Samsung Q990C Sound Bar In-depth Research Part-4

Just how good is this soundbar. Almost unaminously agreed by professional hometheater and audio reviewers that the Samsung Q990C is top tier, regardless of price. So, even at full retail, the Q990C is an absolute steal for the performance achieved. Being diligent and purchasing at a discount is just icing on the cake. If you are in the market for a soundbar, this one should be on the top of your list.
Part 5 will have some audio clips demonstrating the seismic bass, ultra clear center channel, and how adaptive sound-Dolby Atmos synthesis on/off comparision.

[@DjimmyTrovy]

Love the soundbar. it’s outstanding.

[@robi893]

This is the best review I've found for this model soundbar.. really in depth explanation. Thanking you

[@BenNgo]

I've got my Q990C since yesterday and I freaking love it

[@RaghavendraKumarBhavani]

I have been enjoying the 990C sound bar from last 1 month, its really amazing. Following your videos, thanks you Sir patienly explaining so much details.

[@gerhardzielinski546]

Excellent review! Best one on KZbin! Thank you!

[@baloghimre79]

I just bought this soundbar. It is really great, especially for dolby atmos content. Simple stereo music sounds well too, but quality stream sounds extremly fine. On max volume we could keep 3 minutes, as surely we would be deaf in short time.

[@davedehart]

Thanks for this in-depth review. I'm looking to buy a soundbar myself. And i've narrowed it down to the Samsung Q990D and the Sonos Arc with sub and Era 300's. And while you say, aside from music the Samsung is better everywhere, others say the Sonos is the way to go. So i'm having a real hard time to decide which soundbar it's gonna be. But your videos were really informative, so again, thanks for that!

[@rmclean101]

Hello! This video might help to decide: kzbin.info/www/bejne/gGG2kGB3gJadh9Esi=rY2tLyLjtU3rNlus I just setup the Q990D and it has been incredible.

[@stevenbrooke7558]

just bought this sound bar since it was heavily discounted right now. Really good sound, i've been impressed. Only disappointment was that Space Fit doesnt work with my Samsung TV, which is a few years old now. It only works with newer TV's. Thanks for the content.

[@rossishima]

I think you meant Symphony. No big loss not having it. Enjoy the soundbar.

[@stevenbrooke7558]

@rossishima no i mean Space Fit. I even confirmed on Samsungs site afterwards it only works with 2021 -2023 Q70 and above TV's. My TV is. Q60 series.

[@rossishima]

Space Fit Pro is auto room correction with mics in the soundbar and in the sub. Space Fit Pro intermittently samples your room and adjust the speakers as you may have added additional furniture, moved the soundbar/speakers, etc that would have affected the original sample. Space Fit Pro has nothing to do with what brand or model TV you have. The only two features on the Q990C that are TV specific is the Symphony function (which uses the TV internal speaker to provide additional sound localization) and the wireless TV to Soundbar connection (no need for TV/Soundbar cabling). @@stevenbrooke7558

[@robi893]

​​@@stevenbrooke7558.spacefit pro works individually on this model soundbar, using built in mics 👍

[@MrMegan1962]

I bought this a couple of weeks ago and it shocks you when it gets angry, paid £850 which i thought wasn’t to bad a deal.

[@rossishima]

Great price compared to the new model. Basically same if you do not need the couple addl featutures. For under 1k nothing comes close

[@NoahsGarage]

Hows the subwoofer? Is it great? Some says the sub isn't that good compared to the JBL 1300. Your inputs is greatly appreciated

[@rossishima]

This is an audiophile quality sub. It digs down deep and loud. The JBL may appear to sound louder, but louder does not mean better. The Samsung goes down to 30Hz so it is true deep tones, not the bloaty mid bass that most other subs have.

[@azrabain8210]

Subwoofer placement is very critical that’s why I have mine strapped to the back of my gamer chair!

[@StevePolewacyk]

First, thanks for such an clear and exceptional explanation of everything Q990C. It was very helpful in setting up my soundbar which I purchased just a few days ago.. I would have never thought to, nor figured out how to upgrade the firmware had it not been for your super detailed instructions. I'm running 1004, now. My only concern is that the rear speakers are kinda low. I have them both (all 3 speakers) set to +6, Center & Side set to -6, Wide & Front top set to +6. This is with the hope that when I turn up the soundbar, the "-6" are not blasting as much as the rears. I've also realized that not all TV programs utilize the rear speakers. Nonetheless, I was wondering if I could add two more rear speakers? And if that would help? I dunno, my room is huge. 16' wide (with an opening on one side to the dining room) and it's about 32' to the "back" wall which has another "opening" leading downstairs. Weird, huge room. Thanks again for the time you took to help neophytes like me!

[@rossishima]

Something to ask Samsung. I do not know if the rear speakers that came with the soundbar are digitally married to it. I do not see wireless rear speakers for the 990C sold separately. Can you move the satellite speakers to just behind the seating position? Open concept rooms are not ideal for soundbars which were mainly designed for intimate type settings.

[@StevePolewacyk]

@@rossishima Thank you, Ross. Yes, I moved the rear speakers to about 3' on either side of MY listening spot (too bad for anybody else, ha ha ha) and that certainly helped the listening experience. I'll check with Samsung about additional rear speakers. Although my room is real big with odd dimensions, this soundbar still delivers and is quite exceptional.

[@erikselakoff4043]

Hey Ross great video! You helped convince me to buy the q990c & I love it. Question, in the video I noticed your subwoofer is facing backwards isnt it? Is there a reason? Also shouldnt the area to the side of the sub where the disc is, not be blocked? Any thoughts are appreciated!

[@rossishima]

Sub placement is critical to get the best output level. Sub/disc direction does not matter as sub soundwaves are omni directional. Sub reflection/absorbtion does matter. Move the sub around the room to get the most output; you maybe surprized at the final location. Most mfg have front firing port on subs and rear firing for bookshelf speakers . The reason is avoiding reflections off the rear walls and get sound output in line with the front woofer cone. You may get a little more bass reinforcement with rear firing, but at low high output levels not worth the undesireable effects (does not apply to bookshelf speakers since they are not designed to play deep). Rear firing the port may reduce huffing port noises, but that is more reflective of a bad design element. The rear firing port will reflect onto the back of my TV causing additional reflection/time delay issues. The actual cone direction does not matter as long as the soundwaves are not blocked. You can even have the cone facing downwards. I mentioned bass nulls/cancellations prevelant in all room configuration so again, placing the sub is critical. Bass nulls are bass traps within a room. Bass cancellation may happen when the sub interacts with the main speaker woofer or multiple sub woofers and get phase cancelation effect. Do not have to worry about bass cancellation since the soundbar does not have a woofer that is competing with the sub. We could also talk about bass tuning the floor with subwoofer feet.....

[@erikselakoff4043]

Thank you! Again!

[@ClownfishDepot]

Can I add another sun woofer to this system?

[@rossishima]

Yes you can, but not with another Samsung wireless sub. You would have to purchase a power sub and tap into the Samsung speaker lines going to the driver and route it to the speaker line input of the powered sub. If the powered sub does not have speaker line input, than you would need a speaker line to rca converter box so as to not overdrive the powered sub. There is no reason to run multiple subs unless you are trying to overcome bass nulls in your room. Setting up multiple subs can be tricky as you would have to be worried about phase controls to combat bass cancellation betweent he two subs.@@ClownfishDepot

[@Jinxiis]

Will this setup sound good in an large vaulted ceiling room with Atmos turned off? Congrats on producing a great review🎉!

[@rossishima]

As long as you have 3 walls you will be good. Keep the Atmos on as it helps with the surround sound, just the height would not be pronounced. You still will get the great sound quality from the speakers. Unless you are pursuing theatre like setting or have a front projector, this soundbar is all most people would need.

[@mrnobody043]

I have the Q990D, absolutely amazing for a soundbar system. The 2.1 eARC connection works very good with my PC where i have my movies. Games also got more immersive with this system, just sit back on my couch with a controller and it has no issues playing 4k @120hz on my 65" tv. I absolutely love that there is no need for extra wiring, the wireless setup is so much cleaner. Best buy i've made in a long time. I bought the Q990D because of the 2.1 eARC connection because i always use my computer as a media box and game device. If you don't have a Console or PC connected to your TV, you don't really need this version. The sound system itself is the same as the Q990C with the exception the HDMI 2.1 eARC and 2 settings in your app (private mode and something else). So, if you want it purely for playing Blu-Ray or TV/Streaming - go for the Q990C which is a lot cheaper. PC user? Gamer? Get the Q990D So you can get that 4k @ 120hz or 8k @ 60Hz with Dolby Atmos or other Dolby supported formats when passing through the soundbar.

[@googlynaveen]

Thanks for your Super indepth review. Is it suitable for LG TVs also to watch movies and TV shows? And also please suggest can we take this for a room size of 170 to 200 squre feet.

[@rossishima]

Any brand TV will work. Any soundbar will work with any brand TV. Yes it will work for your room size as the Space Fit will calibrate the speakers.

[@eventhorizon2873]

i live this soundbar, but i would have apreciated it, if reviewers pointed out that tapsound is not working for apple iphone, and that spacefit is a joke that you have to calibrate this system manualy, it probably work better with tv's from samsung with qsymphony, these tvs have a mic

[@manikdesilva1]

Amazing revive. Trying to decide between Sony AvR and Samsung soundbar. How do you like your Samsung for non Atmos music listening?

[@rossishima]

For more critical music listening with no special effects added, the avr route is the way to go; mainly because you can set the front speakers apart at 6 ft vs 4 ft for wider soundstage. Though you will be spending more because of the speaker costs. The Samsung soundbar has the option of moving the rear speakers to the front to widen the soundstage. Naturally when using adaptive surround mode, the side speakers of the soundbar will engage to fill out the soundstage and the simulate atmos or atmos will kick in. For casual listening or background music, the soundbar has decent soundstage, clear, neutral, and accurate; way above it pay grade.

[@sridhaard6125]

Very nice explain sir how to adjustment center, side, wide, front, rear level please

[@rossishima]

Set all channel levels to 0. Turn on Space Fit Pro and play a Dolby Atmos Demo. Space Fit Pro will do the initial channel levels. Afterwards while playing the Dolby Atmos Demo, adjust each channel level to your preference. Most turn up the Atmos (Top) speakers up a few notches for more dramatic effect. So, adjust each channel so you hear pin point sounds all around you incl the subwoofer. Personally I make each channel higher as I prefer the more active surround channel engagement.

[@sridhaard6125]

@@rossishima wow fantastic explanation thank u very much sir will try do the best

[@davidwhittaker7008]

Hi thanks for all your content it encouraged me to buy it. Could you please point me in the right direction to get some good dolby Amos demos to help me set up the system. ​@@rossishima

[@xJI00]

Isn’t space fit supposed to automatically adjust channel level ?

[@rossishima]

It does but you can over ride it to your preference. The app only allows adjusting channels, but not right to left of each channel. Space Fit does that. It appears that Space Fit is always on and it samples the room periodically. It does not use test tones, but uses ai to match content input to mic input and makes adjustments on the fly for each individual speaker.

[@vasileilea833]

hello, I have a problem with the soundbar, when I turn on the tv + the bar, the sound takes about 2 min until it is heard, this is after the last update of Web Os on a LG oled tv, before it took almost 10 seconds, what could be the problem , i connected it with HDMI EArc .,i don't know what i could do!! maybe you can help me, thanks

[@rossishima]

shot in the dark; possible update reset the settings on the tv Earc. Double check the HDMI Earc settings on the LG. Not familiar with LG, but check to see if anynet+ is on. recheck the hdmi cord connection. reset the handshake between remote and tv.

[@vasileilea833]

@@rossishima tanks!!

[@jamietay2383]

hi did your q990c bass low? because my 990c bass very low

[@rossishima]

Not only bass plays low frequency, it also plays it loud. Rattles pictures hung on the wall.

[@dekocklukas]

So if i don't have walls then i wont get the surround sound effect? Pity

[@rossishima]

You will have surround sound much like a 5.1 system with some atmos effects. Just not that 360 degree surround sound.

[@0rickkathy0]

The mart of walls has the C for 849.00

[@patilrahulr11]

Bass feels low in case listening music

[@rossishima]

Low in frequency or low in output. What volume level are you listening. If you are listening at lower volume ie setting at 12-14, click on the bass enhancement. At lower volume levels, humans sensitivity to bass is reduced so the bass enhancement counter acts this effect. Used to have loudness switch on receivers back in the days. Now newer tech does it automatically.

[@Henry-if9pu]

Six inch sub driver I thought.

[@rossishima]

8 inch sub woofer.

[@amirzahoor8203]

ents 38 Add a comment… Hi, I M Amir From PAKISTAN. I Buy Samsung Q990C soundbar just 2 months ago. Last time on the soundbar and sho the msg on bar screan UPD and soundbar is off and just 1 orange Light is on and no any working. I m verry worried about the soundbar. I m going to 3 difrent sights Samsung service centers. Samsung enginears said me this soundbar is imported Item and we are no resolve this problem sorry. 1 enginrear said to me maybi main board ic damege butt this main board is not repairable. I m verry worried. Samsung is best brand butt this soundbar is verry expensive and Quality i think verry low. What i do. Any person pls help me. Or Samsung help me. I trust samsung brand butt this is not fear. In PAKISTAN Samsung service centers and helpline not any help mo just sai to me SORRY. What about Sorry. If not resolve this problem close the all Samsung srevice centers in PAKISTAN. Why open the Brand name Samsung service center in PAKISTAN..

[@rossishima]

Looks like the Q990C may have bricked during the update. Try a hard reset by holding down the + and - button, the display will show "ini". None the less, the soundbar is under warranty even though the update bricked it. Orange light means soundbar is getting power. Did you try and reset the tv/soundbar hdmi cable? Plug your bluray player into one of the Q990C hdmi inputs to see if the soundbar responds. Does the rear speaker blu light turn on with the soundbar turned on?

[@riccardobevilacqua]

I was seriously disappointed. Rear speakers are useless as the volume is too low, subwoofer is also too low. AirPlay stopped working day 2. How can people give positive reviews? It feels most reviews and comments are fake.

[@rossishima]

So you are disappointed so the glowing reviews are fake? Every Professional reviewer are positive on this soundbar and no one had any issues during their review. Every Professional AV reviewer on KZbin places this soundbar on top of their list; none mentioning any issues. I am a long time home theater enthusiast starting out with a NEC prologic system back in the days. . This soundbar is the Goods and that is not fake news. I suggest getting your issues with the soundbar worked out with Samsung and not blame it on reviews.

[@erikselakoff4043]

Did you update the firmware? Did you try adjusting the EQ? I just got mine a few days ago & it’s amazing. Wither you got a defective unit, have not set it up properly, or are using it in the completely incorrect environment.

[@boywonder2398]

​@rossishima I like the response. first time I see a professional claps back at nonsense like that.

[@rossishima]

Thanks. I am not a professional. I just do youtube to inform people researching on what I have experienced. I also use youtube on researching products I am about to buy. Sort of like paying it forward @@boywonder2398

[@MunKeeButt67]

I have the q600b, and the sound is incredible in a lounge, but I think the ambient beam speakers add some front enhancement but not much height. How is the height sound on the 990c setup?

[@Garfield8260]

Thanks for very nice explanation. I just bought the HW-Q990C. I have discovered that Samsung has several variants with different combinations of letters after the model code Q990C. For example Q990C/EN, or XE etc Samsung also has a model Q995C/XE which apparently has the same specs. @rossishima: Do you know the differences? Thanks

[@rossishima]

Same but made for different countries or rebranded model for a specific store.

[@Garfield8260]

Super, thx for your quick reply, appreciated 👍🏻