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Samsung hw-q990c vs bose smart ultra soundbar: the battle for audio supremacy

Rob is a seasoned home improvement writer with over 15 years of experience researching and recommending products for the home. Prior to starting Nurturing Homeaid, he wrote extensively for This Old House magazine and has been featured as a home expert on several TV and radio programs. An avid DIY-er,...

What To Know

  • The Bose Smart Ultra Soundbar has a more traditional soundbar design, with a solid metal grille and a slightly larger profile.
  • The Samsung HW-Q990C has a retail price of around $1,799, while the Bose Smart Ultra Soundbar has a retail price of around $1,299.
  • The Samsung soundbar is more expensive, but it offers a more immersive sound experience and a wider range of features.

The quest for immersive home audio has led to the emergence of two formidable soundbars: the Samsung HW-Q990C and the Bose Smart Ultra Soundbar. Both these audio powerhouses promise unparalleled sound experiences, but which one reigns supreme? Let’s delve into a comprehensive comparison to determine the ultimate soundbar champion.

Sound Quality:

Dolby Atmos and DTS:X Support:

Both the Samsung HW-Q990C and Bose Smart Ultra Soundbar boast support for Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, the latest immersive audio formats. This means they can deliver a multi-dimensional, cinema-like sound experience that envelops the listener.

Channel Configuration:

The Samsung HW-Q990C has a 11.1.4 channel configuration, with 11 horizontal channels, 1 subwoofer channel, and 4 up-firing channels. The Bose Smart Ultra Soundbar, on the other hand, has a 7.1.4 channel configuration, with 7 horizontal channels, 1 subwoofer channel, and 4 up-firing channels.

The Samsung HW-Q990C has an edge in terms of channel count, providing a wider soundstage and more precise object-based audio placement.

Bass Performance:

Both soundbars feature powerful subwoofers for enhanced bass response. However, the Samsung HW-Q990C has a slightly larger subwoofer driver, which results in deeper and more impactful bass.

Features:

Voice Control:

The Samsung HW-Q990C supports both Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant voice control, allowing you to control the soundbar, play music, and adjust settings hands-free. The Bose Smart Ultra Soundbar only supports Amazon Alexa voice control.

HDMI eARC:

Both soundbars have HDMI eARC (Enhanced Audio Return Channel) compatibility, which allows for lossless audio transmission from compatible TVs. This ensures the highest possible audio quality from your TV’s built-in apps.

Wi-Fi and Bluetooth Connectivity:

The Samsung HW-Q990C and Bose Smart Ultra Soundbar both support Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, allowing you to stream music from your favorite platforms and connect to other devices wirelessly.

Design:

Aesthetics:

The Samsung HW-Q990C has a sleek and modern design, with a premium fabric grille and a low-profile form factor that complements most TV setups. The Bose Smart Ultra Soundbar has a more traditional soundbar design, with a solid metal grille and a slightly larger profile.

Dimensions:

The Samsung HW-Q990C measures 58.3 x 4.9 x 22.8 inches, while the Bose Smart Ultra Soundbar measures 48.5 x 2.3 x 4.4 inches. The Samsung soundbar is larger and wider, but its low profile makes it less noticeable.

Price:

The Samsung HW-Q990C has a retail price of around $1,799, while the Bose Smart Ultra Soundbar has a retail price of around $1,299. The Samsung soundbar is more expensive, but it offers a more immersive sound experience and a wider range of features.

Final Note:

Both the Samsung HW-Q990C and Bose Smart Ultra Soundbar are exceptional soundbars that offer an immersive audio experience. The Samsung HW-Q990C has the advantage in terms of sound quality, channel count, and features. However, the Bose Smart Ultra Soundbar is a more affordable option with a compact design and solid sound performance.

Ultimately, the best choice depends on your individual needs and budget. If you prioritize the most immersive sound experience and a comprehensive feature set, the Samsung HW-Q990C is the superior choice. If you prefer a more compact and affordable soundbar with good sound quality, the Bose Smart Ultra Soundbar is a great option.

What People Want to Know

Q1: Which soundbar has the better sound quality?

A: The Samsung HW-Q990C has a slight edge in sound quality due to its higher channel count and more powerful subwoofer.

Q2: Which soundbar has more features?

A: The Samsung HW-Q990C has a wider range of features, including voice control support for both Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant.

Q3: Which soundbar is more expensive?

A: The Samsung HW-Q990C is more expensive than the Bose Smart Ultra Soundbar, with a retail price of around $1,799 compared to $1,299.

Rob Sanders

Rob is a seasoned home improvement writer with over 15 years of experience researching and recommending products for the home. Prior to starting Nurturing Homeaid, he wrote extensively for This Old House magazine and has been featured as a home expert on several TV and radio programs. An avid DIY-er, Rob takes pride in testing out the latest tools and gadgets to see how they can make home projects easier. When it comes to heating systems, he's evaluated over 50 different furnace and boiler models over the years. Rob founded Nurturing Homeaid with his business partner Jim in 2020 to provide homeowners with genuine product recommendations they can trust. In his free time, Rob enjoys remodeling old homes with his family and traveling to visit architectural landmarks across the country. He holds a bachelor's degree in Journalism from Syracuse University.
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