Samsung HW-Q990C Review

Summary / TL;DR

Welcome to the review of the Samsung HW-Q990C, a premium soundbar that promises to redefine your audio experience. Samsung's latest offering boasts advanced features like Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, providing immersive sound quality. The sleek design and sturdy build quality make it a standout addition to any home entertainment system. Our thorough analysis covers aspects such as sound quality, connectivity options, and performance in various audio modes. The HW-Q990C offers versatile connectivity with HDMI eARC, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and more. The soundbar's remote control and SmartThings app provide convenient control options. While the setup process may require some attention, the audio modes deliver exceptional performance tailored to different content types. Despite its higher price point, the Samsung HW-Q990C offers excellent value for those seeking top-tier audio performance and feature-rich sound systems.

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If you like this review, you might also like our review on the Samsung HW-S800D or Samsung HW-S60D or Samsung HW-S801B.

Introduction

Welcome to the review of the Samsung HW-Q990C, a premium soundbar that aims to redefine your audio experience. Known for their innovation and high-quality products, Samsung has managed to deliver yet another impressive product that is designed to accentuate your home entertainment system. With its advanced features and robust build, the HW-Q990C stands as a testament to Samsung's commitment to providing superior sound experience.

Our analysis of this product is based on thorough testing and comparison against other competing models in the market. We've taken into account factors such as design, sound quality, connectivity options, ease of installation, performance across various audio modes, and overall value for money. This review aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the Samsung HW-Q990C, enabling you to make an informed decision.

The HW-Q990C boasts an impressive set of features that are sure to enhance your audio interactions. From Dolby Atmos to DTS:X, this soundbar has it all. However, the question arises, does it live up to the promises? An overview of the product's design and build quality can provide a preliminary understanding of its potential.

So, let's delve into the details and find out what exactly the Samsung HW-Q990C has to offer. Make sure to refer to the subsequent sections of this review for an in-depth analysis of various components and features. Our goal is to provide you with a well-rounded perspective on the performance and value of this product.

Whether you're a cinema enthusiast looking for an immersive experience, a music lover seeking out high-quality audio, or just someone who wants to improve their home theatre system, the Samsung HW-Q990C might just be what you're looking for. Let's start by examining its design and build quality in the next section, which is as crucial as its functional capabilities.

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Design and Build Quality

The Samsung HW-Q990C boasts a sleek and modern design that is aesthetically pleasing to the eye. The main soundbar is coated in a dark charcoal color, with a premium metallic grill encasing the speakers. It's a substantial piece of technology, measuring 48.5 inches wide and 3.4 inches high, making it an ideal match for larger televisions.

Built with robust materials, the soundbar is sturdy and solid, indicating a high build quality. It is engineered to withstand long-term use without compromising on its performance or aesthetics. Samsung's attention to detail is evident in the soundbar's design, with recessed areas for cables and ports that keep the unit looking neat and tidy.

The two rear speakers and the subwoofer share the same design aesthetics as the main soundbar, ensuring a uniform look throughout. The subwoofer, in particular, carries a bit of heft reflecting its power and performance. The speakers are built with durability in mind, ready for daily use and to deliver excellent sound quality over time.

Beyond this, the Samsung HW-Q990C can be wall-mounted, offering flexibility in setup depending on your room aesthetics and acoustics. However, as we'll discuss in the "Setup and Installation" section, you may want to consider professional installation due to the soundbar's size and weight.

In conclusion, the design and build quality of the Samsung HW-Q990C soundbar is top-notch. Its high-end design complements any modern living room decor, while its sturdy construction promises longevity. This soundbar is not just about powerful audio performance, it's also about enhancing your living space with its stylish presence.

Sound Quality

The sound quality of the Samsung HW-Q990C is undoubtedly one of its defining features. This soundbar takes the audio experience to a whole new level, with its 9.1.4 channel setup, which is a rarity in the soundbar market. It includes a dedicated center speaker to ensure clear dialogue, while the side-firing speakers create a broader sound stage.

One of the most impressive aspect of the HW-Q990C's sound quality is its Dolby Atmos and DTS:X support. These technologies provide an immersive, three-dimensional sound experience, making you feel like you're in the middle of the action. The soundbar also has up-firing speakers, which bounce sound off the ceiling to create overhead effects. This makes for a more immersive viewing experience, especially for movies and TV shows with a lot of action scenes or rich sound designs.

With a total power output of 616W, the HW-Q990C is capable of delivering a potent mix of low, mid, and high tones. The subwoofer included in the package, with its 8-inch driver, produces robust and deep bass that can shake your room. The soundbar's acoustic beam technology also helps to deliver a more precise and directional sound, which is particularly useful for action sequences and gaming.

The HW-Q990C also comes with a variety of sound modes, including Adaptive, Standard, Surround, and Game Pro (which we discuss in detail in the "Performance in Various Audio Modes" section). This allows users to customize the audio experience based on what they're watching or playing. The Adaptive mode is particularly noteworthy, as it adjusts the sound settings in real time based on the content, providing optimal audio performance.

While the HW-Q990C excels in many aspects of sound quality, it is worth mentioning that it may not satisfy the most discerning audiophiles. Some users have noted that the mid-range can sometimes get overshadowed by the powerful bass and treble. However, for the average listener, the sound quality offered by the HW-Q990C will do more than just suffice—it will amaze.

Connectivity Options

When discussing the Samsung HW-Q990C, the connectivity options prove to be a considerable strength. This soundbar offers a range of options for connecting your devices, allowing it to fit seamlessly within your existing tech ecosystem. Foremost, the HW-Q990C is equipped with HDMI eARC (Enhanced Audio Return Channel) which allows high-quality audio from your TV to be sent back to the soundbar. This feature supports the most advanced audio formats, including Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, promising high quality sound that's synchronized with your visual content. A standout feature is the Wi-Fi connectivity, allowing you to stream music directly to the soundbar without any additional hardware. This is ideal for music lovers who want to enjoy their playlists without compromising on sound quality. For those with a myriad of smart devices, you'll be pleased to find out that the soundbar also supports Bluetooth connectivity, providing yet another way to stream your favorite tunes. There's also an optical audio input for traditional devices. This means that even if you own an older TV model, you're not left out in the cold. While not as high-resolution as HDMI, optical audio can still provide good sound quality. Also worth noting is the presence of a USB port. This allows for direct playback of files from storage devices, providing versatility for those who have a collection of sound files stored on USB drives. For those invested in Samsung's ecosystem, the HW-Q990C also supports Samsung's proprietary Wireless Surround Sound technology. This allows you to connect the soundbar wirelessly to compatible Samsung televisions, reducing cable clutter and delivering a more immersive audio experience. In conclusion, the connectivity options for the Samsung HW-Q990C are both versatile and comprehensive, ensuring that it can effortlessly integrate into any home sound system. Whether you're a fan of wireless streaming or prefer traditional wired connections, this soundbar has you covered. This would be further explained in the "Setup and Installation" section.

Remote Control and App

The Samsung HW-Q990C comes with an extremely user-friendly remote control. This isn't your typical, cheap, thin plastic remote. The device feels substantial and well-constructed, encouraging confident and comfortable use. The layout of the buttons is intuitive, with a dedicated center button for popular functions such as volume control and track selection. The remote offers direct access to sound modes and settings, minimizing the need to explore menus on your TV screen. It also includes unique features such as a subwoofer level control to adjust bass depth – a boon for bass lovers. The soundbar also complements the remote control with the Samsung SmartThings app, available for both iOS and Android devices. The app provides a more extensive range of controls and settings, making it a handy tool for fine-tuning the sound to match your preferences. Setting up the app is a breeze; simply download it, connect your soundbar via WiFi and you're good to go. You can then adjust the volume, switch between audio modes, and even control other Samsung smart devices from the same interface. This seamless merging of control methods makes the Samsung HW-Q990C soundbar a convenient addition to any smart home setup. In terms of accessibility, the app has been designed with a user-friendly interface that's simple to navigate. It's clear that Samsung has prioritized the user experience in their design, ensuring that even tech novices can easily manage their sound system. Despite its many features, the Samsung SmartThings app isn't without its quirks. For instance, it occasionally lags or disconnects from the soundbar, requiring a fresh connection. However, these glitches are infrequent and don't significantly impact the overall user experience. In conclusion, the remote control and app of the Samsung HW-Q990C are designed to deliver unmatched user convenience and control. Whether you prefer traditional or smart controls, this soundbar provides both options, allowing you to optimize your audio experience with ease. In the "Setup and Installation" section, we'll cover how to connect your Samsung soundbar to your TV and other devices, ensuring you can enjoy its high-quality sound as soon as possible.

Setup and Installation

Getting the Samsung HW-Q990C up and running is a fairly straightforward process, but with some nuances that need attention. Straight out of the box, the unit is essentially plug-and-play. You simply connect the soundbar to your TV via the HDMI eARC port, and it should automatically sync up with the TV's audio.

However, if you're looking to take full advantage of the soundbar's Dolby Atmos and DTS:X capabilities, you'll need a TV that also supports these audio formats. Ensure your TV has the necessary hardware and is set to pass through these audio signals unprocessed to the soundbar. You may need to delve into your TV's audio settings for this.

Setting up the wireless subwoofer and rear speakers is also quite effortless. They come pre-paired with the soundbar, and typically connect wirelessly without any user intervention. Just plug the subwoofer and rear speakers into power outlets, and they should automatically establish a connection with the soundbar. In case of any connection issues, the user manual provides clear instructions on how to manually pair them.

The soundbar also supports Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, allowing you to stream audio from your smartphone or tablet. Setting this up is as simple as connecting any other Bluetooth device. If you want to use Wi-Fi, you'll need to install the Samsung SmartThings app on your mobile device, which guides you through the setup process.

Lastly, the soundbar needs to be calibrated to the room it's in to provide the best audio experience. The HW-Q990C includes a built-in auto calibration feature which uses a series of test tones to analyze the room's acoustics and adjust the audio accordingly. However, this might not be entirely accurate, and some manual tweaking may be required, especially for larger rooms.

All in all, setting up the Samsung HW-Q990C is a simple and effortless process, but requires some understanding of your TV's audio settings, especially if you plan on using advanced features like Dolby Atmos and DTS:X. Once set up, it's a breeze to operate, and provides an audio experience that is well worth the effort.

Performance in Various Audio Modes

Stepping into the realm of audio performance, the Samsung HW-Q990C stands out with its various audio modes. It's an enticing journey into the world of sound, exploring the different layers and complexities offered by this soundbar. The audio modes are customized to support diversified audio content and ensure a refined sound experience.

Kicking off with the 'Standard Mode', the HW-Q990C performs decently, providing clear and balanced sound output. Whether it's the clean vocals or intricate beats, this mode renders a near-perfect sonic profile, thus making it a reliable option for casual listening.

Meanwhile, the 'Surround Mode' creates an immersive soundscape. It expands the sound field and orchestrates an enveloping audio experience that is ideal for movies and TV dramas. The mode employs the soundbar's full potential, utilizing all its channels to deliver a three-dimensional sonic experience.

The 'Game Pro Mode', as the name suggests, is tailor-made for gaming sessions. This mode accentuates the audio details and tightens the response time, enhancing the overall gaming experience. It's a boon for gamers, offering a competitive edge in discerning in-game audio cues.

Moving to the 'Adaptive Sound Mode', it's a unique feature that adjusts the audio settings in real-time based on the content being played. For instance, when watching a dialogue-heavy movie scene, the mode automatically enhances the vocals for clearer comprehension.

Last but not least, 'Music Mode' is the perfect companion for music lovers. It presents a rich and vibrant audio profile, enhancing the music elements and producing a blissful listening experience. Whether you're into rock, jazz, classical, or pop, this mode will add a new dimension to your favorite tracks.

In conclusion, the Samsung HW-Q990C showcases admirable versatility in its audio modes. Each mode has a unique sonic character that aligns with different audio demands, ensuring a fulfilling audio experience. However, it's worth noting that the soundbar's performance may slightly vary depending on the room's acoustics, as mentioned in the 'Setup and Installation' section.

What's in the Box

Upon unboxing the Samsung HW-Q990C soundbar, you'll first notice the main soundbar unit, which is encased in a protective foam wrapping. The sleek, black exterior gives a hint of the high-quality design that we'll delve deeper into in the 'Design and Build Quality' section. Alongside the main soundbar unit, the box houses two rear speakers and a subwoofer. These are designed to provide a surround sound experience, which we'll discuss in more detail in the 'Sound Quality' section. Each of these components is carefully packaged to prevent any damage during shipping. Additionally, the box includes a variety of cables: a power cable for the soundbar, power cables for the rear speakers and the subwoofer, and an HDMI cable. It's worth mentioning that the HDMI cable is of high quality, ensuring optimum signal transmission for the best possible sound quality. For the setup process, there's a detailed user manual included in the box. It provides clear instructions for installation and use of the soundbar, which we'll also cover in the 'Setup and Installation' section. Plus, Samsung has thoughtfully included wall-mount brackets and screws in case you want to mount the soundbar to the wall. To control the soundbar, there’s a remote control. This compact, ergonomic remote includes batteries, so you can start using it right away. We'll cover the functionality of this remote and the accompanying app in the 'Remote Control and App' section. Finally, you'll find warranty information and a quick start guide. The warranty assures you against any manufacturing defects, and the quick start guide provides a brief overview of the soundbar's features and setup process. In conclusion, the Samsung HW-Q990C box is well-equipped with everything you need to set up and start enjoying your new soundbar. Whether you're a seasoned soundbar user or a complete novice, you'll find the unboxing experience straightforward and hassle-free.

Video by: Andrew Robinson

Price and Value for Money

When considering the Samsung HW-Q990C, one must factor in the price and the value for money that it offers. This soundbar is by no means a budget buy, coming in at one of the higher price ranges in the market. But does the performance and features justify the cost? Let's delve into that. The HW-Q990C is packed with a host of features that are usually found in higher-end soundbars. It offers a 9.1.4 channel system, providing a rich, immersive audio experience. Its audio capabilities are greatly enhanced by the inclusion of Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, technologies that are typically found in premium, pricier soundbars. The design and build quality of the HW-Q990C, as detailed in the previous sections, are top-notch. Samsung has undoubtedly invested in quality materials and sturdy construction, which contributes to the overall durability of the soundbar. This is an investment that's built to last. In terms of connectivity options, the HW-Q990C does not disappoint. With HDMI, optical, and Bluetooth capabilities, you have a multitude of options for connecting various devices. Having such flexibility can greatly enhance your home theater setup. Let's not forget the convenience and control offered by the accompanying remote and smartphone app. These elements provide simple and efficient control over the HW-Q990C's numerous features, adding to the value for money proposition. However, value is not just about the number of features or the quality of build. It's about the sound performance. And the HW-Q990C excels in this realm, delivering excellent audio quality across various audio modes. Given all these factors into account, it's clear that the Samsung HW-Q990C does offer solid value for its price point. Yes, it's a significant investment, but for those seeking top-tier audio performance and a wealth of features, it could very well be worth the expenditure. After all, quality audio can greatly enhance the overall entertainment experience, making this soundbar a valuable addition to your home theater setup. In conclusion, the Samsung HW-Q990C is pricey, but it packs in a punch when it comes to performance, features, and build quality. It's an investment in a comprehensive audio experience, and for many, that's worth every penny.

Conclusion

After extensively testing and examining the Samsung HW-Q990C, it's clear that this soundbar is a top-notch choice for those who value excellent sound quality, seamless connectivity, and a rich feature set. It delivers an immersive audio experience that can transform your conventional home theater setup into a professional-grade sound system.

The build quality is impressive, with its robust design and sleek aesthetics. It can easily blend with any interior decor, adding a touch of elegance to your space. The sound quality, which was discussed earlier, is undoubtedly one of its significant selling points. It delivers crystal-clear audio, making every dialogue, music, or sound effects more engaging and enjoyable.

Connectivity options are vast and flexible, ensuring a seamless connection with various gadgets and devices. The remote control and companion app offer user-friendly interfaces, allowing you to manipulate and customize the settings to suit your audio preferences.

Though the setup and installation process might be a bit intimidating for some, especially for those unfamiliar with soundbar systems, the comprehensive manual and readily available online resources can help simplify the process.

The HW-Q990C's performance in various audio modes is outstanding, making it highly versatile and adaptable to different audio scenarios. Whether you're watching a movie, playing a game, or simply listening to music, this soundbar can enrich the overall audio experience.

Despite its high price point, the Samsung HW-Q990C offers high value for money considering its excellent performance and premium features. If you're looking for a soundbar that can give you a theater-like audio experience at home, this might be the perfect choice for you.

In conclusion, Samsung’s HW-Q990C is a powerful soundbar system that significantly enhances your home audio experience. It's a worthwhile investment for those who appreciate high-quality audio and are willing to pay the extra cost for top-tier performance and features. While the price might be a bit steep, the value it brings to your home entertainment setup justifies it. This soundbar doesn’t just pass the muster, it leads the pack in its category.

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Pros & cons

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Technical specifications