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

If you're tired of straining to hear dialogue while your TV's built-in speakers make explosions sound like distant firecrackers, you're probably shopping for a soundbar. The soundbar market has exploded in recent years, offering everything from basic stereo upgrades to premium Dolby Atmos systems that can rival dedicated home theater setups.

Today we're comparing two soundbars that represent very different philosophies: the budget-friendly Amazon Fire TV Soundbar Plus and the premium Samsung HW-S700D. Released in 2023 and 2024 respectively, these products showcase how much the soundbar landscape has evolved—and how different approaches can serve different needs.

Understanding Modern Soundbars

Before diving into specifics, let's establish what makes a good soundbar. At its core, a soundbar replaces your TV's tiny, downward-firing speakers with larger drivers positioned to project sound directly toward you. The magic happens when multiple speakers work together to create a wider soundstage (the perceived width and depth of audio) and better frequency response (how well it reproduces different pitches from deep bass to crisp highs).

The most important considerations when choosing a soundbar are audio performance, smart features, connectivity options, and design flexibility. Audio performance encompasses everything from dialogue clarity to bass response and surround sound capabilities. Smart features include built-in streaming services, voice assistants, and smartphone app control. Connectivity determines how easily the soundbar integrates with your existing devices, while design flexibility affects where and how you can place it in your room.

Product Overview: Two Different Approaches

The Amazon Fire TV Soundbar Plus launched in 2023 as Amazon's answer to the growing demand for affordable Dolby Atmos support. At the time of writing, it's positioned as a budget option that punches above its weight class, particularly for users already invested in Amazon's Fire TV ecosystem.

The Samsung HW-S700D, released in 2024, takes a completely different approach. It's designed for users who want premium audio performance in an ultra-slim package that won't dominate their living room. Samsung has positioned this as part of their premium soundbar lineup, with pricing to match.

These represent two distinct philosophies: Amazon focuses on delivering core functionality at an accessible price point, while Samsung prioritizes advanced features and build quality for users willing to invest more in their audio experience.

Audio Performance: Where the Rubber Meets the Road

Power Output and Driver Configuration

The most fundamental difference between these soundbars lies in their raw audio capabilities. The Samsung HW-S700D delivers 250 watts of total power—90 watts from the main soundbar and 160 watts from its wireless subwoofer. This substantial power output means it can fill larger rooms without strain and maintain clarity even at higher volumes.

The Amazon Fire TV Soundbar Plus doesn't publish specific wattage figures, which typically indicates lower power output in this price category. However, don't let that discourage you—it still provides a significant upgrade over TV speakers and can adequately power most living rooms for casual viewing.

What's more telling is the driver configuration. The Samsung HW-S700D packs seven individual speakers into its slim main unit, allowing for precise audio separation and better stereo imaging (how accurately sounds appear to come from specific locations). The Amazon Fire TV Soundbar Plus uses a simpler three-speaker array with built-in subwoofer drivers, which is respectable for its price range but can't match the Samsung's precision.

Bass Response: The Foundation of Great Audio

Bass response deserves special attention because it's where many budget soundbars fall short. The Amazon Fire TV Soundbar Plus includes a built-in subwoofer, which is impressive at its price point. However, reviews consistently describe its bass as "one note"—meaning it can produce low frequencies but lacks the nuance and depth that separate adequate bass from truly satisfying low-end response.

The Samsung HW-S700D includes a dedicated 6-inch wireless subwoofer with a bass reflex (ported) design. This means it uses carefully tuned air vents to enhance low-frequency output, creating deeper, more articulated bass. In practical terms, you'll hear the difference in movie soundtracks where explosions have actual rumble rather than just loudness, and music with complex bass lines will sound more detailed and engaging.

The wireless connection for Samsung's subwoofer also provides placement flexibility—you can position it anywhere in the room for optimal bass response rather than being limited by cable length.

Dialogue Clarity: The Make-or-Break Feature

Clear dialogue is arguably the most important aspect of any soundbar, since most people upgrade specifically to hear conversations better. Both systems address this priority but with different approaches.

The Amazon Fire TV Soundbar Plus includes dialogue enhancement with five adjustment levels and a dedicated center channel. This works well for most content, though some users report that deeper male voices can sound thin compared to higher-pitched speech.

The Samsung HW-S700D employs Active Voice Amplifier (AVA) technology, which automatically analyzes each scene and emphasizes voices accordingly. This adaptive approach means you don't need to constantly adjust settings when switching between quiet dialogue scenes and loud action sequences. The dedicated center channel, combined with the system's higher power output, delivers consistently clear speech even in complex audio mixes.

Dolby Atmos: Virtual vs. Enhanced Processing

Both soundbars support Dolby Atmos, the object-based surround sound format that creates three-dimensional audio by placing specific sounds at precise locations around the listener. However, their implementations differ significantly.

The Amazon Fire TV Soundbar Plus uses virtual Dolby Atmos processing, meaning it simulates height effects without actual upward-firing speakers. This creates a wider soundstage than traditional stereo but can't truly place sounds above your head. For casual viewing, this approach works reasonably well and provides a noticeable improvement over basic stereo sound.

The Samsung HW-S700D also relies primarily on virtual processing due to its ultra-slim design, but its 3.1.2 channel configuration (the ".2" indicates height channel processing) and more sophisticated audio algorithms create more convincing spatial effects. While neither system can match soundbars with dedicated upward-firing drivers, Samsung's implementation comes closer to true three-dimensional audio.

Smart Features and Connectivity: Modern Convenience

This is where the two products diverge most dramatically. The Amazon Fire TV Soundbar Plus takes a surprisingly minimalist approach to smart features. Despite carrying the "Fire TV" name, it doesn't include built-in streaming capabilities, Alexa voice control, or even Wi-Fi connectivity. Instead, it focuses on seamless integration with Fire TV devices via HDMI eARC (enhanced Audio Return Channel), allowing you to control both TV and soundbar with a single remote.

The Samsung HW-S700D embraces the opposite philosophy, packing extensive smart capabilities into its slim frame. It includes built-in Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant support, meaning you can control playback, adjust volume, and even manage smart home devices using voice commands. The system supports AirPlay 2 for iPhone users, Chromecast for Android devices, and direct integration with streaming services like Spotify and TIDAL.

Samsung's SmartThings app provides comprehensive control over EQ settings, sound modes, and system configuration. The app interface is intuitive and responsive, making it easy to fine-tune audio settings from your smartphone rather than fumbling with a remote control.

Design Philosophy: Slim vs. Practical

The physical design reveals each manufacturer's priorities clearly. The Samsung HW-S700D measures just 38mm (about 1.5 inches) in height, making it one of the slimmest soundbars available. This ultra-low profile means it won't block your TV screen or infrared sensors, even when placed directly in front of the display. The build quality reflects its premium positioning, with solid construction and refined materials throughout.

The Amazon Fire TV Soundbar Plus uses more conventional dimensions and straightforward construction appropriate for its price range. While it lacks the Samsung's premium feel, the build quality is solid enough for everyday use, and the fabric grille provides a clean, understated appearance that blends well with most room decor.

The included accessories tell the story too: Samsung provides a specialized slim wall mount designed for near-flush installation, while Amazon includes a standard mounting kit suitable for basic wall placement.

Room Integration and Advanced Features

The Samsung HW-S700D includes several technologies designed to optimize performance for your specific room and setup. SpaceFit Sound uses the soundbar's built-in microphone to analyze your room's acoustic characteristics and automatically adjust audio settings accordingly. This room correction technology helps compensate for challenging acoustics like hard surfaces or unusual room shapes.

For Samsung TV owners (2020-2024 models), Q-Symphony technology represents a significant advantage. This feature allows the soundbar to work in harmony with your TV's built-in speakers, using both sets of drivers simultaneously for enhanced audio density and better surround effects. It's like having additional speakers without the complexity of a full surround system.

The Amazon Fire TV Soundbar Plus takes a more straightforward approach, offering four preset sound modes (Movie, Music, Sports, Night) and basic bass/treble adjustment. While less sophisticated, these controls are easily accessible and provide meaningful improvements for different content types.

Gaming Performance: An Often-Overlooked Consideration

Modern gaming systems output increasingly sophisticated audio, and both soundbars handle gaming content differently. The Samsung HW-S700D includes Game Mode Pro, which automatically optimizes audio processing for gaming when it detects a console connection through a compatible Samsung TV. This mode reduces audio latency (delay between action and sound) and enhances directional audio cues that can provide competitive advantages in online games.

The Amazon Fire TV Soundbar Plus doesn't include specialized gaming modes, but its HDMI eARC connection ensures low-latency audio transmission when connected properly. For casual gaming, this approach works fine, though competitive gamers might prefer Samsung's dedicated optimization.

Expandability and Future-Proofing

Both systems offer expansion capabilities, but with different approaches. The Amazon Fire TV Soundbar Plus can expand to a full 5.1-channel system with optional wireless rear speakers and a separate subwoofer. This modular approach allows you to start with the basic soundbar and add components as budget allows.

The Samsung HW-S700D supports Samsung's SWA-9200S rear speaker kit for true 5.1 surround sound. The integration is seamless, with all components connecting wirelessly and configuring automatically. The system also receives regular firmware updates that can add new features and improve performance over time.

Value Analysis: Performance Per Dollar

At the time of writing, the Amazon Fire TV Soundbar Plus represents exceptional value in the budget soundbar category. It delivers genuine Dolby Atmos support, adequate power for most rooms, and solid build quality at a price point that makes it accessible to nearly everyone. For users primarily watching TV shows and movies with occasional music listening, it provides a substantial upgrade over built-in TV speakers without breaking the bank.

The Samsung HW-S700D costs significantly more but justifies the premium through superior audio quality, extensive smart features, and better long-term value. When you consider the wireless subwoofer, advanced room correction, comprehensive streaming support, and premium build quality, the price difference becomes more reasonable for users who prioritize audio performance and convenience features.

Who Should Choose Each Product?

The Amazon Fire TV Soundbar Plus makes the most sense for budget-conscious buyers who want a meaningful audio upgrade without complex features. It's ideal for Fire TV ecosystem users, renters who need a simple setup, families focused on dialogue clarity for TV shows, and anyone seeking their first soundbar experience. The straightforward operation and reliable performance make it an excellent entry point into better home audio.

The Samsung HW-S700D suits users who prioritize audio quality and modern convenience features. It's perfect for Samsung TV owners who can take advantage of Q-Symphony technology, audiophiles wanting the best possible sound in a slim package, smart home enthusiasts who value voice control and app integration, and anyone planning to keep their soundbar for many years. The advanced features and superior build quality make it worthwhile for users who spend significant time watching movies, listening to music, or gaming.

The Final Recommendation

Both soundbars serve their intended markets well, but they're designed for fundamentally different users and use cases. The Amazon Fire TV Soundbar Plus excels as an affordable gateway to better TV audio, particularly for Fire TV users who value simplicity and reliability over advanced features. It won't impress audiophiles, but it will satisfy the vast majority of casual viewers looking for clearer dialogue and more engaging sound.

The Samsung HW-S700D represents what happens when a premium manufacturer applies advanced engineering to the soundbar format. Its combination of sophisticated audio processing, extensive smart features, and ultra-slim design creates a compelling package for users who want the best possible performance from a single-unit solution.

Choose the Amazon if you're looking for solid performance at an accessible price point and don't need extensive customization options. Choose the Samsung if you want premium audio quality, comprehensive smart features, and the flexibility to fine-tune your audio experience. Both will dramatically improve your TV watching experience—the question is how much performance and convenience you want to invest in for years to come.

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Samsung HW-S700D 3.1 Channel Slim Soundbar Deals and Prices