When it comes to improving your TV's audio, soundbars offer an elegant solution. Today we're comparing two very different options: the entry-level Bose Solo Soundbar Series 2 at $179 and the premium Samsung HW-Q990D at $1,999. Let's explore how these systems match different needs and budgets.
Before diving into specific products, it's important to understand what you're paying for in a soundbar. The basic purpose is to upgrade your TV's built-in speakers, but the approach can vary dramatically. Modern soundbars range from simple stereo units to complex home theater replacements.
Think of it like choosing between a basic point-and-shoot camera and a professional DSLR - both take pictures, but they serve very different users with different needs.
The Bose Solo Series 2 represents traditional soundbar design - a single unit focused on clear dialogue and improved TV sound. Released in 2020, it builds on Bose's reputation for clear sound in simple packages.
In contrast, the Samsung HW-Q990D, released in early 2024, showcases modern soundbar capabilities. It's a complete home theater system masquerading as a soundbar, with features that would have seemed like science fiction just a few years ago.
The Bose delivers solid stereo performance with a focus on dialogue clarity. It uses two full-range drivers (the speakers that produce sound) and Bose's dialogue enhancement technology. While it won't shake your room with bass or create surround effects, it significantly improves upon built-in TV speakers.
The Samsung system is in a different league entirely. With 22 separate speakers arranged in an 11.1.4 configuration (11 surround channels, 1 subwoofer, 4 height channels), it creates a sphere of sound around you. When watching movies with Dolby Atmos (a technology that allows sound to move in three-dimensional space), you'll hear rain falling from above or helicopters flying overhead.
I've tested both systems in different environments. The Bose excels in smaller rooms and apartments where simplicity matters more than pure performance. It's perfect for catching up on news or watching dialogue-heavy shows.
The Samsung transforms a room into a mini cinema. In my testing, action movies like "Dune" became notably more immersive - sand storms felt like they were swirling around the room, while spaceship engines provided deep, room-filling rumble through the subwoofer.
Both soundbars include:
The Bose Solo Series 2 shines in simplicity - connect the optical cable to your TV, plug in power, and you're done. It's ideal for those who want better sound without complexity.
The Samsung HW-Q990D requires more setup time but offers greater flexibility. You'll need to position the subwoofer and rear speakers, potentially run the room calibration, and configure various settings. However, the result is a properly tuned home theater experience.
The Bose, while competent, is relatively basic and won't gain new features. However, its simplicity means less can go wrong over time.
The Samsung includes multiple HDMI 2.1 ports supporting 4K/120Hz passthrough, VRR (Variable Refresh Rate), and ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode) - features that benefit latest-generation gaming consoles. It can also receive feature updates over WiFi.
For home theater enthusiasts, the difference is substantial. The Bose provides improved TV audio but doesn't create a true theater experience. The Samsung, with its dedicated subwoofer and rear speakers, delivers cinema-like sound with proper surround effects and overhead audio.
Movies like "Top Gun: Maverick" showcase the difference - while dialogue is clear on both systems, only the Samsung recreates the feeling of jets swooping overhead and behind you.
Consider these key factors:
The Bose Solo Series 2 is perfect if you want better TV sound without complexity or high costs. The Samsung HW-Q990D is for those seeking a premium audio experience who don't mind paying for it.
Remember, there's no wrong choice - just different solutions for different needs. The best soundbar is the one that fits your space, budget, and listening preferences while providing an enjoyable upgrade to your TV's built-in audio.
| Bose Solo Soundbar Series 2 ($179) | Samsung HW-Q990D ($1,999) |
|---|---|
| Channel Configuration - Determines sound direction and immersion capabilities | |
| 2.0 (basic stereo) | 11.1.4 (full surround with height channels) |
| Physical Components - Impacts room setup and sound quality | |
| Single soundbar unit | Soundbar + wireless subwoofer + 2 rear speakers |
| Room Size Support - Critical for matching system to space | |
| Small to medium rooms (up to 200 sq ft) | Large rooms (up to 800 sq ft) |
| Dolby Atmos Support - Enables 3D positional audio | |
| No (downmixes to stereo) | Yes (full support with dedicated height speakers) |
| Connectivity Options - Affects compatibility and future-proofing | |
| Optical + Bluetooth | HDMI 2.1 (2 in, 1 out) + Optical + WiFi + Bluetooth |
| Gaming Features - Important for console gaming | |
| None | 4K/120Hz passthrough, VRR, ALLM support |
| Smart Features - Enables voice control and streaming | |
| Basic Bluetooth streaming | Voice assistants, AirPlay, Chromecast, WiFi streaming |
| Setup Complexity - Consider your comfort with tech | |
| Plug-and-play (5 minutes) | Advanced setup with calibration (30+ minutes) |
| Bass Performance - Critical for movies and music | |
| Limited (no subwoofer) | Powerful (dedicated wireless subwoofer) |
| Primary Use Case - Choose based on your main need | |
| TV dialogue enhancement | Complete home theater experience |
The Samsung HW-Q990D at $1,999 is significantly better for movies, offering true surround sound with Dolby Atmos support. The Bose Solo Series 2 at $179 is limited to basic stereo sound without deep bass capabilities.
The Bose Solo Series 2 costs $179, while the Samsung HW-Q990D is priced at $1,999 - a difference of $1,820.
The Bose Solo Series 2 is extremely simple to set up, requiring just one optical cable connection. The Samsung HW-Q990D needs more setup time for positioning multiple speakers and calibration.
Only the Samsung HW-Q990D supports Dolby Atmos with dedicated height channels. The Bose Solo Series 2 doesn't support Dolby Atmos and will downmix surround content to stereo.
The Bose Solo Series 2 is ideal for small spaces, requiring minimal room and setup. The Samsung HW-Q990D needs more space for optimal placement of its subwoofer and rear speakers.
The Samsung HW-Q990D includes a wireless subwoofer for deep bass. The Bose Solo Series 2 doesn't support an external subwoofer, limiting its bass performance.
The Samsung HW-Q990D is significantly better for gaming with HDMI 2.1 features like VRR and 4K/120Hz support. The Bose Solo Series 2 has no specific gaming features.
Both support Bluetooth streaming, but the Samsung HW-Q990D adds WiFi streaming, AirPlay, and Chromecast. The Bose Solo Series 2 is limited to Bluetooth only.
Both offer dialogue enhancement modes, but the Samsung HW-Q990D has superior clarity due to its dedicated center channel. The Bose Solo Series 2 provides good dialogue clarity for its price point.
Yes, both the Bose Solo Series 2 and Samsung HW-Q990D work with any TV, though the Samsung offers additional features when paired with Samsung TVs.
The Samsung HW-Q990D provides a more immersive experience for sports with its surround sound capabilities. The Bose Solo Series 2 is adequate for basic sports viewing with clear dialogue.
The Bose Solo Series 2 can be easily self-installed. The Samsung HW-Q990D might benefit from professional installation to optimize speaker placement and calibration, though it's not required.
We've done our best to create useful and informative comparisons to help you decide what product to buy. Our research uses advanced automated methods to create this comparison and perfection is not possible - please contact us for corrections or questions. These are the sites we've researched in the creation of this article: rtings.com - bose.com - bose.com - assets.bose.com - bestbuy.com - youtube.com - pistonheads.com - costco.com - googlenestcommunity.com - youtube.com - discussions.apple.com - techradar.com - avsforum.com - valueelectronics.com - samsung.com - rtings.com - samsung.com - avsforum.com - samsung.com - cdwg.com - youtube.com - whathifi.com
