Samsung HW-C700 AV Receiver Review

Samsung HW-C700 Introduction

With the advent of Blu-ray players and advanced, hi-def gaming systems and all that they require, it has become increasingly important to have a centralized unit that can handle not only the latest audio formats, but also the centralizing of your HDMI sources. A recent quote from a popular TV show comes to mind, "Is there anything that money can't do?" If you have the means, you can get any number of high-end pieces to act as a video and sound hub for your AV/gaming needs, but for those without limitless resources, but with enough to get Blu-ray and the occasional Xbox 360 or PS3, there needs to be an economical answer to this need. The $399 HW-C700 receiver is Samsung's answer which packs many of the functions of a full-size receiver into a smaller chassis. This is a unit that can work with a large system but is also good for smaller living spaces where a larger component system is simply too much for the budget to support.

Samsung HW-C700 Features and Build Quality

The HW-C700 Surround receiver is the answer to the middle class' search for a device to bring all of those AV/gaming sources together into one good looking unit. For example, the system will handle four HDMI devices - that's enough for your DISH or cableTV box, a couple gaming devices and a Blu-ray player. In addition it has three composite and three component video inputs, but it won't up-converts those signals to its single HDMI output. This means that users with legacy equipment, such as older DVD players and set top boxes, will need to connect these up to the HW-C700 and still get that output to their televisions with an additional cable. We call this 'garbage in, garbage out.' For those looking to wall mount a new flat panel display, or with remotely-located equipment, you'll need to keep this in mind. For those who have fully taken the HDMI plunge, you won't have to switch inputs on your television when going from source to source. These days, convenience gets a lot of weight in home theater product decisions, so be aware that spending a little extra may go a long way if you require upconversion. while the HW-C700 switches incoming HDMI sources, it doesn't scale the output. That means that if you send a 720p signal in via HDMI, it will go out the HDMI output at 720p. This is actually a good thing, since we've seen lots of AV receivers do worse jobs at processing video than displays. If you have a great TV, let's let it do something!

In terms of audio the HW-C700 has 7 pairs of five-way binding posts for all channels except the parallel analog line level outputs for the subwoofer. There are two component inputs, a sufficient number given that there are four HDMI inputs which also support multi-channel audio (including the uncompressed Dolby TrueHD and dts-HD formats). There are also four digital audio inputs (3 optical TOSLink and one coax). For stereo analogue sources there is an Aux stereo input in the front of the receiver and 5 rear connection pairs as well. It also has a multi-channel (7.1) input for a legacy DVD player with multi-channel outputs. The way Samsung handles its sources is that the digital inputs are assignable but you cannot rename inputs or move the actual analogue audio or video sources around.

Once again, S-video is, thankfully, nowhere to be seen

Build Quality

The receiver has a sleek, minimalistic and modern front with a subtle, white, digital display against a dark gray background. It has a decent size to it and looks heavier than it actually is (13.7lbs). It presents a smooth charcoal grey front with only a large volume knob in the front to break up the solid wall of understated cool. That is until you pull down the front panel which reveals numerous knobs, buttons, controls and analogue RCA inputs. If you lose the remote, you can still manipulate all controls with this front pull down panel. The power button, in typical Samsung style, functions off of a capacitance style sensor rather than pushing on it like a button. It’s really cool to swipe your finger and have it power down, but the downside is that it can be a little tricky at times and you find that you didn’t cover the area or swipe it to the sensor’s satisfaction. Still, it’s an innovative feature and feels like it belongs on a really high end system.

Samsung HW-C700 Setup and Configuration

The Main Menu contains thirteen areas, including Audio Setup, Speaker Size, Speaker Distance, Speaker Level, Test Tone, DPLIIx Setup, DPLIIz Setup, Tone Control (Bass, Treble, etc.) NEO:6 Setup, EX/ES Setup, A/V Sync, MP3 Enhancer, Smart Volume, ASC Setup, DRC Setup, HDMI Setup and Variable Set. First thing I did was to set up the speaker levels to satisfy the needs of my man cave using an SPL meter. I then confirmed it (I am ashamed to say) using audio of a Nickelodeon show my daughter watches called Big Time Rush… the sacrifices we family audiophiles make… To man back up, I then popped in Saving Private Ryan and did 100 one-handed push-ups while drinking a can of Jolt cola. Ahem, after setting up the speaker levels, I noted that you could adjust the Tone Controls , ie. the treble and bass to do a rough compensation for any massive errors interjected by your room or speakers. There is also the ASC correction system but we’ll get to that a little later.

The controls are accessible from the front panel, but who wants to squat in front of their receiver? Not I! So, using the remote, it I found that it took a few stops and starts to get the hang of it – when to hit enter and when not to. Also, there’s “Exit”, which takes you completely out of the setup and then there’s “Return” which takes you only back to the previous control level. You have to get used to it.   

Input Setup

Once you selected an input source, using the remote’s Input Select button, you can choose an analogue or digital source by pressing the Audio Assign button. You can select each of the following inputs: DVD/Blu-ray, TV (Audio: analog, coaxial, & HDMI) VCR (Audio: only analog), CD Music (audio: Analog & optical), Aux (audio: analog & HDMI), 7.1 Multi channel (audio: analog only), IPOD Audio (audio: iPhone adapter), IPOD Video (audio: iPhone adapter), FM Radio (audio: FM antenna), SAT – satellite (Audio: analog, coaxial, & HDMI).

iPhone/iPod Dock Included

Many receivers charge you for an accessory like an iPhone or iPod dock, but Samsung includes it on a $300 receiver. The iPod/iPhone dock comes with an optional function that enhances MP3 signals, but when switching to the iPod input, it takes a while for it to start connecting before it will let you go onto the next input setting. Keep this in mind as it's a little frustrating when switching between inputs and having to wait for the system to catch up.

Speaker Setup

Speaker Size allows you to select the size and number of speakers in your system. Speaker Level controls the relative level of volume for each the speakers. Both of these allow you to ghost a nonexistent Center channel or run a system with or without a subwoofer. You can tell the HW-C700 whether your speakers are Large (Full range 20Hz – 20kHz) or small (anything else). Speaker Distance allowed us to set the group delay for each speaker simply by setting the distance to the listening position. We like to see 0.5 foot increments here, but the Samsung only allowed 1 foot steps - something that is not unexpected at this price. You can make adjustments in Feet or Meters (or should I say Metres?) The Crossover system works globally on Front, Center, Surround and Surround B(ack) speakers. You can set the crossover to 60, 80, 100, 120, 150, 180 and 200 Hz. Any speakers set to "Full Range" means that it will get full range audio with nothing being sent to the subwoofer.

ASC Setup

The moment we’ve all been waiting for! Drum roll, please! OK, you may not be all that excited with automatic setup and room correction, but for some people who have never held a Radio Shack SPL meter in tehir hands, it offers a great way to set up a system (mostly) hassle-free. The ASC is one of those functions that really give the purchaser of this receiver, the feeling that they bought a high end piece of equipment. Automatic room correction and configuration for $300? That would have been unthinkable just two years ago. The ASC Setup completed the process in about 2-3 minutes and it was over quickly. While the setup was fairly accurate (it missed on the bass management) I was curious about the EQ settings - which you can disable in the menu system. I promptly found an HD film on cable, an older DVD, Fright Night 2 ,and a newer Blu-ray, Terminator Salvation  to test the surround. I have to say, after using the ASC, the movies really did come to life in a way they hadn’t before. Samsung’s version of this seems to do a very good job at increasing intelligibility, though ultimately our experience is that this type of system will be less useful for those using higher quality speakers. Experiment and see which you prefer.

Samsung HW-C700 Listening Tests & Conclusion

The remote that comes with the HW-C700, has non-glow and non-backlit keys. It's a basic remote and if you can see what you're doing it will serve you well. In the dark, however, it's difficult to navigate since 70% of the keys are identical in size and shape. The topmost section is dedicated to a keypad, the middle is comprised of VCR-like controls – rewind, play, etc. Also, volume and channel controls. The bottom section is mostly dedicated to direct inputs (yeah!), navigation and setup functions It's simple but effective. And, Samsung has made it possible to control all pertinent remote functions (TV, DVD, BluRay, etc) except for gaming controls like those found on PS3's and Xbox 360's.

HD Audio

The HW-C700 supports Dolby TrueHD, Dolby Digital Plus and dts-HD formats via HDMI. There is also, as we mentioned, a set of dedicated 7.1 analogue inputs for legacy DVD-Audio and SACD players. These days, however, if you're even moderately updated you should be able to grab most of what you need over HDMI audio.

The Testing System

We placed this receiver into a room which uses the Pioneer Elite LX-70 Speaker system. These Signature Series speakers are extremely detailed and transparent and my listening has never been more enjoyable. As it is configured now, the system contains three LX-70 speakers across the front for Left Right and Center. This is accompanied by a an Elite LX-70 self-powered subwoofer. This capped by a vintage pair JBL T100 reference speakers for surround. Video is shown through a Sony Bravia HD 1080p flat screen television which is mounted atop a Bell'O Chic European Deep Brown Finish Wood Audio/Video Cabinet.

Listening Tests

HD Cable: The Fantastic Mr. Fox
When I initially became aware of this film, I saw the names voicing the characters, and was intrigued and then lost interest when I saw the rough claymation type of animation. Then, my oldest daughter insisted I watch it, so for the sake of household bliss, I caved… and boy, am I glad I did. Of course, all of the HD signal is being and handled and routed by the Samsung into my Sony Bravia and it did a fine job of it, after the delay. There’s a slight delay whenever a new HD source is sent out of the Samsung and into the TV, but there is no apparent degradation in the quality of the picture. The audio is being fed intravenously by the HDMI cable, so there is no discernible loss in signal quality on the audio end either. So, one of the great advantages that animated projects have over their live action counterparts is the controlled nature of their audio. Unlike being held to the confines and restrictions of a location or even to a lesser degree, the ambient noises of a soundstage, an animated film’s audio (dialogue, footfalls, etc.) is recorded in the most controlled environments, so you’re typically going to get crisp and accurate sound and this movie is an excellent example of this.  The Samsung HW-C700 handled routing the surround signal masterfully. We definitely heard imaging of things like the motorcycle that the title character drives – it sounded like it was in my lap. Clooney’s grizzled voice had the fine texture of a car tire coming to a stop on a gravel driveway. The HW-C700 really handled this movie well.

Blu-ray: Terminator Salvation
I went into this film expecting a blow ‘em up type of movie and it did not disappoint. Terminator Salvation is an attempt to reboot the famous sci-fi franchise and I would say that they did enough to warrant extending the series…that is, if Bale can eventually overcome the negative stigma of going crazy on the DP. But I digress… The picture quality looked as perfect as a Blu-ray is supposed to look, so thankfully, the HW-C700 doesn’t leave any pixels behind. On to the audio! The audio signal was sent through the amplifier via HDMI cable, so the connection for the signal is excellent (honestly, this simply isn't the type of system we're going to go out of our way to explore the analogue audio quality on).  This really is a perfect movie to test the system with because of machine gun fire, multiple explosions and general robot shenanigans. There are numerous scenes that could serve as the litmus test, but I chose one scene in particular that happens at night. There are attacking terminator water snakes. Helicopters are swooping in, there is tons of automatic gun fire and of course, specialized terminator “sounds”. The HW-C700 made this scene feel like it was happening right in front of me. The most impressive part of it all was the placement of each ricocheting bullet – an after performing the ASC to get the system set up, this came off  with near-perfection. The only downside is a bit of lack of control on the top end and lower mid-bass, letting you know that it isn’t exactly a high-end amp, but hey, it never claims to be. It still produces a fair bit of imaging for an entry level receiver and a sound that was impressive for our smaller room.   

Conclusions and Overall Perceptions

I really like the design and layout of this receiver. Although, it isn’t very user friendly and it makes you go through your paces to figure it all out, once you have gone through “The Quickening” you’ll have more functions than you know what to do with. The HW-C700 has a nice amount of frills for an entry level receiver, and it will have most, if not all, of the features anyone will likely need in a typical one-room setting. The notable exception is video upconversion, but that's just going to cost you a bit more. If you are in need of elite, high end sound and tons of video processing, then this isn’t the product for you, but for those looking for an elegant, all encompassing product to satisfy all of your AV/home theater needs, you'll be hard-pressed to match this kind of value and flexibility for your hard-earned money.

Samsung HW-C700
MSRP $399

Samsung America
http://www.samsung.com/us/

The Score Card

The scoring below is based on each piece of equipment doing the duty it is designed for. The numbers are weighed heavily with respect to the individual cost of each unit, thus giving a rating roughly equal to:

Performance × Price Factor/Value = Rating

Audioholics.com note: The ratings indicated below are based on subjective listening and objective testing of the product in question. The rating scale is based on performance/value ratio. If you notice better performing products in future reviews that have lower numbers in certain areas, be aware that the value factor is most likely the culprit. Other Audioholics reviewers may rate products solely based on performance, and each reviewer has his/her own system for ratings.

Audioholics Rating Scale

• — Excellent
• — Very Good
• — Good
• — Fair
• — Poor

Metric	Rating
Two-channel Audio Performance
Bass Management
Build Quality
Fit and Finish
Ergonomics & Usability
Ease of Setup
Features
Remote Control
Performance
Value