What To Know
- The Arc, however, takes surround sound to a whole new level with its dedicated surround speakers, which can be wirelessly connected to expand the soundstage and provide a truly immersive cinematic experience.
- While the Q990 offers a more comprehensive audio experience with its dedicated subwoofer and Atmos support, the Arc’s value proposition is undeniable, considering its excellent sound quality, surround sound capabilities, and multi-room audio integration.
- The Q990 offers an unparalleled audio experience with its dedicated subwoofer and Atmos support, while the Arc impresses with its immersive surround sound capabilities and multi-room audio integration.
When it comes to elevating your home entertainment experience, a soundbar is a crucial component that can transform your living room into a cinematic hub. Among the top contenders in the soundbar market, the Samsung Q990 Soundbar and Sonos Arc stand out as formidable options. In this comprehensive showdown, we will delve into the depths of these two audio powerhouses, comparing their features, performance, and overall value to determine which one emerges as the ultimate champion.
Design and Aesthetics
Samsung Q990 Soundbar: The Q990 boasts a sleek and minimalistic design, featuring a premium metal grille that exudes elegance. Its low-profile form factor allows it to blend seamlessly into any décor, whether wall-mounted or placed on a TV stand.
Sonos Arc: The Sonos Arc, on the other hand, adopts a more contemporary approach. Its curved shape and soft-touch fabric cover create a visually appealing and tactile experience. The Arc’s versatility extends to its placement options, as it can be wall-mounted, placed on a TV stand, or even used as a standalone speaker.
Audio Performance
Sound Quality: Both the Q990 and the Arc deliver exceptional sound quality. The Q990 utilizes Samsung‘s Acoustic Beam technology, which projects sound upwards to create a wide and immersive soundstage. The Arc, on the other hand, employs Dolby Atmos support, which adds height channels for a more realistic and enveloping audio experience.
Bass Response: The Q990 features a dedicated subwoofer with a 10-inch driver, providing deep and powerful bass that adds weight and impact to action sequences and music. The Arc also includes two built-in subwoofers, which offer a surprisingly robust bass response for its compact size.
Surround Sound: The Q990 supports Dolby Atmos and DTS:X surround sound formats, creating a virtual surround sound experience that places you in the center of the action. The Arc, however, takes surround sound to a whole new level with its dedicated surround speakers, which can be wirelessly connected to expand the soundstage and provide a truly immersive cinematic experience.
Connectivity and Features
HDMI eARC: Both soundbars support HDMI eARC (Enhanced Audio Return Channel), which allows for lossless audio transmission from compatible TVs. This ensures the highest possible audio quality and eliminates the need for separate audio cables.
Voice Control: The Q990 and the Arc both offer voice control support. The Q990 is compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, while the Arc supports Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple Siri. This allows you to control your soundbar and access music hands-free.
Multi-Room Audio: The Sonos Arc has an advantage in multi-room audio capabilities. As part of the Sonos ecosystem, it can be integrated with other Sonos speakers and components to create a whole-home audio system. The Q990, on the other hand, does not support multi-room audio natively.
Price and Value
The Samsung Q990 Soundbar is typically priced around $1,500, while the Sonos Arc retails for approximately $1,000. While the Q990 offers a more comprehensive audio experience with its dedicated subwoofer and Atmos support, the Arc’s value proposition is undeniable, considering its excellent sound quality, surround sound capabilities, and multi-room audio integration.
Which One Should You Choose?
The choice between the Samsung Q990 Soundbar and the Sonos Arc ultimately depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you prioritize immersive sound quality, surround sound expansion, and a dedicated subwoofer, the Q990 is an excellent choice. However, if multi-room audio capabilities, a more compact design, and a lower price point are your top priorities, the Sonos Arc is a highly compelling option.
Final Verdict: A Tie for Audio Excellence
In this head-to-head comparison, both the Samsung Q990 Soundbar and the Sonos Arc emerge as exceptional performers in their own right. The Q990 offers an unparalleled audio experience with its dedicated subwoofer and Atmos support, while the Arc impresses with its immersive surround sound capabilities and multi-room audio integration. Ultimately, the choice between these two audio powerhouses depends on your individual requirements and preferences. Whether you choose the Q990 or the Arc, you can rest assured that you will be investing in a soundbar that will elevate your home entertainment experience to new heights.
Answers to Your Questions
Q: Which soundbar has better sound quality, the Q990 or the Arc?
A: Both soundbars offer excellent sound quality. The Q990’s dedicated subwoofer provides deeper bass, while the Arc’s Dolby Atmos support creates a more immersive soundstage.
Q: Does the Q990 support multi-room audio?
A: No, the Q990 does not natively support multi-room audio.
Q: Which soundbar is more affordable?
A: The Sonos Arc is priced at around $1,000, while the Q990 retails for approximately $1,500.
Q: Can I use my soundbar to control my TV?
A: Yes, both the Q990 and the Arc support HDMI eARC, which allows you to control your soundbar and TV with a single remote.
Q: Which soundbar is better for gaming?
A: Both soundbars offer low latency and immersive sound, making them suitable for gaming. However, the Q990’s dedicated subwoofer may provide a more impactful bass experience for action-packed games.