Ratings: 4/5
Price: $900
Samsung
DA-E750
One of Samsung’s main aims when it came to designing its latest range of speaker
docks was to give them all an identity. And the DA-E750 certainly has that.
It’s a smartphone-charging, music-streaming, speaker dock-cum-soundbar.
The pop-out compartment on the back of the unit
reveals two separate docks. The first is the usual 30-pin connector for your
iPhones, iPods and iPads, while the other is a micro-USB socket. It’s expressly
designed for use with Samsung’s Galaxy S and Note mobile phones so that they
can sit upright while charging (see panel).
The Samsung also supports the aptX
Bluetooth standard, so suitably equipped mobile phones and computers can stream
music this way. Owners of Android phones can either settle for their built-in
music player, or download the Samsung Wireless Audio Dock app from Google’s
Play Store. It can search your device for music and will stream a wide
selection of file formats.
Apple owners are more likely to take
advantage of the speaker’s AirPlay functionality, although the Samsung will
need to be connected to your home network first. In terms of sound quality,
AirPlay sounds superior to vanilla Bluetooth: more composed, refined and
detailed. Make the switch to aptX Bluetooth and, in our opinion, sound quality
goes up another notch, adding body, weight, fitness and dynamics to streamed
music. Wired streaming brings the very best sound quality, but you’re more
likely to want to enjoy the Samsung’s wireless functionality.
And the features don’t stop there. If you
own one of his year’s 6-, 7- or 8-series Samsung smart TVs and your software is
up to date, you can use the SoundShare feature to beam sound from your TV to
the speaker wirelessly with no lip-sync errors.
Rich, smooth and spacious
Generally speaking, the DA-E750 is an
entertaining listen. High frequencies sound rich and smooth, not bright or
brash. Spin Ellie Goudling’s cover of Elton John’s Your Song and the
system positions her gentle vocal in a spacious and open soundstage. Switch to
some hip-hop courtesy of Kanye West and the unit’s subwoofer injects a fair
amount of weight, yet doesn’t sound too woolly or overbearing. The speaker’s
warm, rich character attaches itself to all genres of music, but while this may
suit some recording it can hinder the delivery of others. Some tracks don’t
sound as expressive or as natural as they should. This lack of flexibility
won’t give the class leaders any sleepless nights.
Samsung has embraced traditional valve amp
technology, with twin valves glowing like moody beacons from the top of the red
mahogany cabinet (a black version is also available). It’s a solid unit, with
the general fit and finish justifying the asking price.
It’s a shame there’s no display on the
front of the device, especially if you’re not quite sure which input has been
selected. The credit-card-sized remote does the basics, but there’s only one
function button so you must cycle through all the various icons – and you can’t
see them unless you’re peering at the top of the unit.
You have to admire Samsung’s ambition with
the DA-E750. The looks are a major talking point, while its arsenal of features
and functionality put some rivals firmly in the shade. With a couple of tweaks
here and there this could be among the best in class. It’s very good, but the
best are even better.
Use it with
Samsung Galaxy S3 The S3 is the perfect fir because it can dock upright and stream
using aptX Bluetooth.
