Now those sound bars are inching toward release, with both models going up for pre-sale today. These units fit a lot of sound into a relatively small package, and because of that, they aren’t exactly cheap: the HW-K950 retails for $1,500, while the trimmed-down HW-K850 can be had for $1,000.
Packing Atmos sound into such a small package is impressive, but it isn’t the only feature making these sound bars so easy to use. Both models also feature a fully wireless subwoofer and, in the case of the HW-K950, wireless surround speakers.
As the price tag suggests, the HW-K950 is the current top of the line, offering 5.1.4-channel sound. This is produced by three channels featuring a 2.5-inch driver paired with a 30-mm tweeter in the sound bar itself and two 2.5-inch ceiling-firing drivers on top, with each driver here getting its own 20-watt amp. The surround speakers are similar, minus the tweeters, and also feature the ceiling-firing drivers, completing the Atmos array. Finally, the 160-watt subwoofer features an 8-inch driver.
The HW-K850 is similar in terms of its shape and footprint, but only provides 3.1.2-channel sound. This model leaves out the surround speakers, with just the two ceiling-firing speakers in the sound bar making up the Atmos array. While the surround speakers don’t make a showing here, the wireless subwoofer is still present.
Samsung has given a release window of this summer for both sound bars, but so far no concrete launch date is available. For a closer look at the HW-K950, see our hands-on coverage from earlier this year.
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