DIZZYING HEIGHTS Samsung HW-Q990D

Samsung's 2024 flagship soundbar delivers an immense spatial audio experience, no compromise

SPECIFICATIONS

Drivers 22 Channels 11.1.4 Audio features Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, HiRes Audio, Adaptive Sound, Samsung Q-Symphony, Game Mode Pro Connectivity HDMI 2.1 x2 (eARC x1), optical in, Wi-Fi 5, Bluetooth 5.2 Dimensions 1232x69x137mm (soundbar); 218x411x409mm (sub); 127x201x140mm (rear) Weight 7.7kg (soundbar); 11.7kg (sub); 3.4kg (rear)

The Samsung HW-Q990D doesn't differ wildly from the HW-Q990C. But it would be hard for the brand to cram any more speakers into this flagship soundbar combo with its wireless rear speakers and separate subwoofer. It's an immense system.

It remains the most immersive soundbar system you can buy, based around a main unit, wireless subwoofer and wireless rear speakers that combine to create an 11.1.4-channel soundstage thanks to a total of 22 drivers, all powered by 656W of amplification.

The soundbar itself is composed of front left, right and centre channels, plus width drivers, front side-firing speakers, and upfiring drivers that bounce sound beams off the ceiling for the sensation of height.

The rear speakers each manage to house the surround channels, rear side-firing speakers and up-firing drivers. The bass and low-frequency effects (LFE) channel is handled by the subwoofer, with its 8-inch driver combined with an acoustic lens that produces deeper bass with greater precision and clarity.