Why we prefer it: Should you’re prepared to spend the cash for the most effective soundbar system you may get proper now, and wish one thing that comes with a subwoofer and surrounds all able to go, then the Samsung HW-Q990F is the best way to go. The system is highly effective, immersive, and unbelievable sounding, and whereas it is from low-cost, it pushes the boundaries of what a soundbar can provide.
Assessment: Samsung HQ-Q990F
The Samsung HW-Q990F is fairly cumbersome, and for a cause. It has a 23 drivers constructed straight into it, with 11.1.4 channels for Dolby Atmos help. The audio system constructed into the soundbar itself, mixed with these constructed into the satellite tv for pc encompass audio system, create an extremely immersive expertise that may have you ever totally immersed in your content material. The included subwoofer additionally delivers glorious bass response. Though it’s fairly compact, it nonetheless delivers deep and highly effective bass.
What makes it such a terrific choice for audiophiles is the truth that it is so detailed within the excessive finish. The soundbar gives a comparatively impartial tuning out of the field, although it is value noting that the EQ within the Samsung SmartThings app is not very exact. Nonetheless, I appreciated the way it sounded, and you can also make use of issues just like the subwoofer stage to tweak the bass just a little extra exactly.
One of many issues that I most cherished about this soundbar is how its encompass sound setup improved stereo tracks. The system delivered an impressively broad soundstage, giving loads of room for each instrument in a observe, even and not using a virtualized encompass algorithm. To be truthful, I examined it in a small cube-shaped room, which is just about splendid for a system like this, however even bigger residing rooms ought to get the ultra-immersive really feel. And customers can flip up the amount of the surrounds to assist enhance that immersion.
The HW-Q990F is among the first techniques to help the brand new Eclipsa Audio spatial audio format, although there’s virtually no Eclipsa content material on the market proper now.
Who it is for: The Samsung HW-Q990F is the system for these prepared to spend the money on one thing extremely immersive and ultra-detailed. It is nice for audiophiles who merely need the most effective audio response. At retail value, the HW-Q990F system is $2,000. Comparably, a fully-kitted flagship Sonos system is about $700 extra.
This soundbar is right for individuals who need or want a sophisticated soundbar, due to its host of audio options, 4K @ 120Hz pass-through, and 7 audio decoding codecs (together with FLAC and WAV).
Who ought to look elsewhere: Should you’re on a finances, then the Samsung HW-Q990F in all probability is not the soundbar system for you. When you have a small TV viewing space, it’s best to go on the HW-Q990F. It is a hefty soundbar, and it performs greatest when you may flip up the amount.
Samsung HW-Q990F tech specs: Dimensions: H(2.8 in), W(48.5 in), D(5.4 in) | Channels: 11.1.4 | Inputs: HDMI, HDMI eARC, Optical | Voice assistants: Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa, Bixby | Wi-fi streaming: Apple AirPlay 2, Chromecast, Spotify Join, Roon, Tidal Join | Spatial audio: Dolby Atmos, Eclipsa Audio