Q-Symphony not worth it with premium soundbars?

[David_27]

I have a Q80A 55" TV and a Q990B soundbar. I've tested some Atmos scenes with Q-Symphony both Off and On. Usually there's no real difference aside from a slight volume increase.  There was a scene in which, without Q-Symphony I could hear sound effects right behind my head, really close to my ears. With Q-Symphony enabled, those sounds appear to be coming from the TV, ruining the 3D experience.

Music sounds a bit louder but less deep.

I guess Q-Symphony can improve the sound of budget/mid-range soundbars, that don't have rear speakers and up-firing speakers like the Q990B, adding some height to the sound, but when a soundbar already has all those speakers and more, it seems to be doing more harm than good. What is the general consensus about this?

[Ironside_97]

I've gotten a little smarter on YouTube - but of course I know. not sure if that's 100% true...

According to what I found out, Q-Symphony is more likely to upgrade cheaper soundbars that don't have REAR SPEAKER.
With Q-Symphony, audio tracks - which should actually only be played back via the rears - are also played back via the TV.
This creates the hall, because the system no longer "knows" exactly which sound the TV should play and which sound the rest should play.

[David_27]

Yes. I've been experimenting a bit more, that is exactly what happens. Don't use Q-Symphony if you have rear speakers.

I don't understand why they advertise the feature in soundbars like the Q990B.

[Adam B]

I've experimenting. I have the 910b sounbar that comes with rear speakers.  I think it sounds better when not using qsymphony.  After messing with it, I think I agree with you.

[Rika5417]

Hi , I have s95c and q990c after several tests I haven't decided which is better or worse , what can you tell me about it, without q symphony I realized that my rears speakers were used more often or with more strength and I really like the 3d effects or the use of the rears to get a more immersive experience but when I activated q symphony I realized that is an increase on the sound and the music on the movies sound more immersive but only the music not the effects, I cannot figure out what mode do I prefer, what you guys think?

[David_27]

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@Rika5417 wrote:

Hi , I have s95c and q990c after several tests I haven't decided which is better or worse , what can you tell me about it, without q symphony I realized that my rears speakers were used more often or with more strength and I really like the 3d effects or the use of the rears to get a more immersive experience but when I activated q symphony I realized that is an increase on the sound and the music on the movies sound more immersive but only the music not the effects, I cannot figure out what mode do I prefer, what you guys think?

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Louder doesn't necessarily mean better. Q-Symphony can be louder on some situations, but it's hollower, especially in music. And like you said, it ruins the rears and the 3D sound experience. Definitely must be off.