Ultimate Dolby Atmos soundbars cost a lot of money and are substantial. Fortunately, the Samsung HW-Q950A is slightly smaller and offers convincing surround, unique via 11.1.4 channels. How that sounds in practice and what we think of the soundbar, you can read in this Samsung HW-Q950A review.
Samsung HW-Q950A
Connections HDMI eARC, 2 x HDMI-in, optical, Ethernet port
wireless Apple AirPlay 2, Google Chromecast, Google Assistant, Spotify Connect, Bluetooth
Dimensions 123.2 x 6.95 x 13.8 centimeters
Weight 7.1 kg
Website samsung.com
9 Score 90 
- Pros
- Realistic surround
- Not extremely big
- Extra channels are added value
- Room calibration
- Negatives
- Unreadable display
- Some functions only with Samsung TV
- Correct placement is crucial
- No HDMI 2.1 inputs
The HW-Q950A is the latest flagship in Samsung’s Cinematic Q soundbar line. It is a real top model with support for Dolby Atmos and DTS:X. You can safely call it a hefty soundbar, but compared to other top models it is not that bad. It is designed to fit a 55-inch TV, most alternatives belong to a 65-inch. If you place the Samsung on a piece of furniture, it is crucial that the sides remain unobstructed. Can hang up.
At first glance, the pitch-black Q950A looks identical to last year’s HW-Q950T, but a few more things have been added. Two extra surround channels, more streaming options and stronger integration with (new) Samsung TVs make this device significantly different. And unique, because there is no other soundbar that offers ‘real’ 11.1.4. By this we do not mean via virtual speakers, but with separate speaker channels.
Also read: Soundbar with surround – What should you know about it?
Unique rear speakers
The fifteen separately controlled speakers produce a surround sound almost at the level of a surround setup with separate speakers and AV receiver. To make this possible, you will find two wireless speakers in the box next to the soundbar, which are placed on the left and right of the sofa. These specimens are unusual in that they each serve three channels.
Their design does mean that you have to pay attention to the correct placement. They actually have to partly behind the sofa, which is difficult in many living rooms.
A large wireless subwoofer provides deep yet controlled bass, thanks to the Auto EQ function. By playing test tones, the properties of your room are determined and the basses adjusted so that the sound reproduction is more balanced. This works well, but for a complete room calibration you need the SpaceFit+ function.
Unfortunately this is only available if you have a recent Samsung TV possess. After all, Samsung wants to encourage consumers to buy a new soundbar and TV in a bundle. Another such function is Q-Symphony, in which the TV speakers play along with the soundbar.
Tricky display
Technically, the HW-Q950A is very progressive, in terms of design and operation Samsung opts for minimalism. You can set it up via the SmartThings app, in which you will find few options. In addition, you can connect the soundbar with Google Home for Chromecast streaming. Advanced settings can only be adjusted via the slim One remote and the display on the HW-Q950A.
On the positive side, you can adjust the speaker channels very finely, useful if you have a high ceiling or want to improve the intelligibility of dialogues, for example. It is difficult, however, that the screen cannot be read when you sit down. That makes fine adjustments while playing a movie almost impossible.
Lots of smart features
The HW-Q950 lives up to its promise of ‘true’ surround. It is precisely thanks to those separate speaker channels that we experience a much more realistic surround bubble with lively Atmos soundtracks, such as with ‘Ready Player One’ or ‘No Time to Die’. With the 007 blockbuster, the surround field when chased through a foggy Norwegian forest seems very large and filled with echoing sounds, such as motorcycles in the distance and gunshots. Difficult sound effects, such as rainfall or the jingling coins at RPO, sound natural.
The rear wireless speakers are surprisingly good, although due to their small size they lag behind the experience that you would get with full surround speakers. Compared to competing soundbars, they can be called excellent. ‘Halo:Infinite’ on the Xbox Series X is also convincing. The chorus in the menus has an epic quality and while gaming you can locate items and opponents by ear.
When playing music, the Samsung is a bit weaker, although you do get a good result when upmixing from stereo to surround.
Conclusion
In terms of Dolby Atmos playback for movies and for gaming, the Samsung HW-Q950A is probably the best soundbar you can buy, despite a few shortcomings in terms of operation.
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