Most other features and settings can be accessed with the bar’s remote control and built-in display, but it’s usually easier to use the SmartThings app. The basic layout lets you choose the sound mode (I usually stick with Standard), adjust the equalizer, activate enhancements like Active Voice Amplifier, and set channel levels.
I appreciate Samsung’s inclusion of channel levels for most of the bar’s millions of audio channels, but locking the levels was the most onerous part of my review. I had the surround speakers directly behind my couch due to space limitations, which meant I had to turn them all the way down and even turn up the other channels to balance things out.
This task was much easier with the Sonos Era 300 speakers (9/10, WIRED recommended) connected to the Arc Ultra, because Sonos TruePlay calibration adjusts the sound to your room (although standalone Wi-Fi speakers can have their own peculiarities). Automatic calibration is something you’d expect in any system that costs nearly $2,000, but every year Samsung doesn’t add it. The company’s Space Fit feature supposedly analyzes the 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, adjusting the volume level strangely jumps up or down a maddening seven steps for every tap, so it’s always too loud or too quiet. Add in the lack of Chromecast and Android users will be forced to control the cast directly from SmartThings or grab the otherwise superfluous remote control. It’s a small fix, but that’s also why it’s so annoying.
Swirl of sound
Despite the transmission quirks, the Q990D has what you need. Each component of the four-piece system works together to deliver a powerful, balanced and fantastically fluid soundstage in everything you touch. You won’t get the premium details found in bars like the Arc Ultra, but there’s enough tactile touch to appreciate the little things and plenty of bombast to elevate your cinematic moments to new heights, literally.
As expected, Dolby Atmos is the star of the show. The “Amaze” scene from my Atmos demo disc was definitely a highlight. I could almost feel the humidity around me in the hum of insects in the intro, while the thunder crackled with visceral surprise and the rain at the end actually descended from above to immerse me deep in the jungle flora.