A small but significant update

Samsung’s HW-Q990C was once the most productive general soundbar I examined closing yr, most commonly because of its stellar audio and the truth that a subwoofer and rear audio system got here with it. The corporate didn’t exchange a lot for the 2024 model, the HW-Q990D, however one tweak delivers a function closing yr’s type will have to’ve had: HDMI 2.1. There are some new audio modes too, however you’ll to find the ones on different Samsung soundbars. The Q990D is as tough as ever, but it surely’s nonetheless expensive at $2,000. When you already purchased a Q990C, the corporate hasn’t given you a explanation why to improve simply but.

What’s new at the Samsung Q990D?

The largest addition at the Q990D is HDMI 2.1. With this, Samsung addressed my major complaint of the Q990C, which debuted closing yr at a time when a lot of the contest had already followed the usual. HDMI 2.1 delivers 4K passthrough at 120 frames in step with 2d, which can reinforce the visuals in case you attach your PlayStation 5 or Xbox Collection X without delay to the soundbar.

The Q990D additionally arrives with new audio modes. Non-public Listening turns off the entire front-firing drivers and makes use of handiest the rear satellite tv for pc audio system. It’s principally an expanded model of the night time mode numerous corporations be offering on soundbars, aimed toward decreasing boomy bass when circle of relatives or roommates may well be asleep. My area has an open flooring plan and my TV faces against the hallway to the bedrooms, because of this any soundbar will beam noise in that route. Non-public Listening sends the audio the other manner, and whilst you need to sacrifice some general high quality, it’s excellent sufficient for all of the instances you want to be quieter.

There’s additionally a brand new Celebration Play mode that gives extra balanced sound between the soundbar and rear audio system for a greater revel in while you’re webhosting a rager. When that is energetic, you get the overall audio vary relatively than simply the channels particularly programmed for the audio system in the back of you. I in truth grew to become the audio system round and confronted them out of the lounge to undertaking the re-tuned audio into different communal areas. This makes a larger distinction for motion pictures and TV as a result of track already performs from the rear audio system with extra balanced ranges.

Those two modes aren’t distinctive to the Q990D; the remainder of the 2024 Q-series lineup will be capable to use them too. That is the primary time I’ve examined them even though, and it’s notable that they in truth paintings smartly on Samsung’s most costly soundbar.

What’s excellent

The combo of a driver-packed soundbar, massive subwoofer and more-robust rear audio system produces immersive sound that envelops my front room. Whether or not you’re being attentive to track or the soundscape of Dune, the Q990D keeps the sonic prowess of its predecessor. Dolby Atmos content material from Disney+ is as immersive as ever. I may pay attention the finer main points of Knowhere within the opening scenes of Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, together with the life-like reverb of Radiohead’s “Creep” enjoying over a loudspeaker. The directional sounds of town, together with the hustle and bustle of folks shifting round, make it look like you’re status proper there.

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

The object I really like maximum concerning the Q990D is that the entirety you want for a whole encompass sound setup is incorporated within the field. The subwoofer and rear audio system include the soundbar and don’t require an extra acquire. The ones satellite tv for pc audio system additionally area up-firing and side-firing drivers, which isn’t at all times the case on related equipment from the contest. And the setup is as simple as plugging the entirety in as a result of pairing with the remainder of the machine occurs routinely.

What’s dangerous

An all-in-one setup is superb, however that still approach the Q990D is pricey. At $2,000, this can be a really extensive funding even supposing you’re getting the entirety you want within the bundle. The Q990D is lately on sale for $1,750, however we don’t know the way lengthy that bargain will closing. For comparability, Sony’s upcoming Bravia Bar 9 is $1,400. The most affordable subwoofer and rear audio system you’ll get for it are $400 and $350 respectively, which places your overall price at $2,150. In fact, with Sony you’ve gotten two choices for subs and rears, and also you don’t have to shop for they all. LG provides some respite if you wish to move that course, with its S95TR coming in at $1,500 and together with the subwoofer and rear audio system with up-firing drivers.

The entire dimension of the soundbar is one thing else you’ll want to believe. The Q990D properties 11 front-facing audio system, two up-firing drivers and a subwoofer. All of the ones elements want area, and accommodating them approach this soundbar finally ends up being reasonably massive at 48.5 inches broad. Whilst that’s now not a deal-breaker in step with se, it does require some making plans, so simply know you’ll want considerable room.

Like soundbars from different corporations, the Q990D has some to hand options which are reserved for Samsung TVs. As an example, Q-Symphony, which makes use of your TV audio system along with the soundbar to extend the audio features, calls for a appropriate 2020-2024 Samsung TV. The Q990D sounds nice with out this, however simply know you’re now not getting the overall bag of tips except you even have a supported TV.

Wrap-up

Except you deal with the newest HDMI requirements, the Q990D doesn’t be offering an enormous improve over closing yr’s type. Their design and contours lists are just about an identical, aside from for 2 new sound modes and 4K/120 passthrough. And a few of the ones additions are to be had on more-affordable Samsung soundbars. So in case you already sprang for closing yr’s Q990C, there’s most likely now not sufficient explanation why to make some other sizable funding. When you don’t already personal a Samsung flagship soundbar, the Q990D provides boomy, immersive sound in an all-in-one bundle that now has all of the trendy conveniences it will have to.