topic Re: HW-Q990c Soundbar sounds flat and compressed after 1010.5 firmware update. in Audio & Video

HW-Q990c Soundbar sounds flat and compressed after 1010.5 firmware update.

Mike7463 — Mon, 13 Jan 2025 11:04:33 GMT

After updating to the latest firmware (1010.5), there seems to be a distinct drop in punch and clarity regarding the sound quality, and sounds somewhat compressed, be it in adaptive mode or anything else. I've tried everything - resetting the soundbar and having channel volumes exactly has they were, have gone through the process of updating the subwoofer and rear speakers, etc, etc. It's not connected to a Samsung TV, so comments about settings regarding a Samsung TV would be redundant. The settings on my TV are as they were before the update. I have messaged Samsung on their Facebook page, but they said that they're unaware of any problems regarding the firmware. Having read of this problem experienced by others on other message boards, there is obviously some change regarding the sound quality. I'm not sure if anyone can help, but I would hope that Samsung looks into it and rectifies it with a future firmware update.

Re: HW-Q990c Soundbar sounds flat and compressed after 1010.5 firmware update.

Obsydian — Wed, 15 Jan 2025 11:07:47 GMT

Hi Samsung lists v1010 as the latest ?

https://www.samsung.com/uk/support/model/HW-Q990C/XU/#downloads

Re: HW-Q990c Soundbar sounds flat and compressed after 1010.5 firmware update.

Mike7463 — Wed, 15 Jan 2025 11:16:57 GMT

That's exactly the version I upgraded to. When checking the version on the soundbar itself, as well as the Smart Things app, it states that it is 1010.5. Here's a partial part of the info given in the upgrade's root folder.

upgrade type: USB
model string: SAT-iMX8M23WWC
major version: 1010
minor version: 5

Re: HW-Q990c Soundbar sounds flat and compressed after 1010.5 firmware update.

Obsydian — Wed, 15 Jan 2025 11:22:26 GMT

Ah ok cool.

Some things to check are:

- Did the upgrade reset another EQ-type changes you had made

- You may have to play around with the EQ to get back to your preference.

I love my hifi and one new pain point with the advent of firmware updates, is each causes a SQ change, its a real nightmare, for my streamer I asked for a roll back, but was told no.

Re: HW-Q990c Soundbar sounds flat and compressed after 1010.5 firmware update.

Mike7463 — Wed, 15 Jan 2025 11:36:51 GMT

I keep everything at O as far as bass and treble are concerned, and have set up each channel volume as before, but to no avail. When cycling through the various modes - Adaptive, surround, Game, Standard - there seems to be little difference between them, apart from Standard which, I understand, doesn't use the rear speakers anyway - not that it's a setting I use in any case. I use adaptive mode, which when using it before, brought the sound to life, but now doesn't have the clarity it once had. It's a pity that reverting to an earlier version isn't given as an option.

Re: HW-Q990c Soundbar sounds flat and compressed after 1010.5 firmware update.

Sau123 — Sat, 18 Jan 2025 14:05:08 GMT

Facing same problem after 1010.5 update

Re: HW-Q990c Soundbar sounds flat and compressed after 1010.5 firmware update.

Avrez101 — Sun, 26 Jan 2025 22:00:32 GMT

I have this issue with the 930c variant. Samsung very much seems to be going down the apple route of ruining products with software/firmware updates to make you buy a new product and landfill the old one. I don't understand this business practise as I won't be replacing anything with another Samsung product and it puts me off the brand.

Re: HW-Q990c Soundbar sounds flat and compressed after 1010.5 firmware update.

Mike7463 — Thu, 30 Jan 2025 20:34:59 GMT

If there is any truth in that, then they would be shooting themselves in the foot, because I wouldn't replace the aforementioned soundbar with a newer Samsung product, given how expensive my present one was. They either need to make the firmware reversible to an earlier version, or update the present one to fix the sound problem.

Re: HW-Q990c Soundbar sounds flat and compressed after 1010.5 firmware update.

Engineer — Sat, 01 Feb 2025 12:32:24 GMT

I have had exactly the same problem, and it seems to have been resolved by performing a full reset of the device. The truth is, I’m still running tests since I haven’t quite managed to get the same sound I had before the update. However, it’s possible that this is just my perception, as it’s not exactly the same as before.

Suddenly, I started noticing that the soundbar didn’t sound as good as before, so I checked the firmware version, and sure enough, it was 1010.5. I contacted Samsung Spain, and according to them, there are no known global issues with this firmware version. It’s quite curious because, from what I’ve read, this is a problem affecting quite a few customers.

The reset is done simply by pressing the + and - symbols on the soundbar simultaneously (while it’s turned on). The word "Init" will appear on the display, and after a few seconds, the soundbar will turn off. However, you’ll need to reconnect it to the SmartThings app if you want to use it.

This modern trend of manufacturers releasing firmware updates that change how devices work—almost always for the worse, if not outright removing features they originally had—is not only frustrating but should be outright banned. And it’s getting worse, spreading to more and more products, from cars to 3D printers. In the past, if a brand did this, you could just switch brands. But what will happen when there’s no brand left to switch to because they all do the same thing? I’ll just leave that thought here.

Re: HW-Q990c Soundbar sounds flat and compressed after 1010.5 firmware update.

Mike7463 — Sat, 08 Feb 2025 11:47:49 GMT

I reset it after I noticed the problem after the firmware update, in fact I reset it twice to make doubly sure, but still no luck, with every channel volume and subwoofer and rear speaker levels as they were before. I wouldn't say the sound is atrocious, but it certainly sounds compressed with a lack of clarity. The sound modes also had more of a noticeable difference when switching from one to the other, but it is now less noticeable.

Re: HW-Q990c Soundbar sounds flat and compressed after 1010.5 firmware update.

Yauhen001 — Thu, 06 Feb 2025 17:06:55 GMT

Not sure guys what you are talking about, but q990c is made for MOVIEs, not for hifi. I have done upgrade to 1010.5 and it is SUPER AMAZING, clear and loud voices, immersive ground shaking bass and 3d sound for movies. I had the initial 1002 version and after the update, i have notice massive improvements and i LOVE it a LOT.

If you guys need hifi system with "not compressed" sound as you saying, spend good fortune $$$ for the dedicated hifi system. Do not expect $1.5k samsung movie theater q990c giving you the same listening experience as $100k gran 2.0 hifi system. Do not look for impossible things, and do not compare apples to oranges. q990c does amazing job for MOVIEs. However, additionally, you can stream your music thru q990c but do not expect amazing hifi sound from it. q990c was not meant for hifi music even technically you can listen to your music thru it. be realistic with your expectations!!!

So, please do not confuse other about 1010.5 (dec 2024 upgrade) being not good. 1010.5 is indeed very good and substantial update so go ahead and upgrade your q990c worries-free. You will get amazing movies sound!!! Of course, must use good movie source like apple tv or similar.

So, enjoy your true cinematic experience with 1010.5 the latest Dec 2024 FW upgrade. It rocks!!! and your ceiling will crack :)!!! LOL

I hope my comment can help others to make a right choice and get the best from their q990c with the new 1010.5 upgrade!!!

@Mike7463 wrote:
After updating to the latest firmware (1010.5), there seems to be a distinct drop in punch and clarity regarding the sound quality, and sounds somewhat compressed, be it in adaptive mode or anything else. I've tried everything - resetting the soundbar and having channel volumes exactly has they were, have gone through the process of updating the subwoofer and rear speakers, etc, etc. It's not connected to a Samsung TV, so comments about settings regarding a Samsung TV would be redundant. The settings on my TV are as they were before the update. I have messaged Samsung on their Facebook page, but they said that they're unaware of any problems regarding the firmware. Having read of this problem experienced by others on other message boards, there is obviously some change regarding the sound quality. I'm not sure if anyone can help, but I would hope that Samsung looks into it and rectifies it with a future firmware update.

Re: HW-Q990c Soundbar sounds flat and compressed after 1010.5 firmware update.

Yauhen001 — Thu, 06 Feb 2025 17:16:35 GMT

correct for q990c

Re: HW-Q990c Soundbar sounds flat and compressed after 1010.5 firmware update.

Engineer — Thu, 06 Feb 2025 18:07:26 GMT

I'm really glad that, in your case, the update to firmware version 1010.5 has been a success and improved the overall sound quality. However, you might want to consider that when a significant number of people are complaining that this hasn't been the case for them—while also sharing the same issues affecting sound definition—there must be a reason behind it.

I believe that most customers who purchase a sound system costing over €1,000 know exactly what they are buying and what they intend to use it for. Obviously, we’re talking about a soundbar designed to perform at its best with audiovisual content, and in no way is it meant to compete with a high-fidelity stereo system. These are completely different worlds with distinct needs and users. In this discussion, I haven’t seen anyone claiming that their music sounds worse after the update, so I don’t quite understand why you're trying to look for an explanation in that direction.

Moreover, most of us who have had issues with this update didn’t manually install it. Instead, one day, after noticing that the soundbar wasn’t performing as well, we started looking for an explanation—only to realize that the firmware had been updated automatically, without any notification or prior consent. Yes, you may say that updates can be disabled, but as you can see in other forums (Reddit, AV Forums, etc.), quite a few people have been affected by this update.

In my opinion, when a lot of people are complaining about something, maybe—just maybe—it’s worth considering that they might have a point. All they want is for the manufacturer, in this case Samsung, to be aware of the issue, investigate it, and try to provide a solution. In this case, it’s clear that the update hasn’t "worked" the same way for all Q990C units. Just as I wouldn’t argue with you if you say your unit sounds better than before, I think you shouldn’t argue with others when they say theirs doesn’t.

Best regards.

Re: HW-Q990c Soundbar sounds flat and compressed after 1010.5 firmware update.

Mike7463 — Fri, 07 Feb 2025 01:08:31 GMT

I mentioned nothing about Hi-Fi, which I wouldn't use a soundbar for in any case, but if you're happy with the sound then fine, but to my ears it doesn't sound as good as it did, having played many of the latest 4K Dolby Atmos releases through it. Yes, some may be happy with it, but there are other forums where others have noted the same as I. I am not saying it is unlistenable now, but my preference was the sound I had before the update, which itself, I'm led to understand, was mainly to make improvements to the eARC.

Re: HW-Q990c Soundbar sounds flat and compressed after 1010.5 firmware update.

Yauhen001 — Wed, 12 Mar 2025 15:09:59 GMT

make sure to use quality source for your 4k movies. eg, appletv 4k. Ensure you connect appletv to your soundbar and passthru the video to your tv, not otherwise. never ever use wifi for your movies, only LAN 1-10G is the way to go if you need quality.

make sure to use quality cable for great sound, eg, https://www.boaacoustic.de/p/evolution-black-armor-aoc-2-1-beb-2019

Enjoy it! do not cheap out!!! it is your life be happy!!!

Re: HW-Q990c Soundbar sounds flat and compressed after 1010.5 firmware update.

Yauhen001 — Wed, 12 Mar 2025 15:09:31 GMT

it is unlikely to be the FW issue. however, the FW may be more demanding now to your hardware setup and cables so you feel like degraded sound quality.

Follow me, i use this setup: it is amazing quality of video and audio: trust me

make sure to use quality cable for great sound, eg, https://www.boaacoustic.de/p/evolution-black-armor-aoc-2-1-beb-2019

Enjoy it! do not cheap out!!! it is your life

Re: HW-Q990c Soundbar sounds flat and compressed after 1010.5 firmware update.

Mike7463 — Wed, 12 Mar 2025 16:22:18 GMT

I don't use streaming services to watch movies when I want the full spectrum of sound, so I use one of the most highly rated 4K Dolby Vision/Dolby Amos players on the market, and all the appropriate cables, rated above what I would actually need. Besides, why, if I'm using the same equipment and cables as I was before, would the sound change if not because of the firmware? As for pass-through, I've always used that option. The only thing that's changed is the sound, and it changed after the firmware update - and not for the better in my opinion.

Re: HW-Q990c Soundbar sounds flat and compressed after 1010.5 firmware update.

Ettore_981 — Wed, 26 Mar 2025 14:37:22 GMT

I've experienced this issue as well, and I'm extremely disappointed with how Samsung is handling it. They need to restore the audio quality from firmware 1004—if not, I seriously doubt I'll buy another Samsung product in the future.

Re: HW-Q990c Soundbar sounds flat and compressed after 1010.5 firmware update.

Mike7463 — Wed, 26 Mar 2025 15:10:16 GMT

I agree, and they should make it possible to revert to an earlier firmware version.

Re: HW-Q990c Soundbar sounds flat and compressed after 1010.5 firmware update.

Ettore_981 — Mon, 05 May 2025 10:13:04 GMT

Just a quick update: I’ve been discussing this issue with another user from India, and we’re both contacting Samsung on X (Twitter).

The Indian user has already been told that a specialized team will get in touch with him, while I’m still waiting for proper support.

If you want, feel free to follow the discussion on X and Reddit as well — the more people join the conversation, the more noise we make, and the harder it becomes for Samsung to ignore the issue.