topic Re: Performance difference between HW-N950 and the new Q990D soundbars in Audio & Video

Performance difference between HW-N950 and the new Q990D soundbars

Cultman1 — Wed, 28 Aug 2024 12:58:14 GMT

Considering upgrading my soundbar of HW-N950 2020 vintage to the recently released Q990D. In a nutshell is there a massive difference between these units and is it worth investing in the upgrade?

I mainly use it to play 4K ultra HD blu ray movies and listen to music via CD and i phone music player.

Thanking for any advice in advance.

Re: Performance difference between HW-N950 and the new Q990D soundbars

a5ian300zx — Wed, 28 Aug 2024 17:36:24 GMT

Yes, even the older generations offers better performance then the model you have. I have the Q950A and that was an upgrade to yours. I find the Samsung soundbars to be one of the best, I tested it along side the klipch 1200 and sennhieser ambeo (1st gen) and the Samsung was better for my needs which was mainly night time viewing.

Re: Re: Performance difference between HW-N950 and the new Q990D soundbars

Obsydian — Wed, 28 Aug 2024 17:58:40 GMT

I purchased the Q900A foolishly it was only the soundbar and sub, then realised the 950 came with the rears, so had to source the rears, been happy since.

Not sure what 990 adds, vs, the 900 or 950, I know the end letter is the model year, so D being the latest.

Re: Performance difference between HW-N950 and the new Q990D soundbars

a5ian300zx — Wed, 28 Aug 2024 18:25:39 GMT

It just adds better speaker drivers, sound optimisation, better sub and a front display over the Q950A it does have other features over the Q950A but nothing that has said to me to upgrade.

I have started to watch the TV in the bedroom more now and have apple TV paired to my Samsung bud2 pro (now bud3 pro too) with 360 audio on and head tracking off it sound amazing with very clear dialogue and sense of surround sound.

Re: Performance difference between HW-N950 and the new Q990D soundbars

Cultman1 — Fri, 30 Aug 2024 08:49:53 GMT

Thanks for this my main query is is the new Q990D a decent upgrade over my 6 year old 950 and indeed your model for example? Any views? thanks

Re: Re: Performance difference between HW-N950 and the new Q990D soundbars

a5ian300zx — Fri, 30 Aug 2024 09:06:27 GMT

Yes, you will notice the difference with better dynamic range. You can check out the reviews on avforums and follow the soundbar owners threads for indepth feedback. I would say don't get the latest model at full price as they fall in price quite considerably after new model is announced or 6 months in etc..

Re: Re: Performance difference between HW-N950 and the new Q990D soundbars

Cultman1 — Fri, 30 Aug 2024 09:13:58 GMT

THanks for this could you kindly send me a link to the Soundbars owners threads for the 950 and Q990D? thanks again

Re: Re: Re: Performance difference between HW-N950 and the new Q990D soundbars

a5ian300zx — Fri, 30 Aug 2024 09:16:16 GMT

Here is the reviews https://www.avforums.com/homecinema/reviews/soundbars.68/

Re: Re: Re: Performance difference between HW-N950 and the new Q990D soundbars

a5ian300zx — Fri, 30 Aug 2024 09:18:31 GMT

This one is owners threads and other threads. https://www.avforums.com/forums/soundbars.307/

Re: Performance difference between HW-N950 and the new Q990D soundbars

Cultman1 — Fri, 30 Aug 2024 16:12:39 GMT

thanks again

Re: Performance difference between HW-N950 and the new Q990D soundbars

Mark Beech — Mon, 06 Jan 2025 17:55:32 GMT

Did you upgrade? I have the HW-N950 and wondering whether it is worth upgrading to the Q990D. I have been very happy with the Soundbar and wondering whether I will really notice a difference. The one thing that does intrigue me is the room calibration.

Re: Performance difference between HW-N950 and the new Q990D soundbars

Cultman1 — Tue, 07 Jan 2025 14:43:27 GMT

I didn't in the end I am not entirely convinced the actual sound quality is a quantum leap when playing Dolby Atmos 4K ultra HD movies and dts X movies since both soundbars offer this facility

I stand corrected though!

Re: Performance difference between HW-N950 and the new Q990D soundbars

Mark Beech — Wed, 08 Jan 2025 10:12:35 GMT

Thank you - I was hoping you would say that. I am sure the Q990D is better - but only marginally, and given I spent around £1,500 for the HW-N950 I think I will only consider replacing if I start having problems with it. Apart from the occasional crackling from the subwoofer it is working perfectly and hopefully last me a few more years. I got mine in 2018.

Re: Performance difference between HW-N950 and the new Q990D soundbars

Cultman1 — Sat, 11 Jan 2025 13:43:05 GMT

Same here ..... however I will monitor Samsungs annual upgrades with interest to get the best out of my 4K discs. It's paired with a Panasonic 2024 OLED 55" Z95 TV with its own built in soundbar

Re: Performance difference between HW-N950 and the new Q990D soundbars

Mark Beech — Wed, 22 Jan 2025 09:54:01 GMT

In the end I bought the Q990D as I was upgrading my TV to 85' and there was an offer from Samsung of 50% off the soundbar and an additional £200 Trade In discount. I've not got the TV yet as it will arrive in three weeks, so I can't give a critique of the full Q Surround Sound. However, after a day of listening, it feels like the sound is a little tighter - especially the bass from the subwoofer. There are also a lot more tweaking options. I am looking forward to the SpaceFit Sound Pro feature when the TV arrives where it can optimise the sound after an analysis of your space. Overall very happy so far - though this is based upon the price I bought it at.