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

Samsung HW-Q990D Soundbar on table below TV

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.

Samsung HW-Q990D: 15 drivers in the main unit, three drivers in each of the two satellites, and an 8-inch subwoofer create immense soundscapes.
15 drivers in the main unit, three drivers in each of the two satellites, and an 8-inch subwoofer create immense soundscapes.

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 HW-Q995D: Side and upward-facing speakers provide spatial sound
Side and upward-facing speakers provide spatial sound

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.

Samsung's SmartThings app (for Android and iOS from version 15.0)

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.

The Samsung HW-Q995D remote control has an extra volume control for the subwoofer
The remote control has an extra volume control for the subwoofer

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 performance 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

9.8 Total Score
Samsung HW-Q990D Review

All in all, Samsung has delivered a successful update to its flagship soundbar series with the HW-Q990D. The sound system is as strong as ever and easily transforms a living room into a true home theater.

PROS
  • Outstanding 3D playback (Dolby Atmos, DTS:X)
  • Powerful subwoofer
  • Q-Symphony
  • Roon-compatible
CONS
  • Rather plain design
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Samsung HW-Q990D Soundbar: Price Comparison

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Samsung Q990D Q-Symphony 11.1.4ch Cinematic Dolby Atmos Wi-Fi Soundbar with...
£993.00 £1,699.00 6 new from £992.00
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SAMSUNG HW-Q990D Sound Bar 11.1.4 ch with Dolby sound, surround...
£1,249.00 2 new from £1,249.00
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Samsung HW-Q990D 11.1.4-Channel Wireless Dolby Atmos Soundbar with Wireless Surround...
$1,697.99 $1,999.99
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World Wide Stereo
SAMSUNG Q990D 11.1.4ch Soundbar w/Wireless Dolby Atmos Audio, Rear Speaker...
$1,997.99 14 used from $849.99 17 new from $1,997.99
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& Free shipping
Amazon.com
SAMSUNG HW-Q990D 11.1.4ch Soundbar with True Dolby Atmos Sound with...
$1,997.99 2 new from $1,997.99
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Amazon.com
Samsung HW-Q990D 11.1.4ch Soundbar with True Dolby Atmos Sound with...
$1,997.99
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Walmart.com
Samsung - HW-Q990D/ZA 11.1.4 Channel Q-Series Soundbar with Wireless Subwoofer...
$1,999.99
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Last Amazon price update was: October 3, 2024 7:31 am
× Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com (Amazon.in, Amazon.co.uk, Amazon.de, etc) at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.

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