Samsung HW-Q990D review: Atmos tested, gamer approved
Most other features and settings are accessible using the bar’s built-in display and remote, but it’s often easier to use the SmartThings app. The basic layout lets you choose a sound mode (I usually use Standard), adjust the EQ, make enhancements like Active Voice Amplifier, and set channel levels.
I appreciate that Samsung included channel levels in most of the bar’s massive audio channels, but locking the levels was the most difficult part of my review. I placed the surround speakers right behind my couch due to space constraints, which meant I had to turn them all the way down and even raise the other channels to balance things out.
This task is much easier with Sonos’ Era 300 speaker (9/10, WIRED recommended) connected to the Arc Ultra, as Sonos TruePlay calibration will tailor the sound to your room (although Standalone Wi-Fi speakers can have their own characteristics). Auto-calibration is something I’d expect from any system that costs nearly $2,000, but every year Samsung fails to add this feature. The company’s Space Fit feature is supposed to analyze audio in real time, but I didn’t notice any meaningful changes.
My other issue is a persistent volume issue when using Spotify Connect. If you’re streaming from Spotify, adjusting the volume level weirdly increases or decreases an annoying seven steps per tap, so the volume is always either too loud or too quiet. Add to that the lack of a Chromecast, and Android users are forced to control streaming from SmartThings or grab the remote unnecessarily. It’s a small fix, but that’s also why it’s so annoying.
Swirling sound
Streaming has its difficulties, however, but the Q990D still has the necessary features. Each component in the four-part system works in harmony to deliver a powerful, balanced, and incredibly smooth soundstage across everything you play. You won’t quite get the high-end detail found in bars like the Arc Ultra, but there’s enough tactile touch to appreciate the little things and plenty of bombast to elevate your cinematic moments. you go to new heights, literally.
It’s no surprise that Dolby Atmos is the star of the show. The “Amaze” scene from my Atmos demo disc was definitely a great moment. I could almost feel the humidity around me in the buzzing insects in the intro, while the thunder roared with surprise and the rain at the end of the film literally fell from above and drowned me. deep in the jungle flora.
