Samsung HW-Q990C 11.1.4-Channel Soundbar Review
If you want to elevate your status of having a spatial audio system for your home theatre, then the Samsung soundbar is your perfect choice. Samsung Q990C soundbar is a formidable successor to the Editor choice winner Q990B. It is priced at $1,899.99 with a top-notch sound system that retains the core feature that makes it exceptional while introducing subtle software tweaks and audio processing improvements. It boasts 11.1.4 channels that include rear satellites, upward-firing drivers, and a promising spatial audio experience. This soundbar stands as a high-end audio prowess in the audio market.
Samsung HW-Q990C 11.1.4-Channel Soundbar Specifications
| Specifications | Details |
| Manufacturer | Samsung |
| Price | $1,899.99 |
| Weight | 17 pounds bar,25.8 pounds sub, and 7.8 pounds rear |
| Color | Black |
| Dimension | Main soundbar- 1309(w) × 595(h) × 277(d)mm; Sub-woofer- 220(w) × 413(h) × 277(d)mm; rears- 129.5(w) × 201.3(h) × 140.4(d)mm |
| Speaker type | Soundbars |
| Audio formats | Dolby Atmos, Dolby TrueHD, Dolby DigitalPlus |
| Connectivity technology | Bluetooth, HDMI |
| Special feature | Wireless speakers |
| Speaker maximum output power | 300 Watts |
| Audio port | HDMI, eARC, and Optical |
| Mics | Built-in microphone array |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi and Bluetooth |
| Speaker channel | 11.1.4 |
| Voice Assistant Integration | Alexa or Bixby built-in |
| Amplifier | Active voice |
| Sound | SpaceFit Sound Pro |
| Game mode pro | Available |
| Warranty | 12 months |
Design and Built Quality
The Samsung Q990C Soundbar maintains a sleek and sophisticated design of the previous Q990B, ensuring a seamless blend with contemporary living space. It is 2.7 by 48.5 by 5.4 inches, the soundbar features an angled shape with a metal grille wrapping around the front and sides, exuding a minimalist aesthetic. The alphanumeric LED display discreetly resides behind the front face providing essential information while compromising the clean design.
The back of the soundbar reveals three recesses for wired connections, emphasizing its focus on HDMI over eARC for optimal performance. While the design echoes its predecessor, this sound system continues to be a visual and auditory marvel, perfectly complementing TVs of 65 inches or larger. The rear satellites and subwoofer maintain their black boxy elegance, contributing to a cohesive and visually pleasing home entertainment setup.
Sound Quality
The heart of the Samsung Q990C lies in its audio performance, it doesn’t disappoint. The tweaks introduced in version 3.0 of Q-Symphony and version 2.0 of Space Fit, along with the new Adaptive Sound Pro, elevate the listening experience. The subwoofer has 16.7 by 8.7 by 16.1-inch dimensions which deliver powerful bass without distortion immersing users in the rumble of low-frequency tracks.
Music enthusiasts will revel in the detailed resonance and clear string texture produced by the soundbar in tracks like Yes ‘Roundabout’. The well-balanced audio mix ensures that each element receives equal presence. The sound of rubble dynamically pans between the soundbar, rear speakers, and upward-firing drivers creating a cinematic atmosphere that draws the viewer to the heart of the action. The active voice amplifier mode ensures clear dialogue against the backdrop of complex audio and has the feature of manually enabling a dedicated voice-enhancing mode to further optimize vocal clarity.
Additional features
The Samsung Q990C integrates the smart home ecosystem. It has a built-in Amazon Alexa which doubles with the smart speaker offering voice-controlled convenience. Apple Airplay 2 and Spotify Connect Support cater to diverse streaming preferences which ensures compatibility with various devices.
The inclusion of Dolby Atmos and DTS:X compatibility elevates the soundbar’s versatility which makes it a suitable companion for movies, music, and TV Shows. Also, the addition of bar controls like the physical buttons on top of the bar lets you control the function of volume adjustment, and mute and unmute microphone options. The bar comes with a remote that helps in controlling the features from far-off places. You can adjust the volume while sitting on a couch.
The Samsung Q features take collaboration to the next level, integrating compatible Samsung TV speakers into the sound system. This synergy enhances the spatial audio effect creating a more immersive viewing experience. While Bluetooth connectivity is present, the limitation to SBC Codec might disappoint the users and urge them to lean towards superior Apple Airplay for optimal streaming.
Pros and Cons of Samsung HW-Q990C 11.1.4-Channel Soundbar
| Pros | Cons |
| Immersive 11.1.4-channel spatial audio | Limited Bluetooth Codec Support |
| Sleek design | No remote button for night mode |
| Upgraded features like Q-Symphony and SpaceFit | Infrared remote requires a direct line of sight |
| Powerful bass | Minor upgrades from the previous model |
| Supports Apple AirPlay and Spotify Connect | Expensive |
| Built-in Alexa voice control | Not water resistant |
| Multi-room sound resonance | Not portable |
Should You Buy Samsung HW-Q990C 11.1.4-Channel Soundbar? Watch The Detail Video –
Final Thoughts
The Samsung Q990C emerges as a sonic masterpiece suitable for multiple visual experiences. Its refined design, coupled with subtle audio enhancement, ensures that it stands tall in the competitive landscape of high-end soundbars. From powerful bass resonating through action-packed scenes to delicate trebles rendering higher frequencies with precision, the Q990C is a testament to Samsung’s commitment to audio experience and sound excellence.
The soundbar of Q990C not only maintains high standards set by its predecessors but also takes a step further in refining the audio experience with a design that seamlessly integrates into modern living spaces and audio quality that transcends expectations. It is a true companion for those seeking an immersive, high-end audio-quality adventure.
FAQs
Q: Is the Samsung Q990C compatible with all other Samsung TVs?
It generally works better with Q-Symphony for like midrange to higher-end Samsung TV models which are made from 2021 onwards, but for a seamless compatibility you need to check its integration and connectivity features.
Q: Can the soundbar be controlled without the remote of the Samsung Q990C?
The infrared remote is the primary means of control, but for features like night mode and voice enhancement, the Samsung SmartThings app on your phone offers an alternative if you can’t find your remote or you want to control it with your phone.
Q: What are the notable improvements in audio quality with the Samsung Q990C?
Subtle upgrades include more delicate handling of trebles, resulting in crisper higher frequencies, and enhanced spatial audio imaging for a more precise aural positioning.
