Today, we’re diving into the world of immersive audio with the Samsung Q990B soundbar, a sleek piece of technology that promises to transform your living room into a cinematic auditorium. But does it live up to the hype, especially when pitted against the stiff competition in the smart home tech market? Let’s find out, shall we? And yes, I’ll try to keep the tech jargon to a minimum – after all, we’re all about making this as painless as a dentist’s appointment with laughing gas.
What exactly is the Samsung Q990B Soundbar?
The Samsung Q990B soundbar is essentially your home cinema’s best friend. It’s designed to bring the immersive experience of a movie theatre into your living room, without the need for a dozen speakers or a PhD in acoustics to set it up. In a market that’s increasingly crowded with devices claiming to revolutionise your audio experience, the Q990B stands out by offering a blend of high-end features, including Dolby Atmos and DTS-X support, wireless connectivity, and built-in Alexa, all wrapped up in a package that’s as stylish as it is smart.
Benefits of using this soundbar
- Superior sound quality: It’s like having an orchestra in your living room, minus the crowded seating.
- Easy setup: You won’t need an engineering degree to get it up and running.
- Versatile adjustments: Tailor the sound to your room or your mood, whether it’s movie night or a chill-out session.
- Dolby Atmos: Brings the “cinema” to your “home cinema” with overhead sound effects that’ll make you duck.
- Wireless speakers: Say goodbye to tripping over cables or the pet’s new chewing toy.
Un-boxing & First Impressions
Unboxing the Samsung Q990B was an experience akin to opening a treasure chest, albeit one that’s sleek, black, and surprisingly heavy. The first thing that struck me was its design – minimalist yet sophisticated, promising to blend seamlessly with any modern living space. At 22.8 kg and with dimensions that make it a prominent feature of any room, it’s clear that this soundbar means business. The build quality is robust, and the promise of wireless speakers adds a touch of elegance by eliminating the need for unsightly cables. My initial thought? “This better sound as good as it looks.”
Features: Quick overview of what you’re getting
- Brand: Samsung
- Alexa voice control: Yes
- Connectivity: Bluetooth, HDMI, Wi-Fi, AirPlay 2
- Dimensions: 10 cm x 254 cm x 10 cm; Weight: 22.8 kg
- Superior sound quality: Rivals the best in the market
- Easy setup: Straightforward installation
- Versatile adjustments: Customizable settings
- Dolby Atmos: Exceptional Atmos and DTS-X effects
- Wireless speakers: Flexibility and a clean setup
- AI sound: Automatically optimises audio
- Robust build quality: Sturdy and reliable
- Wide-ranging compatibility: Works with various devices
While the list of features is impressive, it’s a real shame that the setup complexity and size might deter some. The soundbar’s width and weight could pose a challenge for those with limited space or those who prefer a more discreet setup. Additionally, the high price tag might make you think twice – is the auditory experience worth the investment?
Smart Features
In the realm of smart home integration, the Samsung Q990B soundbar doesn’t just play music; it smartly integrates into your life. Let’s delve into the four main smart features that make this soundbar a standout piece in any tech-savvy household.
Alexa Voice Control – Having Alexa built-in means you can control this soundbar with just your voice. Whether it’s adjusting the volume, skipping tracks, or asking for the weather, Alexa is ready to assist. This feature is particularly handy when you’re buried under blankets and the remote is out of reach.
What we liked about the Samsung Q990B
After spending considerable time with the Samsung Q990B, we’ve pinpointed four features that truly set it apart from the competition. These are the aspects that have genuinely enhanced our auditory experience at home.
Superior Sound Quality
The sound quality of the Samsung Q990B is, in a word, breathtaking. The clarity and depth it brings to audio are unmatched, making every movie feel like a cinema experience and every song like a live concert. This is the kind of immersive sound that can truly elevate your home entertainment setup.
Wireless Speakers
The wireless rear speakers are a game-changer for us. The absence of wires means a cleaner setup and more flexibility in speaker placement. This feature not only contributes to the aesthetic appeal of our living space but also enhances the surround sound experience by allowing for optimal speaker positioning.
Dolby Atmos Performance
The Dolby Atmos and DTS-X support in the Samsung Q990B creates an enveloping sound that seems to come from all directions. It’s this feature that transforms your living room into a theatre, with sounds that move around you in three-dimensional space. The Atmos performance is particularly impressive, adding a new layer of immersion to movies and games.
Easy Setup
Despite its advanced features, setting up the Samsung Q990B was surprisingly straightforward. The process was intuitive, from connecting to our TV to syncing the wireless speakers. This ease of setup is a significant plus, making the soundbar accessible even to those who might not be tech-savvy.
What we were disappointed with
While the Samsung Q990B has many strengths, there are a few areas where it fell short of our expectations.
Price
The price tag is a real shame. While we understand that premium sound quality comes at a cost, the initial investment might be too steep for some. It’s a significant consideration for potential buyers, especially when there are cheaper alternatives on the market.
Setup Complexity for Some Users
Although we found the setup process to be straightforward, we acknowledge that some users have reported challenges in connecting and arranging the speakers. This complexity could be mitigated in future versions with more detailed instructions or a more intuitive app experience.
Size and Weight
The bulkiness and weight of the soundbar can pose difficulties, particularly in handling and wall installation. It’s a real shame that such a technologically advanced piece of equipment comes with these physical constraints, which could limit its placement options within some homes.
Getting Set Up
Setting up the Samsung Q990B Soundbar was an adventure, akin to assembling a high-end piece of IKEA furniture but with better sound output at the end. The process was straightforward, yet not without its quirks. Here’s a step-by-step guide based on my experience and a few tips gleaned from other users who’ve navigated this auditory maze:
- Unbox with care: Given its size and weight, it’s a two-person job. Avoid solo heroics to prevent back strains or, worse, a damaged soundbar.
- Placement: Decide whether it will grace your TV stand or if you’re brave enough to wall-mount this beast. If it’s the latter, ensure your wall can support its heft.
- Connectivity: Plug in the HDMI cable to your TV’s ARC port for optimal sound quality. Bluetooth and Wi-Fi setup are more straightforward, offering less physical clutter.
- Power On: With everything connected, power on the soundbar. The initial boot-up sequence is akin to watching a spaceship come to life.
- Calibration: Use the SmartThings app to calibrate the soundbar to your room’s acoustics. This step is crucial for the best audio experience.
- Speaker Connection: The wireless rear speakers should connect automatically, but if they don’t, refer to the manual’s troubleshooting section. A bit of patience here goes a long way.
- Enjoy: With setup complete, sit back, and immerse yourself in the soundbar’s audio prowess.
While most users, including myself, found the setup process manageable, some reported challenges with connecting the rear speakers and app functionality. My tip? Ensure your soundbar’s firmware is up to date for a smoother experience.
Build Quality and Extras
The Samsung Q990B Soundbar feels like it’s built to withstand the apocalypse. Its robust design and premium materials speak volumes about its durability. However, its heft and size mean it demands respect and a sturdy support surface or wall mount. Other users have echoed this sentiment, praising its build but advising caution during installation due to its weight.
Who is this product best suited to?
If You’re an Audiophile
With its superior sound quality, Dolby Atmos, and DTS-X effects, the Samsung Q990B is a dream for anyone who values auditory excellence. The ability to customise sound settings ensures that whether you’re listening to Beethoven or the Beatles, it’s an unparalleled experience.
If You Love Smart Home Integration
The built-in Alexa and seamless connectivity with various devices make this soundbar a cornerstone of any smart home entertainment system. It’s perfect for those who appreciate voice control and wireless convenience.
If You’re a Movie Buff
The immersive audio experience this soundbar provides makes every movie night a cinematic event. From the whisper of dialogue to the boom of an explosion, it captures it all in stunning clarity.
Who should avoid this
Despite its many virtues, the Samsung Q990B Soundbar isn’t for everyone. Its size and weight make it a challenging fit for smaller spaces or for those who frequently rearrange their living areas. Additionally, the price point, while justified by its quality and features, may be a barrier for budget-conscious shoppers. Lastly, those looking for a simple plug-and-play audio solution might find its setup and calibration process daunting.
Value for Money
Considering its advanced features, superior sound quality, and robust build, the Samsung Q990B offers excellent value for its price. It stands toe-to-toe with higher-priced competitors, making it a wise investment for those who prioritise audio quality and smart features in their home entertainment setup. While not the cheapest option, its performance and versatility justify the investment for serious audiophiles and home cinema enthusiasts.
The verdict: Is the Samsung Q990B worth a buy?
After thoroughly testing the Samsung Q990B Soundbar, it’s clear that it offers an unmatched audio experience. Its setup, while not without its challenges, is a one-time inconvenience that pales in comparison to the daily enjoyment it provides. The build quality is exceptional, ensuring this soundbar will be a centerpiece of your home entertainment system for years to come.
However, it’s not for everyone. Its size, weight, and price may deter some potential buyers. But for those who value superior sound quality, immersive audio experiences, and smart home integration, it’s an investment worth making. Compared to similar products, the Q990B stands out for its audio performance, versatility, and design.
So, should you buy it? If you’re an audiophile, movie buff, or smart home enthusiast looking to elevate your audio experience, the answer is a resounding yes. For those on the fence, consider how much you value sound quality and smart features in your home entertainment setup. The Samsung Q990B Soundbar is a premium product that delivers premium performance, making it a recommendation for those willing to invest in their audio experience.
