Compatible with Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, the Samsung HW-Q990C wireless home theater system is designed to offer an immersive 3D sound. To do so, it includes a soundbar alongside a wireless subwoofer and wireless surround speakers. This kit can even be synchronized with the speakers of any compatible Samsung TV to offer greater immersion.
Samsung HW-Q990C: packaging & accessories
The Samsung HW-Q990C soundbar comes with two surround speakers and a subwoofer. These four elements are connected to one another wirelessly and are powered separately using the four power cables. The box also contains a pair of wall brackets for the soundbar, as well as an HDMI cable and a remote control with batteries. It is a shame that the remote isn’t solar-powered, like the model included with Samsung’s televisions. Note that once the system has been configured, you can dispense with the latter and instead manage the volume using the TV’s remote control via HDMI CEC.
Samsung HW-Q990C: presentation
The Samsung HW-Q990C is much more than just a soundbar: it is a full home theater system. Dolby Atmos and DTS:X compatible, it diffuses sound over 11.1.4 channels to create an immersive 3D sound field. Something a soundbar on its own can’t reproduce as effectively. To achieve this, it is accompanied by a pair of surround speakers with integrated Atmos drivers and a subwoofer.
This wireless home theater system can synchronize its drivers with those built into any Samsung TV compatible with the proprietary Q Symphony technology. This allows for greater power and amplitude in Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, while preserving the clarity and intelligibility of voices. The interconnection can be established via HDMI cable (ARC/eARC) or WiFi. This makes Samsung the first manufacturer to offer a wireless Dolby Atmos connection between the TV and the home theater system!
11.1.4 channel surround sound
The Samsung HW-Q990C home theater is equipped with no fewer than 22 drivers to envelop the viewers in a sound bubble. The soundbar reproduces the three front channels (left, center and right), adding a true center channel dedicated to dialogue to preserve its clarity.
Drivers built into the top panel of the soundbar diffuse the Atmos effects towards the ceiling, which then reflects them towards the spectators. For their part, the lateral drivers use the same reflection technique with the walls, diffusing surround effects to the sides of the room.
The surround speakers each feature two drivers for the rear and lateral surround effects. Accompanying them is the famous Atmos effects driver placed on top of each speaker.
These speakers are wirelessly synchronized with the soundbar and the subwoofer. The latter is equipped with a 7.5” driver mounted in a volume of approximately 30 liters. In order to increase the amplitude and depth of the bass, it benefits from a bass-reflex enclosure with a circular rear-firing port.
Note that the configuration of the room in which this audio system in installed impacts the diffusion of the sound effects. Immersion is optimal with side walls that are fairly close and a ceiling of standard height (2.5m). A very large room with a high ceiling may reduce the perception of surround and Atmos effects. In this case, you will need to adjust the level of the various channels to optimize the reproduction.
UHD 4K, HDMI eARC, wireless Atmos
The Samsung HW-Q990C features two HDMI inputs and one HDMI output (4K 60Hz pass-through, HDR10+). As a result, it is possible to connect a video game console and a 4K UHD Blu-ray player or network media player. The audio is decoded and reproduced by the soundbar, which transmits the image to the TV via its HDMI output.
Because the soundbar is eARC compatible, it can also retrieve the sound of any compatible television: HD DTT, streaming and external sources. We recommend this connection for its efficiency and simplicity. It also allows you to benefit from the Q Symphony feature via cable and synchronize the powering on and off of the soundbar with that of the TV.
Finally, the Samsung HW-Q990C home theater can also receive the sound of the television, including Dolby Atmos tracks, wirelessly. This works with all Q Symphony compatible Samsung TVs.
If your television doesn’t support HDMI ARC/eARC and isn’t compatible with Q Symphony, it is possible to connect the soundbar via optical cable (5.1 sound) or Bluetooth (stereo sound). The Bluetooth receiver of the Samsung HW-Q990C soundbar also allows you to wirelessly receive music from a smartphone, tablet or computer. It is then possible to listen to your playlists on Deezer, Spotify or Qobuz, for example. The system’s WiFi connectivity allows higher-quality music streaming via the AirPlay 2 and Chromecast protocols.
Samsung HW-Q990C: key specifications
- 11.1.4 channel audio system
- Wireless subwoofer and Atmos surround speakers
- Dolby Atmos and DTS:X compatible
- Q Symphony: wireless Dolby Atmos
- 2 x 4K HDMI inputs + 1 x 4K HDMI output (ARC/eARC)
- 1 x optical input
- Bluetooth, WiFi, AirPlay 2, Chromecast
- Length of the soundbar: 1.23m
Samsung HW-Q990C: configuration
For our review, we connected the Samsung HW-Q990C soundbar to a Samsung TQ55S95C OLED television via HDMI eARC, using the HDMI cable provided by Samsung. Our 4K UHD Blu-ray player was connected to the TV with an Audioquest Cinnamon HDMI cable. We powered the TV, soundbar and subwoofer with the Taga Harmony PF-2000 power strip. The television was plugged into a filtered socket, while the soundbar and subwoofer were plugged into direct sockets. The surround speakers were connected to wall sockets.
When the various components are switched on for the first time, the TV detects the home theater system and automatically selects it by activating the HDMI ARC audio output. If desired, you can then choose to activate both the TV’s drivers and those of the home theater in the TV’s audio settings menu. The TV also enables network information to be shared with the Samsung HW-Q990C, so that the latter can automatically connect to home WiFi network. It couldn’t be simpler!
Samsung HW-Q990C: impressions
Design
Identical to the previous model, the Samsung HW-Q990C soundbar adopts a black chassis that is only 7cm high, allowing it to be easily installed under a TV. The front, top and sides are covered by a metallic grille with a premium finish and flawless build quality.
With a perfectly symmetrical design, the two surround speakers have the same simple and elegant aesthetic as the soundbar. Note that they are not interchangeable and can be identified by a reference on the rear panel (surround speaker left/surround speaker right). The subwoofer, meanwhile, is housed in a dark gray cabinet and is relatively discreet once installed.
Audio settings
The Samsung HW-Q990C home theater forgoes the automatic calibration feature present on the previous version in favor of the Adaptive+ sound mode. The latter analyzes the diffused audio content and ambient sound in real time (using the soundbar’s integrated microphone) to continuously adapt the reproduction to the listening room. Consequently, the sound is always optimal, and you won’t have to perform another calibration if you change the layout of your living room just a little.
This function can be selected on the soundbar’s remote control (Sound Mode button) or in the television’s settings if you have activated the Q Symphony feature (General and Confidential menu / Smart mode settings). It can also be accessed in the SmartThings app, which also lets you adjust the various audio settings to customize and optimize the sound reproduction.
Although it is possible to adjust the level of each channel using the remote control, this option is far less convenient than the app. In fact, only the subwoofer has its own volume control on the remote. For the front and surround channels, you have to make do with the soundbar’s tiny display to make adjustments. It’s a shame that a graphical interface can’t be displayed on the TV screen via the HDMI connection, as is the case with AV receivers. However, when the Q Symphony function is activated, the TV audio menu lets you adjust the subwoofer level and equalization across seven frequency ranges.
Sound immersion
Whether we used Samsung Q Symphony technology, HDMI ARC/eARC or WiFi, this Samsung wireless home theater system performed very well. With its numerous drivers, surround speakers and wireless subwoofer, it proved to be highly effective in immersing the viewers in the heart of the action. The sound unfolded with great amplitude, in width, height and depth.
Whether it was when we were watching Ken Miles take part in the Le Mans race in his GT40 or playing Gran Turismo 7, we were enveloped in sound effects. During scenes filmed inside the cockpit, we were able to precisely pinpoint the position of the competing cars, whether they were in font, to the side or behind us. Thanks to the Q Symphony technology, the immersion was even greater, with more height in the front sound effects.
During the car chase and shooting scenes of the movie Operation Fortune, the Samsung HW-Q990C revealed the full extent of its talent. The subwoofer allowed the 1966 Ford Mustang’s V8 to roar with great energy. The soundbar and surround speakers were perfectly capable of spatializing with extreme precision the sound of bullets, which ricocheted across the room. This was particularly impressive given that, despite the profusion of sound effects, the voices remained perfectly audible. A real treat!
No matter the sound mode, we were also able to take advantage of advanced audio settings to enhance dialogue perception, boost bass or switch to night mode. All three functions were highly effective. During this review, we lowered the level of the very demonstrative subwoofer by one notch, and raised that of the front and rear vertical effects by two notches. In the evening, we appreciated the system’s dynamic range compression (night mode). The result was an energetic, pleasant listening experience that didn’t disturb the neighbors.
Samsung HW-Q990C: compared to…
JBL Bar 1300
Thanks to its very high power, the JBL Bar 1300 provides greater physical impact. Its energy and vitality are perfect for action movies. The Samsung soundbar is better for creating an immersive sound field, with more pronounced vertical effects. It takes the lead with a crucial advantage: it can be paired with Q-Symphony compatible Samsung TVs to enjoy wireless Dolby Atmos sound via WiFi, a feature exclusive to the Korean manufacturer. However, the American model is one of the few soundbars to be equipped with truly wireless surround speakers, with an integrated battery. This can make all the difference for occasional home theater sessions.
Sony HT-A3000 + SA-RS5 + SA-SW3
Thanks to its proprietary 360 Spatial Sound Mapping technology, this Sony wireless home theater system is just as immersive as the Samsung system, albeit a little less impactful and energetic. The Samsung HW-Q990C also boasts a number of additional features, starting with its Q Symphony function for synchronization with a Samsung TV, via HDMI cable or WiFi. With the Sony system, you can connect a Sony TV to the dedicated connector, so that it can diffuse the center channel with its own drivers. But this only enhances dialogue, not overall immersion. Another advantage of the Samsung soundbar is its two HDMI inputs and HDMI output, which allow you to connect two sources directly and stream the picture to the TV. The Sony model only has one HDMI ARC/eARC input.
Samsung HW-Q990C: who is it for?
A true Dolby Atmos and DTS:X home theater system, the Samsung HW-Q990C kit will appeal to those who want to enjoy a very immersive and powerful sound in their living room. All this in a compact package with impressive performance and commendable ease of use.
Samsung HW-Q990C: conclusion
The Samsung HW-Q990C is currently the ultimate Dolby Atmos and DTS:X wireless home theater system. With its highly efficient subwoofer and wireless surround speakers, its power reserve and numerous settings, it can be adapted to your every need, and above all, it delivers immersive, convincing surround sound. For fans of the brand, the Q Symphony feature, which allows the home theater to work in perfect harmony with the TV’s audio system, is an undeniable asset.
We liked
- How easy it was to set up
- The immersive spatialization and clear dialogue
- The system’s colossal power
- The Q Symphony feature
- The control interface via the SmartThings app
We would have liked
- A full settings interface on the TV screen
- A solar-powered remote control, like those included with Samsung TVs
