Customer Ratings & Reviews
- Model:
- HW-A40R/ZA
- SKU:
- 6454650
Rating by feature
- Value
Rating 3.5 out of 5 stars
- Quality
Rating 3.3 out of 5 stars
- Ease of Use
Rating 3.5 out of 5 stars
Customers are saying
Customers are enthusiastic about the HW-A40R 4ch Sound bar's sound quality, describing it as "very good" and "amazing." They also appreciate its user-friendly setup process and affordable price point. However, some users have expressed concerns about the quality of the rear speakers, volume level, connectivity issues, and insufficient bass.
This summary was generated by AI based on customer reviews.
Good but not for 85”
||Posted . Owned for 1.5 years when reviewed.This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.I bought this because there was a package deal with a 85 inch TV. I wish they would’ve told me more at the store about the size of it and the amount of sound it puts out I would say this would be good for like a 50 inch TV but not an 85 for sure.
I would recommend this to a friendSurround sound
||Posted . Owned for 3 weeks when reviewed.This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.Well I got got it in sell . Set it up at home and very little sound came out of speakers. So I took it back to store next day and geek squad took a look at at it and hooked it up and same thing very little sound on speakers. He said it was just quality of surround sound and product. So I Keith’s the sound bar and through away the speakers.
No, I would not recommend this to a friendBrand response from Samsung
Posted .Hello,
Please know there is a wide range of options available to further tune the audio to your liking.
First, please be sure you have the latest firmware version installed. You can update to the latest firmware by downloading the firmware file from the Samsung Electronics Website, download the file onto a USB storage device, and connecting the USB storage device to the soundbar. Updating your firmware provides the latest improvements and features, such as the ability to adjust the volume of the rear speakers.
Once the latest firmware version has been installed, press, and hold the STANDARD button on the remote control for about 6 seconds then use the Bass Up/Down buttons to adjust the level of the rear speakers between -6 to +6.
Additionally, you may want to check the sound settings on your TV. 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.
I hope these tips help. For additional assistance please contact 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
- Pros mentioned:Sound quality
Shop sound
||Posted . Owned for 11 months when reviewed.This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.Bought this to install in my woodworking shop works great.sound great with the rear speakers throught my shop
I would recommend this to a friend - Cons mentioned:Rear speakers
Lots of promises but needs more work
||Posted . Owned for less than 1 week when reviewed.This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.Sorry, samsung. I tried all the tricks and tips to try to get my rear speakers working properly, and yet I have to reset it each time I turn my tv on. I think if the soundbar had better, crisper, bassier sound, I would consider keeping it, but not being able to use or hear the rear speakers really bothers me. Skip these, get the vizios.
No, I would not recommend this to a friendBrand response from Samsung
Posted .Hi Logicbass!
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
In this case, the radio frequency channel of the Subwoofer and Surround Speaker can be changed as below :
1. With the power of the Soundbar on, vertically press and hold the WOOFER button on the remote controller for at least 5 seconds.
• The display shows “W-CH” and the currently set radio frequency channel.
2. Press the Up/Down button on the remote controller to change the radio frequency channel, and then press the Play button.
• The display shows “OK” and then the frequency is set to the changed channel.
• You can exit the setting mode by pressing any button other than Up/Down or Play.
The maximum transmission distance of the main unit’s wireless signal is about 32.8 ft. but may vary depending on your operating environment. If a steel-concrete or metallic wall is between the main unit and the wireless subwoofer, the system may not operate at all because the wireless signal cannot penetrate metal.
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
- Pros mentioned:Sound quality
Samsun Soundbar
||Posted . Owned for 1.5 years when reviewed.This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.Absolutely fantastic, good sound quality and overall not a cheapo sound bar system
I would recommend this to a friend - Pros mentioned:Sound quality
Surround system
||Posted . Owned for 6 months when reviewed.This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.Very satisfied with my new sound bar system, and I was also happy to receive in a very short amount of time.
I would recommend this to a friend Rear Speakers Strike Again!
||Posted . Owned for 3 weeks when reviewed.This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.The sound bar itself isnt bad, though it lacks HDMI which is inconvenient. The rear speakers on the otherhand, are absoulte trash! I followed all the best buy tips for making sure they were optimized to provide the loudest sound they are capable of including the Gain Boost and turing the rear speakers up to +6. You cannot hear them from more than a foot away! Also, ive realized the speakers themselves need to be compatible with the new dolby atmos content out there, and this soundbar system is not. Meaning you get audio from all 3 speakers (soundbar, left and right rear speaker) but its all the same audio. No movement from one speaker to the next. And again, the rear speakers are so quiet, even if they did have dolby atmos, you wouldnt be able to perceive the sound from more than a foot away. Proce was cheap and now I know why. DONT BUY, spend the extra on a better soundbar system, or spend less and just get a soundbar with subwoofer. My Vizio kicks this ones butt!
No, I would not recommend this to a friendBrand response from Samsung
Posted .Hello Dishmon125,
Thank you for sharing your feedback regarding the HW-A40R Soundbar.
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) Make sure that the source (e.g. TV output) is sending surround channels to the Soundbar. Depending on your TV, make sure that the Audio Format is set correctly to send Surround Sound to the rear channels. Using either Bitstream, auto or passthrough is the most recommended settings.
2) If the source has surround channels, select the desired Sound Mode from the Soundbar remote.
- Pros mentioned:Sound quality
Nice sound
||Posted . Owned for 1.5 years when reviewed.This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.Perfect set up for living room. Has a very nice sound !
I would recommend this to a friend - Pros mentioned:PriceCons mentioned:Rear speakers
Sound bar
||Posted . Owned for 2 months when reviewed.This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.The sound bar is worth the price of what you pay. The rear speakers are not worth it
No, I would not recommend this to a friendBrand response from Samsung
Posted .Hi longhair37,
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. 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.
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, 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
Its fine but not for the price
||Posted . Owned for 4 months when reviewed.This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.It ok I got it for A big discount but I would only buy if on a big discount.
I would recommend this to a friendBrand response from Samsung
Posted .Hello ColeF,
Thank you for purchasing the Samsung HW-A40R and for your review. I am sorry to see that you are not fully satisfied with your purchase.
If you are experiencing specific issues which caused you to give this a 3-star rating, please know Samsung Customer Support is here to help.
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
Good overall
||Posted . Owned for 1.5 years when reviewed.This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.For the price point I’d say it’s a good buy. The quality can be improved. It does go out here and there but only for a literal second.
I would recommend this to a friend- Pros mentioned:Sound qualityCons mentioned:Rear speakers
Good bar
||Posted . Owned for 1 month when reviewed.This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.The sound bar is good but the wireless speakers are crap
No, I would not recommend this to a friendBrand response from Samsung
Posted .Hi Josh,
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. 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
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.
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 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.
~Samsung Solutions
- Cons mentioned:Rear speakers
You get what you pay for
||Posted . Owned for 3 weeks when reviewed.This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.Not the best but it works ok for the price I paid for it. When they say wireless speakers they are lying they are hard wired to the surround control unit which is wireless from the sound bar
No, I would not recommend this to a friendBrand response from Samsung
Posted .Hello UncleV,
Thank you for sharing your thoughts regarding the HW-A40R Soundbar.
Occasionally, customers have trouble hiding and running speaker wires from the front of the room (where their soundbar is) to the back of their room (where they have their rear speakers). The Rear Speaker Kit eliminates that hassle. Connect the rear speakers to its wireless module and place these three in the back of your room. One wire is required to connect each rear speaker to the wireless module. Then plug in the power cable to the module. The “wireless” convenience is in connecting your soundbar and any other speakers at the front of the room to the rear speakers – this can now be done via Wi-Fi through the wireless module, eliminating any clutter of long wires running the length of your room.
If you need more help, Samsung is here for you. Please call us at 1-800-SAMSUNG, 8AM - 12AM EST (Ask for Soundbars), 7 days a week. Our LiveChat agents are also available by clicking on the ‘Support’ link on our website.
~ Samsung Solutions
- Cons mentioned:Bass, Volume
Money Better Spent Elsewhere
||Posted . Owned for 3 weeks when reviewed.This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.Poorly written and out of order (not complete "step by step" instructions for installation types) directions. For one example; the difference in the power cords was not explained or described. The use of the surround expansion and how the user was able to receive its benefits was never made clear. The volume control is terrible, and needs to be adjusted constantly while trying to watch a movie. Has no auto level sound. The volume increases to an irritating point whenever the movie soundtrack gets louder or a commercial comes on, just like 20 years ago. Also, the volume indicator with the dash system is useless; can't tell where you are or where you've been. Same with the so called "bass" function. It does nothing. Too late for a refund?
No, I would not recommend this to a friendBrand response from Samsung
Posted .Hi omegaocean,
You can try manually optimizing your settings by selecting the Surround or Standard buttons to change the sound mode. Additionally, Press the BASS + or BASS - buttons to adjust the level of the woofer (bass) between -6 to +6.
With the latest firmware version installed (ver. 1014), press and hold the STANDARD button on the remote control for about 6 seconds then use the Bass Up/Down buttons to adjust the level of the rear speakers between -6 to +6.
I hope these tip help to improve your sound experience. If you should need further assistance or have questions, please contact Samsung Customer Support.
For the full manual please use this link as it will give you photos of the power cords and how to take full advantage of the provided remote: https://downloadcenter.samsung.com/content/UM/202104/20210414174844187/HW-A40R_ZA_FullManual_X9_210203.0.pdf
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
- Pros mentioned:Ease of use, Size, Sound quality
Jackie
||Posted . Owned for 3 weeks when reviewed.This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.Great product. Sounds great. Easy to set up. Perfect size for area needed. Like the ability to use with playlists.
I would recommend this to a friend - Pros mentioned:Sound qualityCons mentioned:Rear speakers
Low rear speakers
||Posted . Owned for 1 month when reviewed.This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.The front sound bar is really good but the rear speakers are super low. No point I having them to be honest. My older Samsung sound bar with a screen sound just as good. I thought about taking the system back to the store. Have a few more days to think about it.
No, I would not recommend this to a friendBrand response from Samsung
Posted .Hi JohnM,
I am sorry to hear about your experiences with the rear speakers on the HW-A40R Soundbar. Please know, there are various settings you can adjust to improve your experience with the rear speakers.
You are able to adjust the volume of the rear speakers by using the remote included with the connected soundbar. Press the Sound Control button on the soundbar remote (looks like a gear), then select REAR LEVEL and use the Up/Down buttons to adjust the volume within a -6 to +6 range.
Additionally, make sure that the source (e.g. TV output) is sending surround channels to the Soundbar. If you are using a format such as PCM, you may experience decreased volume to the rear speakers.
Select Samsung Soundbars allow you to enable or disable Dynamic Range Control. You can also try turning off DRC by pressing and holding the Sound Mode button while the Soundbar is in standby mode.
Should you ever have questions or need help with settings, please call us at 1-800-SAMSUNG (ask for Soundbars), available 8 AM – 12 AM EST, 7 days a week. LiveChat with an agent as well as manuals, software, and warranty info can be found at the ‘Support’ link on our Samsung website.
~ Samsung Ambassador
- Cons mentioned:Setup
Not what I expected.
||Posted . Owned for 1 month when reviewed.This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.Not what I accepted. Hard to set up. The side speakers will not work
No, I would not recommend this to a friendBrand response from Samsung
Posted .Hello BennitaT,
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.
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.
Should you ever have questions or need 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 such as downloading a full manual, visit us on the Samsung website and click on the ‘Support’ link in the upper right corner of the homepage.
~Samsung Solutions
- Cons mentioned:Rear speakers
Poor
||Posted . Owned for 8 months when reviewed.This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.The center speaker works well but the rear speakers are useless.
No, I would not recommend this to a friendBrand response from Samsung
Posted .Hello,
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.
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, 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
Affordable price
||Posted . Owned for less than 1 week when reviewed.This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.I am still unsure if the surround expansion works. The soundbar works fine
No, I would not recommend this to a friendBrand response from Samsung
Posted .Hello will,
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.
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, 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
- Pros mentioned:Sound quality
Love this!
||Posted . Owned for 2 months when reviewed.This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.I love going to the movies but hate the crowds. When I brought this item I felt in love the sound bar make you feel like you’re at the theater.
I would recommend this to a friend