Surround Sound

Samsung has gotten the jump on CES with the announcement of several new products, including a few that Samsung probably hopes will lure in budding audiophiles. First up is the HW-E550 sound bar that is similar to the HW-D550, except that it can be split into two separate speakers. Seems to defeat the purpose of buying a soundbar, but I suppose it might suit some markets. The more interesting products are the new sound docks and home-theater-in-a-box systems. Both sound docks take the unusual step of supporting iOS and Samsung Galaxy devices and the higher-end DA-E750 model, along with the HT-E6730W and HT-E5500W HTIB systems, includes Samsung's Crystal Amp Plus hybrid vacuum tube technology. The goal of the tech is to meld digital clarity with the warmer sound that vacuum tubes are apt to impart. Can the inclusion of vacuum tubes overcome the stigma attached to the sound quality of these types of devices?

Samsung claims its vacuum tube setup offers "the best of both worlds," giving it the benefits of both digital and vacuum tube amplifiers. Samsung says that the system is of its own making, and is able to maintain the clarity of digital with the more natural sound of a vacuum tube. The company also says that the tech "offers an extra octave of sound without distortion."

The Verge