Samsung HW-Q990D 11.1.4ch Soundbar: features, specs and who it suits

The Samsung HW-Q990D is a flagship home theatre soundbar system. It combines an 11.1.4-channel Dolby Atmos bar, a subwoofer and a pair of rear speakers in one package. It is aimed at living rooms where a TV's own speakers aren't enough and where the owner wants surround and overhead effects without installing a full receiver and speaker set.

What 11.1.4 channels means

In surround notation, the first number is the speakers around the listener at ear level, the second is the subwoofer, and the third is the height channels, which fire sound upward. Samsung describes the system as 11 front-facing speakers, one subwoofer and four up-firing channels. Up-firing speakers bounce sound off the ceiling to simulate overhead sources such as rain or aircraft in Dolby Atmos content. This effect typically works best with a flat ceiling of ordinary height.

Rear speakers

The rear speaker kit is included. Samsung says the rear units are up- and side-firing, and use the ceiling and walls to create layers of sound all around the room. Because the bar and rears are separate pieces, you'll need space and a power outlet for each, and the rears should sit behind the main seating position.

Wireless Dolby Atmos

Samsung says the bar supports Wireless Dolby Atmos, so a compatible TV can send Atmos audio without an HDMI cable between them. The listing says this is compatible with select 2022 to 2024 Samsung TVs. Check your TV model on Samsung's site before relying on it.

Q-Symphony

With a compatible 2020 to 2024 Samsung TV, Q-Symphony lets the TV's speakers play along with the soundbar instead of switching off, which Samsung says gets all the audio channels to work as one. It only applies when you pair Samsung TV and bar.

Room and content tuning

• SpaceFit Sound Pro: analyses the room and adjusts the sound automatically.
• Adaptive Sound: analyses scenes in real time to bring out dialogue and key audio, even at low volume.
• Active Voice Analyzer (AVA): reduces the effect of room noise so that on-screen voices stay clear.
• Game Mode Pro: uses the up-firing speakers and woofers for 3D sound, and switches on in sync with a compatible TV. It works with Gaming Hub and select consoles, which are sold separately.

Smart features

The soundbar has Alexa built in, plus Chromecast and AirPlay 2 for streaming (AirPlay 2 requires iOS 11.4 or later). Tap Sound lets you tap a compatible Samsung phone on the bar to start streaming, and needs Android 8.1 or later and the SmartThings app. Samsung notes that content services vary by region and can change.

Size

The bar is about 48.5 inches (123 cm) wide, 5.4 inches deep and 2.7 inches high. Listed weight is 50.3 lb (about 23 kg), which likely covers the whole system. Measure the shelf or table under your TV before buying.

Who it suits

It suits people with a Samsung TV who want a large home-theatre sound from a single system, who enjoy Dolby Atmos films and games, and who have a room with the space for rear speakers. If your TV is not a Samsung model, several features, namely Q-Symphony and Wireless Dolby Atmos, won't apply.

What to check before you buy

• TV compatibility: compare your TV's model year against the lists for Q-Symphony and Wireless Dolby Atmos.
• Width: the bar is wide, so check that it fits in front of your TV without blocking the screen or remote sensor.
• Ceiling: up-firing speakers work best with a flat, reasonably low ceiling.
• Rear placement: make sure you can power the rear speakers behind the seats.
• Phone features: Tap Sound is limited to select Samsung phones.
• Console and services: game consoles are sold separately, and services may change by region.

The short version

• An 11.1.4-channel Dolby Atmos soundbar with a subwoofer and rear speaker kit.
• Wireless Dolby Atmos and Q-Symphony work with select Samsung TVs.
• SpaceFit Sound Pro, Adaptive Sound, AVA and Game Mode Pro adjust sound to the room and content.
• Alexa, Chromecast, AirPlay 2 and Tap Sound are included.
• About 48.5 inches wide; confirm TV model, space and ceiling first.

Bloiq is reader-supported. Some links may earn us a commission; it never affects what we write. How we make money.