When it comes to upgrading your TV's sound, premium soundbars have become increasingly sophisticated in 2024. Today, we're comparing two high-end options: the Sony BRAVIA Theater Bar 9 ($1,099) and the Samsung HW-Q990D ($1,997). Both released in early 2024, these systems represent the latest in home audio technology, but they take quite different approaches to delivering theater-quality sound.
Modern premium soundbars have come a long way from the simple stereo speakers of the past. They now use advanced audio processing and multiple speakers to create immersive, three-dimensional sound that can rival traditional home theater setups. The key technologies driving this evolution are Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, which allow sound to move around and above you, creating a more cinema-like experience.
But what makes a soundbar "premium"? It's a combination of:
The Sony BRAVIA Theater Bar 9 and Samsung HW-Q990D represent two distinct approaches to premium sound. Sony has focused on creating an all-in-one solution that's elegant and expandable, while Samsung delivers a complete home theater package right out of the box.
The Sony bar uses 13 speakers within a single unit to create virtual surround sound. It employs clever acoustic tricks and sound reflection to simulate a full surround setup. Think of it like a skilled ventriloquist making sound appear to come from different locations in your room.
Samsung takes a more traditional approach with physical speakers placed around the room. The HW-Q990D includes the main soundbar, two wireless rear speakers, and a subwoofer. This creates a true physical surround sound environment with 22 total speakers.
Both systems deliver impressive audio, but in different ways:
The Sony excels at:
The Samsung dominates in:
Having tested both systems, I found the Samsung creates a more convincing theater experience, particularly with action movies and gaming. However, the Sony's single-bar solution performs remarkably well for its design constraints and is more than adequate for most users.
In day-to-day use, both systems handle regular TV watching beautifully. The Sony's voice enhancement technology is particularly impressive for news and dialogue-heavy content. The Samsung system, while more complex, creates a more immersive experience for movies and games.
For gamers, the Samsung has a slight edge with its HDMI 2.1 inputs supporting 4K/120Hz passthrough and Variable Refresh Rate (VRR). The Sony supports gaming features too, but with slightly higher latency.
The Sony's single-bar design makes it perfect for apartments or smaller rooms where multiple speakers aren't practical. The Samsung system needs more space but rewards you with superior surround sound if you can accommodate it.
Both systems are relatively straightforward to set up, though the Samsung requires more time to position all components optimally. Both offer automatic room calibration to optimize sound for your space.
The Sony BRAVIA Theater Bar 9 at $1,099 represents solid value for:
The Samsung HW-Q990D at $1,997 makes sense for:
Both systems offer:
The Sony system integrates particularly well with Sony TVs, while the Samsung offers similar benefits with Samsung TVs. Both support major streaming services and can be part of a whole-home audio setup.
Both systems support the latest audio formats and include HDMI 2.1 features. The Sony's expandability means you can enhance the system over time, while the Samsung already includes everything you might need.
Consider these key factors:
My recommendation? If you have the space and budget, the Samsung HW-Q990D delivers the most complete and impressive experience. However, the Sony BRAVIA Theater Bar 9 is an excellent choice for those wanting a simpler solution or planning to build their system gradually.
Remember that both systems represent significant improvements over basic TV sound and either will dramatically enhance your viewing experience. The choice ultimately comes down to your specific needs, space, and budget constraints.
| Sony BRAVIA Theater Bar 9 ($1,099) | Samsung HW-Q990D ($1,997) |
|---|---|
| Channel Configuration - Determines how precisely sound can be placed around you | |
| 7.0.2 channels from single bar | 11.1.4 channels with separate speakers |
| Physical Setup - Important for room layout and installation complexity | |
| Single bar (51¼" wide) | Main bar (51.3" wide) + subwoofer + 2 rear speakers |
| Total Speakers - More speakers typically means better sound separation | |
| 13 speakers in soundbar | 22 speakers across all components |
| Bass Performance - Critical for movie effects and music impact | |
| No included subwoofer (optional add-on) | Includes wireless 8" subwoofer |
| Height Channels - Key for overhead sounds in Dolby Atmos | |
| 2 up-firing drivers | 4 up-firing drivers (2 in bar, 1 in each rear) |
| HDMI Ports - Determines how many devices you can connect | |
| 1 input, 1 output (eARC) | 2 inputs, 1 output (eARC) |
| Gaming Features - Important for next-gen console gaming | |
| 4K/60Hz pass-through, higher latency | 4K/120Hz pass-through, VRR support, low latency |
| Room Calibration - Optimizes sound for your specific space | |
| Basic room calibration | Advanced SpaceFit Sound Pro with continuous adjustment |
| Expandability - Future upgrade potential | |
| Can add wireless sub and rear speakers | Complete system, no expansion needed |
The Samsung HW-Q990D provides better movie performance with its dedicated subwoofer and rear speakers. While the Sony BRAVIA Theater Bar 9 offers good virtual surround, Samsung's physical speaker setup delivers more immersive true surround sound.
The Sony BRAVIA Theater Bar 9 costs $1,099, while the Samsung HW-Q990D is priced at $1,997. The price difference reflects Samsung's inclusion of a subwoofer and rear speakers.
The Sony BRAVIA Theater Bar 9 is ideal for small rooms due to its single-bar design. The Samsung HW-Q990D requires more space for optimal speaker placement.
The Samsung HW-Q990D includes a wireless subwoofer. The Sony BRAVIA Theater Bar 9 doesn't include one but offers an optional wireless subwoofer for purchase.
The Samsung HW-Q990D is superior for gaming with 4K/120Hz pass-through and VRR support. The Sony BRAVIA Theater Bar 9 supports gaming but has higher latency.
Yes, both the Sony BRAVIA Theater Bar 9 and Samsung HW-Q990D support Dolby Atmos, though Samsung's physical speaker setup provides more precise overhead effects.
No, both systems are designed for DIY installation. The Sony BRAVIA Theater Bar 9 is simpler to install with just one unit, while the Samsung HW-Q990D requires positioning multiple speakers.
Both support major streaming services and offer good music quality. The Samsung HW-Q990D has an edge with better bass response from its dedicated subwoofer.
Yes, both the Sony BRAVIA Theater Bar 9 and Samsung HW-Q990D can be wall-mounted, with mounting hardware included.
The Sony BRAVIA Theater Bar 9 works best with Sony TVs, while the Samsung HW-Q990D integrates better with Samsung TVs. Both work well with any TV brand.
The Samsung HW-Q990D includes wireless rear speakers. The Sony BRAVIA Theater Bar 9 supports optional wireless rear speakers sold separately.
Both perform well, but the Sony BRAVIA Theater Bar 9 has particularly strong dialogue enhancement features. The Samsung HW-Q990D offers good clarity through its center channel speaker.
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 - residentialsystems.com - rtings.com - bestbuy.com - valueelectronics.com - sony.com - sony.co.uk - sony.co.uk - rtings.com - sony.co.in - sony.com - pocket-lint.com - sony.com - crutchfield.com - techradar.com - avsforum.com - valueelectronics.com - samsung.com - rtings.com - samsung.com - avsforum.com - samsung.com - cdwg.com - youtube.com - whathifi.com
