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Hi! My research started a couple of months back. Criteria for selection of a soundbar / HT -
(1) 5.1 surround sound
(2) Wireless set-up to the extent possible
(3) Dolby and DTS support
(4) Trusted brand which has a forte in home audio (or at least owns such cos.)
After the preliminary research, I could arrive at the most common mass-market HT set-up, i.e. Sony RT40. It is indeed a good package if you look at it. However, the wiring going throughout the room and then tall boy behind sofa seemed a bit too much in today's minimalist world.
Somewhere back of my mind I had Q60T, as I liked the specs on paper. To remove my doubts, I visited nearby store to listen to RT40 and Q60T.
On visit I could realise 2 things - (1) Multi brand outlets drive Sony sales, they understand sony products. (2) They lack knowledge about a product, unless the brand rep is helping you.
On listening to both, our family was blown away by the difference in sound quality of two. We were decided and I just waited for right deal to come up on Amazon to buy this one. Got it for 23K (Indian Rs), which I believe is killer deal for it. I plan to make it 7.1 with SWA8500S. But got to wait till someone can bring it from Dubai (as available there for Rs 5K).
Q60R was a Harman Kardon branded product, hence a lot of polishing went into making it a premium sounding product. Samsung removed HK branding, but the quality remains same.
Feedback on Q60T:
We have it connected to Mi 65 inch TV - Initially using Samsung's HDMI ARC cable, we had connectivity issues everytime we turned on tv. However, once I changed HDMI cable with Amazon Basic one, it is working fine.
Bass - Out of the box, is slightly low. Can increase it to +6. That should be sufficient. If you listen to EDM, you will feel vibration on floor.
Volume - Mostly we listen to music in 20-30 (out of 100). Movies - depends on mixing of movies; on streaming services - the range of volume used can be -35 to 50.
Surround - Surround and Game Pro uses 5.1 channels. Standard and DTS Virtual X uses 3.1 channels.
Surround experience - (i) In surround or games pro mode - The surround is quite subtle. Upfiring speakers can never replace rear speakers. Though advantage is you feel immersive sound all around in front of you. (ii) DTS Virtual X - It is a post processing algo driven surround. Hence, applies to anything you play. We prefer it for movies. It creates a bit of depth in soundstage (hence need for slightly higher volume). Gives a good immersive feel. However, it can be hit or miss basis the quality of content you are watching. Like in case of John Wick 1 climax, the sequence with rain pouring, you will feel you are standing right there (maybe 65inch tv helps).
Modes used -
6.a. Music - Mostly use Game Pro mode (for maximum thump/bass and 5.1 surround channels usage) & for instrumental heavy / acoustic songs (mostly hindi) - DTS VX uplifts the the unique sound of instruments being used (which you may not have noticed in the song before).
6.b. Movies - DTS VX and Games Pro
Cons:
HDMI cable could have been better
Wifi connectivity at this price point would have added value
Support for Dolby Digital Plus would have been given
SWA8500S should be sold in India!!!!
Not for bass heads/ lovers - As this one has sufficient bass to make you get a good feel of it and not underpower mids and lows. Also, this is an apartment-friendly system.
Overall - This is the best sounding soundbar and is a complete package which is future-ready with basic requirements of Dolby digital, DTS & DTS Virtual X. Also option to add wireless rear speakers is great.