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Sennheiser AMBEO Soundbar MAX vs Samsung HW-Q990B
Side-by-Side Comparison
Products
Sennheiser AMBEO Soundbar MAX
Samsung HW-Q990B
Tested using Methodology v1.2
Updated Sep 24, 2024 01:23 PM
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Amazon.comTested using Methodology v1.3
Updated May 15, 2024 01:29 PM
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Amazon.com
Channels5.1.4
Channels11.1.4
Variants
- AMBEO Soundbar MAX (Black)
- HW-Q990B (Black)
Our Verdict
Sennheiser AMBEO Soundbar MAX
Samsung HW-Q990B
The Sennheiser AMBEO Soundbar MAX and the Samsung HW-Q990B are two very different soundbars. They're both premium setups with Dolby Atmos support, but the Sennheiser is a standalone bar, as opposed to the Samsung, which has a subwoofer and satellites. The Samsung's a more versatile pick, with more bass out-of-the-box and a better soundstage. It's better for surround sound and Dolby Atmos content, with more enhancement features on hand. If you don't have room for a sub and satellites, the AMBEO is a good alternative. Its large, heavy design isn't for everyone, though.
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AMBEO Soundbar MAX
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Amazon.comBlack
HW-Q990B
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Amazon.comBlack
AMBEO Soundbar MAX
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BestBuy.comBlack
HW-Q990B
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BestBuy.comBlack
AMBEO Soundbar MAX
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Walmart.comBlack
HW-Q990B
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B&HBlack
AMBEO Soundbar MAX
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B&HBlack
HW-Q990B
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Samsung.comBlack
HW-Q990B
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Walmart.comMain Differences forMixed Usage
Mixed Usage
Threshold
Mixed Usage
8.0
8.4
Stereo Frequency Response
7.9
8.3
Full Comparison
Design
Style - Bar
Style photo - bar
Style - Subwoofer
Style photo - sub
Sub Wireless
No
Yes
Enclosure
Integrated
Ported
Style - Satellites
Style photo - satellites
Satellite Wireless
No
Yes
Dimensions - Bar
Dimensions photo - bar
Width
49.3" (125.2 cm)
48.6" (123.5 cm)
Height
5.2" (13.3 cm)
2.8" (7.0 cm)
Depth
6.8" (17.2 cm)
5.4" (13.8 cm)
Dimensions - Subwoofer
Dimensions photo - sub
Width
N/A
8.9" (22.6 cm)
Height
N/A
16.1" (40.8 cm)
Depth
N/A
16.2" (41.1 cm)
Dimensions - Satellites
Dimensions photo - satellites
Width
N/A
5.1" (13.0 cm)
Height
N/A
7.9" (20.0 cm)
Depth
N/A
5.6" (14.2 cm)
Mounting
Bar Mounting Holes
Satellite Mounting Holes
Mountable Bar
Yes
Yes
Bar Brackets Included
No
Yes
Mountable Satellites
No
Yes
Satellite Brackets Included
No
No
Build Quality
7.5
8.5
Build quality photo
In The Box
In The Box photo
Sound
Stereo Frequency Response
7.9
8.3
Stereo Setup
Raw Frequency Response
Frequency Response Small
Channels
5.1.4
11.1.4
Tested Preset
Neutral
Standard
Slope
1.02
-0.55
Standard Error
4.39 dB
3.01 dB
Low-Frequency Extension
29.5 Hz
27.1 Hz
High-Frequency Extension
19.6 kHz
19.9 kHz
Stereo Frequency Response With Preliminary Calibration
8.3
8.4
Frequency Response Calibrated
Suggested Preset
Neutral
Standard
Suggested Bass Setting
6
-3
Suggested Treble Setting
N/A
0
Slope
0.32
-0.18
Standard Error
2.88 dB
2.47 dB
Low-Frequency Extension
29.1 Hz
27.9 Hz
High-Frequency Extension
19.3 kHz
19.9 kHz
Stereo Soundstage
7.0
7.5
Crosstalk Error
1.84 dB
1.94 dB
Stereo Dynamics
8.7
9.1
Dynamic Range Compression
SPL @ Max Volume
101.6 dB SPL
99.8 dB SPL
DRC @ 90dB
0.17 dB
DRC @ Max Volume
1.72 dB
0.84 dB
Stereo Total Harmonic Distortion
8.5
Weighted THD @ 80dB
0.16
Weighted THD @ Max Volume
1.07
Center
8.8
8.6
Center Setup
Frequency Response
Localization
Discrete
Discrete
Slope
0.36
-0.50
Std. Err.
2.60 dB
2.82 dB
SPL @ Max Volume
98.9 dB SPL
97.3 dB SPL
Weighted THD @ 80dB
0.15
0.30
Weighted THD @ Max Volume
0.73
1.82
Surround 5.1
6.4
8.1
Surround Setup
Frequency Response
Localization
Phantom (Side Firing, Bar)
Discrete
Slope
1.56
-0.84
Std. Err.
3.99 dB
3.61 dB
SPL @ Max Volume
102.2 dB SPL
92.4 dB SPL
Weighted THD @ 80dB
0.26
0.70
Weighted THD @ Max Volume
1.66
2.71
7.1 Rears
No
Yes
Height (Atmos)
6.3
6.9
Height Setup
H Frequency Response
Localization
Phantom (Up Firing, Bar)
Phantom (Up Firing, Bar & Satellites)
Slope
1.00
-0.84
Std. Err.
4.26 dB
3.74 dB
SPL @ Max Volume
95.1 dB SPL
92.7 dB SPL
Weighted THD @ 80dB
0.41
0.42
Weighted THD @ Max Volume
1.60
1.23
Sound Enhancement Features
5.9
9.5
Room Correction
Yes
Yes
Dialogue Enhancement
Yes
Yes
Auto-Volume/Night Mode
Yes
Yes
Subwoofer Level Adjustment
No
Yes
Bass Adjustment
No
Yes
Treble Adjustment
No
Yes
EQ
Graphic + Presets
Graphic + Presets
Surround Level Adjustment
No
Yes
Rear Level Adjustment
No
Yes
Height Level Adjustment
No
Yes
Virtual Surround
Yes
Yes
Connectivity
Inputs/Outputs - Bar
Physical Connections Bar Photo 1
Physical Connections Bar Photo 2
Optical Audio In
1
1
HDMI Out
eARC
eARC
HDMI 2.1 Class Bandwidth
No
No
Full HDMI In
3
2
Analog Audio In 3.5mm (Aux)
No
No
RCA In
Yes
No
USB for Files
No
No
Ethernet
1
No
Subwoofer Output
Yes
No
Audio Format Support: ARC/eARC
9.9
10
Dolby Atmos
Supported
Supported
Dolby Digital
Supported
Supported
Dolby Digital Plus
Supported
Supported
Dolby TrueHD
Supported
Supported
DTS
Supported
Supported
DTS:X
Supported
Supported
DTS-HD MA
Supported
Supported
PCM Channels
Up To 5.1
Up To 7.1
Audio Format Support: HDMI In
9.9
10
Dolby Atmos
Supported
Supported
Dolby Digital
Supported
Supported
Dolby Digital Plus
Supported
Supported
Dolby TrueHD
Supported
Supported
DTS
Supported
Supported
DTS:X
Supported
Supported
DTS-HD MA
Supported
Supported
PCM Channels
Up To 5.1
Up To 7.1
Audio Format Support: Optical
10
10
Dolby Digital
Supported
Supported
DTS
Supported
Supported
PCM Channels
2.0
2.0
Audio Latency: ARC
7.2
ARC Latency Video
PCM-2.0 ch
46 ms
PCM-5.1 ch
46 ms
Dolby MAT (PCM) Atmos
87 ms
Dolby Digital
113 ms
Dolby Digital Plus
119 ms
Dolby Digital Plus Atmos
120 ms
Audio Latency: HDMI In
7.5
7.3
HDMI Latency Video
Latency Video
PCM-2.0 ch
49 ms
PCM-5.1 ch
45 ms
Dolby MAT (PCM) Atmos
91 ms
Dolby Digital
126 ms
Dolby Digital Plus
122 ms
Dolby Digital Plus Atmos
122 ms
ARC
72 ms
Optical
71 ms
Full HDMI In
88 ms
Audio Latency: Optical
7.9
Optical Latency Video
PCM-2.0 ch
103 ms
Dolby Digital
325 ms
Video Passthrough To TV
8.5
8.5
1080p Max Refresh Rate
120Hz
120Hz
1080p @ 4:4:4 Max Refresh Rate
120Hz
120Hz
4k Max Refresh Rate
60Hz
60Hz
4k @ 120Hz @ 10-Bit
Not Supported
Not Supported
4k @ 4:4:4 Max Refresh Rate
60Hz
60Hz
8k Max Refresh Rate
30Hz
30Hz
HDR10 Passthrough
Yes
Yes
HDR10+ Passthrough
Yes
Yes
Dolby Vision Passthrough
Yes
Yes
HDMI Forum VRR Passthrough
Yes
Yes
FreeSync Passthrough
No
No
G-SYNC Passthrough
No
No
ALLM Passthrough
Yes
Yes
Wireless Playback
10
9.0
Bluetooth
Yes
Yes
Wi-Fi Playback
Yes
Yes
Chromecast built-in
Yes
No
Apple AirPlay
Yes
Yes
Spotify Connect
Yes
Yes
Additional Features
Interface
Interface photo
Display
Yes
Yes
Bar Controls
Controls photo
Remote
Remote photo
Voice Assistants Support
Amazon Alexa
No
Yes (Built-in)
Google Assistant
No
No
Apple Siri
No
No
Microphone Mute
No
Yes
Check Price
Black
AMBEO Soundbar MAX
SEE PRICE
Amazon.comBlack
HW-Q990B
SEE PRICE
Amazon.comBlack
AMBEO Soundbar MAX
SEE PRICE
BestBuy.comBlack
HW-Q990B
SEE PRICE
BestBuy.comBlack
AMBEO Soundbar MAX
SEE PRICE
Walmart.comBlack
HW-Q990B
SEARCH
B&HBlack
AMBEO Soundbar MAX
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B&HBlack
HW-Q990B
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Samsung.comBlack
HW-Q990B
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Walmart.com
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Sennheiser AMBEO Soundbar MAX
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Sennheiser AMBEO Soundbar MAX vs Samsung HW-Q990B: Main Discussion
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