Are you in the market for a new soundbar to elevate your home entertainment experience? If so, you’re likely considering two of Samsung’s top-of-the-line models: the Q990B and Q950A. Both soundbars boast impressive features, sleek designs, and exceptional sound quality. But which one is the better choice for you? In this in-depth comparison, we’ll delve into the key differences, similarities, and features of each soundbar to help you make an informed decision.
Design and Build Quality
When it comes to design and build quality, both the Q990B and Q950A exude premium craftsmanship. The Q990B features a more minimalist approach, with a slim and compact design that seamlessly blends into any living room setup. The soundbar’s all-black finish and subtle LED lights give it a sleek, modern appearance.
On the other hand, the Q950A boasts a more angular and futuristic design, with a slightly larger footprint than the Q990B. The soundbar’s metallic grille and glass top plate add a touch of sophistication, making it a stylish addition to any home theater setup.
Key Design Differences
- The Q990B is more compact and lightweight, making it easier to place on a wall or shelf.
- The Q950A has a more prominent subwoofer, which provides deeper bass response.
Sound Quality and Features
Both soundbars deliver exceptional sound quality, but there are some notable differences. The Q990B is equipped with 11.1.4 channels, including two upfiring speakers and two side-firing speakers, which create an immersive 3D audio experience. This soundbar also supports Samsung’s proprietary Q-Symphony technology, allowing it to synchronize with compatible Samsung TVs for an enhanced audio experience.
The Q950A, on the other hand, boasts an impressive 9.1.4 channel setup, including two upfiring speakers and two side-firing speakers. While it doesn’t support Q-Symphony, it does offer more precise audio processing with its built-in Dolby Atmos and DTS:X decoders.
Audio Codecs and Formats
| Soundbar | Dolby Atmos | DTS:X | eARC |
|---|---|---|---|
| Q990B | |||
| Q950A |
eARC and HDMI 2.1
Both soundbars support eARC (enhanced Audio Return Channel), which allows for higher-quality audio transmission over HDMI. Additionally, they both feature HDMI 2.1, ensuring compatibility with the latest 4K and 8K TVs.
Smart Features and Connectivity
The Q990B and Q950A both offer a range of smart features and connectivity options. Both soundbars support Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, allowing for seamless music streaming and voice control with compatible devices.
The Q990B is compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, while the Q950A is compatible with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Samsung’s proprietary Bixby voice assistant.
Additional Features
- Both soundbars offer adaptive sound, which adjusts the audio settings based on the content being played.
- The Q990B features a built-in microphone for voice commands and Amazon Alexa/Google Assistant integration.
Pricing and Value
When it comes to pricing, the Q990B is generally more affordable than the Q950A, especially when considering the bundle deals often offered with Samsung TVs. However, the Q950A’s more extensive feature set and superior build quality may justify the higher price point for some buyers.
Pricing Comparison
| Soundbar | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Q990B | $1,099 – $1,399 |
| Q950A | $1,499 – $1,799 |
Conclusion
So, is the Q990B better than the Q950A? The answer ultimately depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you’re looking for a more compact, affordable soundbar with excellent sound quality and smart features, the Q990B is an excellent choice. However, if you’re willing to invest in a premium soundbar with superior build quality, more precise audio processing, and a slightly larger footprint, the Q950A is worth considering.
Ultimately, both soundbars deliver exceptional audio experiences and are well-suited for home entertainment enthusiasts.
What is the main difference between the Q990B and Q950A soundbars?
The main difference between the Q990B and Q950A soundbars lies in their design and feature set. The Q990B is a newer model that boasts a more sleek and compact design, making it perfect for smaller rooms or those who prefer a more discreet sound system. On the other hand, the Q950A is a more robust and feature-rich soundbar that is designed to provide a more immersive audio experience.
In terms of features, the Q990B has a few notable omissions, such as the lack of wireless rear speakers and a more limited number of HDMI ports. However, it makes up for this with its more affordable price point and improved compatibility with newer Samsung TVs. The Q950A, on the other hand, has a more comprehensive feature set, including wireless rear speakers and a greater number of HDMI ports, making it a better option for those who want a more premium audio experience.
Which soundbar has better sound quality?
Both the Q990B and Q950A soundbars are known for their excellent sound quality, with clear and crisp audio that is perfect for watching movies and TV shows. However, when it comes to pure sound quality, the Q950A has a slight edge. This is due to its more powerful amplifier and larger drivers, which allow it to produce a more detailed and nuanced sound.
That being said, the Q990B is still a very capable soundbar that is more than suitable for most people’s needs. Its sound quality is still very good, and it has the added benefit of being more compact and affordable. Ultimately, the choice between the two will come down to personal preference and budget.
Is the Q990B compatible with older Samsung TVs?
The Q990B soundbar is designed to be compatible with newer Samsung TVs, and it takes full advantage of the latest features such as wireless connectivity and eARC. However, it may not be compatible with older Samsung TVs that don’t have these features. If you have an older Samsung TV, you may want to consider the Q950A, which is more compatible with a wider range of TVs.
That being said, it’s always a good idea to check the compatibility of any soundbar with your TV before making a purchase. You can do this by checking the manufacturer’s website or consulting with a sales representative.
Does the Q950A come with wireless rear speakers?
Yes, the Q950A soundbar comes with wireless rear speakers, which provide a more immersive audio experience by adding depth and surround sound to your movies and TV shows. These speakers are wireless, making it easy to place them anywhere in the room without having to worry about running cables.
The wireless rear speakers are a major advantage of the Q950A, and they are one of the key features that set it apart from the Q990B. If you want a more premium audio experience with surround sound, the Q950A is definitely worth considering.
How many HDMI ports does the Q990B have?
The Q990B soundbar has two HDMI ports, which is a relatively limited number compared to some other soundbars on the market. This may not be a problem for most people, but it could be an issue if you have a lot of devices that you need to connect to your TV.
That being said, the two HDMI ports on the Q990B are both eARC-capable, which means they can handle high-quality audio signals and provide a high-quality audio experience.
Is the Q950A worth the extra cost?
Whether or not the Q950A is worth the extra cost depends on your personal preferences and needs. If you want a more premium audio experience with surround sound and wireless rear speakers, the Q950A is definitely worth considering. However, if you’re on a tighter budget and are looking for a more affordable option, the Q990B may be a better choice.
Ultimately, the decision will come down to how much you value the features and benefits of the Q950A. If you can afford the extra cost and want a more immersive audio experience, the Q950A is definitely worth it.
Can I use the Q990B as a standalone speaker?
Yes, the Q990B soundbar can be used as a standalone speaker, and it has a number of features that make it well-suited for this use case. For example, it has a built-in Wi-Fi connection, which allows you to stream music directly from your phone or tablet. It also has a sleek and compact design, making it easy to place in any room.
That being said, the Q990B is still primarily designed as a soundbar for TVs, and it shines when it’s used in this role. However, if you want a compact and affordable speaker for streaming music, the Q990B is definitely worth considering.