Samsung HW-Q990D review: Atmos tested, gamer approved

Most other features and settings can be accessed via the bar’s remote control and built-in display. However, it’s usually easier to use the SmartThings app. The basic layout allows you to select the sound mode (I generally stick with Standard), adjust the EQ, enable enhancements like Active Voice Amplifier, and adjust channel levels.

I appreciate that Samsung included channel levels for most of the bar’s myriad audio channels, but setting the levels was the most tedious part of my review. I had the surround speakers right behind my couch due to space constraints, which meant I had to turn them all the way down and even turn up the other channels to maintain balance.

This task was much easier with Sonos’ Era 300 speakers (9/10, WIRED recommends) connected to the Arc Ultra as the Sonos TruePlay calibration adjusts the sound to suit your room (however). Standalone Wi-Fi speakers can have their own quirks). Automatic calibration is something I expect from any system that costs nearly $2,000, but Samsung doesn’t add it every year. The company’s Space Fit feature supposedly analyzes sound in real time, but I didn’t notice any notable change.

My other issue is a persistent volume issue when using Spotify Connect. When streaming directly from Spotify, the volume adjustment bizarrely jumps up or down seven steps per rapid tap, so it’s always too loud or too quiet. Add to that the lack of Chromecast, and Android users are forced to control streaming directly via SmartThings or resort to the otherwise unnecessary remote control. It’s a small solution, but that’s exactly why it’s so annoying.

Vortex of sound

Regardless of streaming specifics, the Q990D has it all where it counts. Each component of the four-part system works together to provide powerful, balanced and fantastically fluid sound for whatever you play. You won’t get quite the top-notch detail found in bars like the Arc Ultra, but there’s enough tactile feel to appreciate the little things, and plenty of bombast to literally take your cinematic moments to new heights to raise levels.

Unsurprisingly, Dolby Atmos is the star of the show. The “Amaze” scene from my Atmos demo CD was definitely a showpiece moment. During the intro, I could almost feel the humidity around me in the hum of insects, while the rumbling thunder cracked in surprise, and at the end the rain really reached down from above to immerse me deep in the jungle flora.