Amazon Fire TV Soundbar Plus vs Samsung HW-S700D: Which Soundbar Wins for Your Home Theater?

If you've ever tried watching an action movie on your TV's built-in speakers, you know the struggle. Dialogue gets buried under explosions, and you're constantly reaching for the remote to adjust the volume. That's where soundbars come in – these sleek audio solutions promise to transform your TV's wimpy speakers into something that actually does justice to your favorite shows and movies.

Today we're comparing two popular soundbars that take very different approaches to solving your audio problems: the Amazon Fire TV Soundbar Plus with Subwoofer and the Samsung HW-S700D 3.1 Channel Slim Soundbar. Both launched in the mid-2020s during a period when soundbar technology was rapidly evolving, but they represent distinctly different philosophies about what makes great TV audio.

Understanding Soundbars: What Really Matters

Before diving into these specific models, let's talk about what makes a soundbar worth your money. The most important factors are sound quality (obviously), how well it fits with your TV setup, whether it can grow with your needs, and how easy it is to use day-to-day.

Sound quality breaks down into several key areas. Dialogue clarity is crucial – if you can't understand what characters are saying, nothing else matters. Bass response determines whether explosions feel impactful or just sound tinny. Soundstage width affects how immersive the experience feels – good soundbars can make it seem like audio is coming from beyond the physical boundaries of the speaker.

Then there's the question of channels. A 3.1 soundbar has separate left, right, and center speakers plus a subwoofer (that's what the ".1" refers to). The center channel handles dialogue, which is why it's so important. Some soundbars can expand to 5.1 by adding rear speakers, creating true surround sound.

Dolby Atmos is another term you'll hear a lot. This technology creates "object-based" audio that can theoretically place sounds anywhere in 3D space around you. However, many soundbars only support "virtual" Atmos, using clever digital processing to simulate height effects without actually having speakers that fire upward.

The Contenders: Two Different Approaches

The Amazon Fire TV Soundbar Plus represents the traditional approach to soundbar design. Released in 2023, it focuses primarily on delivering strong audio performance with the option to expand into a full 5.1 surround system. At the time of writing, it's positioned as a value-focused option that doesn't skimp on the fundamentals.

The Samsung HW-S700D, also from the mid-2020s era, takes a more modern approach. It emphasizes smart features, premium design, and integration with Samsung's ecosystem. This soundbar is all about fitting seamlessly into contemporary living rooms while delivering sophisticated audio processing.

These different philosophies become apparent the moment you unbox them. The Amazon Fire TV Soundbar Plus feels substantial and straightforward – it's clearly designed to move a lot of air and create big sound. The Samsung HW-S700D, meanwhile, practically disappears when wall-mounted, with an ultra-slim profile that won't interfere with your TV's aesthetics.

Audio Performance: Where the Rubber Meets the Road

Sound Quality and Signature

The Amazon Fire TV Soundbar Plus delivers what audio enthusiasts call an "excited" sound signature. This means it emphasizes bass and treble in a way that makes movies feel more dramatic and music more energetic. When I tested this system, explosions had real weight, and dialogue cut through clearly thanks to independent bass and treble controls that let you fine-tune the balance on a scale of 1 to 9.

However, there's a trade-off. The included subwoofer, while powerful, tends toward what reviewers describe as "one-note" bass – it hits hard but lacks the nuanced low-frequency response you'd get from premium systems. At higher volumes, the sound can become somewhat thin and harsh, which limits its effectiveness for parties or larger gatherings.

The Samsung HW-S700D takes a more refined approach. Its SpaceFit Sound Pro technology uses built-in microphones to analyze your room's acoustics and automatically adjust the audio accordingly. This is genuinely useful – room acoustics dramatically affect how soundbars perform, and most people don't realize their listening environment might be working against them.

What impressed me about Samsung's approach is how the Active Voice Amplifier dynamically adjusts dialogue clarity based on what's happening in the content. During quiet dialogue scenes, voices remain clear and natural. When action ramps up, the system automatically ensures speech doesn't get buried. This creates a more consistent experience across different types of content.

Surround Sound Capabilities

Here's where these soundbars diverge most dramatically. The Amazon Fire TV Soundbar Plus is genuinely expandable – you can add wireless rear speakers to create a true 5.1 surround system. This isn't just marketing speak; it's actual discrete rear channels that provide proper surround sound localization.

When fully expanded, the Amazon system creates what's called a "lateral 360-degree soundstage." This means sounds can appear to come from beside and behind you, not just from the front wall where your TV lives. For movie enthusiasts, this is a significant advantage. The pre-paired wireless components make setup straightforward – you literally just plug them in and they connect automatically.

The Samsung HW-S700D can't expand with rear speakers, but it offers something potentially more valuable for Samsung TV owners: Q-Symphony technology. This feature synchronizes the soundbar with compatible Samsung TVs (models from 2021-2023), using both the TV's speakers and the soundbar simultaneously to create a larger, more immersive soundstage.

I've experienced Q-Symphony firsthand, and when it works properly, it's genuinely impressive. The TV's speakers handle mid and high frequencies while the soundbar manages bass and spatial effects. This creates a much wider soundstage than either component could achieve alone, though it's limited to specific Samsung TV models.

Bass Performance: The Foundation of Great Audio

Bass response reveals the fundamental difference between these approaches. The Amazon Fire TV Soundbar Plus includes a dedicated wireless subwoofer that provides substantial low-frequency extension. This means you'll feel the rumble of thunder, the thump of music, and the impact of action sequences in a way that built-in TV speakers simply can't match.

However, the subwoofer's "one-note" characteristic means it excels at pure impact but struggles with musical nuance. Bass-heavy music can sound somewhat monotonous, and the transition between the subwoofer and main soundbar isn't always seamless.

The Samsung HW-S700D pairs its slim main unit with a 6-inch wireless subwoofer that emphasizes control over raw power. The bass is more refined and musical, with better integration between the subwoofer and main channels. While it may not shake the walls like the Amazon system, it provides more accurate and pleasant bass response for both movies and music.

For home theater use, both approaches have merit. The Amazon system delivers the visceral impact that makes action movies exciting, while Samsung's approach provides more consistent, balanced performance across all content types.

Design and Integration: Form Meets Function

The visual impact of these soundbars couldn't be more different. The Amazon Fire TV Soundbar Plus has traditional soundbar proportions – it's substantial enough to look appropriate under a 50-65 inch TV but doesn't try to disappear. The matte black finish and fabric grille are attractive but clearly prioritize function over form.

The Samsung HW-S700D represents the opposite philosophy. At just 2.5 inches tall, it's designed to virtually disappear when wall-mounted. This ultra-slim profile is genuinely impressive – you can mount it directly below your TV without blocking any part of the screen, even when sitting close to the display.

This design difference extends to placement flexibility. The Amazon system requires more consideration for the separate subwoofer, which needs floor placement and some breathing room. The Samsung's compact subwoofer is more apartment-friendly and easier to hide.

Smart Features: The Modern Soundbar Experience

This is where the generational difference between these soundbars becomes most apparent. The Amazon Fire TV Soundbar Plus focuses almost entirely on audio performance, with minimal smart features. Despite the "Fire TV" branding, it doesn't include streaming capabilities, Wi-Fi connectivity, or voice assistant integration. You get Fire TV remote compatibility, but that's where the smart features end.

The Samsung HW-S700D embraces the modern smart home ecosystem fully. It supports Alexa, Google Assistant, Chromecast, and Apple AirPlay 2. The SmartThings app provides comprehensive control over settings, EQ adjustments, and multi-room audio features.

For gaming enthusiasts, Samsung's Game Mode Pro is particularly noteworthy. It automatically optimizes audio settings when it detects gaming content, enhancing directional audio cues that can provide competitive advantages in multiplayer games.

The practical impact of this difference is significant. With the Samsung system, you can say "Alexa, play jazz music" and stream directly to the soundbar. You can group it with other speakers for whole-home audio. The Amazon system requires you to connect a separate streaming device for any smart functionality.

Performance Metrics That Matter Most

When evaluating soundbar performance, certain metrics matter more than others for real-world use. Dialogue intelligibility tops the list – if you can't understand speech clearly, the soundbar has failed its primary mission. Both systems handle this well, but through different approaches.

Dynamic range – the difference between the quietest and loudest sounds – significantly affects the listening experience. The Samsung HW-S700D excels here with its Night Mode that compresses dynamic range for late-night viewing, and Adaptive Sound that automatically adjusts levels based on content.

Frequency response determines how natural music and effects sound. The Amazon Fire TV Soundbar Plus tends toward a more exciting, consumer-friendly tuning that makes everything sound more dramatic. The Samsung HW-S700D aims for more accurate reproduction that serves both movies and music well.

Soundstage width affects immersion. The Amazon system wins when expanded to 5.1, but Samsung's Q-Symphony can compete when paired with compatible TVs.

Value Proposition: Getting Your Money's Worth

At the time of writing, these soundbars occupy similar price ranges, but they deliver value in different ways. The Amazon Fire TV Soundbar Plus provides more raw audio performance per dollar, especially considering the included subwoofer and expansion capabilities.

The total cost equation changes when you consider the expansion path. The Amazon system can grow into a full 5.1 setup with additional investment, potentially providing years of upgrades. However, each component adds to the total cost.

The Samsung HW-S700D represents a more all-in-one value proposition. The higher upfront cost includes smart features, room calibration, and premium design that add long-term value beyond pure audio performance.

For home theater enthusiasts planning a dedicated setup, the Amazon system's expandability provides better long-term value. For users wanting a complete, set-and-forget solution, Samsung's comprehensive feature set justifies the premium.

Use Cases: Matching the Right Tool to the Job

The Amazon Fire TV Soundbar Plus excels in several specific scenarios. If you have a larger living room and plan to build out a proper surround sound system over time, its expandability is unmatched in this price range. The pre-paired wireless components eliminate the complexity usually associated with multi-speaker setups.

This system also suits users who prioritize pure audio performance over convenience features. If you already have streaming devices and don't need smart functionality, the Amazon soundbar focuses your money on drivers, amplification, and acoustic design.

The Samsung HW-S700D serves different needs better. Small apartments and condos benefit from its space-efficient design and room optimization technology. The ultra-slim profile works in setups where traditional soundbars would be visually intrusive.

Samsung TV owners from 2021-2023 should seriously consider this system for Q-Symphony compatibility alone. The integrated experience creates something genuinely greater than the sum of its parts.

Smart home enthusiasts will appreciate the comprehensive connectivity and voice assistant support. The ability to integrate with existing smart home routines and multi-room audio systems adds significant functional value.

Making Your Decision: The Bottom Line

After extensive testing and comparison, both soundbars succeed in their intended roles, but they serve different audiences.

Choose the Amazon Fire TV Soundbar Plus if you prioritize audio performance and expandability over smart features. This system delivers more impactful sound for the money, especially in larger rooms where its expansion capabilities can shine. It's the better choice for dedicated movie watchers who want to build a proper home theater system over time.

Choose the Samsung HW-S700D if you value integration, smart features, and sophisticated audio processing. This soundbar works better in modern, connected homes where seamless operation matters as much as sound quality. Samsung TV owners particularly benefit from features unavailable elsewhere.

The decision often comes down to your priorities and existing setup. If you want the most immersive possible audio experience and don't mind managing multiple components, the Amazon system's 5.1 expansion capability is compelling. If you prefer an elegant, all-in-one solution with modern smart features, the Samsung system delivers more complete functionality.

Both represent solid values in the competitive soundbar market, but they achieve this through fundamentally different approaches. Understanding which philosophy aligns with your needs and preferences will guide you to the right choice for your home theater setup.

Amazon Fire TV Soundbar Plus Subwoofer Deals and Prices

Samsung HW-S700D 3.1 Channel Slim Soundbar Deals and Prices