The Samsung HW-Q950A soundbar is the next generation of the company’s top soundbars. This premium soundbar comes with some new features, including room-specific auto EQ and Apple AirPlay 2. In Auto EQ mode, the soundbar has a neutral sound profile that reproduces a variety of audio content equally well.
It also plays Dolby Atmos, and its dedicated surround speakers provide an immersive TV or music experience. The HW-Q950A soundbar is advertised as an 11.1.4 setup thanks to the two horizontally fired speakers at the top. In this review, we will find out what the Samsung HW-Q950A can actually reproduce, and what are its features.
Samsung HW-Q950A review
Design
The Samsung Q950A soundbar, unlike its predecessor HW-Q950T, is positioned as an 11.1.4 sound system. Those. there are no differences in appearance, but two emitters have been added to the hardware. The Q950A soundbar is quite wide and heavy. The ventilation grilles of the surround surround speakers are slightly sloped.
The body of the panel itself is mostly plastic, and the front and top are tightly draped with fabric. It seems that this fabric can collect dust easily. The only display on the Samsung HW-Q950A Soundbar sits at the top of the rear edge. It is difficult for a seated viewer to see his testimony. If you are using HDMI eARC or HDMI ARC connections, the volume information can be seen on the TV screen.
Both the subwoofer and rear speakers match the soundbar design and blend in well with a modern apartment. The remote control is easy to hold and use. It provides quick access to basic functions. When you connect the soundbar to your new TV via HDMI, you can use the TV remote to perform standard functions.
Sound quality and performance
The HW-Q950A Soundbar delivers impressive sound with support for Dolby Atmos and DTS: X surround sound formats . This soundbar includes upward and side firing speakers so you can immerse yourself in a movie or game. Overhead speakers direct sound to the ceiling, where it bounces back to simulate ceiling speakers.
The side speakers bounce sound off the walls, creating a similar effect off the edges of the room. The sound from the soundbar is great, with crisp dialogues and stunning effects in action movies. Dedicated surround back speakers provide a significantly better listening experience than virtual surround sound.
The rear speakers are placed without routing cables from the supplied subwoofer. They connect to the Samsung Q950A soundbar over a wireless Wi-Fi network. Of course, they require power, so you have to place them near the power outlets. The Samsung subwoofer works well with the system, delivering high-quality bass response that enhances drama while watching movies.
By connecting the Q950A soundbar to a 2021 Samsung NEO QLED TV using an HDMI cable, you can take advantage of Samsung’s SpaceFit Sound + and Q-Symphony features to enhance your experience. SpaceFit Sound + uses the TV to calibrate the sound in the room. Q-Symphony uses the speakers of compatible Samsung 2020 and 2021 TVs to expand the soundbar’s capabilities.
Soundbar Samsung HW-Q950A has an excellent set of sound enhancement functions. Unlike the Samsung HW-Q950T, it features Auto EQ, which can be turned on and off using the remote control or the app. You can also customize the sound with a graphic equalizer and presets, including Standard, Surround, Game, and Adaptive Sound modes.
By the way, the sound scheme 11.1.4 is realized due to additional emitters on the satellites. However, to activate these drivers, the soundbar must be set to Adaptive Sound, Surround, or Game Pro mode. In standard mode, the side drivers are not active and the Samsung Q950A soundbar in this case acts as the previous 9.1.4 system. The active voice amplifier function can make dialogs clearer and clearer.
Connections and features
With the built-in Alexa voice assistant in the Samsung HW-Q950A soundbar, you can easily control your smart home and use other Alexa functions. This is especially convenient for playing music with the soundbar without a smartphone in hand. It is easy for Alexa to set up and use on the Samsung Q950A soundbar. The device also supports AirPlay 2, which allows you to play music from your phone.
The Samsung HW-Q950A Sound Bar also supports Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity for phones and compatible TVs. You can start streaming music by tapping the soundbar with your compatible Android smartphone. The system has an optical input as well as HDMI ARC and HDMI eARC for connection to a TV. The HW-Q950A Acoustic Bar supports most audio formats through the ARC port, excluding 5.1 PCM content. eARC supports any format.
Conclusion
This flagship is a great alternative to a full-fledged home theater system. It’s great for movies. With Auto EQ turned on, it can reproduce heavy bass in fast moving scenes, as well as clear and precise dialogue. In addition, thanks to dedicated surround speakers, it can accurately localize sound objects to immerse you in what is happening on the screen.
The Samsung Q950A Sound Bar also supports Dolby Atmos content, although it doesn’t offer an immersive listening experience. Sound quality, design and ease of installation in different rooms add to the value of this soundbar. Consider the helpful Q-Symphony and Space Fit + features when you pair the HW-Q950A with Samsung’s new QLED TV. All of this is a good reason to consider this high quality Q950A acoustic panel.