The Samsung Q990D is an upgraded soundbar that brings an exciting new feature for 2024 that gamers will appreciate and continues to impress us with Dolby Atmos sound. The 11.1.4 soundbar is an immersive addition to your home and features a simple setup.
Samsung adds HDMI 2.1 to the HW-Q990D with support for 4K 120Hz passthrough. This allows gamers to connect a PS5 or Xbox Series X directly to the soundbar and enjoy the best picture on their TV. Previously, users would need to connect the console directly to the TV.
The Samsung Q990D also supports wireless Dolby Atmos sound with select Samsung TVs as well as support for Q-Symphony to pair up your TV speakers and SpaceFit Sound Pro to optimize the soundbar to your room.
You can buy the Samsung HW-Q990D at Samsung, Amazon and other retailers. The retail price is $1,999.99, and you can expect to see deals in the coming weeks.
Design & Connections
Samsung keeps the same overall design from last year's model the HW-Q990C with metal grills and a modern style. The metal grill on the main soundbar is easy to clean and to keep dust-free.
The main soundbar connects with an HDMI cord with eARC technology to modern TVs and can connect wirelessly to select Samsung TVs for a clutter-free setup. The soundbar is slim enough to sit on an entertainment stand without blocking the TV, but it is a fairly wide and deep soundbar, so you'll need some space and it pairs best with a TV at least 55 inches or larger.
The surround speakers and the subwoofer connect wirelessly to the main unit, so you only need to place them near a power outlet. The metal grills on the surround speakers match the overall design and they are small enough to fit into your room without taking up much space or standing out too much. Thanks to the built-in room sensing technology, the exact placement of the surround speakers is flexible.
Samsung keeps a very similar 8-inch subwoofer with this soundbar that also connects wirelessly. It is easy to find space in a corner. The design of the HW-Q990D is sleek and fits into a family room or entertainment room with ease.
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The soundbar features new HDMI 2.1 ports that can pass through 4K 120Hz video signals to your TV. This allows you to directly connect consoles to the soundbar and run one wire to your TV. The Soundbar includes two HDMI in and one HDMI out, Optical input, WiFi, Bluetooth and support for Chromecast as well as Apple AirPlay.
The remote is easy to use, and you can connect to the soundbar with the SmartThings app fro deeper control of settings, sound modes and to utilize features.
Sound Performance
While the Samsung HW-Q990D looks nearly identical to the Q990C, the overall performance is dramatically better. This is either through upgraded components or software enhancements, which lead to better placement of sound and a better overall mix than last year's model.
With 22 speakers and a delightful combination of up-firing and side-firing, the HW-Q990D is a wonderful way to immerse yourself in Dolby Atmos while watching movies or gaming and great surround sound for sports.
The main soundbar includes 15 of these speakers, and in total these speakers can bounce off the ceiling to sound like they are above you, without needing to tear up your actual ceiling. When paired with many new Samsung TVs, you can use Q Symphony, combining the speakers in your TV with the soundbar for an even bigger soundstage at the center of your system.
Whether watching an NBA game or streaming a movie, the Q990D sound performance is excellent. The speakers immerse us into what we are watching even in a room with a wide open back wall. Space Fit Pro calibration is a top-notch feature that allows you to get the most out of this system. The 8-inch subwoofer is distinct and rumbly at all the right times with an upgrade from last year in performance
A new Game Pro mode allows you to tie into the Samsung Gaming Hub. When used with the PS5 and Xbox Series X this allows the soundbar to deliver optimized sound that uses the upfiring speakers to help with environmental sounds. With some surround systems, it is challenging to hear dialogue, but Samsung's Active Voice Analyze helps make sure you can hear what actors are saying.
Is the Samsung HW-Q990D Worth Buying?
The Samsung Q990D is the best Dolby Atmos soundbar you can buy in 2024. It looks similar to last year's model, but delivers better performance. The addition of HDMI 2.1 for better gaming support, overall sound mixing and Dolby Atmos performance make this the best option for buyers with the budget.
Combine this with the additional features that are available to Samsung TV owners, the wide array of connectivity options including AirPlay and Chromecast and SmartThings integration and you get a well-rounded package. Simple setup means that anyone can hook this up in under 30 minutes and be ready to experience great sound.
Buy at Samsung.
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About the writer
Josh Smith is the Senior Manager of E-Commerce at Newsweek. You can find him on Twitter @Josh_Smith and email j.smith@newsweek.com.
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