Subj : Samsungs new high-end Dolby Atmos soundbar with 120Hz gaming supp To : All From : TechnologyDaily Date : Thu Mar 07 2024 14:15:06 Samsungs new high-end Dolby Atmos soundbar with 120Hz gaming support gets a huge price hike Date: Thu, 07 Mar 2024 14:00:02 +0000 Description: Samsungs 2024 flagship soundbar, the HW-Q990D, looks largely the same as its predecessor apart from a couple new features and a $400 price increase. FULL STORY ====================================================================== Samsung has announced US pricing for its 2024 flagship Dolby Atmos soundbar, the Samsung HW-Q990D, which will launch with a retail price of $1,999 (around 1,599 / AU$3,000). The HW-Q990D is available to buy now from Samsungs own site and major retailers. As the successor to the Samsung HW-Q990C , which was our top premium pick for the best soundbar of 2023, the Samsung HW-Q990D offers the same 11.1.4 speaker configuration and Dolby Atmos support as its predecessor. Dolby Atmos is even available at lossless quality wirelessly when connected via Wi-Fi to a compatible Samsung TV. One of the latest features added to the HW-Q990D, which the HW-Q990C was missing, is HDMI 2.1 for 4K 120Hz passthrough when gaming, meaning those gamers with multiple consoles but a lack of ports on their TVs can use the HW-Q990Ds input to get the most from their secondary console. Another minor upgrade from the previous years model is that the new HW-Q990C will get Roon support, which is a subscription service and management platform that combines all your music sources and devices. This is likely down to Samsungs Harman division acquiring Roon in November 2023. The HW-Q990D is, however, retailing for $1,999 in the US, which represents a $400 increase on last years HW-Q990C release price. That means even with discounts, itll likely take longer for the HW-Q990D to drop to a more competitive price like the HW-Q990C did last year. Image 1 of 3 The Samsung HW-Q990D soundbar as shown at CES 2024. (Image credit: Future) Image 2 of 3 Samsung HW-Q990D's subwoofer at CES 2024 (Image credit: Future) Image 3 of 3 The Samsung HW-Q990D's rear speakers at CES 2024 (Image credit: Future) Big money for little reward? If the Samsung HW-Q990D is anything like its predecessor, its sure to be an excellent soundbar. We gave the HW-Q990C five stars in our review, calling it the best Dolby Atmos soundbar experience on the planet. Although we havent heard it ourselves just yet, it looks as if the HW-Q990D will continue the Samsung flagship soundbar class-leading trend. But, although 4K 120Hz and Roon support are certainly welcome new features, a $400 launch price increase from the HW-Q990Cs initial cost seems excessive. Passthrough is certainly appreciated, but it shouldn't come with such a high price tag. Its unlikely that well see any major changes in sound quality as, quite frankly, the sound cant be improved over the HW-Q990C. At the time of writing, the HW-Q990D is discounted to $1,799 on Samsungs website if you buy it outright, which is a little more in-line with what wed expect, while other retailers such as Amazon are showing $1,999. Its not clear on how long the offer on Samsungs site will last so if youre thinking about it, it might be worth checking it out. However, if youre not fussed about the 4K 120Hz passthrough feature and Roon support, then the Samsung HW-Q990C is available for $1,399 in a lot of places and will give you the best value for money over the HW-Q990D, as its still one of the best Dolby Atmos soundbars you can get. You might also like... Samsung announces 2024 soundbar range plus a subwoofer that doubles as a picture frame This extendable soundbar changes length to perfectly match your epic TV Philips' new Dolby Atmos soundbar is compact, powerful and designed to blend in ====================================================================== Link to news story: https://www.techradar.com/televisions/soundbars/samsungs-new-high-end-dolby-at mos-soundbar-with-120hz-gaming-support-gets-a-huge-price-hike --- Mystic BBS v1.12 A47 (Linux/64) * Origin: tqwNet Technology News (1337:1/100) .