Samsung HW-Q990D 11.1.4 Dolby Atmos Soundbar Review
Table of contents
Last year, the Samsung Q990C quickly became one of my favorites and arguably one of the best soundbars on the market. Its exceptional performance redefined my expectations for soundbars, marrying immersive audio with an expansive soundstage. With this year’s introduction of the Q990D, Samsung appears to have retained much of the same hardware from its predecessor, suggesting that we should anticipate an experience that's on par…or is it better?
Specifications
The Samsung HW-Q990D is an 11.1.4 soundbar system that includes a main bar, a wireless subwoofer, and two wireless rear speakers, making it a four-piece set. It uses a total of 22 speakers throughout the system and supports Dolby Atmos and DTS:X. While the soundbar is designed with a focus on providing the best experience for TV shows and movies, Wi-Fi support allows for a variety of music streaming services, including Tidal Connect, Amazon Music, and Apple Music, which can play Atmos-mixed music. It is now Roon Certified as well, which was not an available feature last year.
For those who have a Samsung Q Symphony-compatible TV, the HW-Q990D can synchronize with the television to expand the front soundstage. This integration utilizes the speakers from both the TV and the soundbar and leverages the additional processing capabilities of the TV's AI-enhanced chipset.
This year also introduces a few other updates, including the Private Rear Sound feature, which is the updated version of last year's Night Time Mode. This mode is designed for nighttime TV viewing, using only the rear speakers to minimize disturbance to others. There’s also some added flexibility to the rear speakers. For example, if you don't want to use them for rears, you can switch them into a front mode that can be used to widen the front soundstage.
The HW-Q990D now supports 4K/120Hz and VRR, alongside the previously supported ALLM, helping its compatibility with the latest video formats. For Samsung TV users, there's the added Game Mode Pro, which adjusts the sound based on the selected genre in the TV’s gaming hub, optimizing the gaming experience. The last new feature is the Active Voice Amplifier Pro which is aimed at improving vocal clarity by analyzing and enhancing dialogue when viewing content.
Design
The soundbar itself features a total of 15 active drivers, which include drivers for the front left, center, front right, side left, side right, wide left, wide right and top front left and right channels. Its design ensures connections are neatly organized in recessed areas at the bottom, making it easy to mount on the wall or place on a table without interference. The central area holds three HDMI ports, one of which supports eARC/ARC, and all are updated to handle 4K/120 Hz signals.
On the right side, there's a section for the power cord, and on the left, a space for a Toslink optical audio input. While HDMI eARC will generally be the go-to when setting up the soundbar, the unit also offers a Bluetooth connection for those preferring wireless streaming, though I would never recommend using it as you won’t be able to use it for Dolby Atmos.
The bar weighs about 17-pounds and is 48.5-inches wide x 2.7-inches tall x and 5.4-inches deep with the left and right front panel corners positioned diagonally. The whole front and top surfaces of the soundbar are covered with a metal grille that shields the drivers, as well as a compact panel that houses four rubber buttons for play/pause, volume up/down, and mic on/off.
An LED display on the front shows the soundbar's status, including the current input and the volume level. Its solid build and metal grille give it a sophisticated look. For those looking to mount it, the soundbar comes with everything needed, including brackets, hardware, and a template for easy setup.
The two rear speakers weigh around 7 pounds and measure 5.1-inches wide, 7.9-inches tall, and 5.5-inches deep. Both speakers are encased in metal grilles and on the rear of each speaker, there's a power cord connector, a status LED, a reset button, and a screw mount for wall or stand placement. Each speaker is marked with a label on the back indicating whether it is the left or right speaker, which is important to note when setting them up.
The subwoofer's design is consistent with previous models, featuring an 8-inch bass driver concealed behind a stylishly raised cover with open sides, powered by a 200-watt amplifier. It measures 8.7-inches wide, 16.3-inches tall, and 16.1-inches deep, with a weight of approximately 26 pounds. On the back, you'll find a power cord connector, a status LED for quick reference, a USB-A service port, and a reset button.
The remote control remains the same as last year's model, offering straightforward usability which is complemented by an LED display that shows the volume level, selected inputs, sound formats, among other settings. If you’d rather not use the remote, the SmartThings app provides access to the full range of remote control functions along with more advanced features. Voice control is also available through the built-in Alexa.
Setup
After connecting the soundbar to my TV via the eARC HDMI input, I set up and powered on the speakers, which instantly paired with the soundbar. The next step involved using the SmartThings app to connect the soundbar to Wi-Fi. Through the app, I adjusted the sound settings, slightly increasing the bass of the bar a notch and switching the sound mode from Standard to Adaptive Sound. The soundbar offers four sound modes: Standard, Surround, Game Pro, and Adaptive Sound.
The soundbar also features Samsung’s SpaceFit Sound, which uses the microphone to analyze the acoustics of the listening area and adjust the audio output accordingly for optimal sound quality. After enabling this feature, I noticed an improvement in the immersion and decided to keep it activated.
Performance
I’ll be completely honest, based on everything I've seen and read, I didn't anticipate a significant difference between the previous Q990C and the new Q990D model. However, after multiple A/B tests between the two, I couldn’t have been more wrong. The two most notable improvements I heard were in clarity and a more pronounced sense of immersion.
Focusing on clarity, "Earthsounds" on Apple TV, narrated by Tom Hiddleston, serves as a great test for any sound system. This documentary spans 10 episodes, each exploring different natural environments and animals within them. Through the Q990D soundbar, Hiddleston's narration is delivered with remarkable clarity, making each word resonate more deeply.
Particularly noticeable is a scene from the first episode, centered around koalas and their distinctive mating calls. Not only are the koalas' calls rendered with total clarity and depth, but the ambient sounds of their environment are equally vivid. You can also hear the gentle chirping of birds and the soft rustle of wind through the trees, with these sounds spreading smoothly across all the channels. This creates a rich, immersive soundscape that pulls you into the heart of Australia's forests.
The opening scene from "The Martian," where the crew navigates through a storm to reach their spaceship, perfectly showcases the capabilities of the soundbar. One moment that stands out is when a satellite zooms from the front right of the room to the rear. After listening to this scene with both the Q990C and the Q990D, it's clear that while all the details are present in both, the Q990D enhances these sounds with more definition and punch. The sound feels more vivid, with an added layer of depth that wasn't as pronounced in the previous model.
Within the same scene, the astronauts' suits emit a beeping sound, indicating their vital signs. This detail contributes to the immersion, creating the sensation of being inside the suit yourself. The subwoofer plays a pivotal role in this scene, delivering deep and consistent bass that adds to the intensity.
As the spaceship ignites, the subwoofer truly demonstrates its significance, enriching the scene with its deep and impactful bass. It articulates a broad spectrum of low frequencies, enveloping the room in a sound that's both commanding and nuanced. This capability of the subwoofer to balance the sound ensures that the scene's dynamic range, from the thunderous roar of the spaceship's engines firing up to the more subtle background noises, is delivered with precision without overpowering the scene.
Samsung soundbars have been known for their vocal quality for a few generations, and this quality continues with the latest model, especially noticeable in movies like "Elvis." The depth and texture of Butler's voice comes through clearly, avoiding the common pitfall of soundbars sounding constrained. The soundbar also offers a surprisingly wide front soundstage for its size.
When it comes to music, playing stereo songs on the Standard setting, which doesn’t alter the original sound, yields good results. The soundbar manages to keep instruments and vocals distinct, offering a clear separation. It also can reach high volume levels without compromising on sound quality, maintaining detail without becoming unpleasant or harsh.
Listening to "Dance the Night Away" by Dua Lipa from the Barbie Soundtrack on this setup illustrates these strengths well. The vibrant energy of the song is fully captured, with the soundbar effectively conveying the upbeat tempo and dynamic range of the music. The vocals come through clearly, sitting well within the mix, allowing you to appreciate the performance.
I also paired this soundbar with the Samsung QN900D TV when I had it in for review. Leveraging the TV's audio processor seemed to produce a sound that was a bit more polished and suited to the content being played. Q Symphony's capacity to harmoniously integrate the sound from the TV's speakers with the soundbar's richer output proved to be very effective.
Conclusion
The Samsung HW-Q990D soundbar not only meets but significantly exceeds the high benchmarks established by its predecessor, the HW-Q990C. At the outset, I was skeptical about any notable improvements between the two models. Yet, the moment I experienced them side by side, the advancements in sound quality became undeniably apparent. Despite its premium price tag of $1,999, the HW-Q990D justifies every penny with its stellar performance. It excels in delivering crystal-clear dialogue, deep and immersive bass, alongside a broad and captivating soundstage.
Considering the Q990C's reputation as one of the best soundbars on the market last year, it hardly comes as a surprise that the HW-Q990D is set to dominate the top of the list for 2024, including my own.
Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
Easy to set up | Premium pricing |
Excellent Dolby Atmos and DTS:X presentation | Front display offers limited use |
Wide range of customization options | |
Powerful subwoofer |
FAQ
What content can I watch to experience Dolby Atmos?
Dolby Atmos content is available on select Blu-rays and streaming services like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, and Apple TV+, among others.
How do Dolby Atmos soundbars work?
Dolby Atmos soundbars use upward-firing speakers to reflect sound off the ceiling to the listener, creating the illusion of overhead sound without the need for ceiling-mounted speakers.
Is it better to connect a soundbar with HDMI or Optical?
HDMI (with ARC/eARC) is generally preferred over optical for connecting a soundbar, as it supports advanced audio formats like Dolby Atmos, simplifies control with a single remote, and enables a cleaner setup with one cable. Optical is a viable alternative if HDMI-ARC/eARC isn't available, though it supports fewer high-quality audio formats.
