The Samsung HW-Q990C soundbar is a powerful option for home theaters. It delivers immersive sound with 11.1.4 channels and Dolby Atmos support. Advanced features like Q-Symphony ensure seamless audio with compatible Samsung TVs. Whether enhancing cinematic experiences or playing dynamic tracks, this soundbar performs well. This review covers its specifications, performance, design, and value. A comparison with top alternatives will help you make an informed purchase decision.
Samsung HW-Q990C Review: Performance
| Performance Factor | Details |
| Audio Channels | 11.1.4 channel configuration, supporting Dolby Atmos and DTS:X for immersive surround sound. |
| Total Power Output | 656 watts, providing powerful audio performance through 22 speakers across four components (main soundbar, subwoofer, and two rear speakers). |
| Drivers | Features four up-firing drivers, two on the soundbar and two on the rear speakers, along with multiple side-firing and front-facing drivers for a comprehensive soundstage. |
| Sound Quality | Exceptional clarity and detail across all audio frequencies; particularly impressive with Dolby Atmos content, creating an immersive cinematic experience. |
| Bass Performance | Strong bass response from the subwoofer; however, some users report issues with bass clarity in music playback compared to movie soundtracks. |
| Room Calibration | Equipped with SpaceFit Sound Pro auto-calibration technology to optimize audio based on room acoustics for enhanced listening experiences. |
| Connectivity Options | Includes HDMI eARC, Bluetooth, USB, and optical inputs. The speaker supports HDR10+ and Dolby Vision passthrough. It lacks HDMI 2.1 features like 4K 120Hz passthrough. |
| Smart Features | Built-in support for Amazon Alexa voice control. The speaker integrates with SmartThings for home automation and supports Q-Symphony for synchronized playback with compatible Samsung TVs. |
| User Experience | Generally praised for its ease of setup and automatic connection of components; offers various sound customization options through the app. |
The Samsung HW-Q990C Soundbar boasts a premium audio experience with 11.1.4 channel configuration. The support from Dolby Atmos make it sound more cinematic. It comes with power of 656 watts and 22 speakers, four of which are up-firing drivers. Its SpaceFit Sound Pro technology optimizes audio based on room acoustics to give clarity.
While the bass performance was good, some users discovered that the sound was slightly less accurate when it came to music as opposed to movie audio tracks. Integration of Q-Symphony feature in the soundbar produces better syncing of sound alongside compatible Samsung TVs, thus making it an excellent home theater audio setup. While its price is high, the HW-Q990C has impressive features which make it a good choice for home cinematic audio setups. Nonetheless, if there’s a demand for 4K 120Hz passthrough, it might not be the top choice compared to other solutions that do support HDMI 2.1. To learn how to set up Samsung HW-Q990C check this article.
Samsung HW-Q990C Review: Design and Usability
| Design and Usability Factor | Details |
| Dimensions (W x H x D) | Main Soundbar: 1232 x 69.5 x 138 mm (48.6 x 2.7 x 5.4 in) Subwoofer: 366 x 481 x 366 mm (14.4 x 18.9 x 14.4 in) Rear Speakers: 138 x 69.5 x 138 mm (5.4 x 2.7 x 5.4 in) |
| Weight | Total weight: 28.2 kg (62.2 lbs) including soundbar, subwoofer, and rear speakers; Soundbar: approximately 7.7 kg (17 lbs), Subwoofer: approximately 15 kg (33 lbs). |
| Material | Premium plastic construction with metal grilles for durability; designed to blend seamlessly with modern home decor. |
| Control Options | Touch-sensitive controls on the soundbar; includes a remote control for easy operation, featuring buttons for power, volume, and input selection. |
| Connectivity Options | HDMI eARC (2 In, 1 Out) Optical audio input USB port (service only) Bluetooth v4.2 Wi-Fi connectivity Supports AirPlay 2 and Chromecast built-in |
| Voice Assistant Compatibility | Built-in support for Amazon Alexa for hands-free control and integration with smart home devices. |
| Setup Process | User-friendly setup with automatic calibration using SpaceFit Sound Pro technology to optimize audio based on room acoustics; wall-mounting options available. |
| Smart Features | Supports Q-Symphony for synchronized playback with compatible Samsung TVs; includes Active Voice Amplifier for enhanced dialogue clarity and various sound modes. |
| Power Consumption | Operating Power Consumption: 41W, Standby Power Consumption: 0.5W |
| Included Accessories | Comes with a remote control, power cord, user manual, and batteries; includes wireless rear speakers for enhanced surround sound experience. |
The Samsung HW-Q990C Soundbar performs well in terms of audio and styling, weighing 28.2kg (62.2lbs). It boasts a soundbar along with a subwoofer and rear speakers that fit modern homes. The SpaceFit Sound Pro technology automatically adjusts the sound according to the size of the room, while the Q-Symphony offers perfect synchronization with Samsung TVs. Even though it is premium, it’s effortless for setting up and hands-free with Alexa. However, its weight and size may be a concern for space-conscious users compared to compact alternatives.
Samsung HW-Q990C Review: Value and Support
| Value and Support Factor | Details |
| Price Point | Approximately $1,499 in the U.S. and around ₹92,990 in India. Various retails provide attractive discounts from their end. |
| Brand Reputation | Samsung is known for quality electronics and has a reputation for innovation and customer satisfaction. |
| Compatibility with Other Devices | It supports smart home devices like Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, AirPlay 2, Chromecast, and streaming platforms such as Spotify. |
The Samsung HW-Q990C Soundbar comes at a price of $1,499 (₹92,990 in India). The brand is popular for delivering quality audio and electronics. The smart soundbar connects with smart home systems such as Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, AirPlay 2, and Chromecast. It supports connectivity with streaming platforms and voice assistants, making the user experience convenient. The price of $1,499 might be a little too high considering other soundbars. However, its audio performance and brand reliability make it a good option for home entertainment. The 1-year warranty provides peace of mind. Retailer discounts may make it more affordable.
Samsung HW-Q990C Review: Pro and Cons of the Speakers
| Pros | Cons |
| Delivers immersive 11.1.4 channel audio with Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, providing a cinematic experience. | Priced around $1,499, which may be considered expensive for many consumers. |
| Equipped with a robust subwoofer that delivers deep, impactful bass for action-packed scenes. | Lacks HDMI 2.1 support and 4K 120Hz passthrough, which may limit compatibility with next-gen gaming consoles. |
| Includes HDMI eARC, Bluetooth, and USB, allowing versatile connections to various devices. | Some users report bass clarity issues when playing music compared to movie soundtracks. |
| Features SpaceFit Sound Pro for automatic calibration based on room acoustics, enhancing audio performance. | Power cables for the subwoofer and rear speakers are reported to be too short for flexible placement options. |
| Easy installation process with SmartThings app integration for seamless control and setup of the soundbar and connected devices. | The SmartThings app may experience lag or connectivity issues during use. |
| Offers multiple sound modes and EQ settings for personalized audio adjustments, catering to different listening preferences. | Fewer HDMI inputs compared to some competitors, which may restrict connectivity options for multiple devices. |
| Premium design with a sleek finish and durable materials that enhance the overall aesthetic of home entertainment setups. | The display on the soundbar can be hard to read from a distance or in bright lighting conditions. |
Final Thought
The Samsung HW-Q990C soundbar stands out because it is the luxury option for audiophiles searching for excellent sound performance with integrated capabilities for seamless Smart Home actions. Its powerful audio performance, 11.1.4-channel configuration, and other facilities, including Q-Symphony, along with SpaceFit Sound Pro auto-calibration, present an experience of exceptional listening quality for film lovers and music lovers alike. It is also priced on the higher end but provides great value for its myriad features, great brand reputation, and easy integration with most smart devices. The HW-Q990C is an excellent contender for anyone looking for a quality soundbar that future-proofs home entertainment.
What type of audio content is the Samsung HW-Q990C soundbar best suited for?
The Samsung HW-Q990C is excellent for mixed usage, handling all sorts of audio content from music to movies to TV shows. It provides clear and detailed sound across the range, with thumpy low bass for action-packed scenes.
How does the Samsung HW-Q990C soundbar create an immersive sound experience?
This soundbar utilizes an 11.1.4 channel configuration with a discrete center channel, four up-firing drivers (two on the bar and two on the satellites), and two discrete satellite speakers. It also supports Dolby Atmos and DTS:X for immersive sound, with technologies like Q-Symphony that can integrate the soundbar’s speakers with compatible Samsung TV speakers.
What kind of sound customization options are available on the Samsung HW-Q990C?
The Samsung HW-Q990C comes with many sound customization features, including a SpaceFit Sound Pro room correction feature to optimize the sound based on your room’s acoustics. There’s also a 7-band graphic EQ in Standard mode and standard bass and treble adjustments in other sound modes.
What connectivity options does the Samsung HW-Q990C offer?
The soundbar includes two HDMI 2.0 inputs, an HDMI eARC output, digital optical, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi. It also supports audio standards like Spotify Connect and Apple AirPlay 2. The HDMI ports allow for passthrough of devices like PCs and gaming consoles, but it does not support HDMI 2.1 or 4K/120Hz passthrough.
Does the Samsung HW-Q990C soundbar have voice assistant support?
Yes, the Samsung HW-Q990C has built-in Amazon Alexa for hands-free control. Google Assistant support may also be available depending on your region.