nuPro AS-2500: HiFi Soundbar Comparison

In recent years, TVs have gained numerous features. Thanks to Smart TVs, they are now online-capable and suitable for browsing, streaming, and listening to music. Modern models even deliver razor-sharp video game visuals. Despite all this progress, the speakers built into TVs still often leave something to be desired. No wonder soundbars are booming. Discover how our nuPro AS-2500 performs in a direct comparison!

nuPro AS-2500 or Samsung HW-Q995GC: What differentiates the soundbars?

Not all soundbars are the same. Just like other speakers, there are many differences and price ranges. But expensive doesn’t always mean better. We’ll show you that the nuPro AS-2500, with a few trade-offs, can indeed compete with the more than twice as expensive Samsung HW-Q995GC.

nuPro AS-2500 – powerful soundbar in a compact format

The nuPro AS-2500 is Nubert's first classic soundbar. This means it is space-saving and has the typical elongated, slim shape. But despite its compactness, we’ve packed plenty of sound quality into this stylish soundbar. Audio signals are transmitted via Bluetooth or HDMI, and it also offers analog AUX and digital optical as well as coaxial inputs. Additionally, the nuPro AS-2500 provides valuable extra features such as Voice+ for highlighting dialogues, a loudness function, and a virtual sound expansion.

Samsung HW-Q995GC – powerful audio with drawbacks in design

The Samsung HW-Q995GC soundbar comes as a comprehensive set, including the soundbar, a subwoofer, and two effect speakers—also called rear speakers. This slightly contradicts the concept of a typically compact sound solution. In terms of sound, it certainly impresses. However, the extensive equipment comes with increased space requirements and, of course, a higher price. A major criticism from independent testers lies mainly in the design: the Samsung HW-Q995GC does not look particularly high-quality, and the display is also not well received.

Both audio solutions compared

Both soundbars offer excellent sound quality. However, in terms of price-performance ratio, the nuPro AS-2500 has the edge. Nubert’s model also wins in terms of interfaces and connections. In terms of features and modes, the Samsung HW-Q995GC is ahead, but this is reflected in the purchase price. The stylish design and compact construction, on the other hand, make the powerful nuPro a more appealing option.

Unit type and recommended use

Modern flat-screen TVs almost always have a drawback: due to the very flat design and the small integrated speakers, the quality of the sound usually lags far behind the picture quality. This does not have to be the case. With the nuPro AS-2500 active stereo soundbar, you can easily remedy this situation! In no time at all, you can enjoy a sound panorama like in the cinema during Hollywood hits, finally feel like you're in the stands during sports broadcasts, and follow news programmes better thanks to Nubert's new Voice+ speech enhancement technology. Simply set it up, plug it in and you're in sound heaven! In the nuPro AS-2500, an equally powerful and sound-pure digital amplifier with a whopping 160 watts of rated power drives two tweeters, two midrange drivers and two subwoofers on the bottom. The soundbar thus creates a room-filling soundscape that reaches true home cinema level: transparent highs, powerful mids and driving basses create concise sound effects and crystal-clear speech. This is how it convincingly brings out concert recordings or blockbuster soundtracks. Thanks to a comprehensive range of settings, the sound can be adjusted to suit your own taste: for example, you can reduce the bass performance or use the loudness switch to improve the low-frequency reproduction at low volumes. Like Nubert's top model, the nuPro XS-8500, the new nuPro AS-2500 also scores with Nubert's electronic panorama expansion, which audibly increases the stereo effect and creates an acoustic stage that is as vivid as it is wide. Given the compact dimensions of the soundbar, this effect is all the more astonishing! Music recordings in particular benefit from this clever algorithm. The familiar "Voice+" sound option, which focuses on speech reproduction and makes dialogue in films or commentary in reports, documentaries and news programmes much more intelligible, is of course also on board. In combination, Loudness and Voice+ make watching television much more fun at low volume levels.

The nuPro AS-2500 contains an integrated decoder for the Dolby® and DTS sound tracks from DVDs and Blu-ray discs or from streaming services such as Netflix or Amazon Prime Video. The sound system's powerful signal processor optimally prepares the surround information for two-channel reproduction.

Setting up the nuPro AS-2500 is as easy as can be. With its rounded cabinet edges, high-quality multi-layer lacquer finish and removable fabric cover, the model fits perfectly into any home décor. Thanks to its particularly low profile, the soundbar fits easily in front of most TVs. Stable rubber feet ensure a secure stand when placed on the TV rack. If the soundbar is to be mounted on the wall, this is easily possible with the nuPro AS-2500. It is the first Nubert soundbar with such compact dimensions and a low weight that it is also suitable for direct wall mounting.

The connection is best made via HDMI cable to an ARC- or eARC-capable output of the TV set. In this way, not only sound signals but also control information is transmitted. This allows, for example, the output volume to be adjusted with the TV remote control and both devices to be switched on or off together. Detailed settings are made using the high-quality remote control supplied. Alternatively, operation can be done via a rotary control on the front of the unit; multicoloured LEDs display all necessary information such as the selected input or the set volume.

The nuPro AS-2500 is not only recommended as a beautifully designed TV sound system, but also cuts a brilliant figure as a compact stereo system for music enjoyment. The fully digital signal processing reproduces recordings with absolute authenticity and purity of sound. Classic hi-fi players such as network streamers or CD players, but also game consoles, can be operated directly at the analogue or digital inputs of the soundbar. Smartphones, tablets or laptops can even connect wirelessly via the integrated Bluetooth receiver. Thanks to support for aptX HD (Android) and AAC (iOS), sound signals are transmitted in excellent quality. With the help of the optional nuConnect trX wireless adapter, the subwoofers of the nuSub series can also be controlled wirelessly. A recording compartment for the trX as well as a USB port for power supply is already standard in the nuPro AS-2500. Alternatively, commercially available active woofers can also be connected to the sub-out via cable. With its high-quality three-way technology, innovative digital amplifier, wireless functions, extensive sound settings, special sound modes for effect and voice reproduction, simple expandability and foolproof operation, the nuPro AS-2500 is the all-round happy sound concept for your living room!

Construction principle and housing

The nuPro AS-2500 is an active all-in-one sound system. This means that it connects directly to the TV, satellite receiver or Blu-ray player, but also to game consoles, smartphones, the PC or classic hi-fi players and plays back film sound, sound effects or music. For this purpose, the soundbar relies on a digital amplifier with 160 watts nominal and 200 watts music power, which drives two tweeters, two mid-range speakers and two woofers via four channels. The frequency distribution is partially active; a passive crossover separates low and mid frequencies. The signals are processed by a powerful digital processor. The cabinet of the nuPro AS-2500 is made of thick-walled, low-resonance wood fibre material (MDF). The rounded front reduces harmful edge dispersion and contributes to precise sound reproduction. The bass reflex ports are located on the side of the cabinet; a distance of about three centimetres from side walls should therefore be ensured. The subwoofers radiate downwards; the optimum distance is ensured by four feet. Alternatively, mounting on the wall is also possible; powder-coated keyhole mounts are available at the rear. The elegant design and the high-quality sanded lacquer finish in the colours black or white ensure a homely look, which is presented even more discreetly by the black fabric cover. The status LEDs remain legible even through the removable fabric cover. The soundbar works as a stereo system with left and right channels. The relatively long cabinet allows for a three-dimensional stage effect, which can be further extended via the integrated wide circuit ("listening zone extension"). Specially for films and TV programmes, the "Voice+" speech focus is also on board, enabling clearer voice reproduction. Purists can, of course, continue to enjoy unadulterated two-channel sound.

Chassis

The tweeter range is covered by two modern 25 mm diameter calotte drivers, which have already proven their worth in the Nubert range. Two 66 mm diameter mid-range drivers with Nomex membranes ensure concise sound reproduction in the mid-range frequencies. In the low frequency range, two long-throw drivers are mounted in the bottom of the soundbar. All drivers are specially manufactured for Nubert and have been optimised for their respective applications over many development stages in cooperation with our engineers.

Operation and setting options

The supplied remote control, which is characterised by its high-quality feel and elegant design, allows quick access to all control options and sound settings. Alternatively, important operations such as volume control can also be easily accessed via the TV if it is connected via the HDMI (e)ARC input. Optionally, the soundbar can also be operated using the push/turn control on the front of the unit when the front panel is removed. Multicoloured LEDs arranged around the rotary knob are used as an operating indicator, providing clear information about the selected input and the status of the unit, which can still be easily seen through the fabric cover.

Tone control

The soundbar has several sound settings to adjust the playback image to the listener's preferences or the spatial situation. The bass and mid-range/treble reproduction can be boosted or attenuated in several stages. An adaptive loudness circuit automatically intensifies the low-frequency reproduction at low volumes, thus accommodating the human hearing sensation. To expand the stereo stage, there is also the option of activating a sophisticated two-stage wide function that preserves the character of the recording in the best possible way. Finally, especially for the quiet playback of films and TV programmes, there is the sound mode Voice+, which ensures clearer and more intelligible voice reproduction.

Connections and sound formats

On the back of the stereo board there are four audio inputs. The most important is the HDMI eARC input (version 2.1), which is ideally connected to the ARC or eARC output of the TV and then receives not only sound signals but also control commands from compatible TV models, for example for volume control. In addition, an analogue RCA input as well as an optical digital and an electrical digital input are available for connecting further hi-fi players, AV or entertainment devices. The nuPro AS-2500 not only reproduces sound in PCM format, but also decodes Dolby® Digital (AC3) and DTS Digital Surround. The soundbar is therefore ideally equipped to play back sound tracks from Blu-ray discs, DVDs or streaming videos and to prepare them in the best possible way for stereo playback. If necessary, the correct format, the correct output and the ARC function must be activated on the source player. In addition, the nuPro AS-2500 can be paired with tablets, mobile phones and other compatible devices via Bluetooth and thus also receive sound signals wirelessly. Thanks to support for aptX HD and AAC, the transmission takes place in high quality and via aptX Low Latency with the lowest possible delay. A sub output allows you to connect an external subwoofer to increase the bass reproduction even more (transfer frequency: 80 Hertz). With an optionally available nuConnect trX radio adapter, this can even be connected wirelessly. A USB power port allows this adapter to be easily powered.

Energy

The nuPro AS-2500 has extremely energy-efficient amplifier and control electronics and is also equipped with a convenient automatic energy-saving feature that switches the speaker on independently or puts it into power-saving standby mode when not in use. In this stand-by mode, which can also be activated manually via the remote control or the rotary knob, the sound system consumes less than 0.5 watts. A toggle switch on the back allows you to disconnect the nuPro AS-2500 completely from the mains. The wide-range power supply allows this active speaker to be used on mains voltages from 110 to 120 and 220 to 240 volts.

More info in Technology

For all technically interested music and home cinema lovers who are not put off by hard facts and metrological details, Günther Nubert's "Technik satt" offers plenty of technical correlations and electro-acoustic background knowledge as well as the topic of sound optimisation and insights into the development and history of Nubert loudspeakers and devices.