Experts recommend Samsung HW-Q990C more than Sony HT-A7000
As of 13 Nov 2024, experts prefer Samsung HW-Q990C over Sony HT-A7000, but both Sound Bars have solid expert endorsements.
As per this month's meta ranking, Samsung HW-Q990C received 4 recommendations: from PCMag (3 Oct 2024), TechHive (6 Oct 2023) WIRED (28 Oct 2024) and 1 other. Sony HT-A7000 was also endorsed 4 times: by TechRadar (30 Oct 2024), Tom's Guide (6 Nov 2024) What Hi-Fi (17 Sep 2024) and 1 other. However, experts generally ranked Sony HT-A7000 lower than Samsung HW-Q990C in their articles, which caused it to rank lower in ReviewFinder ranking.
Rank | Change | Price | Sound Bar | Rtings.com | TechRadar | Tom's Guide | PCMag | What Hi-Fi | TechHive | World Wide Stereo | WIRED | SoundGuys | Digital Trends |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
3 | - | $988 | Samsung HW-Q990C The Samsung HW-Q990C soundbar is highly praised for its exceptional sound quality, immersive experience, and extensive connectivity options, making it a top choice for enhancing TV audio and creating a cinematic home theater experience. | - | - | - | 5 | - |
5 | - | 4 | - | 1 |
4 | - | Check price | Sony HT-A7000 The Sony HT-A7000 is a high-end soundbar with a neutral sound profile, wide and immersive soundstage, comprehensive connectivity options, and advanced features such as Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, making it a great choice for enhancing the listening experience. | - | 7 | 6 | - | 1 | - | - | 8 | - | - |
Curious to see this month's entire Sound Bars ranking? It's here
Endorsement summary:
- On 28 Oct 2024 WIRED ranked Samsung HW-Q990C as #4 and Sony HT-A7000 as #8
Rank Sound Bar Comment ... ... ... #4 out of 14 Samsung HW-Q990C Best Dolby Atmos Soundbar... ... ... #8 out of 14 Sony HT-A7000 Best for Gaming... ... ... Source: www.wired.com - On 3 Oct 2024 PCMag ranked Samsung HW-Q990C as #5
Rank Sound Bar Comment ... ... ... #5 out of 9 Samsung HW-Q990C Best for Samsung TVs... ... ... Source: www.pcmag.com - On 6 Oct 2023 TechHive ranked Samsung HW-Q990C as #5
Rank Sound Bar Comment ... ... ... #5 out of 8 Samsung HW-Q990C Best high-end soundbar... ... ... Source: www.techhive.com - On 22 Oct 2024 Digital Trends ranked Samsung HW-Q990C as #1
Rank Sound Bar Comment #1 out of 12 Samsung HW-Q990C The best soundbar for most people... ... ... Source: www.digitaltrends.com - On 30 Oct 2024 TechRadar ranked Sony HT-A7000 as #7
Rank Sound Bar Comment ... ... ... #7 out of 12 Sony HT-A7000 The best soundbar for gaming... ... ... Source: www.techradar.com - On 6 Nov 2024
Tom's Guide ranked Sony HT-A7000 as #6
Rank Sound Bar Comment ... ... ... #6 out of 6 Sony HT-A7000 Best Sony soundbarSource: www.tomsguide.com - On 17 Sep 2024 What Hi-Fi ranked Sony HT-A7000 as #1
Rank Sound Bar Comment #1 out of 7 Sony HT-A7000 Awards 2023 winner. Powerful, room-filling Dolby Atmos from a single TV soundbar... ... ... Source: www.whathifi.com
After counting and adding up the 92 expert endorsements of the November rankings, Samsung HW-Q990C outranks Sony HT-A7000. This is not to say that Sony HT-A7000 is a bad option. Like Samsung HW-Q990C, it is recommended by experts, but less.
Rank | Change | Price | Sound Bar | Rtings.com | TechRadar | Tom's Guide | PCMag | What Hi-Fi | TechHive | World Wide Stereo | WIRED | SoundGuys | Digital Trends |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | - | $489 | Sonos Beam Gen 2 The Sonos Beam Gen 2 is a compact and stylish soundbar that delivers excellent audio quality for both music and movies, with versatile connectivity options and compatibility with Dolby Atmos, making it a recommended choice for Sonos fans and those seeking high-quality audio enjoyment. | 6 | 10 | - | 6 | 4 | 4 | 10 | 6 | 2 | - |
2 | - | $699 | Sonos Arc The Sonos Arc is a high-end soundbar with impressive sound quality, expansive soundstage, and modern design, ideal for those seeking an immersive surround sound experience for movies and music. | - | 9 | - | 3 | 5 | - | 11 | 9 | - | 2 |
3 | - | $988 | Samsung HW-Q990C The Samsung HW-Q990C soundbar is highly praised for its exceptional sound quality, immersive experience, and extensive connectivity options, making it a top choice for enhancing TV audio and creating a cinematic home theater experience. | - | - | - | 5 | - | 5 | - | 4 | - | 1 |
4 | - | Check price | Sony HT-A7000 The Sony HT-A7000 is a high-end soundbar with a neutral sound profile, wide and immersive soundstage, comprehensive connectivity options, and advanced features such as Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, making it a great choice for enhancing the listening experience. | - | 7 | 6 | - | 1 | - | - | 8 | - | - |
Show all rows |
Expert reviews [9]
- with a score: 4
- without a score: 5
Highest score by TechRadar | 100 |
Average score based on 9 reviews | 98 |
Lowest score by cybershack.com.au | 91 |
Score distribution:
80-100 | |
60-80 | |
40-60 | |
20-40 | |
0-20 |
- Exceptional power and immersion: The Samsung HW-Q990C delivers a powerful and immersive home theater experience with its class-leading channel count and 656W of power.
- New features: The soundbar includes SmartThings Hub functionality, Amazon Alexa voice control, and Alexa device grouping for multi-room setups, adding convenience and versatility to the user experience.
- Integrated auto-calibration system: The Q990C has an integrated auto-calibration system that ensures optimal sound quality and performance.
- Improved Adaptive Sound mode: The soundbar has improvements to the Adaptive Sound mode, providing a better audio experience tailored to the content being played.
- Music playback: The Q990C excels in music playback, addressing the limitations of its predecessor and delivering impressive sound quality.
- Lack of 4K 120Hz HDMI passthrough: The soundbar lacks 4K 120Hz HDMI passthrough, which may be a drawback for gamers who want to take full advantage of their gaming consoles.
- Premium price tag: The Q990C comes with a premium price tag of £1,599/$1,599/AUS$1,499, which may be a deterrent for some consumers.
- Limited alternative options: While the LG S95QR and Sony HT-A7000 are mentioned as alternatives, they may not offer the same level of features and performance as the Q990C.
- Remarkable level of immersion with its 11.1.4-channel speaker layout and support for Dolby Atmos and DTS:X.
- AI-enhanced processing, various sound modes, auto room calibration, and built-in Alexa.
- Fully immersive soundstage and deep, powerful bass.
- Sleek and well-made design with a choice of stand or wall mounting.
- Excellent sound quality with clarity, detail, and surround presence.
- Better value compared to AV receivers and competitors like Bose and Sonos.
- Lacks 4K/120 and VRR passthrough.
- Rear speakers and subwoofer need to be plugged into power sockets.
- Higher price compared to the previous model, HW-Q990B.
Expert reviews [20]
- with a score: 15
- without a score: 5
Highest score by What Hi-Fi | 100 |
Average score based on 20 reviews | 87 |
Lowest score by Rtings.com | 73 |
Score distribution:
80-100 | |
60-80 | |
40-60 | |
20-40 | |
0-20 |
- Integrated upfiring speakers for true Dolby Atmos and DTS:X support, as well as Sony's 360 Reality Audio format.
- Two HDMI 2.1 ports for connecting both a PS5 and Xbox Series X.
- Optional subwoofer and rear surround speakers for room to grow.
- Optional extras are not included in the box, making it a pricey purchase.
- Height channels could produce a more convincing soundstage.
- Soundbar cut out once or twice during testing period.
- Impressive set of sound enhancement features: The Sony HT-A7000 has S-Force Pro Front Surround and Vertical Surround Engine technologies for an immersive listening experience.
- Supports all audio formats: The soundbar supports all audio formats, making it versatile for different types of content.
- Great latency performance: The soundbar has a great latency performance, making it suitable for gaming and watching videos.
- Wireless streaming: The soundbar lets you wirelessly stream audio from your mobile devices.
- Supports Alexa and Google Assistant devices: The remote supports Alexa and Google Assistant devices, making it easy to control the soundbar with voice commands.
- Disappointing surround and Atmos performance: The soundbar struggles with deep low-bass and surround/Atmos performances.
- Not very loud: The soundbar doesn't get very loud, but you can upgrade it with a sub and satellites.
- No HDMI In port: The soundbar lacks an HDMI In port, which may be a dealbreaker for some users.
- 11.1.4 CH. TRUE DOLBY ATMOS SOUND: Feel sound all around with 11 front-facing speakers, 1 subwoofer and 4 up-firing channels for a true Dolby Atmos experience; Flood the room with audio from all angles, for sound so real you can almost touch it
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- A wider sweet spot lets everyone have the best seat in the house. Fully enjoy the thrill of Dolby Atmos and DTS:X with Vertical Surround Engine, S-Force Pro Front Surround and 360 Spatial Sound Mapping.
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