A small however important replace

Samsung’s HW-Q990C was one of the best total soundbar I examined final yr, largely as a result of its stellar audio and the truth that a subwoofer and rear audio system got here with it. The corporate didn’t change a lot for the 2024 model, the HW-Q990D, however one tweak delivers a characteristic final yr’s mannequin ought to’ve had: HDMI 2.1. There are some new audio modes too, however you’ll find these on different Samsung soundbars. The Q990D is as highly effective as ever, nevertheless it’s nonetheless dear at $2,000. If you happen to already purchased a Q990C, the corporate hasn’t given you a motive to improve simply but.

What’s new on the Samsung Q990D?

The largest addition on the Q990D is HDMI 2.1. With this, Samsung addressed my important criticism of the Q990C, which debuted final yr at a time when a lot of the competitors had already adopted the usual. HDMI 2.1 delivers 4K passthrough at 120 frames per second, which is able to enhance the visuals for those who join your PlayStation 5 or Xbox Collection X on to the soundbar.

The Q990D additionally arrives with new audio modes. Non-public Listening turns off all the front-firing drivers and makes use of solely the rear satellite tv for pc audio system. It’s mainly an expanded model of the night time mode numerous firms supply on soundbars, aimed toward lowering boomy bass when household or roommates is perhaps asleep. My home has an open ground plan and my TV faces in direction of the hallway to the bedrooms, which implies any soundbar will beam noise in that route. Non-public Listening sends the audio the other means, and whereas you must sacrifice some total high quality, it’s ok for all of the occasions it’s good to be quieter.

There’s additionally a brand new Social gathering Play mode that gives extra balanced sound between the soundbar and rear audio system for a greater expertise while you’re internet hosting a rager. When that is energetic, you get the total audio vary quite than simply the channels particularly programmed for the audio system behind you. I really turned the audio system round and confronted them out of the lounge to venture the re-tuned audio into different communal areas. This makes a much bigger distinction for films and TV as a result of music already performs from the rear audio system with extra balanced ranges.

These two modes aren’t distinctive to the Q990D; the remainder of the 2024 Q-series lineup will be capable of use them too. That is the primary time I’ve examined them although, and it’s notable that they really work effectively on Samsung’s costliest soundbar.

What’s good

The mix of a driver-packed soundbar, giant subwoofer and more-robust rear audio system produces immersive sound that envelops my front room. Whether or not you’re listening to music or the soundscape of Dune, the Q990D retains the sonic prowess of its predecessor. Dolby Atmos content material from Disney+ is as immersive as ever. I may hear the finer particulars of Knowhere within the opening scenes of Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, together with the life-like reverb of Radiohead’s “Creep” taking part in over a loudspeaker. The directional sounds of the city, together with the hustle and bustle of individuals transferring round, make it appear to be you’re standing proper there.

For music, there’s deep, boomy bass when a observe requires it, and that crisp element that I heard in films is right here too. Justice’s Hyperdrama reveals off the Q990D’s vary, with driving low-end tone on songs like “Neverender” accompanied by textured synths. Quieter genres like jazz are a blanket of sound too, with albums like Miles Davis’ Type of Blue providing subtleties that make you are feeling such as you’re within the studio.

The factor I like most concerning the Q990D is that all the pieces you want for an entire encompass sound setup is included within the field. The subwoofer and rear audio system include the soundbar and don’t require a further buy. These satellite tv for pc audio system additionally home up-firing and side-firing drivers, which isn’t all the time the case on comparable equipment from the competitors. And the setup is as simple as plugging all the pieces in as a result of pairing with the remainder of the system occurs mechanically.

What’s unhealthy

An all-in-one setup is nice, however that additionally means the Q990D is dear. At $2,000, it is a appreciable funding even for those who’re getting all the pieces you want within the bundle. The Q990D is at present on sale for $1,750, however we don’t know the way lengthy that low cost will final. For comparability, Sony’s upcoming Bravia Bar 9 is $1,400. The most affordable subwoofer and rear audio system you will get for it are $400 and $350 respectively, which places your whole price at $2,150. After all, with Sony you’ve two choices for subs and rears, and also you don’t have to purchase all of them. LG presents some respite if you wish to go that route, with its S95TR coming in at $1,500 and together with the subwoofer and rear audio system with up-firing drivers.

The general measurement of the soundbar is one thing else you’ll want to contemplate. The Q990D homes 11 front-facing audio system, two up-firing drivers and a subwoofer. All of these parts want area, and accommodating them means this soundbar finally ends up being fairly giant at 48.5 inches vast. Whereas that’s not a deal-breaker per se, it does require some planning, so simply know you’ll want ample room.

Like soundbars from different firms, the Q990D has some helpful options which can be reserved for Samsung TVs. For instance, Q-Symphony, which makes use of your TV audio system along with the soundbar to broaden the audio capabilities, requires a appropriate 2020-2024 Samsung TV. The Q990D sounds nice with out this, however simply know you’re not getting the total bag of methods except you even have a supported TV.

Wrap-up

Except you take care of the newest HDMI requirements, the Q990D doesn’t supply an enormous improve over final yr’s mannequin. Their design and options lists are almost similar, besides for 2 new sound modes and 4K/120 passthrough. And a few of these additions can be found on more-affordable Samsung soundbars. So for those who already sprang for final yr’s Q990C, there’s most likely not sufficient motive to make one other sizable funding. If you happen to don’t already personal a Samsung flagship soundbar, the Q990D presents boomy, immersive sound in an all-in-one bundle that now has all the fashionable conveniences it ought to.