Samsung HW-Q990D Soundbar Review
Samsung’s flagship soundbar, the HW-Q995, the German model of the Q990D, has been refreshed this year with some interesting updates. Our test, which includes a detailed lab analysis, shows what the system is really capable of. Tested at 1700 Euros.
by Klaus Laumann
What a device! Samsung’s flagship soundbar for this year, the HW-Q990D, isn’t just a soundbar—it’s a multi-component 656-watt 3D sound system with 22 integrated drivers. It consists of a hefty main unit that’s about 1.2 meters wide, two wireless satellites, and an 8-inch subwoofer that also connects wirelessly. Together, they form a multi-channel system with no less than 11.1.4 channels, which can easily replace a traditional multi-channel setup with an AV receiver and speakers in the living room.
The HW-Q990D essentially builds on its predecessors. Samsung introduced the 11.1.4 configuration in 2021 with the HW-Q950A, which was then covered in fabric. The current model, with a rather simple but sturdy metal grille on the main unit, was introduced in 2022 with the HW-Q995B, along with the current subwoofer featuring an acoustic lens, the more elaborately designed wireless satellites, and the wireless transmission of 3D audio data in Dolby Atmos and DTS:X. The HW-Q995GC, presented in 2023, mainly featured software refinements. These included an improved “Game Mode Pro 2.0,” as well as optimizations to the “Adaptive Sound” and “Space Fit Sound” functions.
New Features
The most important new feature of this year’s HW-Q990D model is its support for the latest HDMI specifications with version 2.1, which allows it to process 4K video data not just at 60 Hz as before, but up to 120 Hz. This will particularly appeal to gamers. The new model’s wireless satellites can also be used more flexibly. They can be configured as rear channels, front channels, or an additional pair of speakers.
A new feature, “Private Rear Sound,” allows the sound to be completely directed to the satellites, which are typically placed close to the listening area. This creates an intimate sound space where you can listen in peace without disturbing anyone with the system’s full sound. Additionally, the HW-Q990D is now Roon-compatible, which makes sense as the convenient music management software was acquired by Samsung’s subsidiary, Harman, at the end of 2023, and is now part of their audio portfolio. This makes the powerful soundbar system interesting for hi-fi enthusiasts as well.
Samsung’s flagship soundbars perform at their best when paired with the company’s top-tier Q or QN series TVs or the OLED TVs of the S series. This even works wirelessly over Wi-Fi in full quality; for other TV models, you still need to use an HDMI cable as usual.
Samsung was the first manufacturer to merge its soundbars with the sound system of its TVs into a single unit with the Q-Symphony function, introduced about three years ago. The soundbar can then use the speakers built into the TV frame, creating a soundscape that better matches the image. Especially with large screen sizes, this significantly enhances the overall experience.
The App Check
The soundbar is most conveniently configured using Samsung’s SmartThings app (for Android and iOS from version 15.0). The expanded capabilities of the wireless satellites are new. “Tap Sound” has been around for a while and is a fun feature that lets you play music from your smartphone intuitively through the soundbar.
In Practice
The soundbar system is really easy to set up and is most conveniently configured and controlled using the SmartThings app, available for Android and iOS systems. With test classics like the 25th James Bond film, “No Time to Die,” the HW-Q990D had a chance to show what it could do, and it was impressive: during the wild car chase through the Italian town of Matera, bullets whizzed past us, and the powerful subwoofer added an extra punch to the on-screen action. Even music is reproduced at a surprisingly high level, although the HW-Q990D sounds a bit flat and could use a bit more lightness.
Specifications
Website samsung.com
List Price 1700 Euros
Warranty 2 years
Dimensions (W x H x D) 123.2 x 7.0 x 13.8 cm
Weight 3.3 kg
Color Black
Operating Principles 11.1.4
Room Calibration Automatic
Special Features Q-Symphony
Measurement
Samsung HW-Q990D soundbar with subwoofer, frequency response measured in “Standard” sound mode: The frequency response is extremely balanced on-axis and vertically, the drop-off above 10 kHz is caused by interference from the tweeters and is not a fault, as the linear frequency response at a 30° offset measurement shows (blue). The undulations suggest that the center channel does not play or only plays quietly with a stereo signal placed in the center of the panorama.
The transition between the subwoofer and soundbar with only a small gap is decent. The active bass, with a lower cutoff frequency of 31 Hz (-6 dB), plays evenly within its transmission range. At higher levels, slight distortions between 200 and 800 Hz are measurable, limiting the maximum level to 91 dB SPL (not shown). Power consumption of the entire system (standby/operation) 4.5 / 13 W.
Verdict
Sound 98
Features Outstanding
Operation Very good
Build Quality Very good
Audio Benchmark
Overall Score 98 points
Price/Performance Very good
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