LG is one of many companies that usually shows off new soundbars in Las Vegas, and at CES 2024, that trend continues. While the new models are designed to compliment LG TVs, they offer something different in terms of audio, design and features. The most robust option, the S95TR, is a 9.1.5-channel setup that comes bundled with a subwoofer and rear speakers.
The flagship S95TR musters an output of 810 watts and is what the company calls the first Atmos-equipped soundbar with triple up-firing channels. Those include what LG says is the industry's first center up-firing speaker. That center driver helps with the dimensionality of the sound by boosting clarity and the overall soundstage. Two tweeters handle the treble while a passive radiator offers low-end tone in the correct relation to the wireless subwoofer. The S95TR employs Wowcast Built-in to wirelessly receive audio, including Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, from LG TVs. The company says the tech can even handle lossless-quality sound without a wired connection.
Indeed, the audio quality from the S95TR is big and boomy. Aided by rear speakers with three drivers, the sound from the complete setup was full, with punchy highs and bombastic bass when a scene demanded it. Last year, LG nixed the wireless transmission box that sat between the rear speakers on the S95TR's predecessor, opting instead to put that tech inside the speakers themselves. That's still the case, but the company decided to forgo the box on rear speakers that are sold separately this year. You still need to run a cable between them, but an added piece of hardware isn't required when expanding your setup.
To match up with its premium OLED TVs, LG has introduced the SG10TY. This is a flatter, low-profile option that looks at home situated below the company's M series. It's a 3.1-channel unit that can be expanded to a 5.1-channel setup with the addition of rear speakers. I wasn't able to hear this one during my demo, but I can tell you that it looks quite striking with those LG OLED TVs. And while it doesn't offer the sonic power of the S95TR on paper, I'm willing to bet some people will be just fine sacrificing a bit of dimensionality for improved aesthetics. Thanks to Wowcast Built-in, the wireless audio means you won't have visible wires just to get Dolby Atmos, further enhancing the clean look.
LG SG10TY soundbar
Photo by Billy Steele/Engadget
These two models offer the Wow interface, which puts soundbar settings and sound modes on a menu on the TV. They are also all both equipped with the company's Wow Orchestra tech that ensures the best audio quality thanks to "an enlarged soundstage and improved depth and height." This should particularly come in handy for Dolby Atmos and DTS:X content. LG's AI room calibration now factors in the rear speakers in a surround sound setup, adjusting for the proper sound no matter where you put them. The company says the tweak can even happen if the rear speakers are setup at uneven distances due to furniture or other living room constraints.
There's no word on pricing or availability for either of the new soundbars, but we'll likely hear more as launch day approaches for each one. In the meantime, these are our reigning picks for the best soundbars currently available on the market.
We're reporting live from CES 2024 in Las Vegas from January 6-12. Keep up with all the latest news from the show here.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/lg-s95tr-and-sg10ty-first-look-two-takes-on-wireless-dolby-atmos-for-home-theater-154551736.html?src=rss
Last year in Las Vegas, JBL showed off a set of true wireless earbuds that featured a touchscreen-equipped "smart case," but it was only available on that model. For CES 2024, the company is expanding the availability for the fancy charging accessory across three new earbud designs, while giving it a slight design update in the process. The Live Buds 3, Live Beam 3 and Live Flex 3 all feature customizable adaptive noise cancellation, LDAC support for high-res listening, six mics for calls, wireless charging and multipoint Bluetooth connectivity.
The difference between the three is primarily design and fit. The Live Buds 3 are the more "traditional" style of earbuds while the Live Beam 3 and Live Flex 3 are both AirPods-like stick buds. What's more, the Beam 3 completely seal off your ears while the Flex 3 are a more open-style option. The Flex 3 are also IP54 rated while the other two are IP55 and they pack in larger 12mm drivers where the Buds 3 and Beam 3 have 10mm components. Aside from design, the trio differs on battery life too. The Live Buds 3 give you 10 hours of use with active noise cancellation (ANC) off with three full charges in the case. The Live Beam 3 last up to 12 hours with ANC off, plus they offer another three charges via the case. Lastly, the Live Flex 3 provides 10 hours of use with four full charges in the case.
All three models in the Live 3 earbuds series will be available for $199.95 starting this summer. The company is planning to add LE audio for Bluetooth 5.3 to all three via an over-the-air update after launch.
JBL
If you prefer earbuds that sit just outside of your ears, JBL's new Soundgear Sense will beam in music and podcasts without completely blocking the outside world. 16.2mm drivers power the audio for the over-the-ear hook design and JBL includes a detachable neckband if you need it. Plus, those ear hooks are adjustable to help you fine-tune the fit. The Soundgear Sense are IP54 rated against water and dust, with four microphones for calls and Bluetooth multipoint connectivity for added convenience. The Soundgear Sense will be available for $149.95 when they start shipping in March.
And if wired USB-C earbuds are more your thing, JBL has a new option there too. The Tune 310C has a three-button, in-line remote for playback and call controls alongside high-resolution listening powered by a built-in DAC (digital-to-analog converter). There's also an onboard mic for calls and EQ presets for customizing the sound profile. The Tune 310C will be available in March for $24.95.
We're reporting live from CES 2024 in Las Vegas from January 6-12. Keep up with all the latest news from the show here.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/jbl-brings-its-touchscreen-smart-case-to-three-new-wireless-earbud-models-130052055.html?src=rss
It wouldn't be CES without a massive amount of JBL portable audio devices. The company has six new sets of headphones in Las Vegas to go along with several new earbuds, speakers and microphones. As it typically does, the company is covering a range of preferences with on-ear and over-ear options as well as those with active noise cancellation (ANC) and some without it.
The JBL Live range is the more premium option, with the on-ear 670NC and over-ear 770NC offering identical spec sheets. The only differences are the style and the price. Inside, 40mm drivers power JBL Spatial Sound with adaptive ANC and a "smart" ambient mode. There are two microphones for calls, multipoint Bluetooth connectivity and automatic pausing. Both will also get LE audio for Bluetooth 5.3 via a future update. The Live 670NC is $129.95 and the Live 770NC is $199.95.
The company's more affordable Tune lineup is getting the biggest upgrade with four new models. If you don't need active noise cancellation, the Tune 520BT offers up to 57 hours of listening time for just $49.95. The non-ANC over-ear model, the Tune 720BT, has up to 76 hours of battery life for $30 more. For adaptive ANC with ambient sound mode, the Tune 670NC is the on-ear model and the Tune 770NC is over-ear. Both muster up to 70 hours of playback with ANC off and can hit 44 hours with it enabled. The Tune 670NC has smaller drivers — 32mm versus 40mm — and costs $30 less at $99.95. Both of the noise-canceling models will get LE audio for Bluetooth 5.3 in a pending update.
All of the new Live and Tune headphones will be available in March.
We're reporting live from CES 2024 in Las Vegas from January 6-12. Keep up with all the latest news from the show here.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/jbl-covers-the-headphone-gamut-with-six-new-models-at-ces-2024-130025848.html?src=rss
LG typically shows off a host of new TVs at CES each year, but they're usually the more traditional flat screens. This year in Las Vegas, the company is debuting something quite different in addition to M- and G-series updates. The OLED T is what the company calls the first wireless transparent OLED TV, with 4K resolution and LG's wireless transmission tech for audio and video. The unit also features a contrast screen that rolls down into a box at its base that you can raise or lower with the press of a button.
The OLED T is powered by LG's new Alpha 11 AI processor with four times the performance of the previous-gen chip. The extra power offers 70 percent greater graphics performance and 30 percent faster processing speeds, according to the company. The OLED T model works with the company's Zero Connect Box that debuted on last year's M3 OLED that sends video and audio wirelessly to the TV. You connect all of your streaming devices and game consoles to that box rather than the television.
The OLED T's base houses down-firing speakers, which sound surprisingly good, as well as some other components. There are backlights as well, but you can turn those on for a fully-transparent look. LG says the TV will come in standalone, against-the-wall and wall-mounted options.
Photo by Billy Steele/Engadget
At first, some of the visuals on the OLED T are a bit unsettling. A singer on the transparent display appeared to be actually in the room — in miniature form, of course. Things like a fish tank were a bit more pleasant to look at and movie clips were crisp and vivid. LG also put what it calls the T-Bar on the OLED T, adding chyron-like mix of news, weather, song titles and more along the bottom while the rest of the screen stays clear.
Samsung also announced a transparent TV at CES 2024, but that version is Micro OLED. It too looks bright and sharp, but there's also no word on when it could be available or what it'll cost. LG isn't talking pricing either, but the company did say it plans to sell the OLED TV in 2024.
We're reporting live from CES 2024 in Las Vegas from January 6-12. Keep up with all the latest news from the show here.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/lg-brought-the-worlds-first-wireless-transparent-oled-tv-to-ces-2024-071151174.html?src=rss
When I reviewed Samsung's HW-Q990C last year, my main gripe with the flagship soundbar was the fact that it didn't offer HDMI 2.1. That meant that it didn't have the 4K/120 passthrough for things like gaming consoles and streaming devices the competition did. At CES 2024, the company is addressing that concern. With the HW-Q990D (note the one letter difference), HDMI 2.1 is onboard even though the overall design hasn't changed. Samsung's priciest soundbar once again supports wireless Dolby Atmos with an 11.1.4-channel sonic setup, making it the most robust option in the company's 2024 home theater lineup.
Samsung packed in several new features for the Q990D. First, a Private Listening mode turns off all front-firing drivers and only uses the rear speakers so as not to disturb sleeping family or roommates. A new Party Play mode creates a balanced sound across the soundbar and rear speakers so that each element of the setup offers a solid mix. You won't just get the rear channels from those speakers at the back of the room, in other words. Other 2024 Q-Series soundbars will get these two new modes, including the Q910D, Q800D and Q730D. Plus, the entire Q-Series still works with Alexa and Google Assistant, in addition to Bixby, and support for Chromecast and AirPlay returns across the board.
When connected to a compatible Samsung TV, the Q990D's sound can be analyzed by the display's NPU processor to smooth out sharp notes and bass tons for the ideal results. Q-Symphony is back as well, adding the speakers from a Samsung TV to the Q990D and some of the company's other soundbars to provide a more robust living room audio setup. The Q990D also supports Roon, a high-resolution music streaming service that allows you to beam music, including local files, to individual speakers or groups of devices.
In addition to the Q-Series, Samsung has also updated its ultra-slim S-Series lineup. The key addition is a new 35-inch-wide S700D model that's designed to fit better with TVs sized 55 inches and smaller. The company promises the same "impressive sound quality" as the 46-inch S800D and S810D, which are also updated for 2024. All of these ultra-slim soundbars are meant to be used with low-profile displays, like The Frame, or in cases where customers don't want the imposing stature of something like the Q990D. More specifically, they're about a third of the depth of a typical soundbar. The S models still offer wireless Dolby Atmos, Q-Symphony, SpaceFit Sound Pro and other premium features, but they top out at 3.1.2-channel setups. What's more, the S800D now has HDMI eARC if you still prefer a wired option.
Once again, there's no word on pricing or availability for the Q990D, or any of the other new models, just yet. But for reference, last year's Q990C arrived in the spring and was originally priced at $1,900. It included two wireless rear speakers and a wireless subwoofer. The top-of-the-line ultra-slim model, the S800B, was $900 at launch and included a wireless subwoofer. We're likely to get pricing info from Samsung closer to the shipping date for all of the 2024 items.
We're reporting live from CES 2024 in Las Vegas from January 6-12. Keep up with all the latest news from the show here.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/samsungs-q990d-soundbar-has-the-one-thing-the-2023-version-didnt-hdmi-21-030059753.html?src=rss
Samsung's The Frame TV has become a key part of its home entertainment lineup since the product debuted in 2017. The company has upgraded it a few times over the years, but at CES 2024 in Las Vegas, Samsung revealed a new audio accessory to accompany the TV that doubles as a showcase for art and photos. The company calls it Music Frame (HW-LS60D): a wireless speaker that once pulls double duty as home decor, much like its television counterpart. This unit doesn't have a screen, though, instead it holds printed photos or art that you'll need to swap out manually. However, the basic idea is the same: a piece of home theater gear with the appearance of a picture frame.
Inside are two woofers, two tweeters and two mid-range drivers. The speaker array is capable of Dolby Atmos audio and it leverages Samsung's SpaceFit tech to calibrate the sound to the room. The company says the Music Frame has a "wide radial sound range" so that it can deliver quality audio wherever you're sitting around it. The two woofers are rear firing while the other four drivers are front firing, a setup the company explains contributes to the speaker's clear, natural sound. Music Frame is compatible with Samsung's Q-Symphony technology that uses TV speakers along with any additional home theater audio gear to boost overall sound quality.
Photo by Billy Steele/Engadget
The Music Frame can be used as a standalone Bluetooth or Wi-Fi speaker or as part of a home theater setup alongside a Samsung TV or soundbar. You can also install two of them on either side of a Frame TV for as a stereo pair or employ the Music Frame as rear speakers or even as a subwoofer. The device is ready to be wall mounted and it has a built-in stand if you'd rather set it on a table. Samsung also packed a full IoT hub into the Music Frame and made the speaker voice-enabled so you can employ your go-to virtual assistant to control music and more.
I actually got to hear the Music Frame at Samsung's CES first look event. I was shocked by how robust and clear the overall sound quality is coming from the speaker. Highs and mids are adequately represented with great detail, while the bass is more restrained. That could be a product of a noisy demo area, so I'll reserve final judgement on the low-end tone until a full review. I also only heard selected music tracks played on the unit as the company didn't have a home theater setup along with a Frame TV to show off the Dolby Atmos abilities.
No word on pricing or availability for the Music Frame just yet, but that's usually the case for Samsung's CES product announcements. Those key bits of info typically come closer to the devices shipping, which is almost always after their January unveiling.
We're reporting live from CES 2024 in Las Vegas from January 6-12. Keep up with all the latest news from the show here.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/samsung-debuts-music-frame-speaker-to-pair-with-your-frame-tv-at-ces-2024-030024733.html?src=rss
To go along with its new TVs and soundbars in Las Vegas, Samsung also announced new projectors to fill out its home theater lineup. At CES 2024, the company has four new Premiere models to choose from, and while the Premiere 8K and Premiere 5 are the two most interesting, the entire lineup for this year is getting a feature called Lightwarp that turns any object or surface into an interactive display.
Samsung says this is the first time that projection mapping has been available outside of a professional environment and in consumer-grade devices. The tool allows you to project any content on any surface, including a customizable dashboard full of widgets for a clock, weather and more. The company says you'll be able to tap on the projection to interact with it, citing examples like writing on sticky notes or playing a tabletop game. There aren't too many details available yet, but we should get more info, and hopefully a demo, at CES now that the projectors have been announced.
The entire 2024 Samsung projector lineup will also get the company's Gaming Hub. This will let you access thousands of games without a console. All four can be used as smart speakers without having to turn the screen projection.
Samsung calls the new Premiere 5 a "do-it-all" model. The company describes it as "the world's most compact triple-laser ultra-short-throw projector, ticking the tape at 7.9 inches high, 5.4 inches wide and 5.4 inches deep. It also weighs just 3.7 pounds, so it can easily be repositioned around your living space. The smaller stature should come in handy when moving it around to make use to Lightwarp and an included stand helps you beam visuals on tables and desks.
When placed 17 inches from a wall, Samsung says the Premiere 5 can display up to a 100-inch image, automatically adjusting for focus and color balance. The Premiere 5 features a multi-function key that enables mode switching, mobile connection and a screen off feature. That last item keeps audio on while disabling the visuals, and you can also easily mirror a smartphone display by tapping the device on the projector. The company didn't specify whether this needs to be a Samsung phone, but we'll update this post if and when we find out. There's a built-in 10-watt speaker too, which the company says it capable of "rich, room-filling sound."
Samsung Premiere 8K
Photo by Billy Steele/Engadget
At the top of the lineup sits the Premiere 8K. This coffee-table-sized unit is the first 8K projector with wireless connectivity for devices you'd typically connect with cables, according to Samsung. A Wireless One Connect Box is where you'll hook up all of your streaming gadgets and consoles, and it then sendscontent to the projector from up to 10 meters (around 33 feet) away.
The company says the Premiere 8K is also the first to combine 100-watt output with 8.2.2-channel Dolby Atmos and Sound-on-Screen tech — a feature that makes it seem like audio is coming from the projected image rather than the projector. This unit can muster a 150-inch image at 12 inches away from a wall where Samsung says the competition needs five meters (around 16 feet) to do the same. And if you're worried about a lack of 8K content, the projector can upscale 4K items thanks to onboard AI-powered tech.
Last but not least, Samsung says the Premiere 7 and Premiere 9 are the follow-ups to the current Premiere LSP7T and LSP9T options. Both of these short-throw projectors will offer brighter projection and a Quantum 4K processor. Dolby Atmos sound is also onboard for "a theater-like experience," according to the company.
Samsung didn't announce any details regarding pricing and availability, but that's typical for CES. That information typically comes closer to launch, and we'll keep you updated as those specifics emerge.
We're reporting live from CES 2024 in Las Vegas from January 6-12. Keep up with all the latest news from the show here.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/samsung-debuts-premiere-projectors-that-turn-any-surface-into-an-interactive-display-for-your-home-theater-030006840.html?src=rss
JLab has a proven track record with its headphones and earbuds for solid audio quality at extremely affordable prices. At CES 2024, the company is debuting its first premium headphones with active noise cancellation (ANC), but it's keeping the price low at just $80. Despite the affordable investment, JLab didn't cut too many features as the JBuds Lux ANC Wireless Headphones pack long battery life, multipoint Bluetooth, customizable EQ, spatial audio, Google Fast Pair and a quick-charge feature.
JLab says the JBuds Lux have the same size drivers, 40mm, as flagship headphones from the likes of Bose, Sony and others. The company further explains that these components are capable of 20-20kHz frequency response, the most common rage for headphones, and promises "exceptional audio quality" as a result. In terms of ANC, the JBuds Lux can reduce noise by up to 25dB with the option to turn it off or employ Be Aware (transparency) mode, and levels are customizable via the JLab App. You can fully configure the EQ with that software or choose from one of three audio presets. The JBuds Lux also support spatial and Bluetooth LE audio.
The company touts over 40 hours of use with noise canceling on, with that figure extending to over 70 hours with it disabled. Bluetooth 5.3 with multipoint connectivity adds convenience, as does Google Fast Pair and a 10-minute quick-charge feature that gives you four hours of playback. JLab opted for a folding design for easy storage, with cushiony ear pads and physical playback controls.
The JBuds Lux ANC headphones are available for preorder now from JLab. White, gray and green color options are scheduled to ship in late February while the purple version will arrive in March.
JLab
Before the party officially begins in Las Vegas, JLab also revealed a new set of budget earbuds. The third-gen JBuds ANC ($60) can manage seven hours of use with noise cancellation turned on with nearly four full charges in the case. With ANC off, you can expect up to nine hours from the earbuds and another 33 in the case. As JLab has done on previous models, the charging case here is still about the size of a flash drive, and an attached USB-C cord tucks away for storage.
Onboard touch controls handle both playback and calls, plus JLab says they're customizable inside of its app. Sound profiles can also be tailored to your preferences by either tweaking the EQ or using an audio preset. The company has included a Safe Listening Mode that keeps the maximum volume within the limits recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO). Bluetooth multipoint is here as well, with an IP55-rated design that can withstand workouts, a low-latency Movie Mode for streaming and Google Fast Pair.
The JBuds ANC 3 wireless earbuds are available now, but they only come in black.
We're reporting live from CES 2024 in Las Vegas from January 6-12. Keep up with all the latest news from the show here.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/jlab-debuts-its-first-premium-anc-headphones-for-only-80-204305515.html?src=rss
After an Indiegogo campaign that amassed over $800,000 in funding, GE Appliances is bringing its indoor smoker to consumers nationwide in the US ahead of CES 2024. Originally dubbed the Arden as a project of GE Appliance's "maker space and micro factory" FirstBuild, the appliance is now known as the GE Profile Smart Indoor Smoker. While the design has been updated to a degree, The basic idea remains the same: a larger countertop device that brings the ability to smoke foods inside the kitchen without setting off the fire alarm in your house or apartment.
With an appliance the size of a compact mini fridge, the GE Profile Smart Indoor Smoker uses so-called Active Smoke Filtration technology that employs a "catalyst system" to create wood smoke from pellets and combine it with an electric heating element. The airflow setup is designed to impart "maximum flavor" into a variety of foods while tight gaskets keep the smoke inside. GE Appliances says the unit is suitable for all skill levels thanks to five smoke presets. There are also six food-specific settings for popular smoked foods like brisket, ribs, pork butt, chicken wings, chicken breast and salmon. The company says the customization available on the smoker also allows users to prepare side dishes and desserts with the device.
What's more, there are some conveniences that outdoor smokers don't offer. A Smoke and Hold feature prepares foods and then keeps them at food-safe temperatures for up to 24 hours. GE Appliances says the smoker also uses a fraction of the wood pellets as outdoor grills, thanks in part to the additional heating element, and that a pellet capture system extinguishes used pellets in a water tank. Lastly, all of the racks and drip trays are dishwasher safe where those components are typically so large on outdoor smokers they need to be washed by hand.
As the name implies, there's a connected aspect to the GE Profile Smart Indoor Smoker. With GE Profile Connect+ app, you can adjust smoke levels and monitor the cooking process as the unit includes a food probe. The company says feature updates like guided recipes will be available in the future. This is an indoor device, but you don't have to sacrifice capacity. GE Appliances says there's enough room for three racks of baby back ribs, a brisket, up to 40 wings or a 14-pounds pork butt. Since most pork butts you'll find at grocery stores are around eight pounds or less, there's ample room for pulled pork.
Taking a look at the device on the show floor at CES 2024, the machine isn't exactly small. It still carries over a little bit of that former fridge DNA, which is how it first began as a crowdfunding project. A spokesperson added that the project's backers are receiving machines identical to the retail model, which are being shipped out to them now.
GE Appliances
Part of GE's Profile appliance lineup, it's an understated machine, with the kind of controls you'd find on premium kitchen appliances.
Because the wood pellets’ only function is to add smokiness and not power the cooking process, only a handful of pellets are needed per smoking session. When the machine's in action, there’s a mild smokey aroma around the machine, but it dissipates a foot or two away from the machine.
Unfortunately, due to catering rules here at CES, GE wasn’t allowed to serve the brisket they were smoking during the show, so we can’t critique the quality of the end result. It certainly looked (and smelled) good.
The GE Profile Smart Indoor Smoker will be available from retailers this month for $1,000.
Update, January 8 7PM ET: This article has been updated with impressions of the Smart Indoor Smoker from CES 2024.
We're reporting live from CES 2024 in Las Vegas from January 6-12. Keep up with all the latest news from the show here.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/ge-profile-smart-indoor-smoker-150044423.html?src=rss
Shopping for a home theater setup typically means buying a soundbar, subwoofer and rear speakers separately. Some companies may include a sub with the soundbar, but you don’t always get everything you’ll need for the most immersive sound in the same box with high-end models. Samsung includes all of those additional speakers with the HW-Q990C soundbar ($1,900), though you’re obviously paying a premium. The company offers Dolby Atmos along with a range of audio options and two HDMI inputs, beaming crisp 11.1.4-channel sound into your living room. The Q990C is a significant investment, but it’s also one-stop shopping.
Design
As the Q990C is Samsung’s high-end soundbar in its current lineup, it’s also the biggest. It’s 48.5-inches wide, which is actually about three inches less than the Sony HT-A7000. Of course, companies need the extra space on the flagship models to pack in all of the speakers. In Samsung’s case, the Q990C houses 11 front-facing drivers (including some side-firing), four up-firing drivers and an internal subwoofer. The separate wireless sub is also substantial at 16 x 16 x 8 inches and weighing in at 26 pounds. The wireless rear speakers aren’t huge, but they do have a three-driver setup with front-, side- and up-firing drivers where other companies might only have one.
Samsung opted for a mesh plastic covering for both the soundbar and rear speakers. It’s easier to keep clean than the typical speaker fabric. Samsung also kept things simple on the soundbar itself, putting just four buttons up top. Here, you’ll find a multi-function button that either turns the speaker on or cycles through the input sources. Volume controls and a microphone mute. From the front, a small display on the right side will show you input information, volume level and other settings. Instead all 90-degree angles the Q990C’s side panels follow the position of the side-firing speakers.
Setup
The initial setup for the Q990C is among the easiest I’ve ever completed for a home entertainment bundle. Once you power on the soundbar and connect it to the SmartThings app, the subwoofer and rear speakers are automatically added when you turn them on. There’s no waiting for anything to sync and I didn’t have to connect each thing individually. There are buttons on the sub and rears if you need to manually connect to the soundbar, but I never had to use them. The whole thing was quick and frustration-free, which gets you to the music and movies soon after unboxing.
Like many flagship soundbars, Samsung has included two additional HDMI inputs on top of the HDMI eARC jack you’ll use to connect your TV. Many more affordable, more compact models only have the eARC connection so you have to rely on your TV’s ports, but the pricier models typically offer additional options for connecting directly to the soundbar. Samsung says you can expect 4K/60 and HDR10+ passthrough on the Q990C, but not 4K/120 as the unit doesn’t have HDMI 2.1. That’s a big omission in a $1,900 soundbar being sold in 2023.
There’s also an optical input on the Q990C as well as Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity. The latter brings Tidal Connect, Spotify Connect and AirPlay to the mix. It also allows you to connect wirelessly to a compatible Samsung TV for audio. This means you can get Dolby Atmos to the soundbar with no cables running from your television, which is handy if you’ve already mounted the display flush with the wall. And if you have a compatible Samsung phone, you can enable Tap Sound which connects to the Q990C via Bluetooth when you gently touch the speaker with the handset. As an iPhone user, I wasn’t able to test this.
SmartThings app and other features
One of the rear speakers
Photo by Billy Steele/Engadget
In addition to helping with setup, the SmartThings app is where you can tweak the Q990C’s settings. The current input and volume controls are the most prominent on the device screen, with sound modes, EQ and woofer level just below. There are also options for SpaceFit Sound, which automatically tunes the audio to the room, and Active Voice Amplifier, which combats room noise by optimizing on-screen dialog. The advanced settings menu offers voice and bass enhancement alongside a Night Mode, but all of these are on or off toggles with no further customization. SmartThings allows you to choose either Bixby or Alexa for the voice assistant you want to employ on the soundbar.
Samsung lets you choose between Standard, Surround, Game Pro and Adaptive Sound modes. The first doesn’t tweak the audio at all and it’s the only mode where the fully adjustable EQ is available (just bass and treble on the rest). For all of the others, the Q990C upscales 2.0, 5.1 and 7.1 audio to the 11.1.4-channel output the soundbar offers. Of course, all Dolby Atmos and DTS:X content is beamed out at 11.1.4, too. Surround mode is self-explanatory while Game Pro creates more immersive audio with 3D-optimized sound specifically for gaming. Adaptive Sound is the option I used most as it analyzes audio in real time to keep dialog sounding clear across a range of volumes for movies, news and sports. I found it the best-sounding preset for music, too.
In addition to selecting a sound mode in the app, you can cycle through them with a dedicated button the included remote. It also gives you access to SpaceFit Sound, Active Voice Amplifier, Voice Enhancement and more with a Sound Control button that’s labeled with the settings/gear icon. A Channel Level button lets you adjust the volume of each speaker, with Center level, Side level, Wide level, Front Top level, Rear level, Rear top level and Rear side level among the choices. There’s also a button for Tone Control, putting bass and treble tweaks just a few button presses away. These are all in addition to the standard power, input, volume (overall and subwoofer only), mute, pairing and playback options soundbar remotes typically have.
Sound quality
Thanks to the Q990C’s upscaling abilities, nearly every movie or TV show sounds more immersive than if you were listening in stereo or even with a 5.1 setup. Netflix’s Drive To Survive, which is offered in Dolby Atmos if you have the priciest Ultra HD plan, is still amazing with this soundbar for those of us on the more affordable monthly rate. The whir of the cars as they zoom past, pitlane noise and crunching crashes make the meticulously-shot series even better. Marvel shows and movies on Disney+ are available with Atmos and they sound amazing.
I can confidently say this is the closest I’ve come to a movie theater-like experience in my living room. The additional drivers in the rear speakers undoubtedly elevate the overhead sensation, contributing significantly more to directional audio than normal single-driver units. Fight scenes like the one that opens The Falcon and the Winter Soldier are loud and chaotic, but they sound more like you’re watching in real life, taking in the thud of each punch, the fire of every gun and the drone of choppers navigating the canyon.
The Q990C is also a great option for music. Crisp, clear highs and powerful, punchy bass compliment nearly every genre. Even at lower volumes, tunes like Sia’s “Everyday Is Christmas” come across layered rather than compressed. Vocals cut through clear and the bassline doesn’t overpower. The same goes for Turnpike Troubadours’ A Cat in the Rain where each member of the band stands on their own, with snare hits and country-rock vocals slicing through the mix. Bass from the large subwoofer is present but restrained, only as bombastic as it needs to be and never muddy or dull.
The full set that comes with the Q990C
Samsung
The sound on those albums was impressive and I wasn’t even streaming them in Dolby Atmos. Tunes in the immersive format sound even more incredible on the Q990C. TesseracT’s prog-metal War Of Being is soaring and atmospheric, with the staccato guitars and slapped bass on tracks like “The Gray” showing off the dimensional quality of Atmos Music. Less intense genres like Tyler Childers’ Rustin’ In The Rain come across more like live performances than streamed albums. The sound is full, crisp and envelopes the room with guitars, piano, steel guitar and perfectly calculated drum hits, all supporting Childers’ trademark eastern Kentucky vocals.
This soundbar system works well in a multi-room setup, too, and you don’t need other Samsung speakers to do it. Thanks to AirPlay, you can easily select the Q990C and other speakers on your Wi-Fi network. I was able to consistently link the soundbar with a HomePod in another room with just a few taps in Apple Music. The audio performed consistently once the two speakers were linked and I never heard any dropouts or clipping when they were used in tandem.
One audio feature that I wasn’t able to test is Q-Symphony. This uses the speakers inside Samsung TVs in addition to the drivers in the soundbar setup. The company promises it “can optimize all the channels” for a “masterfully orchestrated sound experience.” I don’t have a Samsung TV, but the soundbar system sounds great without it. What’s more, this sort of thing isn’t unique to Samsung devices as Sony offers a similar tool called Acoustic Center Sync with its soundbars and TVs.
The competition
Sony’s HT-A7000 is the best alternative to the Q990C. It also does Atmos and music very well, but everything you add to it is an additional purchase. At current prices, the soundbar, the cheapest sub and rear speaker options will cost you $1,600 while soundbar alone is $1,000. There are better choices for both the woofer and rears, but those significantly raise the price.
The A7000 offers a lot of what the Q990C has on its spec sheet. That includes the two HDMI 2.1 inputs with 4K/120 passthrough. Sony includes compatibility with both Hi-Res and 360 Reality Audio alongside various pieces of virtual surround tech and a number of sound modes. The key differences between this and the Q990C is that the A7000 is a 7.1.4-channel setup, versus 11.1.4, and the aforementioned HDMI 2.1 support.
The Q990C is currently on sale for $1,400, but it’s unclear if that price cut is permanent. The $500 savings make the all-inclusive Samsung setup even more attractive, if you can live without HDMI 2.1.
Wrap-up
Samsung’s latest flagship soundbar is a sonic powerhouse. And, perhaps more importantly, it comes with the subwoofer and rear speakers you’ll need to make the most of it in the box. For the cost of what you’d pay for a soundbar alone from some of the company’s main competitors, you get the complete package, and one that’s easy to set up and customize as needed. The sound quality is great and Atmos content is as crisp and immersive as ever, so long as you have space to accommodate the bundle. The lack of HDMI 2.1 hinders performance for gamers, and that’s a glaring omission on a premium soundbar these days. The Q990C isn’t cheap, even at the current discounted price, but at least you’re getting everything you need in one go.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/samsung-hw-q990c-soundbar-review-an-all-inclusive-atmos-setup-160049530.html?src=rss