When it comes to home theater systems, Samsung is a household name that needs no introduction. With their latest flagship soundbar, the HW-Q950A, the South Korean tech giant promises an immersive audio experience like no other. But the question remains: is the Samsung HW-Q950A good enough to justify its premium price tag? In this in-depth review, we’ll delve into the features, performance, and pros and cons of this top-of-the-line soundbar to help you make an informed decision.
Design and Build Quality
The first thing that catches the eye is the sleek and sophisticated design of the HW-Q950A. The soundbar’s slim profile and compact footprint make it a seamless addition to any living room, regardless of the TV size or type. The premium glass top and metal grille exude a sense of luxury, while the subtle LED indicators add a touch of modernity.
But it’s not just about looks – the HW-Q950A’s build quality is reassuringly solid, with a sturdy construction that can withstand the rigors of daily use. The rear speakers, which come as part of the package, are equally well-built and feature a sleek, compact design that makes them easy to place around the room.
Connection Options and Compatibility
The HW-Q950A boasts an impressive array of connection options, including HDMI eARC, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and USB. This means you can connect the soundbar to your TV, gaming console, or Blu-ray player with ease, and enjoy seamless audio streaming from your favorite devices.
What’s more, the HW-Q950A is compatible with a range of Samsung TVs, including QLED and SUHD models, allowing for effortless pairing and control using the Samsung OneRemote. This means you can access soundbar settings, adjust volume, and even switch between audio modes using a single remote control.
Audio Performance
So, how does the HW-Q950A perform when it comes to audio quality? In short, it’s nothing short of exceptional. With a total of 22 speakers, including 11 woofers and 11 tweeters, this soundbar is capable of producing a truly immersive audio experience.
The HW-Q950A’s Dolby Atmos and DTS:X support mean you can enjoy breathtaking 3D audio that envelops you in sound, perfect for action movies, thrilling video games, and even spatial audio formats like Dolby Atmos Music.
But it’s not just about the numbers – the HW-Q950A’s audio performance is characterized by crystal-clear highs, rich, detailed midranges, and deep, thunderous bass that adds depth and dimension to your favorite movies and TV shows.
Samsung’s Proprietary Audio Technologies
The HW-Q950A features a range of Samsung’s proprietary audio technologies, including:
* Object Tracking Sound (OTS), which uses the soundbar’s many speakers to create a more realistic and immersive audio experience by tracking the movement of objects on screen.
* SpaceFit Sound, which uses AI to analyze the acoustics of your room and optimize the soundbar’s performance for the best possible audio quality.
* Adaptive Sound, which adjusts the audio settings in real-time to match the type of content you’re watching, whether it’s a movie, TV show, or video game.
Smart Features and Voice Control
The HW-Q950A is more than just a soundbar – it’s a smart audio hub that integrates seamlessly with your existing smart home setup. With built-in Wi-Fi and support for Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Samsung’s own Bixby voice assistant, you can control the soundbar using voice commands, adjust settings, and even access your favorite music streaming services.
Multi-Room Audio and SmartThings Integration
The HW-Q950A is also compatible with Samsung’s SmartThings ecosystem, allowing you to create a whole-home audio experience that integrates with your other smart devices. This means you can group multiple soundbars and speakers together, stream audio to different rooms, and even use the HW-Q950A as a hub to control your entire smart home setup.
Pros and Cons
As with any premium product, the HW-Q950A is not without its strengths and weaknesses. Here are some of the key pros and cons to consider:
Pros:
* Exceptional audio quality with immersive 3D sound
* Sleek and premium design that complements any living room
* Wide range of connection options and compatibility with Samsung TVs
* Advanced smart features, including voice control and multi-room audio
* Proprietary audio technologies like OTS and SpaceFit Sound
Cons:
* Premium price tag may be out of reach for some budgets
* Rear speakers can be bulky and require careful placement
* Limited support for non-Samsung devices and ecosystems
* No built-in Chromecast or AirPlay support
Conclusion
So, is the Samsung HW-Q950A good? In our opinion, the answer is a resounding yes. While it may come with a hefty price tag, the HW-Q950A offers an unparalleled audio experience, sleek design, and advanced smart features that make it a worthwhile investment for anyone serious about home theater.
Whether you’re a movie buff, gamer, or music lover, the HW-Q950A is a soundbar that’s sure to impress. With its exceptional audio quality, extensive feature set, and seamless integration with Samsung’s ecosystem, it’s a must-have for anyone looking to elevate their home entertainment experience to the next level.
Is the Samsung HW-Q950A a good soundbar for large rooms?
The Samsung HW-Q950A is a powerful soundbar that can easily fill large rooms with high-quality sound. With its 7.1.4 channel configuration and 616 watts of power, it has the capacity to produce loud and clear sound that can be heard throughout a large space. Additionally, the soundbar’s Upfiring rear speakers and side-firing speakers help to create a more immersive listening experience by projecting sound up and out to the sides.
However, the effectiveness of the soundbar in a large room will also depend on the room’s acoustics and layout. For example, if the room has a lot of sound-absorbing materials or is irregularly shaped, the soundbar’s performance may be affected. In such cases, it may be necessary to adjust the soundbar’s settings or add additional speakers to ensure that the sound reaches all areas of the room.
Does the Samsung HW-Q950A support Dolby Atmos and DTS:X?
Yes, the Samsung HW-Q950A supports both Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, which are two of the most popular object-based audio formats. Dolby Atmos allows for the creation of three-dimensional soundscapes with height channels, while DTS:X provides a more immersive audio experience with its object-based audio technology. The soundbar’s support for these formats means that it can accurately reproduce the sound designer’s intent and provide a more engaging listening experience.
To take full advantage of these formats, users will need to have a 4K TV or other device that can pass through Dolby Atmos and DTS:X signals. They will also need to ensure that the soundbar is set to the correct input and that the audio format is correctly configured.
Can I use the Samsung HW-Q950A as a hub for my music streaming services?
Yes, the Samsung HW-Q950A can be used as a hub for your music streaming services. It supports a range of wireless connectivity options, including Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and Apple AirPlay 2, which allows users to stream music from their devices to the soundbar. The soundbar also supports popular music streaming services such as Amazon Music, Spotify, and Tidal, and users can access these services using the Samsung SmartThings app.
In addition to its wireless connectivity options, the soundbar also has a range of wired connectivity options, including HDMI input, optical input, and USB input. This makes it easy to connect the soundbar to a range of devices, including TVs, game consoles, and CD players, and to use it as a central hub for all of your music streaming needs.
Does the Samsung HW-Q950A come with a separate subwoofer?
Yes, the Samsung HW-Q950A comes with a separate wireless subwoofer. The subwoofer is designed to provide deep, powerful bass that complements the soundbar’s overall sound. It is wireless, which means that it can be placed anywhere in the room without the need for cables, and it automatically pairs with the soundbar when turned on.
The subwoofer is a key component of the soundbar’s overall sound, and it helps to create a more immersive and engaging listening experience. It is also calibrated to work seamlessly with the soundbar, ensuring that the bass is always well-balanced and optimized for the best possible sound.
Is the Samsung HW-Q950A compatible with Samsung TVs?
Yes, the Samsung HW-Q950A is compatible with Samsung TVs, and it is designed to work seamlessly with Samsung’s range of QLED and SUHD TVs. The soundbar supports Samsung’s Q-Symphony technology, which allows it to synchronize its sound with the TV’s speakers, creating a more immersive and engaging listening experience.
When connected to a compatible Samsung TV, the soundbar can also use the TV’s remote control, making it easy to adjust the volume and other settings. Additionally, the soundbar’s settings can be accessed and adjusted using the TV’s on-screen menu, which makes it easy to customize the sound to suit your preferences.
Does the Samsung HW-Q950A have voice control capabilities?
Yes, the Samsung HW-Q950A has voice control capabilities, and it is compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. This means that users can control the soundbar using voice commands, such as turning it on and off, adjusting the volume, and playing music.
The soundbar also has a built-in microphone, which allows it to receive voice commands even when the TV is turned off. This makes it easy to use the soundbar as a smart speaker, and to access a range of voice-controlled features and services.
Is the Samsung HW-Q950A worth the price?
The Samsung HW-Q950A is a premium soundbar that comes with a premium price tag. However, its high-quality sound, advanced features, and sleek design make it a worthwhile investment for those who want a high-end home theater experience.
Whether or not the soundbar is worth the price will depend on the individual’s needs and preferences. Those who are looking for a high-quality soundbar with advanced features such as Dolby Atmos and DTS:X support, wireless connectivity options, and a separate subwoofer may find that the Samsung HW-Q950A is a good value for the price. However, those on a budget or with more basic needs may want to consider other options.