If you're looking to dramatically improve your TV's sound without installing a full home theater system, today's premium soundbars offer impressive capabilities. Let's compare two popular 2024 models - the Samsung HW-Q800D and LG S90TR - to help you make an informed choice.
Today's soundbars have evolved far beyond simple stereo speakers. They now incorporate multiple speakers, advanced audio processing, and wireless connectivity to create immersive sound experiences. The key innovation driving this evolution is object-based audio formats like Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, which allow sounds to be precisely placed in three-dimensional space around you.
The first major difference between these models is their channel configuration. The Samsung HW-Q800D is a 5.1.2 system, which means:
The LG S90TR offers a 7.1.3 setup:
This difference is significant because more channels generally mean more precise sound placement and a more convincing surround effect. However, the tradeoff is higher cost and more complex setup.
Both soundbars deliver excellent audio quality, but they take different approaches:
Released in early 2024, this model builds on Samsung's previous Q800C with refined audio processing. The SpaceFit Sound Pro feature uses built-in microphones to analyze your room's acoustics and adjust the sound accordingly. In testing, this produces notably better bass response and clearer dialogue compared to soundbars without room correction.
The Q-Symphony feature, which works with compatible Samsung TVs, combines the soundbar's speakers with your TV's speakers for an expanded soundstage. While this might seem gimmicky, it actually creates a more seamless front soundstage, particularly helpful for music and sports content.
Also new for 2024, the S90TR takes a more traditional home theater approach with its dedicated rear speakers. The AI Room Calibration is similar to Samsung's SpaceFit but can individually adjust each speaker's output. This creates a more precise surround effect, particularly noticeable when watching movies with complex soundtracks.
The WOW Orchestra feature (LG's answer to Q-Symphony) works with compatible LG TVs but tends to focus more on vertical expansion of the soundstage rather than front width.
In practical use, both systems excel but suit different scenarios:
The Samsung HW-Q800D performs impressively for its size, creating a convincing sense of space through advanced processing. However, the virtual surround effects can't quite match physical speakers. Dialogue remains clear and centered, while action scenes have satisfying impact thanks to the wireless subwoofer.
The LG S90TR delivers a more cinema-like experience with its rear speakers. During testing with action movies, sounds truly move around the room rather than being simulated. The extra height channel also creates more precise overhead effects, though you'll need the right room setup (ideally a flat ceiling) to fully benefit.
Both systems handle music well, with the Samsung offering slightly better stereo imaging when listening to standard two-channel content. The LG's additional speakers can create a more enveloping experience with multi-channel music but might feel unnecessary for casual listening.
The Samsung aims for simplicity with a main soundbar and wireless subwoofer. Optional rear speakers can be purchased separately. Initial setup typically takes about 15 minutes, including running the room calibration.
The LG includes everything in the box but requires more setup time (typically 30-45 minutes) to position and calibrate all speakers. Both systems support:
The Samsung HW-Q800D ($799 MSRP) represents excellent value for smaller rooms or situations where rear speaker placement isn't practical. Its performance-to-price ratio is particularly strong when paired with a Samsung TV.
The LG S90TR ($1,199 MSRP) offers more hardware for the money but at a higher initial investment. The included rear speakers would cost about $300 if purchased separately for the Samsung system, making the price difference less significant if you want a complete surround setup.
Choose the Samsung HW-Q800D if:
Choose the LG S90TR if:
Both soundbars represent significant improvements over their predecessors, with better room correction and more refined sound processing. The choice ultimately comes down to your space, budget, and how important true surround sound is to your viewing experience.
For most users in average living rooms, the Samsung HW-Q800D provides an excellent balance of performance and value. However, if you're creating a dedicated home theater space and want the most immersive experience possible, the LG S90TR's additional channels and rear speakers make it worth the premium price.
| Samsung HW-Q800D | LG S90TR |
|---|---|
| Channel Configuration - Determines how precisely sounds can be placed around you | |
| 5.1.2 channels (virtual surround) | 7.1.3 channels (true surround with rear speakers) |
| Price - Consider total value including included speakers | |
| $799 MSRP (rear speakers extra) | $1,199 MSRP (complete package) |
| Room Calibration - Crucial for optimizing sound to your space | |
| SpaceFit Sound Pro (basic room analysis) | AI Room Calibration (more detailed, adjusts each speaker) |
| Wireless Surround Speakers - Important for true surround experience | |
| Optional purchase ($300 extra) | Included in package |
| Height Channels - Key for overhead Dolby Atmos effects | |
| 2 upfiring (good for most rooms) | 3 upfiring (better overhead separation) |
| TV Integration Features - Enhances performance with same-brand TVs | |
| Q-Symphony (works with Samsung TVs) | WOW Orchestra (works with LG TVs) |
| Power Output - Affects maximum volume and clarity | |
| 360W total (suitable for medium rooms) | 520W total (better for larger spaces) |
| Ideal Room Size - Consider your space | |
| Up to 300 sq ft (medium rooms) | Up to 500 sq ft (larger rooms) |
| Setup Complexity - Consider installation time and effort | |
| Simple 15-minute setup | More complex 30-45 minute setup with rear speakers |
| Subwoofer Size - Affects bass performance and placement options | |
| 8-inch driver (compact design) | 9-inch driver (larger, more powerful) |
The LG S90TR provides a more immersive movie experience due to its included rear speakers and 7.1.3 channel configuration. While the Samsung HW-Q800D offers good virtual surround, physical rear speakers create a more authentic cinema experience.
The Samsung HW-Q800D retails for $799, while the LG S90TR costs $1,199. However, adding optional rear speakers to the Samsung would bring total cost closer to the LG's price point.
The Samsung HW-Q800D is more suitable for smaller spaces (under 300 sq ft) due to its compact design and virtual surround approach. The LG S90TR may be overkill in tight spaces where rear speaker placement is challenging.
While the Samsung HW-Q800D creates virtual surround effects, physical rear speakers like those included with the LG S90TR provide more accurate and immersive surround sound, especially for home theater use.
The LG S90TR offers superior Dolby Atmos performance with three height channels versus two on the Samsung HW-Q800D. This creates more precise overhead effects for compatible content.
The Samsung HW-Q800D offers simpler setup (15 minutes) with just two components. The LG S90TR requires more time (30-45 minutes) to position and calibrate all speakers but provides better overall surround performance.
Both soundbars support major streaming services equally well, but the Samsung HW-Q800D and LG S90TR work best with their respective brand TVs for advanced features like Q-Symphony or WOW Orchestra.
No, but you'll get enhanced features pairing the Samsung HW-Q800D with Samsung TVs or the LG S90TR with LG TVs through their proprietary technologies.
Both perform well, but the LG S90TR offers more precise directional audio due to its physical rear speakers, which can be advantageous in competitive gaming. The Samsung HW-Q800D still provides good gaming performance through virtual surround.
Yes, both the Samsung HW-Q800D and LG S90TR can be wall-mounted, with mounting brackets included in the package.
The LG S90TR features a larger 9-inch subwoofer compared to the Samsung HW-Q800D's 8-inch unit, potentially offering deeper bass, though both provide solid low-frequency performance.
For dedicated home theater use, the LG S90TR justifies its higher price with true surround sound and more channels. The Samsung HW-Q800D offers better value for mixed-use scenarios where true surround isn't essential.
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: techradar.com - valueelectronics.com - samsung.com - rtings.com - samsung.com - crutchfield.com - samsung.com - samsung.com - samsung.com - shidirect.com - rtings.com - abt.com - youtube.com - bestbuy.com - microcenter.com - buydig.com - bestbuy.com - videoandaudiocenter.com - oceanstateappliance.com - youtube.com - avsforum.com - lg.com
