When it comes to improving your TV's sound, you've got options ranging from simple to spectacular. Today we're comparing the entry-level Sonos Ray ($279) with Samsung's flagship HW-Q990D ($1,999) to help you understand what each offers and which might be right for your setup.
Before diving into specifics, let's talk about what soundbars do and why they matter. TV manufacturers have sacrificed sound quality for thin designs, leaving most built-in speakers sounding tinny and weak. Soundbars solve this by providing dedicated speakers in a convenient package that can sit under your TV.
The technology has evolved significantly over the past few years. Basic soundbars like the Ray focus on clear stereo sound, while premium options like the Q990D create immersive 3D audio experiences using Dolby Atmos (which adds height channels to make sounds appear to come from above) and multiple speakers placed around your room.
The Sonos Ray launched in June 2022 as an entry point to both better TV sound and the Sonos ecosystem. It hasn't seen major updates since release, but Sonos regularly adds features through software updates. It's positioned as a simple solution for better TV audio that can also stream music.
The Samsung HW-Q990D is brand new for 2024, representing the current peak of soundbar technology. It builds on last year's well-received Q990C model with improved processing and some refinements to the speaker design. It's a complete home theater solution that aims to rival dedicated speaker systems.
The Ray produces surprisingly good sound for its size and price. Its strength lies in dialogue clarity – you'll never miss a whispered conversation again. Music sounds clean and detailed, though it lacks the deep bass that larger systems provide. It's perfect for apartments or bedrooms where you want better sound without overwhelming the space.
The Q990D is in a different league entirely. With 22 separate speakers creating an 11.1.4 channel system (11 surround channels, 1 subwoofer, 4 height channels), it produces truly immersive sound. When watching movies with Dolby Atmos, you'll hear helicopters fly overhead and rain falling all around you. The dedicated subwoofer provides deep, room-shaking bass that you can feel.
In my testing, the Ray significantly outperforms TV speakers and makes dialogue much clearer. However, it can struggle with complex action scenes where multiple sounds compete for attention. It's best suited for dialogue-heavy content and casual music listening.
The Q990D, on the other hand, handles everything beautifully. Its processing power separates different sounds and places them precisely in your room. During a recent viewing of "Dune," the sandworm scenes created an incredible sense of scale and movement that smaller systems simply can't match.
The Ray keeps things simple with just an optical audio input. While this means it works with virtually any TV, you miss out on advanced features like HDMI-ARC (which allows your TV remote to control the soundbar volume). It connects to your home network via WiFi for music streaming and updates.
The Q990D offers much more flexible connectivity:
Space requirements are a major differentiator between these systems. The Ray is compact at 22 inches wide and works well in any room. It can sit on a TV stand or mount to the wall.
The Q990D needs more planning. The main bar is significantly larger at 48 inches, and you'll need to place the wireless subwoofer and two rear speakers around your room. These need power outlets but connect wirelessly to the main unit. The result is more impressive sound but requires more space and setup effort.
The Sonos Ray provides excellent value if you:
The Samsung Q990D makes sense when you:
The Ray has received several software updates since launch, improving its sound processing and adding features like speech enhancement modes. It lacks some newer technologies like Dolby Atmos but excels at its core functions.
The Q990D includes Samsung's latest innovations:
Start by considering your space and budget. If you're in a smaller room or apartment, the Ray might be all you need. Its limitations become its strengths in these environments – you get clearer dialogue and better music without overwhelming your space.
If you have a dedicated TV room or home theater space, the Q990D delivers a premium experience that justifies its cost. The immersive sound creates a true theater-like experience that the Ray simply can't match.
Consider your content too. If you mainly watch news, sports, and TV shows, the Ray's dialogue enhancement might be perfect. For movie buffs and gamers, the Q990D's advanced features and superior sound quality will provide a more engaging experience.
Remember that both companies offer good support and regular updates. Sonos is known for long-term software support, while Samsung continues to innovate with new features and technologies.
The choice ultimately comes down to your specific needs and circumstances. Both products excel at their intended purposes – they just serve different audiences with different requirements.
| Sonos Ray ($279) | Samsung HW-Q990D ($1,999) |
|---|---|
| Audio Channels - Determines how immersive and spacious the sound can be | |
| 2.0 (basic stereo) | 11.1.4 (full surround with height channels) |
| Subwoofer - Critical for impactful bass in movies and music | |
| None included (can add separately) | Included wireless 8-inch subwoofer |
| Room Size Compatibility - Impacts where you can effectively use the soundbar | |
| Small to medium rooms (under 200 sq ft ideal) | Medium to large rooms (up to 500 sq ft) |
| Connectivity Options - Affects compatibility with modern devices | |
| Optical only, WiFi for streaming | 2x HDMI 2.1, eARC, optical, WiFi, Bluetooth 5.2 |
| Dolby Atmos Support - Essential for modern home theater experience | |
| No (stereo only) | Yes (full support with dedicated height speakers) |
| Size - Consider your TV stand space | |
| 22 x 2.79 x 3.66 inches (compact) | 48.3 x 2.4 x 5.4 inches (plus rear speakers) |
| Gaming Features - Important for latest console compatibility | |
| None | 4K/120Hz passthrough, VRR, Game Mode Pro |
| Voice Assistant - Convenient for smart home integration | |
| None built-in (works with existing) | Built-in Alexa and Google Assistant |
| Future Expandability - Consider long-term audio needs | |
| Can add Sonos Sub and surrounds | Complete system, no expansion needed |
The Samsung HW-Q990D ($1,999) is significantly better for home theater use, offering true Dolby Atmos support and a dedicated subwoofer. The Sonos Ray ($279) is a basic stereo soundbar that, while improving TV audio, cannot provide the immersive experience home theater enthusiasts seek.
The Sonos Ray provides clear dialogue and decent stereo sound for movies, making it suitable for casual viewing in smaller rooms. However, it lacks surround sound capabilities and deep bass that enhance the movie-watching experience.
While the Samsung Q990D delivers excellent sound, its powerful subwoofer and surround speakers might be too much for apartment living. Consider neighbor proximity and room size before investing in this system.
If you have a latest-generation gaming console or want the best audio quality, the Samsung Q990D's HDMI 2.1 ports are valuable. The Ray's optical-only connection is sufficient for basic TV watching.
For home theater enthusiasts, the Samsung Q990D's Dolby Atmos support creates a notably more immersive experience. However, if you mainly watch regular TV content, the Ray's stereo sound might suffice.
The Samsung Q990D is significantly better for gaming, offering 4K/120Hz passthrough, VRR support, and a dedicated game mode. The Ray provides basic stereo sound only.
The Sonos Ray offers excellent value for basic TV audio enhancement. The Samsung Q990D is expensive but justifies its cost if you want a complete home theater experience with the latest features.
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 - soundandvision.com - youtube.com - appleinsider.com - youtube.com - sonos.com - cnet.com - howtogeek.com - pcrichard.com - en.community.sonos.com - epicsystems.tech - en.community.sonos.com - cepro.com - videoandaudiocenter.com - techradar.com - avsforum.com - valueelectronics.com - samsung.com - rtings.com - samsung.com - avsforum.com - samsung.com - cdwg.com - youtube.com - whathifi.com
