When it comes to upgrading your TV's sound in 2024, Samsung offers two very different approaches with their latest soundbars. Let's dive into a detailed comparison of the premium Samsung HW-Q990D ($1,999) and the space-saving Samsung HW-S700D ($398) to help you make the right choice for your home.
Today's soundbars have evolved far beyond simple TV speakers. They now range from basic audio enhancers to complete home theater replacements. Before we compare these specific models, let's understand what matters most when choosing a soundbar:
The HW-Q990D represents Samsung's flagship soundbar technology for 2024. It uses what's called an 11.1.4 channel configuration - that means 11 main speakers, 1 subwoofer, and 4 upward-firing speakers for height effects. This creates a "dome" of sound around you, similar to what you'd experience in a high-end movie theater.
In contrast, the HW-S700D takes a more focused approach with its 3.1 channel setup - left, right, and center channels, plus a subwoofer. While simpler, this configuration specifically targets clear dialogue and balanced sound from a much smaller package.
The Q990D delivers what I'd call a "true" theater experience. When watching movies like "Dune" or "Top Gun: Maverick," you can hear sounds moving precisely around and above you. This is thanks to its support for Dolby Atmos and DTS:X - technologies that create 3D sound positioning.
The S700D, while not as immersive, excels at its primary job: making TV shows and movies sound better than your TV's speakers. It particularly shines with dialogue clarity, which many users find more important than surround effects for everyday viewing.
For gaming, the Q990D offers features specifically designed for modern consoles:
The S700D handles gaming adequately but without the specialized features. Both soundbars perform well with music, though the Q990D's additional speakers provide a wider, more detailed soundstage.
The Q990D works best in:
The S700D is ideal for:
Setting up the Q990D requires more planning due to its rear speakers and larger subwoofer. You'll need:
The S700D's slim design makes it nearly plug-and-play:
The HW-Q990D at $1,999 represents a significant investment, but it replaces a traditional home theater system that could cost much more. The HW-S700D at $398 delivers excellent value for basic audio enhancement needs.
Consider these factors:
Both soundbars support Samsung's latest features:
The Q990D adds:
Both soundbars represent excellent choices for different users. The HW-Q990D delivers a premium home theater experience that rivals much more expensive separate components. The HW-S700D provides impressive sound quality in a slim, affordable package that's perfect for everyday use.
Your choice ultimately depends on your specific needs, space, and budget. For most users, the S700D will provide a significant upgrade to their TV audio experience. However, if you're looking to create a true home theater experience and have the space and budget, the Q990D delivers exceptional value despite its higher price tag.
Remember that both models integrate particularly well with Samsung TVs, so if you already own one, you'll get additional features like Q-Symphony, which uses both the TV and soundbar speakers together for enhanced sound.
| Samsung HW-Q990D ($1,999) | Samsung HW-S700D ($398) |
|---|---|
| Channel Configuration - Determines immersion level and surround capability | |
| 11.1.4 channels (full surround with height) | 3.1 channels (front-focused sound) |
| Physical Setup - Important for room planning and installation | |
| 4 pieces: main bar, sub, 2 rear speakers | 2 pieces: slim bar and compact sub |
| Dolby Atmos Support - Crucial for 3D sound experience | |
| Full physical Atmos with dedicated speakers | Virtual Atmos through processing |
| Room Size Recommendation - Affects optimal performance | |
| Medium to large (15x20ft or larger) | Small to medium (up to 15x15ft) |
| HDMI Ports - Determines connection flexibility | |
| 2 HDMI in, 1 out (HDMI 2.1, 4K/120Hz) | 1 HDMI out only (eARC) |
| Gaming Features - Important for console gamers | |
| Game Mode Pro, VRR, ALLM support | Basic Game Mode only |
| Wireless Audio - Affects streaming quality and options | |
| Bluetooth 5.2, AirPlay 2, Chromecast | Bluetooth 5.2, AirPlay 2 |
| Power Output - Impacts maximum volume and clarity | |
| 656W total system power | 320W total system power |
| Space Requirements - Critical for room layout | |
| Needs space for rear speakers and larger sub | Minimal footprint, slim design |
| Primary Use Case - Helps determine value proposition | |
| Home theater replacement, serious movie/gaming | TV enhancement, dialogue clarity focus |
The Samsung HW-Q990D ($1,999) is significantly better for home theater use, offering true 11.1.4 surround sound with dedicated rear speakers and Dolby Atmos support. The Samsung HW-S700D ($398) is more suited for basic TV audio enhancement.
The key difference is that the HW-Q990D provides full surround sound with 11.1.4 channels, while the HW-S700D offers 3.1 channels in a slim design. This affects both price and performance significantly.
The HW-S700D is ideal for small spaces due to its slim design and simple 2-piece setup. The HW-Q990D requires more room for optimal performance with its four separate components.
The HW-Q990D is superior for gaming with features like Game Mode Pro, VRR support, and 4K/120Hz passthrough. It also provides precise directional audio that's valuable for competitive gaming.
Both handle music well, but the HW-Q990D offers better stereo separation and more powerful bass. The HW-S700D provides good music playback for casual listening.
Yes, both soundbars work with any TV through HDMI or optical connections. However, they offer additional features when paired with Samsung TVs through Q-Symphony technology.
If you're building a home theater, the HW-Q990D's true Dolby Atmos implementation offers noticeably better immersion than the HW-S700D's virtual processing. The value depends on your viewing habits and room setup.
Both soundbars feature good dialogue clarity, but the HW-S700D specifically focuses on voice enhancement with its dedicated center channel. The HW-Q990D offers more advanced processing for dialogue in surround content.
Neither requires wall mounting, but both include mounting options. The HW-S700D's slim design makes it particularly suitable for wall mounting under a TV.
For dedicated home theater use, the HW-Q990D's $1,999 price tag is justified by its superior performance and features. However, the HW-S700D at $398 provides excellent value for basic home theater needs in smaller spaces.
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 - avsforum.com - valueelectronics.com - samsung.com - rtings.com - samsung.com - avsforum.com - samsung.com - cdwg.com - youtube.com - whathifi.com - crutchfield.com - samsung.com - bestbuy.com - walts.com - samsung.com - samsung.com - videoandaudiocenter.com - samsung.com - samsung.com - samsung.com - pcrichard.com
