Samsung HW-Q900A review: the very timid update of an excellent Dolby Atmos / DTS: X soundbar – Les Numériques

The HW-Q900A is the result of the annual renewal of Samsung’s soundbar catalog and therefore logically replaces the HW-Q900T released in 2020. On paper as in practice, the points that differentiate the two models are very minimal. We therefore recommend reading the test of the Q900T in detail before consulting the rest of this short test which focuses on the new features introduced by the Q900A.

The HW-Q900A is strictly identical to its predecessor in terms of conception, design and overall use. This is certainly a fairly large sound bar, but relatively thin and above all extremely well finished. The connection, relatively complete, has also not changed a bit: the limitations related to video streams (no support for Ultra HD at 120 Hz and / or Variable Refresh Rate by the sound bar) remain relevant. This 2021 version retains its wireless connection possibilities (Bluetooth and wifi), but gains in versatility with the introduction of Chromecast Audio and AirPlay 2 compatibility in addition to the support for Spotify Connect.

Compared to its predecessor, the HW-Q900T also gains some small bonus features, Tap Sound and SpaceFit Sound +, unfortunately exclusive to users of Samsung smartphones and some TVs (TV Qled from 2021) from the manufacturer. The first allows you to continue playing music from the smartphone on the sound bar in a single gesture; the second is an acoustic calibration tool based on the microphones of the television set.

The sound experience offered by the HW-Q900A is extremely similar to that of the HW-900T, if not identical… And we clearly won’t complain, because it is still among the best on the market. Samsung’s top-of-the-range soundbar continues to impress with the richness, balance and level of definition of its sound reproduction, as well as its colossal power reserve and impeccable distortion control.

The sound projection method of the bar used for virtual 3D audio spatialization is still very convincing, but remains dependent on the positioning of the bar in the room and the acoustics of the latter to function optimally. We refer you once again to the HW-900T review to learn more about this.