Top positive review
5.0 out of 5 starsClassy looking soundbase with a richly powerful and adjustable sound
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 25 October 2015
The soundbase option seems to be becoming an increasingly popular choice, despite being a relative newcomer in the TV audio market. This is the best sounding smaller base I have heard to date and, more importantly, one that gives the user a good amount of control over the settings, is easy to use, and I have happily shed a load of cables and separate speakers etc to accommodate it.
The base is entirely black (silver and white options are available), very well built with a sleek black glass top. The unit measures 30.3cm deep, just a tad over 7cm high (including the four shallow feet it sits on) and 55cm wide. The front speaker mesh is hard and classy looking, sitting behind which is a very well designed display panel. This has very clear (and large) blue text which makes it satisfyingly easy to see what options you are selecting with the remote, but otherwise shows nothing other than a feint, very small green light when in use or red one on standby, so nothing to distract the viewer at all. The display also conveniently displays the sound from the source when changing TV channels (e.g. PCM, DD2, DD5 etc).
The remote is one of the best I have seen for a TV sound system and very well built (solid and chunky) and simple and easy to use (CR2032 battery is included). Bass & Treble can independently be adjusted to -6 to +6db, but I found the default setting pretty much spot on. There are also three settings to slightly adjust sound direction according to whether your TV sits right on the base, or the base is on a rack below or below a wall mounted TV. You can, with one button on the remote, switch between standard stereo and surround modes in an instant. You can also, using the infra red learning options, easily pair functions such as sound volume, on/off, mute, source etc with your TV standard remote. When I paired volume control with my Samsung standard remote, the volume indicator appeared on the base display, not the TV screen.
There are three cables provided in the box including a Toslink digital optical, another digital coaxial connection to hook up a DVD or BD player etc directly if required, and an RCA analogue connector. There is also a sub out port for a subwoofer if required. There are no HDMI connections, but if you already use your TV as a hub with DVD/BD, Games console, Set top box etc already HDMI connected to your TV, this means that all you need to do is plug in the Digital optical cable from the sound base to your TV, change your TV speaker from TV speaker to audio out/external speaker and that’s it – it literally takes just a couple of minutes out of the box to set up and play! A full English & German user manual is in the box with very clear instructions.
So what about the sound? Well, if you have not heard a soundbase before, prepare for a pleasant surprise with this model. I have heard other models where the difference between the onboard TV sound and soundbase were disappointing to say the least. Using the DM55, TV sourced sound is vastly improved (or at least it was on my Samsung LED). I found the standard setting best for general TV, internet sources and music. The first BD I played using the surround setting caught me (and probably the neighbours) well and truly off guard – it will easily fill a room, let alone a bedroom. Music playback is excellent – and bear in mind this is basically a speaker unit so it will need breaking in a bit gently at first. Wireless Bluetooth transfer from mobile sources (smartphone, tablet, laptop etc) is also catered for. There is also a control adjustment for any lip-sync issues encountered, but I have had none using my Samsung smart TV from a variety of sources.
But perhaps the best thing of all about this model is that is doesn’t force a pre-conditioned, unadjustable tone down your throat like some other single unit models. You can adjust the bass and treble independently if you want; you can switch to a quieter compressed digital sound (DRC) later at night if you want; you can select another option to enhance vocals if you want (recommended - switching this to ON delivers extremely clear vocals using both Stereo & Surround - something that has clearly been remedied from the DM50 failing)); you can switch from standard stereo to surround in an instant – in short YOU are in control of exactly what you want to hear from this soundbase. There is also an eco standby setting on by default.
It is a very sturdy, quality built item with quality sound. Is it perfect? Who knows – some might not like the absence of HDMI connections, but as long as your TV has an unused digital optical audio out socket it’s not even an issue. It can be used with another external subwoofer but it’s not really designed for that (and you probably won’t need one in an average sized room). The recessed connections area on the back of the unit was a bit awkward to access – took me longer to get the supplied mains cable in than to set up the unit for playing, so make sure you insert all the connections before you put it in place or you’ll need a torch like I did!
Most important of all – make sure you measure the footprint area of your TV stand before purchase if planning to sit your TV on top. The DM55 is for smaller TV’s (e.g. the Samsung H6400 32” LED cross-stand ONLY just fits on the DM55 – right to the edge). For Bigger TV stands you will need the larger models in the range. But remember, if you are really after a smaller unit you can still place the DM55 on a shelf or stand below any sized TV and choose the relevant setting for the situation. It takes up little room and just looks great.
One further point to note, the volume control range is 0-99, but you will only hear 'normal' volumes between about 60-90.
No hesitation in recommending this product at all from me.
