Samsung HW-Q990B vs HW-Q950A: Dolby Atmos soundbar comparison - TV & Hi-Fi Pro (English) (2023)

If you need a soundbar that offers maximum immersion while watching movies, Samsung's high-end offering is one of the most recommended options. So we have to compare the new peak in 2022Biological double rotation HW-Q990BzHW-Q950AThis is the 2021 plume. We decided to do this comparison to let you know which is a better buy.

Both soundbars have an 11.1.4-channel system with a total of 22 speakers.This will give you impressive sound in your living room.

Next, let's take a look at the difference between Samsung HW-Q990B and HW-Q950A.

project

We start by taking a look at what the two soundbars look like. The design of the new HW-Q990B has changed and is now fabric-free and has a metal finish. There will be people who prefer a fabric finish, while others prefer a metal finish. In our opinion, we prefer newer metal finishes, as fabrics always get dirtier and need to be cleaned more often.

Samsung HW-Q950A soundbar in Kvadrat finish

Now, the HW-Q990B's design is even more impressive, with integrated speakers at a glance.

Metal finish Samsung HW-Q990B with visible speakers.

The rear speakers are now slightly larger and have curves. The subwoofer also gets a new look thanks to the new Acoustic Lens system.

Another change is that the information screen is placed on the front of the HW-Q990B. This makes more sense because on the HW-Q950A it's top mounted so it's hard to see and in many cases you have to stand up to see it.

communicate

In terms of connectivity, both models share the same connectivity. These include three HDMI ports, an eARC port for connecting to a TV, and other ports for connecting devices such as game consoles or players and sending the signal to the TV. You can send 4K and HDR video to your TV through these ports.

It also has an optical audio input and a USB port for music playback. The best way to connect it to your TV is via an HDMI connection, as that's the only way you'll enjoy Dolby Atmos sound.

HW-Q950A Sound Bar Connections

However,If you buy one of Samsung's new 2022 TVs with the new HW-Q990B, you can stream Dolby Atmos audio wirelessly over Wi-Fi..

In addition to the physical connection, you also have the option to connect the bar via Bluetooth. However, since there may be some delay, we recommend that this is better done via cable. However, you can adjust the delay for video and audio sync. To listen to music from your phone, you can do so via a Bluetooth or Wi-Fi connection.

If you want to use Alexa to play music from streaming platforms like Spotify or Tidal, you can use the built-in microphone.

sound quality

Now let's take a look at the sound quality performance of the Samsung HW-Q990B and HW-Q950A series. The first thing to note is that both have an integrated speaker bank, with a total of 22 speakers.

Samsung HW-Q950A Built-in speaker

As we mentioned before, in both cases we are talking about the 11.1.4 channel system. Between the bar body and the subwoofer, we're talking about a 7.1.2 channel system, to which we need to add rear speakers to make a 4.0.2 channel system.

Samsung HW-Q990B 11.1.4ch Sound Bar

Front, height, and side speakers are integrated into each rear speaker, delivering larger-amplitude sound from behind to put you right where you are. The overhead unit has a certain slope, which can better face the listening position, bounce off the ceiling, and the sound will be heard above the head.

Rear speaker HW-Q990B

slightly higher output powerNew HW-Q990B616 W The HW-Q950A reaches 656 W. As such, these are very powerful soundbars capable of filling large rooms with sound.

Both support uncompressed Dolby Atmos audio, which promises maximum immersion thanks to Dolby True HD..By integrating the overhead speakers into the bar and rear speakers, the sound is directed towards the ceiling, allowing it to bounce and be heard overhead. Also, with the new HW-Q990B, you'll hear sidetone coming from behind thanks to the new drivers on either side of the rear speakers.

If you have a 2021 Samsung QLED TV or any of the 2022 4K models in your living room, you can also combine your TV and soundbar with the Q-Symphony. This allows you to create a new center channel through the soundbar for a more direct sound.

The first generation Q-Symphony connected the bottom TV speakers, while the second generation connected all the TV speakers. The second generation is only compatible with 2022 and 2022 TV models.Sound bars from the Q 2022 series..

Samsung Q-Symphony

The experience on both tracks is spectacular, and these are some of the best Dolby Atmos soundtracks on the market. These models have been achieved with the help of Harman Kardon engineers at the Samsung Audio Lab in California to their impressive quality. Samsung bought Harman Kardon a few years ago, so the expertise of their engineers is now being applied to Samsung's high-end products. We've certainly noticed this in recent years, and the quality has improved significantly.

Thanks to the new Acoustic Lens subwoofer, the HW-Q990B also provides more even sound and clearer bass.

Novi Subwoofer Acoustic Lens Samsung HW-Q990B

You have an auto-calibration feature where the bar will adjust the sound to the conditions in your room. What they do is analyze the sound bouncing off the mic and calibrate the bass and overall sound themselves without doing anything else.

Comparison of the characteristics of HW-Q990B and Q950A.

Samsung HW-Q990B vs HW-Q950A review Which is better to buy?

We're talking about two models that offer impressive sound quality, so you can't go wrong with either one. The HW-Q990B includes upgrades such as a new subwoofer design for improved bass clarity, compatibility with Dolby Atmos Virtual and second-generation Q-Symphony.

The HW-Q950A is already hard to find and only refurbished units remain. The prices of the two models are not much different, and there is also a promotion running until July 31, where Samsung returns 200 euros across the entire range.

So, in our opinion, if you want the latest features and enjoy the funniest sound, your best bet is to get the new HW-Q990B.

Buy Samsung HW-Q990B

Coolby Samsung HW-Q950A