Ahorre $300: A partir del 19 de diciembre Barra de sonido inteligente Bose 550 Disponible por $199 en Walmart. Eso es $300 de descuento sobre su precio normal de $499.
¿Está buscando mejorar el sonido de su televisor sin agotar su presupuesto? La Bose Smart Soundbar 550 es la respuesta, ya que ofrece sonido de alto nivel en un paquete elegante y compacto. Mejor aún, actualmente está a la venta en Walmart Por $199, que son $300 de su precio original de $499.
Este altavoz transforma tu sonido. Con la tecnología Dolby Atmos y TrueSpace exclusiva de Bose, la Smart Soundbar 550 crea una experiencia de sonido envolvente que se siente como si estuvieras entrando en la acción. Mientras Dolby Atmos hace su magia en contenido compatible, TrueSpace garantiza que todo se combine para una experiencia multicanal inmersiva. Piense en diálogos nítidos, instrumentos completamente discretos y efectos de sonido que se mueven alrededor y por encima de la habitación.
A pesar de su estructura compacta, este altavoz es una potencia poderosa. En el interior encontrará cinco transductores, incluidos dos convertidores ascendentes, que trabajan juntos para transmitir sonido desde las paredes y el techo. ¿El resultado? Sonido rico y envolvente que hace que su sala de estar se sienta como un teatro privado.
¿Opciones de transmisión? Tienes muchas opciones para elegir. La Bose Smart Soundbar 550 se conecta a Wi-Fi para disfrutar de servicios de música integrados y acceso a radio por Internet, o puedes transmitir tus favoritos a través de Bluetooth. AppleAirPlay 2O Chromecast o Spotify Connect. Es flexible, fluido y está diseñado para adaptarse a sus hábitos de entretenimiento.
Ofertas triturables
El control por voz también está disponible gracias a la compatibilidad con Google Assistant y Amazon Alexa. Ajusta la configuración, reproduce tu lista de reproducción favorita o consulta el clima. Combínalo con la aplicación Bose Music para una personalización y control aún más sencillos.
Por solo $ 199, esta oferta es una actualización de audio a punto de suceder. Ya sea que estés organizando una noche de cine, jugando o simplemente escuchando tu lista de reproducción favorita, la Bose Smart Soundbar 550 ofrece un sonido diferente a un precio que se adapta a tus oídos. No te pierdas este robo. No es probable que dure mucho.
The Samsung HW-Q990D follows in the footsteps of one of the best soundbars in recent years, the Samsung HW-Q990C, but adds gaming features including 4K 120Hz and VRR pass-through, along with a more refined and controlled sound profile.
Filled to the brim with features, the Q990D offers plenty of settings for those who like to experiment. AI enhancements including Adaptive Sound and SpaceFit allow the Q990D to analyze sources and the viewing environment to create the best possible experience. Alongside these, the new gaming features enable users to get the most from their PS5 or Xbox Series X. And for those with a Samsung TV, there’s also Q-Symphony and a wireless Dolby Atmos option.
Carrying 22 speakers across four units, with an 11.1.4 channel configuration, the Q990D confirms Samsung’s continued domination of the soundbar market, especially when it comes to immersive Dolby Atmos sound. But, it’s not just immersive sound where it succeeds, as bass levels are punchy yet refined and trebles and mids can breathe easy over the bass. The Q990D also serves as an excellent music streaming option whether over Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, with its wide soundstage giving every aspect of a song the space it needs.
Although on the bulkier side, the Q990D feels every bit its premium price thanks to its solid build quality, and it has a sleek, modern look. The main soundbar’s size may be an issue for some and its front LED display is not the most user-friendly, but for many, it will beat the mess of cables you get with a wired home theater setup.
With a variety of control options including a supplied remote and the Samsung SmartThings app, the Q990D is easy to use and tailor settings to how you like. Initial setup is a breeze, making it simple to get great sound.
The Q990D may be a premium soundbar, and there are cheaper options such as last year’s Samsung Q990C and this year’s Samsung HW-Q930D, but neither of those carries the full range of features or the performance found in the Q990D. Although pricey, it delivers the best Dolby Atmos soundbar experience you can get today.
The Samsung HW-Q990D comprises a soundbar, subwoofer and two surrounds, with 11.1.4 channels across 22 speakers. (Image credit: Future)
Samsung HW-Q990D review: Price & release date
Release date – March 2024
Price – $1,799 / £1,699 / AU$1,995
The Samsung HW-Q990D is Samsung’s flagship Dolby Atmos soundbar for 2024. Released at $1,799 / £1,699 / AU$1,995, the Q990D is a premium soundbar package.
For context, that’s roughly $400 more than the JBL Bar 1300X, an older soundbar that includes wireless rear speakers and a powerful subwoofer, but is roughly $500 more than the most widely available Sonos home theater package, which features the Sonos Arc, Sonos Sub (Gen 3) and a pair of Sonos Era 100s as rears.
Samsung HW-Q990D review: Specs
Swipe to scroll horizontally
Dimensions (W x H x D)
Soundbar: 1309.0 x 595.0 x 277.0 mm (51.3 x 23.4 x 10.9 in), Subwoofer: 220.0 x 413.0 x 410.0 mm (8.6 x 16.2 x 16.1 in), Rear speaker: 129.5 x 201.3 x140.4 mm (5 x 7.9 x 5.5 in)
Speaker channels
11.1.4
Connections:
1x HDMI out (with eARC), 2x HDMI 2.1 in, optical digital audio, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth
Dolby Atmos/DTS:X
Yes/Yes
Sub included
Yes
Rear speakers included
Yes
Features
Q Symphony, SpaceFit Sound Pro, Adaptive Sound, Game Mode Pro, Tap Sound, AirPlay 2, Chromecast, HDMI 2.1 120Hz pass-through, HDR10+ and Dolby Vision pass-through, wireless Dolby Atmos
The Samsung HW-Q990D (connected to the Samsung S95D TV) now has gaming features including 120Hz and VRR. (Image credit: Future)
Samsung HW-Q990D review: Features
11.1.4 speaker channels
HDMI 2.1 with 4K 120Hz support
Wireless Dolby Atmos
The Samsung Q990D has many of the same features as its impressive predecessor, the Samsung HW-Q990C, including 11.1.4 speaker channels and 22 speakers spread across the four units (soundbar, subwoofer and two rear speakers).
One new feature is HDMI 2.1 ports for gaming, with both HDMI inputs supporting 4K120Hz and VRR. Both HDMI ports also pass through HDR10+ and Dolby Vision HDR formats.
Supported sound formats include Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, Dolby 5.1, Dolby Digital Plus and Dolby TrueHD.
The Q990D is stacked with sound-enhancing features including Adaptive Sound, which analyzes what you’re watching and intelligently adjusts audio levels; SpaceFit Sound Pro, which analyzes your environment and tunes the Q990D’s audio output for the space; and Game Mode Pro, which tailors directional sound to optimal levels when gaming.
Wi-Fi streaming on the Q990D supports hi-res audio formats including ALAC, FLAC and WAV and also Dolby Atmos music tracks found on streaming services such as Apple Music and Tidal. Speaking of streaming, there is also Spotify and Tidal Connect support.
There are some Samsung-exclusive enhancements alongside these features (meaning they only work with compatible Samsung TVs). The first is Q-Symphony, where the Q990D works with the speakers of a Samsung TV to boost sound even further. The next is wireless Dolby Atmos, where a Samsung TV can stream Dolby Atmos soundtracks – albeit a compressed version – to the Q990D.
Last is Tap Sound, where you tap your Samsung smartphone on the Q990D and it starts playing the music you’re streaming.
Control options include a hardware remote control and the Samsung SmartThings app. With the app, you can make EQ adjustments, activate voice and bass enhancement, and select Night Mode, which adjusts the sound to a suitable level for late-night viewing or listening. The app also isn’t just for the Q990D, but can control any compatible Samsung product.
The Samsung HW-Q990D main soundbar (Image credit: Future)
Samsung HW-Q990D review: Performance
Exceptional immersive sound
Powerful, yet detailed audio
Impressive gaming performance
For years, Samsung’s flagship soundbars have continually impressed, serving as a pinnacle of what a soundbar-based home theater audio system is capable of, and the Q990D continues this trend.
With 22 speakers across the four units, including four height channels, in an 11.1.4 channel configuration, the Q990D creates an outstanding immersive experience, with expert reproduction of Dolby Atmos and DTS:X soundtracks and real surround sound.
Watching Star Wars: A New Hope on Disney Plus, the final attack and ensuing space battle involving the Death Star was every bit as cinematic as it should be. As X-Wings and Tie Fighters shot across the screen from every angle, the direction of the soaring engines glided across the speakers impeccably and John Williams’ iconic score in the rear speakers kept the tension high without drowning out other effects. Dialogue was crisp and clear, cutting through the densely packed mix of engines, lasers and music. Watching this, I truly felt like I was in the cockpit, as the iconic screech of the Tie Fighter passed over my head.
Although immersive sound is where the Q990D succeeded the most, bass levels from the weighty subwoofer also impressed. The rumble of the Batmobile’s engine in The Batman during the Penguin car chase sounded meaty with plenty of low-end punch. On previous Q990 generations, the bass could get carried away on occasion, but the Q990D’s bass feels more nuanced and controlled – dynamic but without overwhelming the rest of the mix.
Even when watching movies with a stereo soundtrack such as The Amazing Spider-Man on DVD, the Q990D boosted the sound through upmixing and gave more oomph to every fight sequence and web swing through NYC.
Other parts of the audio mix are well-balanced on the Q990D. High notes come across without being too shrill whilst mids sit comfortably where they should in the mix, with everything combining to create a full, detailed sound.
Although it’s not as impressive with music as with movies, the Q990D is still a triumph. When I streamed tracks from Tidal and Spotify in uncompressed hi-res and compressed formats respectively, the Q990D did a good job of balancing instruments and handled every genre well. Listening to Tears for Fears’ Everybody Wants To Rule The World, the bass and drums sounded punchy, and the trebles of the synths and guitars sliced through evenly.
Listening to Dolby Atmos music tracks via Tidal, the Q990D again showed its prowess. Thelonius Monk’s Monk’s Dream (Take 8) spread out across the Q990D’s speakers, with every instrument given equal room to breathe – from the twinkling piano to the bright sax and the warm bass notes.
Sometimes the mix would sound forced on these Dolby Atmos tracks, with some instruments pushing a little too hard. But the Q990D generally continued to shine and even tracks streamed over lower quality Bluetooth sounded good.
The Q990D was connected to a Samsung S95D TV during my testing, with Samsung-centric features such as Q Symphony available. And while this did provide an extra layer to the sound, adding a greater sense of space and power, the Q990D gave a great cinematic experience without it.
As for gaming performance, when playing Battlefield V with an Xbox Series X, gaming was smooth, as switching between targets felt easy and the action suitably pacy.
The most surprising element of the Q990D’s gaming performance was the low 9.2ms input lag time, meaning its HDMI pass-through didn’t add any latency. For those needing 4K 120Hz, VRR and low input lag for their console, the Q990D can provide.
The Samsung HW-Q990D’s front display isn’t the easiest to read… (Image credit: Future)
Samsung HW-Q990D review: Design
Solid, premium design
Front display isn’t easiest to read
Slightly wider than a 55-inch TV
The Q990D comprises four units: a soundbar, subwoofer and two rear speakers. The subwoofer is sizable and hefty, but its wireless connection allows it to be placed anywhere in the room (as long as there’s a mains socket nearby to plug in for power). The rear speakers, meanwhile, have a compact yet sleek design.
The soundbar itself measures 1309.0 x 595.0 x 277.0 mm, making it slightly longer than a 55-inch TV (which roughly measures 1200mm). At 595mm, it isn’t the tallest soundbar, but could still cut off the bottom of a lot of TVs. The soundbar is also weighty, although that demonstrates its premium quality.
The soundbar and rear speakers sport a gray/navy matte finish that gives them a minimalist, modern appearance. A mesh grille on the soundbar’s front makes it quite difficult to see what input you’re using and other information provided on the front panel LED display, however.
The Samsung HW-Q990D can be controlled with the above supplied remote, the Samsung SmartThings app or your TV remote via HDMI-CEC. (Image credit: Future)
Samsung HW-Q990D review: Setup & usability
HDMI eARC connection to TV
Wireless connection between units
Remote or SmartThings app for control
With four separate, wireless units, setting up the Q990D seems like it would be daunting, but the Q990D makes setup almost effortless. Once all units are plugged in and the soundbar is connected to the TV by HDMI eARC, the subwoofer and rear speakers connect by simply pressing a button on the back and you’re ready to go.
You can either use the supplied remote or the Samsung SmartThings app for control, with adjustments for boosting voice, bass and more. The Q990D can also be controlled via the TV remote using HDMI-CEC. Finally, there are control buttons and an LED display on top of the soundbar.
For those looking to optimize audio based on their room’s layout, there is also the SpaceFit Pro calibration system, which can be performed during initial setup or on the fly using the SmartThings app.
Setup & usability score: 4.5 / 5
The Samsung HW-Q990D is pricey, but you get an entire Atmos experience across four units. (Image credit: Future)
Samsung HW-Q990D review: Value
Premium price
Best home theater soundbar option
Samsung Q990C still available
Priced at $1,799 / £1,699 / AU$1,995, the Q990D is a premium soundbar. And although its features and excellent all-around performance justify the price, it is no doubt going to push some people’s budgets.
The Samsung HW-Q990C, the Q990D’s predecessor, is still available and sells at a reduced price that’s only going to fall further – I’ve seen it selling for roughly $400 / £600 cheaper than the Q990D. It does miss out on the Q990D’s gaming features, but if they’re not relevant to you, the Q990C is fine. Another option is the Samsung HW-Q930D, the step-down model from the Q990D which comes with fewer channels and features.
Still, in terms of features and performance, the Q990D offers a Dolby Atmos home theater experience no other soundbar can offer. To beat it, you’d need to look at full AV setups that don’t allow for the same tidy installation or ease of use.
Should I buy the Samsung HW-Q990D?
Swipe to scroll horizontally
Section
Notes
Score
Features
Already stacked with features, the Q990D introduces gaming features to offer a completel experience
5 / 5
Performance
Immersive spatial audio, power and dynamism – the Q990D is top of the class
5 / 5
Design
A premium design, but the front display could be clearer
4 / 5
Setup & usability
Easy setup and plenty of control via remote or SmarThings
4.5 / 5
Value
Worth its price, but still undoubtedly expensive
4 / 5
Buy it if…
Don’t buy it if…
Samsung HW-Q990D review: Also consider
Swipe to scroll horizontally
Header Cell – Column 0
Samsung HW-Q990D
Samsung HW-Q990C
Sony HT-A7000
JBL Bar 1300X
Dimensions
Soundbar: 1309.0 x 595.0 x 277.0 mm, Subwoofer: 220.0 x 413.0 x 410.0 mm , Rear speaker: 129.5 x 201.3 x140.4 mm
Main soundbar – 1309(w) x 595(h) x 277(d)mm; subwoofer – 220(w) x 413(h) x 277(d)mm; rears – 129.5(w) x 201.3(h) x 140.4(d)mm
Main soundbar – 1300(w) x 80(h) x 142(d)mm
39.4 x 2.4 x 5.5 inches (soundbar), 8 x 2.4 x 5.5 inches (surround speakers), 14.4 x 18.9 x 14.4 inches (subwoofer)
Speaker channels
11.1.4
11.1.4
7.1.2
16
Connections
Two HDMI 2.1 input, One HDMI output, optical output, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth
Two HDMI inputs, one HDMI output with eARC support, digital optical audio input, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth
Two HDMI inputs, one HDMI output with eARC support, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth
4 HDMI inputs (1 with eARC), optical digital audio, USB type-A
Dolby Atmos/DTS:X
Yes/Yes
Yes/Yes
Yes/Yes
Yes/Yes
How I tested the Samsung HW-Q990D
(Image credit: Future)
Connected to the Samsung S95D
Tested with variety of sources
Both surround sound and stereo sound tested
To test the Samsung HW-Q990D soundbar, I connected it to the Samsung S95D – the flagship 2024 OLED TV from Samsung. The majority of testing was done with Q-Symphony and any other Samsung-centric features turned off to see how the Q990D would fare if connected to sets from other brands.
After some run-in time, I selected reference scenes from both streaming and 4K Blu-ray to test spatial sound, mainly Dolby Atmos. I then used lower-resolution sources such as DVD to test the Q990D on its handling of non-surround movie audio. I analyzed the Q990D’s spatial sound but also bass, trebles, mids, and dialogue clarity.
After this, I streamed music through both Bluetooth and Wi-Fi to test the Q990D’s music playback quality. I played hi-res audio and Atmos music tracks from Tidal and lossy quality tracks via Bluetooth from Spotify.
The next Apple HomePod might have a much longer and thinner horizontal design than previous models, making it look more like a soundbar, according to an Apple patent spotted by AppleInsider.
The patent details the design of what appears to be a horizontal HomePod with speakers and a central display that reminds us of the design of the JBL Charge 5 speaker or a chunkier soundbar, like the Sonos Ray. Either way, it’s a huge departure from the cylindrical design of the first HomePod or the HomePod Mini’s cute sphere aesthetic.
It makes sense that Apple is looking to shake up the HomePod as its design hasn’t changed much in years. However, this latest patent is an interesting development considering we’ve seen several leaks suggesting a display-enhanced HomePod is on the way next. This would be bigger than the previous Apple HomePod 2 model and would replace the swirling waveform orb on top with a large screen.
The Apple patent design in question. (Image credit: USPTO)
Mystery ports and Siri upgrades
The patent is simply called “Audio Speaker System” and doesn’t give away much else apart from six drawings with basic text explaining that the images show it from different angles. However, one interesting thing that could be easy to overlook is that the rearview drawing of this new version of the HomePod appears to have a range of ports, which would be a first for an Apple HomePod.
The biggest issue with Apple’s HomePod 2 right now is that there’s no way to get sound into it from a source other than either Apple’s AirPlay (which streams from your Apple devices) or Siri. So if the next version of the Apple HomePod comes with standard connection ports, that will be a huge bonus, giving people a lot more choice and flexibility about how they listen to music. Alternatively, it could be a sign that this design would indeed be an Apple TV in function too – rather than audio-focused ports, they might be HDMI and Ethernet ports.
If they are for audio, the potential to not need Apple’s AirPlay or Siri is also a good idea considering Siri isn’t that great – or at least not compared to its rivals. In a recent news post about the rumored HomePod with a screen, we wrote: “an Apple HomePod with the current version of Siri at its core can’t compete with the best smart speakers in the business in 2024”. Maybe Apple plans on moving its focus away from Siri’s capabilities and more to a fantastic home speaker system? That might be the best bet, at least until Siri can match up to other smart assistants because right now it’s lagging behind.
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In the new paper, Apple researchers say the AI assistant may soon understand the context of your requests better than ever because it’ll consider what you’re asking and what’s currently on your screen, like what music you’re playing, for example. Knowing these details may seem small but would be significant in making better recommendations.
The Bose Smart 600 soundbar is easily one of the best soundbars we’ve ever tested, giving you Dolby Atmos sound and plenty of wireless streaming options in a compact size, all for an affordable price.
With the arrival of the Amazon Big Spring Sale, the Bose Smart 600 soundbar just got more affordable as it’s on sale for a brilliant $449 (was $499) at Amazon. It’s not just the Bose Smart 600 soundbar either – Amazon is offering larger discounts across a range of Bose products.
In our review of the Bose Smart Soundbar 600, we said “it offers up consistently exciting sound when watching movies and TV”, praising its clear dialogue and wide soundstage that presents Dolby Atmos and surround sound effects well “extending above and beyond” the action on screen.
Movies and TV shows aren’t only where the Bose 600’s strength lies, it’s also an excellent performer with music. With plenty of wireless music streaming support from some of the best music streaming services such as Spotify, Amazon Music and more, we said the “imaging it manages with stereo music is surprisingly wide and precise”.
Overall, the Bose 600 is also a solidly-built, compact bar, measuring 27 x 2 x 4 (inches), that is ideal for those lacking in space but not wanting to lose out on sound.
Samsung has announced that it was the world’s biggest soundbar brand in 2023. With another year as the top-ranked soundbar brand globally, the South Korean firm has become the world’s biggest soundbar brand for ten years.
Samsung has been the world’s biggest soundbar brand globally since 2013
According to a report from FutureSource Consulting, Samsung was the world’s biggest soundbar in 2023, and the company has achieved this feat consecutively for the past ten years. The latest market research analysis reveals that Samsung had an 18.8% market share and a 20.3% revenue share globally in 2023.
Year after year, Samsung has continuously pushed the boundaries of soundbars, releasing several top-ranking soundbars and impressive new technologies. Some of the company’s impressive audio technologies include Q-Symphony, which uses the speakers of the soundbar and the paired TV simultaneously for an immersive audio experience.
The South Korean firm also introduced a feature called SpaceFit Sound, which calibrates the soundbar automatically according to the room it is placed in. A couple of years ago, Samsung also introduced Wireless Dolby Atmos, removing the restriction of using wires between the TV and the soundbar to be able to use Dolby Atmos.
Last year, the HW-Q990C was adjudged the world’s best soundbar of 2023, thanks to its impressive 11.1.4-channel audio and 656W of audio output. It also features AirPlay 2, 4K HDR10+ passthrough, built-in Alexa, SpaceFit Sound Pro, Active Voice Amplifier, and Game Mode Pro. It also has Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect, and SmartThings.
Earlier this year, the company unveiled a follow-up flagship soundbar model, the HW-Q990D, which will be launched soon.
Cheolgi Kim, EVP of Visual Display Business at Samsung Electronics, said, “We are thrilled to be once again acknowledged as the market leader in soundbars, a milestone that reflects the positive feedback from our customers over the years. Building on this success, we will continue to push the boundaries of home entertainment with superior sound quality and advanced connectivity features, leveraging AI-based sound technology to strengthen the consumer experience and Samsung’s position in the global market.”
Swapping between the bar’s multiple inputs is slightly more intuitive, with a different LED color assigned to each input: HDMI ARC glows magenta, optical is yellow, the analog input is green, and the USB input is cyan. This color coding has become more common in A/V gear of late, usually seen in active/powered bookshelf speakers like the KEF LSX II, where space is at a premium. In the Q6310’s case, the bar’s center-channel speaker likely takes up the real estate a traditional digital display might inhabit.
Another likely reason TCL punts on the visual display is that, as a Roku TV Ready soundbar, the Q6310 is designed to allow you to control and adjust some settings directly from a Roku-powered smart TV. That functionality stems from a long partnership between the two brands, with Roku taking the reins as the smart interface in many TCL TVs (though TCL now seems to favor Google TV for its more premium models).
Photograph: Ryan Waniata
If you don’t have a Roku-powered TV, TCL’s app makes controlling the bar’s sound modes, volume, and other settings much easier via an iPhone or Android device. Other app settings include a Night mode to keep the dynamics in check when the family’s asleep, a Dialogue Enhance feature, and virtual surround sound control.
There’s also a calibration feature, AI Sonic, which uses your phone’s microphone to adjust the sound to your room, à la Sonos. That’s an impressive inclusion at this price, but the setup experience is quite loud, and I couldn’t hear much of a difference once it finished.
Aluminum Punch
Photograph: Ryan Waniata
My first thought when I started evaluating the Q6310 was that it doesn’t sound much better than a lot of high-end TVs I’ve auditioned this year. The sound is clear and forward, especially for dialog, but there’s a brittle, metallic quality to the midrange and treble registers that can feel as thin as the soundbar looks. To be fair, a lot of pricier TVs these days are outfitted with multiple speakers like soundbars are, so comparing the two isn’t as big of a diss as it once was.
