Bose Soundbar 900 Vs Samsung Q990C: The Ultimate Dolby Atmos Showdown

In the realm of home audio, the Bose Soundbar 900 and the Samsung Q990C stand as two of the most celebrated soundbars on the market. Both devices offer an immersive and cinematic sound experience, but they differ in their strengths and weaknesses. This comprehensive comparison will pit the Bose Soundbar 900 against the Samsung Q990C, exploring their features, performance, and value to help you make an informed decision.

Design and Build Quality

The Bose Soundbar 900 and Samsung Q990C boast sleek and sophisticated designs. The Bose Soundbar 900 features a low-profile form factor with a perforated metal grille and rounded corners, while the Samsung Q990C has a more angular design with a fabric grille and glossy black finish. Both soundbars are well-built and durable, with solid construction and high-quality materials.

Sound Performance

Dolby Atmos and DTS:X Support: Both the Bose Soundbar 900 and Samsung Q990C support Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, the latest immersive audio formats. This allows them to create a virtual surround sound experience with height channels, delivering a more realistic and enveloping soundscape.

Number of Channels: The Bose Soundbar 900 has 9.1.4 channels, while the Samsung Q990C has 11.1.4 channels. The additional channels in the Samsung Q990C provide a wider soundstage and more precise object-based audio.

Sound Quality: The Bose Soundbar 900 delivers a warm and balanced sound signature with clear and detailed dialogue. It excels at reproducing music, with a rich bass response and a natural midrange. The Samsung Q990C has a more aggressive sound profile, with a pronounced bass and a brighter treble. It is more suited for movies and TV shows, offering a more impactful and cinematic experience.

Connectivity and Features

HDMI Inputs and Outputs: Both soundbars have multiple HDMI inputs and outputs, allowing you to connect multiple devices such as your TV, Blu-ray player, and gaming console. The Samsung Q990C has one additional HDMI input compared to the Bose Soundbar 900.

eARC Support: Both soundbars support eARC (Enhanced Audio Return Channel), which allows for lossless audio transmission from your TV to the soundbar. This ensures the highest possible audio quality when using the soundbar with an eARC-compatible TV.

Voice Assistant Compatibility: The Bose Soundbar 900 supports Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, while the Samsung Q990C supports Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Bixby. This allows you to control the soundbar and other smart home devices using your voice.

Smart Features and App

Bose Music App: The Bose Soundbar 900 is controlled through the Bose Music app, which provides access to music streaming services, sound customization options, and firmware updates.

Samsung SmartThings App: The Samsung Q990C is controlled through the Samsung SmartThings app, which allows you to connect and control all your Samsung smart devices. The app also offers access to music streaming services and sound customization options.

Dolby Atmos Performance

Bose TrueSpace Technology: The Bose Soundbar 900 uses Bose TrueSpace technology to create a virtual surround sound experience from its 9.1.4 channels. It is effective at reproducing height channels and creating a wide soundstage.

Samsung Q-Symphony Technology: The Samsung Q990C uses Q-Symphony technology to combine the sound from the soundbar and compatible Samsung TVs. This results in a more immersive and powerful sound experience, especially when watching movies and TV shows.

Value and Price

The Bose Soundbar 900 is priced at around $899, while the Samsung Q990C is priced at around $1,299. The Samsung Q990C offers a higher number of channels, a more aggressive sound profile, and additional features such as Q-Symphony technology. However, the Bose Soundbar 900 provides a warm and balanced sound signature, TrueSpace technology, and a lower price point.

Which Soundbar is Right for You?

Bose Soundbar 900: If you are looking for a soundbar with a warm and balanced sound signature, TrueSpace technology, and a lower price point, the Bose Soundbar 900 is an excellent choice. It is well-suited for music, movies, and TV shows, and it offers a solid sound experience for the price.

Samsung Q990C: If you prioritize a higher number of channels, a more aggressive sound profile, and additional features such as Q-Symphony technology, the Samsung Q990C is the better option. It delivers a more powerful and immersive sound experience, especially for movies and TV shows.

Final Thoughts

The Bose Soundbar 900 and Samsung Q990C are both exceptional soundbars that offer an immersive and cinematic sound experience. The Bose Soundbar 900 is a great value with a warm and balanced sound signature, while the Samsung Q990C provides a more aggressive sound profile and additional features for a higher price. Ultimately, the best soundbar for you depends on your individual needs and preferences.

Questions We Hear a Lot

Q: Which soundbar has a better sound quality for music?
A: The Bose Soundbar 900 has a warmer and more balanced sound signature that is better suited for music.

Q: Which soundbar has more immersive Dolby Atmos performance?
A: The Samsung Q990C has a higher number of channels and uses Q-Symphony technology, resulting in a more immersive Dolby Atmos experience.

Q: Which soundbar is more expensive?
A: The Samsung Q990C is more expensive than the Bose Soundbar 900, with a price difference of around $400.