When it comes to home entertainment, a good soundbar can elevate the entire experience. Samsung, a renowned brand in the audio-visual industry, offers a range of soundbars that cater to different needs and preferences. Two of their high-end models, the HW-930C and HW-990C, have garnered significant attention from audiophiles and home theater enthusiasts. But what sets them apart? In this article, we’ll delve into the differences between the Samsung HW-930C and HW-990C soundbars, exploring their features, specifications, and performance to help you make an informed decision.
Design and Build Quality
At first glance, both soundbars appear similar, with a sleek and slim design that complements any modern living room setup. However, upon closer inspection, some subtle differences emerge.
The HW-930C has a more compact design, measuring 43.7 inches wide and 2.8 inches tall, making it an ideal choice for smaller rooms or those with limited space. On the other hand, the HW-990C is slightly larger, measuring 47.2 inches wide and 3.2 inches tall, which allows for more powerful drivers and a more immersive sound experience.
Both soundbars feature a sturdy metal grille and a premium glass top, which not only adds to their aesthetic appeal but also helps to reduce vibrations and resonance. The HW-990C, however, has a more robust build, with a thicker and heavier construction that contributes to its enhanced sound quality.
Audio Technology and Performance
This is where the two soundbars truly differentiate themselves. The HW-930C boasts a 7.1.4 channel configuration, with seven drivers, including two up-firing drivers, and four tweeters. It supports Dolby Atmos and DTS:X formats, allowing for an immersive and engaging audio experience.
In contrast, the HW-990C takes it up a notch with its 9.1.4 channel configuration, featuring nine drivers, including two up-firing and two side-firing drivers, as well as four tweeters. This setup enables a more enveloping soundstage, with better separation and localization of audio elements.
The HW-990C also utilizes Samsung’s proprietary audio technology, including its Samsung Acoustic Beam technology, which directs sound waves to create a more lifelike and three-dimensional audio experience.
Amplifier Power and Driver Size
The HW-930C has a total power output of 440W, with each channel delivering 60W of power. The drivers measure 2.5 inches in diameter, which is relatively small compared to the HW-990C.
The HW-990C, on the other hand, packs a more formidable punch with its 540W total power output, where each channel receives 90W of power. The drivers on the HW-990C are larger, measuring 3.5 inches in diameter, which allows for more efficient sound reproduction and better handling of low-frequency effects.
Connectivity and Features
Both soundbars offer a range of connectivity options, including:
- HDMI ARC (Audio Return Channel)
- Optical digital audio input
- Bluetooth 4.2
- Wi-Fi connectivity
However, the HW-990C has an additional HDMI input, allowing users to connect more devices, such as a Blu-ray player or gaming console, directly to the soundbar.
The HW-990C also features Samsung’s Q-Symphony technology, which allows users to synchronize the soundbar with their Samsung TV, creating a more cohesive and immersive audio experience.
Smart Features and Voice Control
Both soundbars are compatible with Samsung’s SmartThings app, allowing users to control the soundbar remotely, adjust settings, and access various streaming services.
The HW-990C takes it a step further with built-in voice control using Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant, allowing users to control the soundbar with voice commands.
Pricing and Value
The Samsung HW-930C typically retails for around $1,000, while the HW-990C can cost upwards of $1,500. While the HW-990C is undoubtedly more expensive, its enhanced features, improved build quality, and superior sound performance make it a worthwhile investment for those seeking a premium home theater experience.
Ultimately, the choice between the HW-930C and HW-990C comes down to budget, personal preferences, and the level of sound quality desired.
In conclusion, while both the Samsung HW-930C and HW-990C soundbars offer exceptional performance and features, they cater to different needs and preferences. The HW-930C is ideal for those seeking a more compact and affordable option with still impressive sound quality, while the HW-990C is suited for those who demand the best of the best, with its more robust build, enhanced audio technology, and advanced features.
When making your decision, consider your budget, the size of your room, and the level of immersion you desire from your home entertainment system. Regardless of which soundbar you choose, rest assured that you’ll be treated to an unforgettable audio experience with Samsung’s HW series.
What are the key differences between Samsung HW-930C and HW-990C soundbars?
The Samsung HW-930C and HW-990C soundbars are both high-end home theaters from the same brand, but they have some notable differences. One of the main differences is the number of channels, with the HW-990C offering 7.1.4 channels and the HW-930C offering 5.1.2 channels. This means the HW-990C has more surround sound speakers, providing a more immersive listening experience. Additionally, the HW-990C has a more powerful amplifier, producing 512W of power compared to the HW-930C’s 380W.
In terms of design, the HW-990C has a more premium look and feel, with a sleeker and more modern design. It also has a more advanced wireless connectivity feature, allowing for seamless connection to Samsung TVs and other devices. The HW-930C, on the other hand, has a more compact design, making it suitable for smaller rooms or spaces.
Which soundbar is better for a small room?
If you have a small room, the Samsung HW-930C soundbar is a better option. Its compact design and smaller footprint make it more suitable for smaller spaces. Additionally, the HW-930C has a more focused soundstage, which means the sound is more directed towards the listener, making it better suited for smaller rooms.
The HW-990C, on the other hand, is better suited for larger rooms or spaces. Its more powerful amplifier and additional surround sound speakers make it better equipped to fill larger rooms with sound. If you have a small room, the HW-930C will provide a more balanced and immersive listening experience.
Can I use the HW-930C or HW-990C with a non-Samsung TV?
Yes, both the Samsung HW-930C and HW-990C soundbars can be used with non-Samsung TVs. They both have HDMI inputs, which allow for connectivity to any TV with an HDMI output. Additionally, they both support wireless connectivity features, such as Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, which allow for wireless connection to devices.
However, it’s worth noting that if you have a Samsung TV, you may get additional features and benefits from using a Samsung soundbar. For example, you may get access to features like wireless surround sound or automatic sound calibration. But if you have a non-Samsung TV, you’ll still get a great listening experience from either of these soundbars.
Do the HW-930C and HW-990C soundbars support Dolby Atmos?
Yes, both the Samsung HW-930C and HW-990C soundbars support Dolby Atmos, which is an object-based audio format that allows for a more immersive listening experience. Dolby Atmos adds a height dimension to the sound, making it feel like the sound is coming from above and around you.
However, the HW-990C has a more advanced Dolby Atmos implementation, with more height channels and a more precise sound placement. This means the HW-990C can create a more realistic and immersive listening experience, especially in larger rooms or spaces.
Can I upgrade the HW-930C to add more surround sound speakers?
No, the Samsung HW-930C soundbar is not upgradable to add more surround sound speakers. It has a fixed configuration of 5.1.2 channels, and it’s not possible to add more speakers to the system. If you want a more immersive listening experience with more surround sound speakers, the HW-990C is a better option.
However, you can add additional wireless rear speakers to the HW-930C, which can enhance the surround sound experience. But this is not the same as having a fully integrated 7.1.4 channel system like the HW-990C.
Is the HW-990C worth the extra cost?
The Samsung HW-990C soundbar is a more premium product than the HW-930C, and it comes with a higher price tag. Whether or not it’s worth the extra cost depends on your specific needs and budget. If you have a large room or space, or if you want the most immersive listening experience possible, the HW-990C may be worth the extra cost.
On the other hand, if you have a small room or a limited budget, the HW-930C may be a better option. It still offers a great listening experience, but at a lower price point.
Can I use the HW-930C or HW-990C with a projector?
Yes, both the Samsung HW-930C and HW-990C soundbars can be used with a projector. They both have HDMI inputs, which allow for connectivity to a projector, and they both support wireless connectivity features, such as Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, which allow for wireless connection to devices.
In fact, both soundbars are well-suited for use with a projector, especially in a home theater setup. They both offer a great listening experience, and they can help to create a more immersive and engaging viewing experience when paired with a projector.