The Samsung HW-Q990F soundbar system promises a complete 11.1.4 Dolby Atmos experience, encompassing a soundbar, wireless subwoofer, and wireless surround speakers. This review delves into its performance, ease of use, and overall value, comparing it to competitors like the Sony Bravia Theater Quad and Sonos Arc Ultra. We examine the setup process, focusing on the role of the SmartThings app, and analyze the sound quality across various modes and settings. Particular attention is paid to the redesigned subwoofer and its impact on the overall audio experience.This in-depth analysis assesses whether the HW-Q990F represents a worthwhile upgrade, especially for owners of previous Q-series models. We explore the key improvements, such as the enhanced bass response from the smaller yet more powerful subwoofer, and weigh them against the relatively minor overall system changes. Ultimately, this review aims to help potential buyers determine if the HW-Q990F delivers exceptional value for its price point, considering its cinematic sound capabilities and ease of use.
Pros And Cons
- 11.1.4 Dolby Atmos setup
- Includes soundbar, wireless subwoofer, and two wireless surrounds
- Minor software and voicing tweaks
- Addition of Eclipsa Audio
- Easy setup
- Plug-and-play
- Spacefit Sound Pro room correction
- Active voice amplifier for improved vocal clarity
- Good value for the price (around $1500)
- New subwoofer with smaller footprint and more linear bass response
- New subwoofer creeks and rattles at high volumes
- Subwoofer placement is crucial for optimal sound; placing it far from the soundbar can lead to a disjointed experience
- Little to no changes from previous models (Q90D)
- No custom sound profile
- Active voice amplifier can sometimes sound unnatural
- Only minor improvements over previous models
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Unboxing and Setup
The Samsung HW-Q990F arrives as a complete 11.1.4 Dolby Atmos system, including a soundbar, wireless subwoofer, and two wireless surround speakers. Setup is straightforward, mirroring previous Q-series models. The quick start guide and SmartThings app simplify the process, though the app offers a more intuitive experience for fine-tuning settings.
Connecting the soundbar to your home network via the SmartThings app unlocks access to all features. While a remote is included, the app provides a more user-friendly interface for adjustments. The system’s ease of use makes initial setup quick and hassle-free, allowing you to enjoy your sound system with minimal effort.
Subwoofer Performance and Placement
The HW-Q990F boasts a redesigned subwoofer with a smaller footprint and dual opposing 8-inch drivers. Samsung highlights a more linear bass response, which was confirmed during testing. Optimal placement is crucial; keeping the subwoofer near the soundbar ensures coherent sound, unlike the slight disjointed experience with rear placement.
While near-bar placement might slightly reduce overall bass output, it eliminates the issue of vocals bleeding from the subwoofer, enhancing the listening experience's clarity. This is a key factor in ensuring smooth and well-integrated bass, as experimenting with rear placement showed some issues.
Sound Quality and Modes
The Q990F offers four sound profiles: Standard, Surround, Game Pro, and Adaptive Sound. Standard mode provides a direct playback of the incoming audio signal, while the others utilize all 15 channels, including upscaling of stereo to Atmos. The adaptive mode dynamically adjusts the sound based on content.
While the system sounds balanced out-of-the-box, the SmartThings app allows for further adjustments, including EQ control in Standard Mode. SpaceFit Sound Pro offers room correction for fine-tuning the sound, although its impact is more subtle than transformative.
Comparison with Competitors
Compared to the Sony Bravia Theater Quad, the Q990F offers a similar cinematic experience at about half the price. The Sony produces a more traditional home theater experience, but its subwoofer is sold separately and adds to the cost. Sonos's Arc Ultra system offers competitive pricing and superior tuning, though at a higher overall cost.
The Sonos system, while having fewer channels, boasts excellent two-channel performance and flexibility. Its Gen 4 subwoofer surpasses the Q990F's subwoofer in terms of deep bass and handling high volumes. The choice depends on budget and preferred sound signature; Sonos offers a more refined approach while Samsung provides greater value for the price.
Conclusion
The Samsung HW-Q990F offers a significant upgrade over its predecessors, mainly due to the improved subwoofer delivering a more linear and nuanced bass response. However, the overall system remains largely unchanged for three to four years, raising questions about the justification for an upgrade for existing Q90D owners.
While the smaller subwoofer is a welcome change, the lack of significant system-wide improvements limits the appeal for existing users. The Q990F excels as a top value option for consumers seeking their first soundbar system, matching the cinematic experience of far more expensive systems. Consider the Q90D if budget is a primary concern or if price drops occur.