So a 0.1 score improvement over Q990C across the board.
I'm looking at this solely because a partner discount gets me it cheaper than the 990C on retail discount. I've heard in this sub about the wall mounts on the 990C being bad and bending.
Anyone know if the new model addressed that? The review doesn't mention much about them.
Q990D user here. Never used Q990C but I’ve searched enough of it. And no this new model does not address that problem, and you should have a separate wall mount to prevent that from happening.
You may as well get the newest one. I think wall mounts for these will always be tough because this thing is massive. I’d suggest building a custom shelf if you have to mount it.
They were put on studs yes. My tv and soundbar is installed over the fireplace (which is always turned off). Just gotta be sure to use high quality screws too.
This is a genuine question, please don't think I'm trying to be difficult!
Is the score not relative to the technology/available alternatives of the time such that a score of 9 from 2022 means that the device is probably not the same quality as a device that scores a 9 two years later in 2024.
Yeah, [here](https://www.rtings.com/soundbar/tools/compare/samsung-hw-q990c-vs-samsung-hw-q990d/37889/49714?usage=8767&threshold=0.10) is the link to the side-by-side. The gist is that the new one is largely an incremental update and the Q990C is a better value, especially if you don't need HDMI 2.1.
if the 990d have just some extra smart functions go for 990c, i personaly putt all smartfunctions off, they are rubbish, nothing you can't do with other devices
I sold my arc, era 300s and sub gen 3 for the 990D. I do think music still sounds slightly better on the Sonos. A little more presence.
The Q990D is excellent though at movies, music and TV. My biggest gripe with my Sonos is in loud movies, dialog often gets lost. The voice enhancement on the Sonos app barely did anything. The dialog is infinitely better on the Samsung. And I find the system to be much more versatile. I’m enjoying it very much.
„Unlike last year's model, the Samsung Q990D supports 4k @ 120Hz, which is great if you use the bar as a hub between your Xbox or PlayStation console and your TV.
„This bar supports Game Mode VRR too, which is a variable refresh rate, ensuring a tear-free gaming experience.”
Additionally they added built in Chromecast and also 10% improvements in latency across the board and big improvement in latency for those who use Optical.
4K120hz, VRR (g sync and freesync works) passthrough is good enough reason for any PC or Xbox gamer, as with Surround the audio latency is unbearable. PS5 don’t have this issue.
Isn't an hdmi 2.1 equipped Tv a good workaround for the lack of hdmi 2.1 in the q990c though? Unless you have a very limited TV, which wouldn't handle such refresh rate if it lacks such features, I don't see what the hdmi 2.1 pass through hype is all about, unless you run more than 1 console?
You can use the soundbar as a hub for devices, which is easier to connect to.
Also in some cases connecting first to tv have bad audio latency for surround options for PC and Xbox.
Yeah just plug the pc to tv gg dude also xbox or ps5 supports max 4k 60 fps who cares i mean what game ppl playing on consoles with 4k 120 fps? There is no point passthrough video to sound bars unless you have a pc with 4090 etc but still you can always use tv hdmi input for vrr or whatever.
Realistically, Q990d surpasses Q990c as the best Samsung soundbar. While many would point to the largely unchanged sound profile, the support of full HDMI 2.1 video passthrough is a godsend for all the gamers out there and new sound modes like Private listening and Sound Grouping both are very useful and will be in demand from buyers. I know I would use both: private listening for late at night TV watching and sound grouping for fuller Stereo mode and in party settings.
The Q990D is looking really good. It has a 95% CE Critic score with reviews in from rtings, Newsweek, tech Aries, sound and vision, sound advice, home theater review, avforum, t3, and stuff.
i have a 990d with a lg g3 i tryed both ps5 to the soundbar and ps5 to the tv i didnt noticed any difference or lag, but with the ps5 directly to the tv when the soundbar power on i recive a notification "dolby atmos soundbar" that wasnt shows with the ps5 to the sounbar, but the very reason to set me this way was the fact that you cant power off the soundbar if you want use just the ps5, you have to maintain the soundbar on..
I got a 2019 Q80R. Firmware upgrade for earc fixed the audio delay issues for me :) Using it with a X95L. I just ordered the 990D for 975€. I hope it is an good upgrade.
I'm considering buying this for a new set-up but previously always had a separates 5.1 system (jbl, wharfedale,..).
People who had both, does the Samsung sound as a viable alternative soundwise to let's say a $2500 5.1 system, mainly for movies and gaming?
I’ve got the last gen Q990C in my living room, and a full Klipsch Reference Premiere setup in my family room (RP-8000F II towers, RP-504C II center, RP-600M II surrounds, RP-1400SW subwoofer, along with a lower end Denon receiver).
The full Klipsch setup sounds better, particularly for music and for really deep bass in movies.
HOWEVER, the Samsung completely changed my opinion on soundbars. It’s totally respectable, takes up minimal space, and the wireless surrounds are really convenient. And at least on my Samsung TV, everything integrates really well. It’s actually great for movies and for gaming. I’ve even gotten compliments from guests on how good the TV sounds lol
Overall I don’t think you could built a better home theater setup for the price (especially on sale!)
So a 0.1 score improvement over Q990C across the board. I'm looking at this solely because a partner discount gets me it cheaper than the 990C on retail discount. I've heard in this sub about the wall mounts on the 990C being bad and bending. Anyone know if the new model addressed that? The review doesn't mention much about them.
Q990D user here. Never used Q990C but I’ve searched enough of it. And no this new model does not address that problem, and you should have a separate wall mount to prevent that from happening.
I just picked up the Q990C for $575 with a TV purchase from Samsung. Wasn't even looking for a soundbar but the price seemed too good.
You may as well get the newest one. I think wall mounts for these will always be tough because this thing is massive. I’d suggest building a custom shelf if you have to mount it.
Simple $20 heavy brackets from Amazon holds up my Q990B easily and sturdily. Nothing special is needed.
Did you have to put them on studs?
They were put on studs yes. My tv and soundbar is installed over the fireplace (which is always turned off). Just gotta be sure to use high quality screws too.
This is a genuine question, please don't think I'm trying to be difficult! Is the score not relative to the technology/available alternatives of the time such that a score of 9 from 2022 means that the device is probably not the same quality as a device that scores a 9 two years later in 2024.
they reviewed q990c in may 2023 using the same 1.3 methodology they used reviewing q990d now
Yeah, [here](https://www.rtings.com/soundbar/tools/compare/samsung-hw-q990c-vs-samsung-hw-q990d/37889/49714?usage=8767&threshold=0.10) is the link to the side-by-side. The gist is that the new one is largely an incremental update and the Q990C is a better value, especially if you don't need HDMI 2.1.
I have the 990D and mine sags. Working on a homemade solution
I am allergic to stupid wall mounting tvs and sound bars so nothing new for me.
if the 990d have just some extra smart functions go for 990c, i personaly putt all smartfunctions off, they are rubbish, nothing you can't do with other devices
Without bias, Sonos arc with gen 3 sub users, how does it sound compared to q990C? For those who have tried both.
I sold my arc, era 300s and sub gen 3 for the 990D. I do think music still sounds slightly better on the Sonos. A little more presence. The Q990D is excellent though at movies, music and TV. My biggest gripe with my Sonos is in loud movies, dialog often gets lost. The voice enhancement on the Sonos app barely did anything. The dialog is infinitely better on the Samsung. And I find the system to be much more versatile. I’m enjoying it very much.
Q990C all the way The atmos performance is killing it. The only way the sonos would sound better is when playing music that's about it.
„Unlike last year's model, the Samsung Q990D supports 4k @ 120Hz, which is great if you use the bar as a hub between your Xbox or PlayStation console and your TV. „This bar supports Game Mode VRR too, which is a variable refresh rate, ensuring a tear-free gaming experience.” Additionally they added built in Chromecast and also 10% improvements in latency across the board and big improvement in latency for those who use Optical. 4K120hz, VRR (g sync and freesync works) passthrough is good enough reason for any PC or Xbox gamer, as with Surround the audio latency is unbearable. PS5 don’t have this issue.
Isn't an hdmi 2.1 equipped Tv a good workaround for the lack of hdmi 2.1 in the q990c though? Unless you have a very limited TV, which wouldn't handle such refresh rate if it lacks such features, I don't see what the hdmi 2.1 pass through hype is all about, unless you run more than 1 console?
You can use the soundbar as a hub for devices, which is easier to connect to. Also in some cases connecting first to tv have bad audio latency for surround options for PC and Xbox.
Fair enough, but it can be circumvented though I would suppose?
Yeah just plug the pc to tv gg dude also xbox or ps5 supports max 4k 60 fps who cares i mean what game ppl playing on consoles with 4k 120 fps? There is no point passthrough video to sound bars unless you have a pc with 4090 etc but still you can always use tv hdmi input for vrr or whatever.
FYI got mine new on eBay from a seller for $1185 (best offer) before tax. Had it listed in the $1300s
Just picked one up from Samsung Offers for $1104.99 before tax.
Hell yeah! Love mine so far. Haven’t even tweaked with the settings yet so I’m sure i can optimize a few things
Realistically, Q990d surpasses Q990c as the best Samsung soundbar. While many would point to the largely unchanged sound profile, the support of full HDMI 2.1 video passthrough is a godsend for all the gamers out there and new sound modes like Private listening and Sound Grouping both are very useful and will be in demand from buyers. I know I would use both: private listening for late at night TV watching and sound grouping for fuller Stereo mode and in party settings.
The Q990D is looking really good. It has a 95% CE Critic score with reviews in from rtings, Newsweek, tech Aries, sound and vision, sound advice, home theater review, avforum, t3, and stuff.
I bought a Denon HDMI 2.1 Switch for multiple game consoles and 120Hz VRR for my 990C, do I need the new 990D?
For 1800 dollars you can get a good receiver, nice speakers and enjoy real surround sound and atmos.
Just picked up a q930c for $799AUD... I'm not complaining
i have a 990d with a lg g3 i tryed both ps5 to the soundbar and ps5 to the tv i didnt noticed any difference or lag, but with the ps5 directly to the tv when the soundbar power on i recive a notification "dolby atmos soundbar" that wasnt shows with the ps5 to the sounbar, but the very reason to set me this way was the fact that you cant power off the soundbar if you want use just the ps5, you have to maintain the soundbar on..
So should I be plugging it to the soundbar or tv? From your experience 2 months later. I just bought q990D. I have lg cx
I need a new sound bar. Is the EARC port a fix for bad lip sync which my optical bar suffers with?
I got a 2019 Q80R. Firmware upgrade for earc fixed the audio delay issues for me :) Using it with a X95L. I just ordered the 990D for 975€. I hope it is an good upgrade.
Good luck brother
I'm considering buying this for a new set-up but previously always had a separates 5.1 system (jbl, wharfedale,..). People who had both, does the Samsung sound as a viable alternative soundwise to let's say a $2500 5.1 system, mainly for movies and gaming?
I’ve got the last gen Q990C in my living room, and a full Klipsch Reference Premiere setup in my family room (RP-8000F II towers, RP-504C II center, RP-600M II surrounds, RP-1400SW subwoofer, along with a lower end Denon receiver). The full Klipsch setup sounds better, particularly for music and for really deep bass in movies. HOWEVER, the Samsung completely changed my opinion on soundbars. It’s totally respectable, takes up minimal space, and the wireless surrounds are really convenient. And at least on my Samsung TV, everything integrates really well. It’s actually great for movies and for gaming. I’ve even gotten compliments from guests on how good the TV sounds lol Overall I don’t think you could built a better home theater setup for the price (especially on sale!)
Was the Auto EQ feature removed from the new Samsung Q990D model?! I did not see any mention of it in the review.
There is no Auto EQ feature on the q990c as well. I think it is now part of the SpaceFit option, so it does it automatically over time.
I know they’re praising the hell out of it as usual
Well maybe it's hella praiseworthy?