The soundbar market slowed down somewhat after the pandemic but it would appear that consumers are now looking once again for home theater solutions that involve as few components as possible. Samsung has done rather well in the soundbar segment over the past 5 years because they are often marketed as a package with their award-winning TVs. Samsung’s 2024 lineup is slightly different this year with a mixture of full-sized models like the HW-Q990D and a new Music Frame loudspeaker that supports Dolby Atmos.
We will have an opportunity to listen at CES 2024 but here are the early details.
HW-Q990D
The Samsung HW-990D is the company’s new flagship soundbar for 2024, which improves upon last year’s HW-990C sound with several advanced features.
Immersive Soundfield: The HW-Q990D Soundbar delivers an 11.1.4 channel sound experience. Wireless Dolby Atmos is also supported. This allows the soundbar to receive Atmos sound over Wi-Fi from select Samsung TVs.
Q-Symphony: Additional audio support includes Q-Symphony which has been an evolving feature on select Samsung TVs and soundbars for a few years. Q Symphony reproduces audio by combining the speakers in both select Samsung TVs and the soundbar. The soundbar can adjust its sound profile to be either central, perfect for sitting on a couch and watching a movie, or expansive, where each part of the system provides balanced audio for room-filling sound.
Private Listening Mode: For late-night viewing, Private Listening Mode turns off frontal audio, so you can enjoy your favorite movie without waking up roommates or family.
Party Play Mode: This feature broadens the sound profile to let each part of the sound system play a balanced profile suited for partying. The only thing missing as a party speaker is flashing lights – maybe next year!
Roon Compatible: This is a music service that allows users to stream music and local files, to multiple devices throughout the home. Roon provides Hi-Res Audio playback for individual or group play. The added touch makes the HW-Q990D worth it for more serious music listeners.
Tip: Samsung owns Roon via its Harman Brand Group.
Video Support: On the video side, the HW-Q990D supports 4K 120Hz pass-through.
Gaming: For gamers, the Q990D is designed to ensure the best combination of audio and lag-free gaming performance.
Where to buy: $1,999 $1,697 at Amazon | Value Electronics
Ultra Slim Soundbars
Samsung’s ultra-slim soundbars have been very popular with many users. For 2024, the newest ultra-slim soundbars are the HW-S800D, HW-S801D and HW-700D.
Tip: The HW-S800D and S801D are identical except the S800D is black and the S801D is white.
The HW-S800D/801D measures only 46 inches wide and about a third of the depth of conventional soundbars. Whether mounted to a wall or set flat on a stand, it makes a matching companion for an ultra-thin Samsung TV in a minimalistic setting. With the new SpaceFit Sound Pro, audio is automatically optimized for any acoustic environment.
The new HW-S700D takes ultra-slim to a whole new level. It features an even smaller form factor at 35 inches wide, 1.4 inches high, and 1.5 inches deep. It’s designed to complement TVs that are 55 inches and smaller – while still delivering the same impressive sound quality as others in the lineup.
Tech Note: While Samsung soundbars can be used with almost any TV, some features can only be accessed when used with compatible Samsung TVs.
HW-LS60D Music Frame
In addition to the new soundbars, Samsung is offering up an interesting wireless speaker, the HW-LS60D Music Frame. Samsung claims it is the world’s first customizable and personalized wireless speaker with a built-in IoT hub.
The Music Frame is a speaker that has the look and feel of a picture frame. You can use it as a standalone Bluetooth or Wi-Fi speaker or pair the Music Frame with your Samsung TV and/or soundbar to be used as a TV speaker, rear speaker, or subwoofer – and even pair two for more surround sound options.
Music Frame blends into just about any décor. In addition to providing audio listening, you can also add photographs, print images, or digitally print your favorite memories onto the accompanying Art Panel, a diasec matte acrylic plate.
For audio, the Music Frame reproduces Dolby Atmos sound in a form factor that blends into any room. It hides 2 woofers, 2 tweeters, and 2 mid-drivers behind your photo. With Samsung SpaceFit technology, it can perfectly calibrate audio to your environment.
The Music Frame provides a wide radial sound range, delivering high-quality and balanced music playback, no matter where you’re sitting.
Price & Availability
- HW-Q990D –
$1,999$1,697 at Amazon
- HW-800D – $749 at Amazon
- HW-801D –
$899$697 at Amazon
- HW-700D –
$499$399 at Amazon
- Music Frame – $399 at Amazon
Tip: Find deals while they last on 2023 Samsung Soundbars at Amazon.
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