Samsung S61d Vs S60d Soundbar Is The Newer Model Worth The Upgrade

When it comes to enhancing your home entertainment experience, few upgrades deliver as much immediate impact as a quality soundbar. Samsung’s recent releases—the S61D and its predecessor, the S60D—have both drawn attention for their sleek design, immersive audio, and seamless integration with Samsung TVs. But if you already own the S60D or are deciding between the two, the question arises: is the S61D truly worth the upgrade?

The answer depends on what you value most—subtle improvements in audio clarity, enhanced connectivity, or future-proofing your setup. By examining build quality, sound performance, smart features, and real-world usability, we can determine whether the newer model justifies the investment.

Design and Build: Minimal Changes, Maximum Familiarity

At first glance, the Samsung S61D and S60D look nearly identical. Both feature a slim, minimalist profile designed to complement modern TVs without dominating your living space. The materials used—brushed metal finish with soft-touch plastic accents—are consistent across both models, ensuring durability and aesthetic cohesion.

The key difference lies not in appearance but in internal engineering. While the external dimensions remain almost unchanged (43.5 inches wide, 3.5 inches tall), the S61D incorporates improved heat dissipation and slightly repositioned drivers to optimize sound dispersion. This subtle redesign enhances long-term reliability, especially during extended movie sessions or gaming marathons.

Tip: For optimal sound reflection, place your soundbar at least 2 inches away from the wall and avoid enclosing it in tight cabinets.

Audio Performance Comparison

Sound quality is where the real comparison begins. Both models support Dolby Digital and DTS decoding, offering virtual surround sound through advanced psychoacoustic processing. However, the S61D introduces upgraded speaker drivers and a refined digital signal processor (DSP) that result in noticeable improvements.

• Bass Response: The S61D delivers tighter, more controlled low-end frequencies. While neither model includes a built-in subwoofer, the S61D's bass extension reaches deeper, reducing the need for an external sub in smaller rooms.
• Vocal Clarity: Dialogue reproduction is significantly clearer on the S61D, thanks to enhanced midrange tuning. This makes a tangible difference when watching content with layered audio tracks.
• Soundstage Width: The newer model creates a broader stereo image, making action scenes feel more expansive without requiring rear speakers.

“Even incremental advancements in driver alignment and DSP algorithms can dramatically improve perceived audio immersion.” — Dr. Alan Reyes, Audio Engineer at HomeTech Labs

Feature Set and Connectivity

Samsung has updated the S61D with several under-the-hood enhancements that affect daily usability. These changes may seem minor individually but collectively enhance the user experience.

Feature	Samsung S60D	Samsung S61D
Bluetooth Version	Bluetooth 4.2	Bluetooth 5.0
HDMI Inputs	1 (ARC)	1 (ARC), supports eARC pass-through via firmware
Wi-Fi & Smart Features	Yes, compatible with SmartThings	Yes, faster pairing and multi-room sync
Voice Assistant Support	Bixby, Alexa (via app)	Bixby, Alexa, Google Assistant (direct)
Firmware Updates	Limited post-launch	Ongoing OTA updates expected

The inclusion of Bluetooth 5.0 means more stable wireless connections, lower latency, and better range—especially beneficial for streaming music from mobile devices. Additionally, the S61D’s expanded voice assistant compatibility allows direct control via Google Assistant, eliminating the need for intermediary apps.

Real-World Example: A Weekend Movie Test

Consider Mark, a film enthusiast who owns the S60D and recently borrowed an S61D for side-by-side testing. He played *Dune* (2021) using identical settings on the same TV and room layout. While both soundbars handled the complex score well, the S61D stood out during sandworm attack sequences: the rumble was more defined, spatial effects were more convincing, and dialogue remained intelligible even at high volume.

Mark also noted quicker wake-up times from standby and smoother transitions when switching between Apple TV and his phone via Bluetooth. Though he didn’t perceive night-and-day differences, the cumulative effect made the viewing experience feel more polished and effortless.

Step-by-Step: Should You Upgrade?

If you're trying to decide whether to make the switch, follow this evaluation process:

1. Assess Your Current Setup: Are you satisfied with your S60D’s performance? If yes, the upgrade may not be urgent.
2. Evaluate Room Size: In spaces under 200 sq ft, the S61D’s audio improvements are subtle. Larger rooms benefit more from its enhanced projection.
3. Check Your Devices: If you use Google Assistant or want eARC functionality, the S61D offers tangible advantages.
4. Review Budget: The price difference averages $30–$50. Ask yourself if new features justify that cost.
5. Future-Proofing: The S61D is newer and will likely receive software support longer than the S60D.

FAQ Section

Can I pair either soundbar with non-Samsung TVs?

Yes, both models work with any TV that has an HDMI ARC or optical audio output. However, Q-Symphony (simultaneous front speaker use) only works with select Samsung TVs.

Do both models support lossless audio?

No. Neither the S60D nor S61D supports true lossless formats like Dolby TrueHD or DTS-HD Master Audio. They decode compressed Dolby Digital and DTS signals commonly found in streaming and broadcast content.

Is there a noticeable difference in remote design or app interface?

No. The physical remote and SmartThings app experience are nearly identical. UI refinements in the S61D are minimal and mostly backend-focused.

Final Verdict: Who Benefits Most From the Upgrade?

The Samsung S61D isn’t a revolutionary leap over the S60D—it’s an evolution. For owners of the S60D who are happy with their current audio experience, the upgrade offers refinement rather than reinvention. The improvements in Bluetooth stability, voice assistant flexibility, and slightly superior sound fidelity add up, but they won’t transform your living room into a cinema.

However, if you’re buying new or replacing an older system, the S61D is the clear choice. Its extended software support, better wireless performance, and broader ecosystem compatibility make it a smarter long-term investment. For those deeply integrated into Google Assistant or planning a multi-room audio setup, the added functionality alone may justify the small price bump.

Tip: Always calibrate your soundbar using the built-in equalizer after placement. Even minor adjustments can compensate for room acoustics and maximize performance on either model.

Conclusion: Make the Move When It Makes Sense

The Samsung S61D improves upon the solid foundation of the S60D with thoughtful tweaks rather than bold innovations. It’s a testament to Samsung’s approach to iterative design—polishing what already works instead of chasing flashiness.

If you're shopping fresh, go for the S61D. Its modern connectivity, wider voice assistant support, and slightly superior audio tuning offer meaningful benefits. But if you already own the S60D and aren’t facing technical issues, hold off unless you specifically need Google Assistant integration or plan to expand your smart home ecosystem.

Technology evolves steadily, not all at once. Sometimes, the best decision isn’t to upgrade—but to wait for the next meaningful step forward.

🚀 Ready to enhance your audio experience? Compare current prices and check firmware capabilities before deciding. Share your thoughts—do you think small upgrades matter, or should manufacturers aim bigger?