Cover image via Sukhbir Cheema / SAYSFollow us on Instagram, TikTok, and WhatsApp for the latest stories and breaking news.
Samsung, well-known for its smartphones, televisions, and home appliances, introduced its latest audio device, the Music Studio 5
Available in two colours, black and white, the speaker was launched in Malaysia in May this year for RM999.
The 2.0-channel speaker features an AI-controlled four-inch woofer, two tweeters, and room-calibrating SpaceFit Sound Pro (more on this below).
Samsung claims that the Music Studio 5's design defines the art of sound, so I decided to put it to the test (I tested the white variant for my review).
Upon unboxing, the first things that stood out to me were the Samsung Music Studio 5's minimalist design and its weight (it weighs 3.6kg)
Featuring a dot design in collaboration with French artist Erwan Bouroullec, the speaker instantly became a conversation starter whenever friends and loved ones visited my home.
While many competitors opt for practicality, Samsung gave its speaker an aesthetically pleasing design, making it a wonderful decorative piece when it is not in use.
However, I noticed that the surface can easily stain, so you will need to be extra careful when cleaning or handling the device.
The speaker does not come with any protruding buttons, which I liked. You simply touch the icons to adjust the volume, play or pause music, and control the microphone.
One drawback of this design is that it can be difficult to control the device blindly, as you need to look at exactly what you're tapping.
However, this was a non-issue as I found myself controlling the device directly from my smartphone for convenience (and also because I'm lazy).
Playing music via the Samsung Music Studio 5 while cooking, working out, reading, and relaxing was wonderful thanks to the device's support for Dolby Atmos and Hi-Res audio
The sound quality is well worth the price tag.
However, I struggled to set up the device initially and had to search for guides on the Internet, as the review box didn't come with a manual.
Additionally, one drawback of this device is that you need to be connected to the WiFi to play music, as the device cannot play via Bluetooth directly.
However, since the speaker is not designed for portability (you need it plugged into a wall outlet to play music), this wasn't a dealbreaker for me.
I simply chose a spot, paired it with my device, and played my music.
You will need to download the Samsung Sound app to pair the speaker with your device
Once that is done, the app offers plenty of options to customise your audio exactly how you like it.
You can also group up to 10 Samsung audio devices together via Group Play, which is ideal for those looking to build their own home theatre and audio system.
A function I found super useful was the AI Adaptive Sound feature
By turning on the speaker's microphone, the device "reads" your room to deliver optimal audio thanks to its SpaceFit Sound Pro capability.
In other words, you don't need to worry about tinkering with audio levels (though there's an option for this, especially for those feeling adventurous).
Another fun feature is Spotify Tap, which allows you to play music directly via a double tap on the speaker. If you have Alexa, you can control what to play through your voice.
The Samsung Music Studio 5 is made for people who deeply appreciate art, minimalism, and music
While there are other options out there on the market for this price tag, whether it will spark curiosity when people visit your house is another matter altogether.
For RM999, I feel the Music Studio 5 delivers when it comes to sound, aesthetics, and memories, as it served as an excellent companion when I hosted loved ones at home.
