Test-Samsung HW-Q990C: The best of immersive sound Dolby Atmos in bar

I bought my Dolby Demo discs on http: // Google.com at a very good price. No customs on any purchase, it noted to me that the package left France Personal. But to be confirmed with the seller perhaps . I bought the last 3 months ago. My favorite at Dolby is this one personal https: // Google.com

Blu-ray demo Dolby Atmos, or buy it ??

I don’t know much about home cinema, but my husband has a gigantic installation and I know he would like to test his installation with a demo dolby atmos bluray as we can see in some resellers. I looked a little on this forum and on the internet and I found nothing recently.
Do you have any tracks ?

Thank you and wish you a good day

Babyzen Messages: 1 Forum registration: Jul 12 2021 10:15

by Google »Jul 12 2021 10:18

Incont deleted for HCFR members

»13 Jul 2021 16:48

Tex61 HCFR Member
Messages: 606 Forum registration: 19 Dec 2009 21:26

»Jul 14 2021 16:39

Babyzen wrote: Hello,

I don’t know much about home cinema, but my husband has a gigantic installation and I know he would like to test his installation with a demo dolby atmos bluray as we can see in some resellers. I looked a little on this forum and on the internet and I found nothing recently.
Do you have any tracks ?

Thank you and wish you a good day

As an alternative, if your husband has a multimedia player, there are a lot of sites that make available (legally I specify) Dolby Atmos demonstration tracks. These are the ones that we find on the Blu-ray that you are looking for. If not to test his installation is not what is missing as titles (film, cartoon, concert. ) with Dolby Atmos soundtracks on Blu-ray and Blu-ray UHD 4K. Besides, the extracts of films present on the Blu-ray of Dolby Atmos come from these titles.

Dedicated room 7.1.4 3D 4K: Onkyo TX-RZ50, Emotiva Basx A3, SVS Prime Bookshelf + Center + Satellite + Elevation, Ultra Surround, SVS PB-2000 PRO, LG OLED CX, BENQ W4000i, ORAY FRAME, PANASONIC UB820, PS5, XBOX ONE X , Zidoo Z9X, Shield TV Pro, M9702 V3

Evangelion77 HCFR member contributor
Messages: 9103 Forum registration: 19 Oct 2010 23:15 Location: Arcachon bay

»15 Jul 2021 21:14

Otherwise there is that of LAL that I always have:

See with the editorial if they still have ? (N ° 229)

There had also been in the same line the Thx Calibration disc disc.

Xav83 Messages: 2437 Forum registration: August 04, 2009 9:18

»Jul 16 2021 16:22

Do not buy on ebay, the prices are exhorbitants.

I bought my Dolby Demo discs on http: // Google.com at a very good price. No customs on any purchase, it noted to me that the package left France Personal. But to be confirmed with the seller perhaps . I bought the last 3 months ago. My favorite at Dolby is this one personal https: // Google.com

Otherwise you have to downline the demo on the internet. They are found on lots of Demos site.

Dialhot moderation message ”July 21 2021 19:48

“Note: they are bd-r copy”

We can’t clear. Thank you for no longer advertising for this site here

Mike5.1 Messages: 1941 Forum registration: 07 Oct 2007 12:10 Location: 54

»Jul 17 2021 13:26

Ok but there given what they offer are copies. (OK CAUTION YOU ALSO AS ALSO ON EBAY).
I have originals.
So when we talk about exorbitant prices, it is better to download than buy copies.

Tex61 HCFR Member
Messages: 606 Forum registration: 19 Dec 2009 21:26

»Jul 17 2021 15:34

It is clear that this site, which ships from China, probably does not sell originals. Indeed, some demos disks offered are those made available gracefully, for download, on the AVS Forum site .

Dedicated room 7.1.4 3D 4K: Onkyo TX-RZ50, Emotiva Basx A3, SVS Prime Bookshelf + Center + Satellite + Elevation, Ultra Surround, SVS PB-2000 PRO, LG OLED CX, BENQ W4000i, ORAY FRAME, PANASONIC UB820, PS5, XBOX ONE X , Zidoo Z9X, Shield TV Pro, M9702 V3

Evangelion77 HCFR member contributor
Messages: 9103 Forum registration: 19 Oct 2010 23:15 Location: Arcachon bay

»18 Jul 2021 9:06

aiden Messages: 421 Forum registration: 31 Dec 2009 10:34 Location: Kreizh Breizh 22

»July 21 2021 9:33

The Dolby records I received do not seem to be copies.
The others are discs engraved for forum demo, and then ? You no longer find them for download.

And even if they were copies, it changes what lol ? You are not legally supposed to have these Dolby discs anyway. Or the pleasure of paying 60 € the disc. I bet that no one can differentiate a copy of the original here anyway.

And not everyone has a PC to engrave discs, or a multimedia player to read the files. Personally with the config kaz it bug non -stop to read them, while with my living room player and a disc I never had a single problem.

Otherwise, to download lots of demo scenes and files, the best I know is this subject: edit deleted

Last edition by Mike5.1 Jul 22 2021 14:16, edited 1 time.
Mike5.1 Messages: 1941 Forum registration: 07 Oct 2007 12:10 Location: 54

»July 21 2021 16:45

Mike5.1 wrote: the dolby records I received do not seem to be copies.

It is however indicated “they are bd-r copy” on their site.

Besides even if they were original discs, they should not offer them for sale given the mention “Not for resale” on the jackets.

Mike5.1 wrote: the others are discs engraved for forum demo, and then ?

They probably not have the authorization to do so. Rights holders are certainly not remunerated. Furthermore, I think of forum enthusiasts who have spent time compiling extracts from film on a voluntary basis.

Mike5.1 wrote: and even if it was copies, it changes what lol ? You are not legally supposed to have these Dolby discs anyway. Or the pleasure of paying 60 € the disc.

I think that we should not advertise on this kind of site for the reasons listed above in other. After if people want to pay the originals at a high price, it’s the ones that it looks. In any case for me it is not “a good price” given the fact that they are simple copies.

Mike5.1 wrote: I bet that no one can differentiate a copy of the original here anyway.

I think it’s your case because no one, apart from you, is fooled on the origin of these discs from China.

Mike5.1 wrote: And everyone does not have a PC to engrave the discs, or a multimedia player to read the files. Personally with the config kaz it bug non -stop to read them, while with my living room player and a disc I never had a single problem.

I can add “and everyone” does not necessarily have a blu-ray player.

Last edition by Evangelion77 on July 22, 2021 16:26, edited 1 time.

Dedicated room 7.1.4 3D 4K: Onkyo TX-RZ50, Emotiva Basx A3, SVS Prime Bookshelf + Center + Satellite + Elevation, Ultra Surround, SVS PB-2000 PRO, LG OLED CX, BENQ W4000i, ORAY FRAME, PANASONIC UB820, PS5, XBOX ONE X , Zidoo Z9X, Shield TV Pro, M9702 V3

Evangelion77 HCFR member contributor
Messages: 9103 Forum registration: 19 Oct 2010 23:15 Location: Arcachon bay

»23 Jul 2021 21:32

I thought we had finished with my intervention from July 21 at 7:48 p.m. but it would seem that no
So I specify: I removed everything that had been posted after this date, we come back to the subject.

PS: In addition how to say. The person who asked the question has never been ironed since July 14.

General Forum Administrator Dialhot
Messages: 30642 Forum registration: Aug 25, 2005 13:26 Location: Doral, fl

»Jul 26 2021 19:45

It is true that we are not supposed to find this disc for sale.
Nevertheless, I saw this video whose author had ordered several copies of the Dolby UHD Bluray UHD (Vision + Atmos):

Several things to remember:
-With regard to a UHD Bluray (4K), the case is supposed to be black; If it is offered in blue, it is necessarily a copy.
– The videos are not displayed properly if the diffuser (the TV) is not Dolby Vision; Atmos sound will not even be broadcast if the TV is not Dolby Vision. It is understandable because the disc was created by Dolby to be used on Dolby Vision equipment: point bar !
On the other hand, Bluray de demo for laser years does not have this limitation (no Dolby Vision because it is not a bluray UHD. ))

Test-Samsung HW-Q990C: The best of immersive sound Dolby Atmos in bar

The Samsung HW-Q990C is the most upscale model of the new bars of its Dolby Atmos unveiled this year by Samsung. She succeeds the HW-Q990B who had impressed us well with his very good 3D spatialization.

With this new model, the Korean brand intends to put the bar even higher with an immersive audio system that is always more efficient incorporating Basse de Basse and satellite rear wirelessly to offer a soundtrack 11.1.4 channels “In infinite depth”. Compared to the previous version, the Q990C benefits from a few widening features of home automation materials and to automatically calibrate the sound according to the part with the SpaceFit Sound function.

On paper, the Q990C seems to check all the boxes: a powerful home cinema (656 W) with 22 speakers in total, compatible Dolby Atmos, DTS: X but also 4K and HDR, and offering a HD sound quality Music with WiFi and Bluetooth streaming in hi-res Audio. And as the previous model, the HW-Q990C also allows audio in Dolby Atmos Wireless from the latest generation Samsung TVs.

This new sound bar at the cutting edge of technology is available at the launch price of € 1499. At first glance, the Samsung HW-Q990C has all the assets to be among the best bars of 2023. But what really is it ?

Design and handling

The Samsung HW-Q990C has a large sound bar, a wireless bass box and 2 wireless rear speakers with vertical projections. The whole embarks as we said 22 loudspeakers in total, with in particular side and vertical tweeters on the rear satellites to offer a real sound and immersive sound.

Not much evolution on the other hand on the design side, the new premium sound bar indeed resembles the Q990B with a solid metal grid which covers it entirely to protect HP. And all without any frills or style effect. It immediately releases an impression of power, especially since the bar is quite imposing (1232 x 70 x 138 mm for 7.7 kg).

Even if it is less massive than certain competing models such as the Sony HT-A7000, it will still be necessary to provide a fairly substantial TV cabinet or install it with the wall support. The bass box is not a small size (220 x 413 x 410 mm either and still 11.7 kg on the scale), just like the surround speakers which each weigh 3.4 kg. In short, the whole was planned to send heavy with 656 W of power under the hood. But we will see later that this Samsung sound bar also knows how to be subtlety.

Once again, we can salute the know-how of Samsung because the HW-Q990C is truly plug and play. Once the bar is on, the speakers and the wireless box automatically connect. And a blue LED at the back of each device confirms that it is well connected. In short, a home cinema system without headache for connections ! It will just be noted that the speaker power cables are a bit short to install in the room but nothing unacceptable.

Command buttons are accessible on the bar to adjust the volume, cut the microphone or launch pairing. But most of the settings will be made on the Samsung application or using the remote control. The latter is not backlit, an unfortunately frequent oblivion among sound bar manufacturers, even for the highest -end models.

Complete connection

For connection, the Samsung HW-Q990C offers everything we are entitled to expect from a high-end soundbar in 2023: 2 HDMI entries and an HDMI EARC output to broadcast audio in Dolby Digital , Dolby True HD and of course Dolby Atmos and DTS: X. The Q990C also allows HDR 10+ and 4 k signals to pass but not at 120 Hz. More classically, there is an optical entrance and a USB port (for updates) but Samsung ignores the jack. It is therefore impossible to connect old analog devices as with the Sony HT-A7000.

Bluetooth compatible, the Samsung bar allows streaming from its smartphone via Spotify Connect and WiFi with Chromecast and Airplay2. Finally, the Q990C can be associated with Google Assistant and Alexa for voice control. Many connections of connections that we really appreciated during our tests.

Synergy with Samsung televisions has also been improved since it is possible to control TV speakers via the Q-Symphony function to further widen the sound field and get a better immersive sensation. The bar also supports the Dolby Atmos wireless, finally provided you have a Samsung Qled TV of 2023.

And for music, the HW-Q990C offers the best with hi-res audio quality without losses, up to 192khz in 24 bit, with the support of FLAC (on Android) and ALAC (on iPhone) files (on iPhone). But to benefit from it, you will need to have subscribed to a premium subscription on an HD streaming platform of Tidal, Qobuz or Amazon Music type. It is this last option that we have retained and without spoiling the sound part, we can already say that it is rather very good !

Settings and features

Unlike Sony, Samsung does not offer a user interface on the TV to configure the sound bar, the box and the speakers. It is a regrettable forgetfulness for a product in this price range ! Small flat also concerning the tiny LED screen on the front which is difficult to read behind the protective grid. It’s a bit of a shame because it indicates the audio source (HDMI, Bluetooth), the current flow (Dolby Atmos) and can be useful to display the settings.

Among the smart features, the SpaceFit option automatically calibrates the sound depending on the size of the room. A function already seen in other competitors, but Samsung innovates this time the bass box in the calibration procedure. And the sound is indeed much better with more precise bass once the spacefit function activated. And this, whether it be video content or music. This time, it is a great success on the part of the Korean manufacturer !

The remote control makes it possible to make most of the basic settings such as increasing the volume of the box, switching to surround mode or connecting your smartphone. But to go further, it is the passage forced by the Samsung SmartThings app (on Android and iOS). This application makes it possible to really personalize the sound by in particular modifying the level of each channel of the speakers to refine the sound rendering of vertical HP for example.

And of course, the settings are stored in the bar to stick to your preferences in terms of its. A fairly intuitive application that is quickly essential to take full advantage of the potential of the sound bar with its 22 speakers. But let’s be honest, the sound of the Q990C is so good that we have touched little on the settings during our tests.

Its high definition and real immersive feeling

In terms of sound, Samsung does not do things by halves. As before, the HW-Q990C was developed jointly with engineers from Harmann-Kardon, a company specializing in Hi-Fi audio and Samsung subsidiary.

There is a rise compared to the previous model since the soundbar is now certified hi-res audio, which allows you to listen to music in HD quality with a fairly stunning rendering, especially on the classic. With a premium subscription on Amazon Music, we were able to test the last metallica and many pop titles in Dolby Atmos. And in any case, the observation is the same: the sound of the HW-Q990C is really excellent ! On Lovely by Billie Eilish, the singer’s voice envelops us in a cocoon of sweetness with a very detailed sound that suggests all the instruments and the voices in the background.

And no need to put up the sound to appreciate the music, the bar is precise enough to offer beautiful listening sensations at high volume like moderate. A sign of additional quality, the box does its office very well with fairly mastered bass but who know how to be heard if necessary on more punchy pieces. An equalizer is even available in the app to refine the sound rendering depending on the style of music listened to: pop, classic or jazz.

And what about films sound ? For audio effects, only 4 modes are available on the bar: standard, surround, games and adaptive but it is more than enough to find happiness.

Especially since most of the time, we favored the adaptive mode which analyzes the content in real time to adjust the sound field with very good results. We particularly appreciated it during the opening scene of 6 underground on Netflix with many cars stunts.

The sound of crash and shootings bounce back on the ceiling and on the walls to immerse us completely in the action with almost the feeling of being in a cinema if we push the volume a little. Because the power is good with the HW-Q990C ! But don’t worry, Samsung has planned a night mode to watch movies without disturbing neighbors. A function that strongly reduces the rumbles of the box but without losing as sound.

This sound bar also knows how to be more subtle during intimate scenes with some room noises and just noticeable murmurs on the rear satellites. Surround mode is also excellent to add depth in Dolby Atmos but without falling into exaggeration. And we also had beautiful immersive sensations in gaming mode with Mario Kart Deluxe.

It is therefore almost a flawlessness for a sound bar that is able to manage any type of content by offering each time a rich sound in detail with a beautiful spatialization. And if you don’t have a Dolby Atmos compatible TV, no problem, the Samsung bar offers a very good sound rendering in 5.1, even to just watch TV.

The point on competition

In 2023, the Samsung HW-Q990C rivals were numerous on the bars of its Dolby Atmos. Among the most high-end models we have had in testing, we can notably mention the Sony HT-A7000, Sonos Arc, Sennheiser Ambeo. The Sony bar allows you to attempt the 360 ​​Reality audio sound experience but without a low -ground box, it is a little disappointing in atmosphere despite real audio qualities.

For a more affordable budget, the Sonos is a good alternative to the HW-Q990C by offering a very good sound for music and beautiful spatialization for films but it is more limited to connections. However, it can be completed with rear satellites. And the Ambeo bar largely deserves your attention if you are looking for the best for home cinema. It offers for us the best surround experience with a system all in one but it will be necessary to pay the high price and it does not have rear satellites either.

Conclusion

With the HW-Q990C, Samsung offers a high-end soundbar that offers the best of immersive sound in Dolby Atmos but also very good HD HD quality. Real home cinema set with bass box and wireless surround speakers, this Samsung bar can manage any type of content and benefits from many features to optimize sound rendering. Only real small defects to point the finger, its slightly imposing size and its resolutely high -end price which does not put it within the reach of all budgets. But all of its qualities, starting with its power and its beautiful 3D spatialization, the place already among the best sound bars of the moment.

Read the full test

• Writing note