Most other features and settings are accessible via the remote and the bar’s built-in screen, but it’s generally easier to use the SmartThings app. The basic layout lets you choose the sound mode (I usually stick to standard), adjust the EQ, enable enhancements like Active Voice Enhancer, and set channel levels.
I appreciate Samsung’s inclusion of channel levels for most of the bar’s billions of audio channels, but locking the levels was the most cumbersome part of my evaluation. I had the surround speakers directly behind my couch due to space constraints, which meant I had to turn them all the way down and even turn the other channels up to balance things out.
This task was much easier with the Sonos Era 300 speakers (9/10, WIRED recommends) connected to the Arc Ultra, as Sonos TruePlay calibration adjusts the sound to your room (although Standalone Wi-Fi speakers can have their own quirks). Auto-calibration is something I would expect in any system that costs close to $2,000, but every year Samsung fails to add it. The company’s Space Fit feature is supposed to analyze sound in real time, but I didn’t notice any significant changes.
My other issue is a persistent volume issue when using Spotify Connect. If you’re streaming directly from Spotify, the volume level setting weirdly goes up or down seven levels per maddening press, so it’s always too loud or too quiet. Add to that the lack of Chromecast and Android users are forced to control streaming directly from SmartThings or grab the otherwise superfluous remote. It’s a small solution, but that’s also why it’s so annoying.
Sound whirlwind
Despite the streaming quirks, the Q990D has it strong where it counts. Each component of the four-piece system works in concert to deliver a powerful, balanced and incredibly smooth soundstage in everything you play. You won’t quite get the high-end detail found in bars like the Arc Ultra, but there’s enough tactile feel to appreciate the little things, and plenty of sparkle to literally elevate your cinematic moments to new heights.
Dolby Atmos is unsurprisingly the star of the show. The “Amaze” scene from my Atmos demo disc was definitely a highlight. I could almost feel the humidity all around me in the buzz of the insects at the intro, while the thunder crackled with visceral surprise and the rain at the end truly descended from above to immerse me deep within the flora of the jungle.
