Samsung TV Sound Settings: The Complete Guide to Perfect Audio (2026)

Your Samsung TV's stunning visuals deserve equally impressive audio. Yet many owners never venture beyond the default sound settings, missing out on dramatically better dialogue clarity, immersive movie experiences, and gaming audio that actually helps you compete.

After testing Samsung TV sound settings across multiple models - including the QN90D, S95D OLED, and budget-friendly CU8000 series - I've compiled everything you need to transform your TV's audio from "acceptable" to genuinely impressive. Whether you're struggling with muffled dialogue, confused about Dolby Atmos, or simply want to squeeze every drop of performance from your TV's speakers, this guide covers it all.

Audio accounts for roughly half of your viewing experience. Think about it: the tension in a thriller comes from the soundtrack, the punch of an action scene relies on explosive sound effects, and understanding what characters actually say requires clear dialogue reproduction. While we focus on audio here, optimizing your Samsung TV picture settings ensures a complete viewing upgrade.

This guide covers every Samsung TV model from 2020 through 2026, including the latest Q-Symphony 5-device support and Active Voice Amplifier Pro features. If you're experiencing broader issues beyond sound, our Samsung TV troubleshooting guide covers additional fixes.

Here's what you'll learn:

• How to access sound settings on any Samsung TV model

• The difference between Standard, Optimized, and Amplify sound modes

• Expert Settings configurations for different content types

• Specific equalizer presets for movies, gaming, and music

• Dolby Atmos and Q-Symphony setup for immersive audio

• AI-powered features like Active Voice Amplifier

• Troubleshooting solutions for common audio problems

How to Access Samsung TV Sound Settings Menu (All Models 2020-2026)

Getting to your Samsung TV's sound settings takes just a few button presses, though the exact path varies slightly depending on your model year. Here's how to navigate there regardless of which Samsung TV you own.

For 2022-2026 Samsung TVs:

1. Press the Home button on your remote

2. Navigate to Settings (gear icon)

3. Select All Settings

4. Choose Sound

Quick Settings Shortcut (2022+ models): Press Home, scroll to Quick Settings in the bottom menu bar, then select Sound Mode for instant access to basic audio adjustments. This method saves time when you just need to switch between modes quickly. Learn more about how to use Samsung TV remote controls for faster navigation.

For 2020-2021 Samsung TVs:

1. Press Home on your remote

2. Select Settings

3. Choose Sound

The menu structure on these older models is slightly flatter, with fewer nested submenus.

Understanding the Sound Menu Structure

Once you're in the Sound menu, you'll see several options. The main Sound section contains basic settings like Sound Mode and Sound Output. But the real customization power lives in Expert Settings, a submenu that gives you control over the equalizer, audio formats, and delay adjustments.

If you're still completing Samsung TV setup, sound settings are typically configured after initial network connection and channel scanning.

SmartThings App Alternative

Can't find your remote? The SmartThings app on your smartphone provides full access to sound settings. Open the app, select your TV, tap the three-dot menu, and choose Settings. This method works identically to the on-screen menu and proves especially useful when adjusting settings while content plays.

Why Some Settings Appear Greyed Out

If certain sound options appear unavailable, check your Sound Output setting. When external speakers (soundbar, Bluetooth, optical) are selected, the TV disables internal speaker adjustments like Equalizer and Balance since those settings wouldn't affect your external audio device anyway.

Samsung TV Sound Modes Explained: Standard vs Optimized vs Amplify

Samsung TVs ship with three primary sound modes, and choosing the right one makes a noticeable difference in how your content sounds. Each mode applies different audio processing to emphasize particular frequency ranges.

Standard Mode

What it does: Standard mode delivers unprocessed, balanced audio with no frequency emphasis. The TV reproduces sound as close to the original source as possible.

Best for: Audiophiles who prefer unaltered sound, general TV viewing, and content with well-balanced audio mixing.

When to avoid: News broadcasts with quiet dialogue, older movies with poor audio mixing, or rooms with significant background noise.

Standard mode works beautifully for music listening and professionally mixed content from streaming services. The lack of processing means you hear exactly what the audio engineers intended - nothing added, nothing subtracted.

Optimized Mode

What it does: Optimized mode (called Adaptive Sound on some models) expands the soundstage and makes spatial effects more pronounced. The TV analyzes incoming audio and applies dynamic adjustments to create a more immersive experience.

Best for: Movies, TV dramas, and content with complex audio mixes featuring distinct sound effects, background music, and dialogue.

Technical details: This mode uses Samsung's audio processing algorithms to simulate a wider speaker array. On TVs with Object Tracking Sound (OTS), Optimized mode coordinates multiple speakers to create movement that matches on-screen action.

For casual viewing of films and series, Optimized mode strikes a good balance between enhancement and natural sound reproduction. The effects feel subtle rather than artificial.

Amplify Mode

Amplify mode boosts mid and high frequencies - specifically the 100Hz to 4kHz range where human speech primarily exists. This makes dialogue cut through background music and sound effects more effectively.

Best for: News broadcasts, talk shows, documentary narration, and any content where understanding speech matters most. Also helpful for viewers with mild hearing difficulties.

What happens technically: Rather than simply increasing overall volume, Amplify mode selectively emphasizes the frequency bands that carry vocal information. The bass stays relatively unchanged while voices gain prominence.

For persistent dialogue issues beyond Amplify mode, see our detailed guide on samsung tv dialogue hard to hear solutions.

Sound Mode Comparison Table

Adaptive Sound Variations

Premium Samsung TVs (QLED, Neo QLED, OLED) offer enhanced versions:

• Adaptive Sound+: Adds room analysis to content analysis

• Adaptive Sound Pro: Includes AI-powered real-time adjustment

These variations appear in the Intelligent Mode or AI Mode settings rather than the standard Sound Mode menu. They're worth exploring if your model supports them.

If sound modes don't resolve timing issues between audio and video, check our Samsung TV audio out of sync troubleshooting guide.

Samsung TV Expert Sound Settings: Complete Configuration Guide

Expert Settings houses the advanced audio controls that let you fine-tune your Samsung TV's sound beyond basic mode selection. Here's every option explained with recommended configurations.

Accessing Expert Settings: Settings → Sound → Expert Settings

Note: Many Expert Settings become unavailable when external speakers are selected in Sound Output, since those adjustments would only affect the TV's internal speakers.

Balance

What it controls: The relative volume between left and right speakers, with a range of -50 to +50.

Default recommendation: Leave at 0 for centered listening positions.

When to adjust: If you sit significantly off-center from your TV, shift the balance toward your position. For example, if you're seated to the right of center, a slight positive value (+5 to +15) compensates for the distance difference.

Equalizer

The equalizer provides control over five frequency bands:

Each band adjusts from -6 to +6. A flat setting (all at 0) delivers neutral sound. The specific presets for different content types appear in the next section.

HDMI Input Audio Format

This setting controls how your TV handles audio from HDMI-connected devices (gaming consoles, Blu-ray players, streaming boxes).

Options:

• PCM: The TV processes audio internally. Use when playing through TV speakers.

• Bitstream: Raw audio passes to an external device for decoding. Use with soundbars or AV receivers that have their own processing.

Recommendation: Select PCM for TV speakers, Bitstream for external audio systems. When configuring external audio, first ensure you hook up soundbar to Samsung TV correctly via eARC.

Digital Output Audio Format

Controls the format sent to external speakers connected via HDMI ARC/eARC or optical.

Recommendation: Use Auto for most setups. It allows the TV and external device to negotiate the best supported format automatically. If audio format isn't working correctly, try to reset HDMI ports Samsung TV to clear handshake issues.

Audio Delay (Lip Sync)

Adjusts timing between video and audio, measured in milliseconds (0-250ms).

When to use:

• Soundbars via optical: Try 50-100ms

• Bluetooth speakers: Usually need 100-200ms

• AV receivers: Often require 30-80ms

How to set: Play content with visible speech. If lips move before you hear words, increase the delay. If sound arrives before lips move, decrease it. Make small adjustments (10-20ms) until sync looks natural.

Auto Volume

What it does: Automatically levels volume differences between content and channels. Quiet dialogue gets boosted; loud commercials get reduced.

Pros: Consistent volume without constant remote adjustments. Great for channel surfing.

Cons: May reduce dynamic range in movies, making quiet moments louder than intended.

Recommendation: Enable for general TV viewing and sports. Disable for movies where dynamic range matters.

Sound Feedback

Controls the audio cues that play when navigating menus and selecting options.

Options: Off, Low, Medium, High

Most users prefer Off or Low to minimize interruption during normal use.

Reset Sound

Returns all sound settings to factory defaults. Use this as a troubleshooting step when settings have become confusingly misconfigured, or before selling/giving away your TV.

Best Samsung TV Equalizer Settings for Movies, Gaming, and Music

The equalizer is where you can dramatically improve your Samsung TV's audio for specific content types. These presets provide starting points - your room acoustics and personal preferences may require slight adjustments.

Movies & Home Theater Preset

Create a cinematic feel with enhanced bass depth and improved clarity:

This configuration adds weight to action scenes without muddying dialogue. The slight high-frequency boost brings out soundtrack details and spatial effects.

Gaming Audio Preset

Prioritize directional audio cues and footstep detection for competitive advantage:

The reduced bass prevents explosions and music from drowning out crucial audio cues like approaching footsteps or reload sounds. The boosted 3kHz range is where most game audio designers place important directional information.

For gaming, also optimize your Samsung TV picture settings with Game Mode enabled for reduced input lag. If game mode keeps turning off, check our troubleshooting guide.

Music Listening Preset

The classic "smiley face" curve emphasizes bass and treble while keeping mids relatively flat:

This configuration works well for most music genres. The enhanced low and high frequencies add excitement without making vocals sound unnatural.

Dialogue & News Preset

Maximum speech clarity for talk-heavy content:

The reduced bass frequencies eliminate background rumble (air conditioning, traffic, studio noise) that competes with voices. The boosted midrange brings dialogue forward.

Sports Viewing Preset

Balance commentary with crowd atmosphere:

This keeps commentary clear while preserving the stadium atmosphere that makes watching sports exciting.

Important Notes on EQ Settings

Room acoustics significantly affect how these presets sound. Hard floors and bare walls create brightness that may require reducing the 3kHz and 10kHz settings. Carpeted rooms with soft furniture absorb high frequencies, potentially requiring higher treble settings.

Start with these presets, then adjust based on what you hear. The goal is audio that sounds natural to you - there's no objectively "correct" setting.

Samsung TV Sound Output Configuration: TV Speakers, Soundbar & Bluetooth

Your Samsung TV can send audio to multiple destinations. Understanding the Sound Output options ensures audio reaches your preferred speakers.

Accessing Sound Output: Settings → Sound → Sound Output

Available Output Options

TV Speaker: Uses the television's built-in speakers. This is the default setting and provides access to all Expert Settings.

HDMI ARC/eARC: Sends audio to a soundbar or AV receiver connected to the HDMI port labeled ARC or eARC. This is the preferred connection for external audio devices because it supports high-quality formats including Dolby Atmos.

Optical: Outputs audio via the optical (TOSLINK) port. Limited to Dolby Digital 5.1 maximum - doesn't support Atmos or higher-resolution formats. Use only if your soundbar lacks HDMI connectivity.

Bluetooth Speaker List: Wirelessly connects to Bluetooth speakers or headphones. Navigate here to pair new devices or select previously paired ones.

Wi-Fi Speaker: Connects to Samsung wireless speakers like the Music Frame or compatible third-party speakers via your home network. Third-party systems like Sonos work too - learn how to connect Sonos to Samsung TV.

This section covers how to connect external speakers Samsung TV options.

Soundbar Connection via HDMI eARC

For the best soundbar experience:

1. Connect your soundbar to the TV's HDMI port labeled eARC or ARC

2. Go to Settings → Sound → Sound Output

3. Select HDMI-ARC or Receiver

4. Enable Anynet+ (HDMI-CEC) in Settings → General → External Device Manager

The TV should automatically detect compatible soundbars and display them as an output option. For detailed cable connections, see our Samsung TV soundbar hookup guide.

Bluetooth Audio Setup

1. Put your Bluetooth speaker or headphones in pairing mode

2. Go to Settings → Sound → Sound Output → Bluetooth Speaker List

3. Wait for your device to appear in the list

4. Select it to connect

Bluetooth latency warning: Wireless audio typically arrives 100-200ms after the video. This delay is often noticeable and may require Audio Delay adjustment. For latency-sensitive content (gaming, lip-sync critical viewing), wired connections perform better.

To disconnect and turn off Bluetooth Samsung TV audio, return to Sound Output and select TV Speaker or another wired option.

Simultaneous Audio Output

Samsung offers a feature for specific accessibility needs:

Multi-output Audio: Found in Settings → General → Accessibility, this allows TV speakers and Bluetooth headphones to play simultaneously. Useful for hearing-impaired viewers who need headphones while others listen through TV speakers.

Why Expert Settings Grey Out with External Speakers

When you select an external speaker as your Sound Output, options like Equalizer, Balance, and Sound Mode become unavailable. This happens because:

1. These settings only affect the TV's internal speakers

2. Your external device has its own sound processing

3. Adjusting TV settings wouldn't change what you hear

To adjust sound when using external speakers, use the soundbar's own remote, app, or settings menu.

How to Enable Dolby Atmos on Samsung TV: Complete Setup Guide

Dolby Atmos delivers three-dimensional audio by placing sounds in a virtual space around and above you. Setting it up correctly on your Samsung TV ensures you experience this immersive format as intended.

Understanding Atmos on Samsung TVs

Samsung TVs handle Dolby Atmos in two ways:

1. TV-Processed Atmos: Select high-end Samsung TVs (QN800, QN900 series) can process Atmos using Object Tracking Sound speakers to simulate overhead effects.

2. Passthrough Atmos: More commonly, the TV passes Atmos audio to an external soundbar or AV receiver that handles the decoding and playback.

Enabling Dolby Atmos

Step 1: Press Home and navigate to Settings

Step 2: Select Sound, then Expert Settings

Step 3: Find Dolby Atmos Compatibility and turn it On

Step 4: Set Digital Output Audio Format to Auto or Dolby Digital+

Step 5: If using a soundbar, ensure it connects via the HDMI eARC port

Step 6: Enable Anynet+ (HDMI-CEC) in Settings → General → External Device Manager for automatic device detection

eARC Requirements for Full Atmos

HDMI eARC (Enhanced Audio Return Channel) is required for lossless Dolby Atmos transmission. Standard ARC can only pass lossy Dolby Atmos via Dolby Digital+.

To verify eARC is enabled:

1. Go to Settings → Sound → Expert Settings

2. Find HDMI-eARC Mode and set it to Auto

Your soundbar or receiver must also support eARC and connect to the TV's eARC-labeled HDMI port.

Troubleshooting "Dolby Atmos Not Available"

Content doesn't contain Atmos: Not all content includes Dolby Atmos even on supporting apps. Check the content details in Netflix, Disney+, or Apple TV+ for Atmos badges.

Wrong audio format setting: Ensure Digital Output Audio Format is set to Auto or Dolby Digital+, not PCM.

Device doesn't support Atmos: Your external speakers must be Atmos-capable. Check your soundbar specifications.

Using optical connection: Optical cables cannot carry Dolby Atmos. Switch to HDMI eARC.

TV model limitation: Budget Samsung TVs (Crystal UHD series like CU7000, CU8000) can pass through Atmos but don't process it internally.

If Atmos isn't detected, reset HDMI ports Samsung TV to clear the connection. If Samsung TV sound cuts out with Atmos content, check bandwidth settings.

Eclipsa Audio: Samsung's New Spatial Format

As of late 2025, Samsung announced Eclipsa Audio - a spatial audio format developed with Google. This format aims to deliver immersive 3D sound similar to Atmos but through a royalty-free standard. Watch for this in 2026 Samsung TVs and compatible streaming apps.

Samsung TV Q-Symphony Setup: Connect Up to 5 Audio Devices (2026 Update)

Q-Symphony represents Samsung's approach to multi-device audio - playing sound through your TV speakers and soundbar simultaneously rather than choosing one or the other. The 2026 update dramatically expands this capability.

What Q-Symphony Does

Traditional setups force a choice: TV speakers OR soundbar. Q-Symphony lets both play together, using the TV's speakers (particularly up-firing and side-firing speakers on premium models) to complement your soundbar's output. The result is a more enveloping soundstage without additional equipment.

2026 Q-Symphony Capabilities

Samsung's December 2025 announcement introduced several enhancements:

• 5-device support: Connect up to five audio devices (TV, soundbar, wireless speakers)

• Automatic room calibration: The system analyzes room layout and device placement

• Optimized channel distribution: Q-Symphony determines which speaker should reproduce which sounds

• SmartThings integration: Centralized control through the app

Compatible Devices

TVs: DU7000 series and above (2024+), all QLED and Neo QLED models

Soundbars: 2024 and newer Q-Series soundbars including HW-Q990H and HW-QS90H

Wireless Speakers: Music Frame, Music Studio 5, Music Studio 7

Setting Up Q-Symphony

First complete your Samsung soundbar installation via HDMI eARC.

For wired soundbars:

1. Connect soundbar via HDMI or optical cable

2. Change soundbar source to D.IN (digital in) or TV ARC

3. Go to Settings → Sound on your TV

4. TV+Soundbar should appear in Sound Output

5. Select it to enable Q-Symphony

For Q-Symphony Setup menu (2024+ TVs):

1. Ensure your soundbar/speaker connects to the same Wi-Fi network as the TV

2. Navigate to Settings → Sound → Q-Symphony Setup

3. Select your soundbar or speaker from the list

4. Select Apply

Connected devices appear in the device list, including those connected via HDMI, optical, or Wi-Fi.

Multi-Device Q-Symphony (2026)

The expanded 5-device Q-Symphony allows combinations like:

• TV + Soundbar + 2 Music Frame speakers

• TV + Soundbar + Music Studio 7 rear speakers

• TV + Multiple Music Frame units for surround effect

The system automatically calibrates audio distribution based on device positions. You don't need to manually configure which speaker handles which channel - Q-Symphony handles this dynamically.

Troubleshooting Q-Symphony

Q-Symphony option unavailable: Verify your TV and soundbar models support the feature. Check if Samsung TV sound output greyed out appears in the guide for related fixes.

Devices not appearing: Ensure all devices connect to the same Wi-Fi network. Try power cycling the soundbar and TV.

Audio out of sync: This occasionally happens after firmware updates. Restart both devices to resynchronize.

Samsung TV Adaptive Sound and Intelligent Mode: AI Audio Features Explained

Samsung's AI-powered audio features automatically adjust sound based on content and your environment. These represent some of the most useful "set and forget" audio enhancements available.

Understanding the Feature Names

Samsung uses different terminology across model years:

Adaptive Sound Variations

Adaptive Sound (Basic): Analyzes the content you're watching and adjusts audio processing accordingly. Action scenes get more spatial enhancement; dialogue scenes prioritize voice clarity.

Adaptive Sound+: Adds room analysis. The TV uses its microphone to understand your room's acoustic properties and adjusts accordingly.

Adaptive Sound Pro: The most advanced version uses AI to make real-time adjustments based on both content analysis and room acoustics. Available on premium 2024+ models.

Active Voice Amplifier (AVA)

This feature might be the most practically useful AI audio feature Samsung offers. AVA uses the TV's built-in microphone to detect ambient noise in your room - a noisy dishwasher, conversation, traffic - and automatically increases dialogue volume to compensate.

How it works: When background noise exceeds TV audio for more than 3 seconds, AVA boosts the frequency range typical of human speech (approximately 100Hz to 4kHz). When the noise stops, the boost gradually reduces.

Requirements:

• TV must have a built-in microphone (check for a physical mic switch on the bottom edge)

• Microphone switch must be in the ON position

• Sound Output must be set to TV Speaker

• Not available during Game Mode

Active Voice Amplifier Pro (2025+ Models)

The Pro version adds AI analysis of the content itself - not just ambient noise. It separates voices from background music and effects in the audio stream, then selectively boosts voices while keeping other audio elements unchanged.

Enabling AVA/AVA Pro:

2025 and newer TVs:

1. Settings → All Settings → Advanced Features

2. Select AI Mode Settings

3. Navigate to Adaptive Sound Settings

4. Select Active Voice Amplifier or Active Voice Amplifier Pro

2022-2024 TVs:

1. Settings → All Settings → General & Privacy

2. Select Intelligent Mode Settings

3. Toggle on Active Voice Amplifier

2020-2021 TVs:

1. Settings → General

2. Select Intelligent Mode Settings

3. Turn on Active Voice Amplifier

If Samsung TV volume too low even with AVA enabled, check additional amplification options in our dedicated guide.

Privacy Note

AVA requires the microphone to be active. Samsung states the TV does not save or transmit the audio it captures - the microphone only processes sound locally for noise detection. If privacy concerns outweigh the convenience, you can leave the physical microphone switch off and use manual Amplify mode instead.

These AI features pair well with Samsung TV voice control for hands-free adjustments.

Model Availability

Troubleshooting Samsung TV Sound Issues: No Audio, Sync Problems & Greyed Out Settings

Most Samsung TV audio problems have straightforward solutions. Work through these fixes systematically before assuming hardware failure.

No Sound at All

This is the most common and usually easiest problem to solve.

Step 1: Check the obvious

• Press the Mute button - look for a mute icon on screen

• Verify volume isn't at zero

• Try the volume buttons on the TV itself if the remote seems unresponsive

Step 2: Verify Sound Output

• Go to Settings → Sound → Sound Output

• Select TV Speaker to eliminate external device issues

• Test sound after changing this setting

Step 3: Run Sound Test

• Navigate to Settings → Support → Self Diagnosis → Sound Test

• The TV plays a test melody

• If you hear it, the speakers work - the issue lies with your source or connection

• If you hear nothing, continue troubleshooting

Step 4: Check external device connections

• Verify HDMI/optical cables are firmly connected at both ends

• Try a different HDMI port on the TV

• Test with a different source device if available

Step 5: Soft reset

• Unplug the TV from power

• Wait 30 seconds

• Plug back in and power on

Step 6: Update firmware

• Settings → Support → Software Update → Update Now

• Audio issues sometimes result from software bugs fixed in updates

If the Sound Test produces no audio after these steps, the TV may have a hardware issue. Contact Samsung Support.

Audio Out of Sync (Lip Sync Issues)

When lips move but words arrive late (or early), you have a sync problem.

For wired connections:

1. Go to Settings → Sound → Expert Settings → Audio Delay

2. Adjust in 10ms increments

3. Typical fixes: Soundbar optical: 50-100ms, AV receiver: 30-80ms

For Bluetooth connections:

1. Bluetooth inherently adds ~100-200ms delay

2. Try increasing Audio Delay significantly (150-250ms)

3. Consider switching to wired connection for better sync

Other solutions:

• Enable/disable Game Mode (it changes audio processing)

• Ensure eARC is enabled if using that connection type

• Try different Digital Output Audio Format settings

For detailed lip sync fixes, see our complete fix Samsung TV audio sync guide.

Settings Greyed Out

Several conditions cause sound settings to become unavailable.

External speakers selected: When Sound Output points to anything other than TV Speaker, internal speaker settings (Equalizer, Balance, Sound Mode) grey out. This is intentional - those settings wouldn't affect your external speakers.

Solution: Temporarily switch to TV Speaker to access these settings, or use your external device's own controls.

Intelligent Mode conflicts: Some AI features override manual settings.

Solution: Disable Intelligent Mode temporarily in Settings → General & Privacy → Intelligent Mode Settings.

Game Mode active: Certain sound settings lock during Game Mode to maintain low latency.

Solution: Exit Game Mode if you need access to those settings.

App or content restrictions: Some apps disable certain audio processing for licensing or quality reasons.

Solution: Try a different app or content source to confirm.

Dialogue Hard to Hear

This frustrating problem affects many viewers and has multiple solutions.

Quick fixes:

1. Switch Sound Mode to Amplify

2. Enable Active Voice Amplifier (see AI Features section)

3. Turn on Auto Volume to reduce dynamic range

Equalizer adjustment:

• Reduce 100Hz by -2 or -3

• Boost 1kHz and 3kHz by +2 each

• Reduce 10kHz by -1

Hardware solutions:

• Consider adding a soundbar with center channel

• Enable closed captions as a supplement

Sound Cutting Out Intermittently

Check HDMI cable quality:

• Run HDMI Cable Test: Settings → Support → Device Care → Self Diagnosis → HDMI Troubleshooting

• Replace cable if test fails

• Try a shorter, certified high-speed HDMI cable

Wi-Fi interference (for streaming):

• Verify strong Wi-Fi signal

• Consider wired Ethernet connection

• Move router closer or use mesh network

Firmware update:

• Audio dropouts sometimes result from bugs

• Always keep firmware current

Audio issues from external devices may relate to Samsung TV no signal problems.

When to Contact Samsung Support

Contact Samsung if:

• Sound Test produces no audio after all troubleshooting

• Physical damage to speakers is visible

• Issues persist after factory reset

• The TV is under warranty

For a Samsung TV firmware update check, navigate to Settings → Support → Software Update. If your TV is Samsung TV frozen and unresponsive, perform a hard reset first by unplugging power for 60 seconds.

For broader issues, see our master Samsung TV troubleshooting guide.

How to Reset Samsung TV Sound Settings to Factory Default

Sometimes the cleanest path forward is starting fresh. Resetting sound settings returns all audio configurations to factory defaults without affecting picture settings, apps, or network connections.

To reset sound settings:

1. Press Home and navigate to Settings

2. Select Sound

3. Choose Expert Settings

4. Scroll down and select Reset Sound

5. Confirm when prompted

What gets reset:

• Sound Mode returns to Standard

• Equalizer returns to flat (all bands at 0)

• Balance returns to center (0)

• Auto Volume turns off

• Audio Delay returns to 0

• Digital Output Audio Format returns to default

What stays unchanged:

• Sound Output selection (TV Speaker, HDMI, etc.)

• Bluetooth pairings

• Q-Symphony setup

• Picture settings

• Apps and network settings

When to Reset

After extensive experimentation: If you've made so many changes you can't remember what's what, a reset provides a clean baseline.

Post-software update issues: Some firmware updates can cause audio anomalies. A reset often resolves these.

Before troubleshooting: Starting from known defaults helps isolate problems.

Before selling or giving away: Removes your personal sound preferences.

Full Factory Reset Alternative

If you need to reset everything - picture, sound, apps, network - a full factory reset accomplishes this:

Settings → General → Reset

Note: A full factory reset returns the TV to Samsung TV first-time setup state, requiring you to reconfigure everything including Wi-Fi and app logins.

Frequently Asked Questions About Samsung TV Sound Settings

What is the best sound setting for Samsung TV?

The best Samsung TV sound setting depends on your content. Use Standard mode for general viewing with well-mixed audio. Choose Optimized for movies with complex audio mixes featuring distinct sound effects, background music, and dialogue. Select Amplify for dialogue-heavy content like news, talk shows, and content where understanding speech matters most. For premium models, enable Adaptive Sound+ to let the TV automatically optimize audio based on content and room conditions.

Why can't I hear dialogue clearly on my Samsung TV?

Unclear dialogue on Samsung TV typically results from audio mixing in modern content prioritizing cinematic soundtracks over speech. Enable Amplify sound mode to boost voice frequencies, or activate Active Voice Amplifier in Intelligent Mode Settings (Settings → General & Privacy → Intelligent Mode Settings on 2022-2024 models). Additionally, adjust the equalizer - increase the 1kHz and 3kHz bands by +2 while reducing the 100Hz band by -2 to emphasize speech clarity over bass.

How do I make my Samsung TV louder?

To increase Samsung TV maximum volume, first check if Auto Volume is enabled - this feature limits peaks and may make the TV seem quieter. Disable it in Settings → Sound → Expert Settings. Also verify no volume limit exists in parental controls. If using Amplify mode, this boosts perceived loudness by emphasizing vocal frequencies. For significant volume improvement beyond TV speakers, connect an external soundbar. If Samsung TV volume goes up itself, check Anynet+ settings. For persistent low volume even at max, see Samsung TV not loud enough solutions.

Why is Dolby Atmos greyed out on my Samsung TV?

Dolby Atmos settings appear greyed out when: no compatible soundbar or receiver connects via eARC, Digital Output Audio Format isn't set to Auto or Dolby Digital+, or the current content doesn't contain Atmos encoding. Verify your soundbar supports Atmos and connects through the HDMI-eARC port. Also check that eARC Mode is set to Auto in Expert Settings.

Can I use TV speakers and soundbar together?

Yes, through Samsung's Q-Symphony feature on compatible models. This plays audio through both TV speakers and soundbar simultaneously for enhanced surround effect. Go to Settings → Sound → Sound Output and select TV+Soundbar if available, or use Q-Symphony Setup on 2024+ TVs. Not all TV and soundbar combinations support this feature.

How do I fix Samsung TV audio delay with soundbar?

Navigate to Settings → Sound → Expert Settings → Audio Delay. Adjust in 10ms increments - typical soundbar corrections range from 50-150ms depending on connection type. For automatic sync, enable eARC mode and use the HDMI-eARC port. Some soundbars also have their own lip-sync adjustment.

What is PCM vs Bitstream on Samsung TV?

PCM (Pulse-Code Modulation) is decoded audio processed by your TV - the TV converts the audio signal and sends it as 2-channel stereo. Use PCM with TV speakers or basic soundbars. Bitstream sends raw, encoded audio to an external device for decoding - your soundbar or receiver handles the processing. Use Bitstream with capable soundbars and AV receivers that support surround formats like Dolby Digital and DTS. Bitstream preserves multi-channel audio information that PCM strips away.

How do I turn off Samsung TV voice feedback sounds?

Navigate to Settings → Sound → Expert Settings → Sound Feedback, then select Off. This disables the audio cues that play when navigating menus and selecting options. Alternatively, set it to Low for subtle feedback without the full volume cues.

If you experience intermittent issues where Samsung TV audio keeps stopping, different troubleshooting applies - see our guide on sound cutout fixes.

Conclusion: Achieve Perfect Audio on Your Samsung TV

Optimizing your Samsung TV's sound settings transforms your viewing experience in ways that complement even the best picture quality. The key areas we've covered - Sound Modes for quick optimization, Expert Settings for precise control, Dolby Atmos and Q-Symphony for immersive audio, and AI features like Active Voice Amplifier for automatic enhancement - give you complete control over how your TV sounds.

Start with the fundamentals: choose the right Sound Mode for your content, then explore Expert Settings to fine-tune the equalizer for your specific preferences. If dialogue clarity frustrates you, Amplify mode and Active Voice Amplifier provide immediate improvement. For truly cinematic audio, properly configured Dolby Atmos through a compatible soundbar delivers the immersive experience that modern content is designed for.

The troubleshooting section should solve most common audio issues, but remember that Samsung's Sound Test (Settings → Support → Self Diagnosis → Sound Test) quickly identifies whether a problem lies with your TV or connected devices.

Bookmark this guide for reference - sound settings often need revisiting when you connect new devices, update firmware, or simply want to optimize for different content. Your Samsung TV has impressive audio capabilities built in. With the right settings, you'll finally hear everything your content has to offer.

For complete visual optimization, pair these audio settings with our guide to optimize Samsung TV picture settings. Together, properly configured picture and sound settings unlock your television's full potential.

This guide covers Samsung TV models from 2020-2026 including QLED, Neo QLED, OLED, Crystal UHD, and The Frame series. Settings and feature availability vary by model. For model-specific information, consult your TV's user manual or Samsung's official support documentation.