection complete)

- If the LED light is solid blue, the rear speakers are connected to your soundbar.
- If the LED light is blinking blue fast, the module is in pairing mode. Check to see if your soundbar is turned on and repeat the above steps.
- If the LED light is blinking blue slowly, the module is disconnected. Turn off your soundbar and press the Up button on the remote for 5 seconds. The ID SET message will appear on the soundbar for a short time and then disappear. After the ID SET process, the soundbar power is automatically turned on. The LINK LED indicator stops blinking and glows a solid blue when a connection is established between the soundbar and the wireless receiver module.

I hope this helps you enjoy the surround sound experience provided by your new Samsung sound system. Should you ever have questions or need help, please call us at 1-800-SAMSUNG (ask for Soundbars), available 8AM - 12AM EST, 7 days a week.

For additional support resources, visit us on the Samsung website and click on the ‘Support’ link in the upper right corner of the homepage for:
1) Chat with Us/Product Help: To begin a chat or find solutions, choose ‘TVs & Home Theater’ and select your model & topic.
2) Manuals & Software
3) Warranty Info
4) Register a Product: For access to easy warranty support, convenient opt-in to special promos and offers, faster troubleshooting and service, and quick notification of system updates
5) Contact Us

~ Samsung Solutions