Today we're comparing two impressive home theater soundbars: the $899 JBL Bar 700 and the $1,999 Samsung HW-Q990D. While both aim to bring cinema-quality sound to your living room, they take notably different approaches, and the price difference raises interesting questions about value and performance.
Home theater audio has evolved dramatically in recent years. Today's premium soundbars deliver immersive experiences that rival traditional multi-speaker setups, but with much simpler installation. The key technology driving this evolution is object-based audio (like Dolby Atmos), which creates a three-dimensional soundscape by precisely positioning audio elements around and above you.
The JBL Bar 700 offers a solid 5.1 channel configuration with Atmos support. What this means in practice is you get five main audio channels (front left, center, front right, and two surrounds) plus a subwoofer for bass. The system creates virtual height effects to simulate overhead sounds, though without dedicated up-firing speakers.
In contrast, the Samsung HW-Q990D delivers a much more sophisticated 11.1.4 setup. Those numbers break down to eleven main channels, one subwoofer, and four height channels. The additional speakers and dedicated up-firing drivers create more precise sound positioning and genuinely convincing overhead effects. During testing with movies like "Dune" or "Top Gun: Maverick," the difference is noticeable - helicopter flyovers and rainfall feel more naturally positioned in space.
Both systems include wireless subwoofers, but there are meaningful differences. The JBL's 10-inch subwoofer delivers solid low-end performance that works well for most content. Samsung's subwoofer, however, offers deeper extension and better integration with the main speakers. This is particularly noticeable during intense movie scenes or music with significant bass content.
The Samsung system's additional channels also help create a more seamless transition between the subwoofer and main speakers, reducing that "separate subwoofer" effect that can sometimes occur with simpler systems.
Both manufacturers have developed proprietary technology to enhance dialogue clarity. JBL's PureVoice technology uses algorithms to ensure voices remain clear even during loud action scenes. Samsung's Active Voice Amplifier Pro takes a similar approach but adds room acoustic compensation.
In practice, both systems perform admirably, but the Samsung's additional center channel speakers provide slightly better vocal positioning and clarity, particularly in complex audio mixes.
The JBL Bar 700 offers comprehensive streaming options including AirPlay, Chromecast, and Alexa Multi-Room Music. The system can be controlled through JBL's smartphone app, which provides access to equalizer settings and sound modes.
Samsung's offering includes similar streaming capabilities but adds their Q-Symphony technology, which coordinates with Samsung TVs to use both the TV and soundbar speakers together. While this feature only works with Samsung TVs, it creates an even larger soundstage when available.
This is an area where the Samsung pulls significantly ahead. The HW-Q990D supports HDMI 2.1 features including Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) and Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM). These features ensure perfect sync between audio and video during gaming, and the system can pass through 4K/120Hz signals. The JBL lacks these gaming-specific features, though it handles standard gaming audio perfectly well.
Both systems include room calibration features, but they work differently. The JBL uses a basic built-in microphone for one-time calibration. Samsung's SpaceFit Sound Pro performs continuous analysis and adjustment, potentially providing better optimization for changing room conditions.
The JBL Bar 700 represents excellent value for most users. At $899, it delivers convincing surround sound, good bass performance, and solid smart features. The detachable rear speakers add flexibility for those who might not always want a full surround setup.
The Samsung HW-Q990D at $1,999 is a significant investment, but it delivers notably better performance in almost every area. The question is whether these improvements justify the more than double price tag.
The Samsung HW-Q990D, released in 2024, represents the latest in soundbar technology. Compared to previous models, it offers improved room calibration, better integration with Samsung TVs, and refined sound tuning. The gaming features also reflect current standards for HDMI 2.1 compatibility.
The JBL Bar 700, while slightly older, still incorporates modern features like Dolby Atmos support and advanced dialogue enhancement. Its detachable rear speakers remain a unique selling point in the market.
The decision between these systems largely comes down to your specific needs and budget:
Choose the JBL Bar 700 if:
Choose the Samsung HW-Q990D if:
In my experience testing both systems, the JBL Bar 700 provides excellent performance for its price point and will satisfy most users. However, the Samsung HW-Q990D's superior channel configuration and additional features create a notably more immersive experience that dedicated home theater enthusiasts will appreciate.
Remember that room size and layout play crucial roles in soundbar performance. The Samsung's additional channels and more powerful processing make it better suited to larger spaces, while the JBL's simpler configuration works well in medium-sized rooms.
Ultimately, both systems represent different sweet spots in the market. The JBL Bar 700 offers excellent value and performance for most users, while the Samsung HW-Q990D provides a premium experience for those willing to invest in the best available soundbar technology.
| JBL Bar 700 | Samsung HW-Q990D |
|---|---|
| Channel Configuration - Determines sound positioning accuracy and immersion | |
| 5.1 channels (basic Atmos virtualization) | 11.1.4 channels (true overhead sound with 4 up-firing speakers) |
| Total Power Output - Impacts maximum volume and dynamic range | |
| 620W total (240W soundbar, 300W sub) | 780W total (higher headroom for peaks) |
| Subwoofer Size - Affects bass depth and impact | |
| 10-inch driver (good for most content) | 8-inch driver with enhanced processing (deeper extension) |
| Speaker Array - More drivers enable better sound staging | |
| 3 racetrack drivers + 3 tweeters in bar, 2 surrounds | 22 total speakers across system (significantly better positioning) |
| HDMI Connectivity - Important for latest gaming/video features | |
| 1 HDMI input, 1 output with eARC | 2 HDMI 2.1 inputs, 1 output with eARC (supports 4K/120Hz) |
| Smart Features - Affects streaming and control options | |
| AirPlay, Chromecast, Alexa Multi-Room | Q-Symphony, SmartThings, AirPlay, Alexa, Gaming Mode Pro |
| Room Calibration - Optimizes sound for your space | |
| Basic one-time calibration | Continuous SpaceFit Sound Pro adjustment |
| Special Features - Unique capabilities that may matter to specific users | |
| Detachable battery-powered rear speakers (10hr battery) | Gaming features, Samsung TV integration, Private Sound mode |
| Price - Value consideration vs features | |
| $899 (excellent mid-range value) | $1,999 (premium price for maximum performance) |
| Room Size Suitability - Matches system to space | |
| Best for small to medium rooms (up to 350 sq ft) | Ideal for medium to large rooms (up to 600 sq ft) |
The $1,999 Samsung HW-Q990D provides superior movie performance with its 11.1.4 channels and true overhead Atmos effects. While the $899 JBL Bar 700 offers good movie sound, the Samsung creates more precise sound positioning and immersion for home theater use.
The biggest difference is their channel configuration. The JBL Bar 700 is a 5.1 system with virtual height effects, while the Samsung HW-Q990D is an 11.1.4 system with dedicated up-firing speakers for true overhead sound.
The Samsung HW-Q990D is significantly better for gaming, with HDMI 2.1 features like VRR and ALLM, plus 4K/120Hz passthrough. The JBL Bar 700 lacks these gaming-specific features.
No, the JBL Bar 700 at $899 provides excellent sound quality for most users. The Samsung offers better performance but at more than double the price. The JBL represents great value for typical home theater setups.
The JBL Bar 700 is ideal for small to medium rooms, while the Samsung HW-Q990D might be overkill. The JBL's 5.1 setup is well-suited to spaces under 350 square feet.
Yes, both work with any TV through HDMI or optical connections. However, the Samsung HW-Q990D offers additional features like Q-Symphony when paired with Samsung TVs.
The Samsung HW-Q990D delivers deeper, more controlled bass with better integration between the subwoofer and main speakers. The JBL's bass is good but not as refined.
Yes, both support major streaming options including AirPlay and Bluetooth. The JBL Bar 700 includes Chromecast built-in, while the Samsung HW-Q990D offers SmartThings integration.
The JBL Bar 700 is slightly easier to set up due to its simpler configuration. The Samsung requires more careful speaker placement to maximize its advanced channel configuration.
No, but both soundbars support Dolby Atmos, with the Samsung providing more convincing overhead effects through dedicated up-firing speakers compared to JBL's virtual approach.
Both offer good dialogue clarity through their respective technologies (JBL PureVoice vs Samsung AVA Pro), but the Samsung's additional center channel speakers provide slightly better vocal positioning.
If you're a home theater enthusiast with a larger room and budget, the Samsung HW-Q990D offers noticeably better performance. However, the JBL Bar 700 provides excellent value and satisfying performance for most users.
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: crutchfield.com - harmanaudio.com - target.com - jbl.com - walmart.com - dell.com - jbl.com.pdf) - techradar.com - avsforum.com - valueelectronics.com - samsung.com - rtings.com - samsung.com - avsforum.com - samsung.com - cdwg.com - youtube.com - whathifi.com
