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Sony HT-A9 with Bass Module vs Samsung HW-Q990B
Side-by-Side Comparison
Products
Sony HT-A9 with Bass Module
Samsung HW-Q990B
Tested using Methodology v1.1
Updated Aug 02, 2024 09:04 PM
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Amazon.comTested using Methodology v1.3
Updated May 15, 2024 01:29 PM
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Amazon.com
Channels4.1.4
Channels11.1.4
Variants
- HT-A9 with SAS-SW5 (Light Gray - Black)
- HW-Q990B (Black)
Our Verdict
Sony HT-A9 with Bass Module
Samsung HW-Q990B
The Samsung HW-Q990B and the Sony HT-A9 with Bass Module are two very different setups. They're both very versatile Dolby Atmos soundbars, and the Sony soundbar's unique speaker design means that you can place them anywhere in your setup, resulting in a better soundstage. That said, the Samsung soundbar reproduces more low-bass. It gets louder, and there's less compression at max volume, too. With its discrete center channel, the Samsung soundbar's vocal reproduction is better, too. Both bars will please most listeners, but your personal preferences will decide which is best for you.
Check Price
Light Gray - Black
HT-A9 with SAS-SW5
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Amazon.comBlack
HW-Q990B
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Amazon.comBlack
HW-Q990B
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BestBuy.comBlack
HW-Q990B
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Walmart.comBlack
HW-Q990B
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B&HNotice:
Two or more of the products selected have been tested with different test methodologies, so some of the results below aren't directly comparable.
Learn how our test benches and scoring system work, and read more about the latest changes to our
soundbars test methodology.
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Main Differences forMixed Usage
Mixed Usage
Threshold
Mixed Usage
7.4
8.4
Stereo Dynamics
5.4
9.1
Stereo Frequency Response
7.5
8.3
Center
6.6
8.6
Stereo Soundstage
9.0
7.5
Audio Format Support - Optical
0.0
10
Full Comparison
Design
Style - Bar
Style photo - bar
Style - Subwoofer
Style photo - sub
Sub Wireless
Yes
Yes
Enclosure
Passive Radiator
Ported
Style - Satellites
Style photo - satellites
Satellite Wireless
Yes
Yes
Dimensions - Bar
Dimensions photo - bar
Width
6.3" (16.0 cm)
48.6" (123.5 cm)
Height
12.2" (31.0 cm)
2.8" (7.0 cm)
Depth
5.8" (14.8 cm)
5.4" (13.8 cm)
Dimensions - Subwoofer
Dimensions photo - sub
Width
10.6" (27.0 cm)
8.9" (22.6 cm)
Height
15.9" (40.5 cm)
16.1" (40.8 cm)
Depth
16.5" (42.0 cm)
16.2" (41.1 cm)
Dimensions - Satellites
Dimensions photo - satellites
Width
6.3" (16.0 cm)
5.1" (13.0 cm)
Height
12.2" (31.0 cm)
7.9" (20.0 cm)
Depth
5.8" (14.8 cm)
5.6" (14.2 cm)
Mounting
Bar Mounting Holes
Satellite Mounting Holes
Mountable Bar
Yes
Yes
Bar Brackets Included
No
Yes
Mountable Satellites
Yes
Yes
Satellite Brackets Included
No
No
Build Quality
8.5
8.5
Build quality photo
In The Box
In The Box photo
Sound
Stereo Frequency Response
7.5
8.3
Stereo Setup
Raw Frequency Response
Frequency Response Small
Channels
4.1.4
11.1.4
Tested Preset
Standard Surround
Standard
Slope
0.03
-0.55
Standard Error
2.79 dB
3.01 dB
Low-Frequency Extension
46.9 Hz
27.1 Hz
High-Frequency Extension
19.6 kHz
19.9 kHz
Stereo Frequency Response With Preliminary Calibration
7.5
8.4
Frequency Response Calibrated
Suggested Preset
Standard Surround
Standard
Suggested Bass Setting
6
-3
Suggested Treble Setting
N/A
0
Slope
0.03
-0.18
Standard Error
2.79 dB
2.47 dB
Low-Frequency Extension
46.9 Hz
27.9 Hz
High-Frequency Extension
19.6 kHz
19.9 kHz
Stereo Soundstage
9.0
7.5
Crosstalk Error
2.14 dB
1.94 dB
Stereo Dynamics
5.4
9.1
Dynamic Range Compression
SPL @ Max Volume
86.6 dB SPL
99.8 dB SPL
DRC @ 90dB
0.17 dB
DRC @ Max Volume
4.75 dB
0.84 dB
Stereo Total Harmonic Distortion
7.6
Weighted THD @ 80dB
0.47
Weighted THD @ Max Volume
1.88
Center
6.6
8.6
Center Setup
Frequency Response
Localization
Phantom
Discrete
Slope
-0.04
-0.50
Std. Err.
2.95 dB
2.82 dB
SPL @ Max Volume
88.1 dB SPL
97.3 dB SPL
Weighted THD @ 80dB
0.42
0.30
Weighted THD @ Max Volume
1.66
1.82
Surround 5.1
7.5
8.1
Surround Setup
Frequency Response
Localization
Discrete
Discrete
Slope
-0.90
-0.84
Std. Err.
3.50 dB
3.61 dB
SPL @ Max Volume
89.2 dB SPL
92.4 dB SPL
Weighted THD @ 80dB
0.40
0.70
Weighted THD @ Max Volume
1.42
2.71
7.1 Rears
No
Yes
Height (Atmos)
7.1
6.9
Height Setup
H Frequency Response
Localization
Phantom (Up Firing, Bar & Satellites)
Phantom (Up Firing, Bar & Satellites)
Slope
0.36
-0.84
Std. Err.
1.97 dB
3.74 dB
SPL @ Max Volume
82.3 dB SPL
92.7 dB SPL
Weighted THD @ 80dB
1.16
0.42
Weighted THD @ Max Volume
0.32
1.23
Sound Enhancement Features
8.3
9.5
Room Correction
Yes
Yes
Dialogue Enhancement
Yes
Yes
Auto-Volume/Night Mode
Yes
Yes
Subwoofer Level Adjustment
Yes
Yes
Bass Adjustment
Yes
Yes
Treble Adjustment
No
Yes
EQ
Presets
Graphic + Presets
Surround Level Adjustment
Yes
Yes
Rear Level Adjustment
Yes
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
No
1
HDMI ARC
1 (shared)
HDMI Out
1 (shared)
eARC
HDMI 2.1 Class Bandwidth
No
Full HDMI In
1
2
Analog Audio In 3.5mm (Aux)
No
No
RCA In
No
No
USB for Files
No
No
Ethernet
1
No
Subwoofer Output
No
No
Audio Format Support: ARC/eARC
10
10
Dolby Atmos
Yes
Supported
Dolby Digital
Yes
Supported
Dolby Digital Plus
Yes
Supported
Dolby TrueHD
Yes
Supported
DTS
Yes
Supported
DTS:X
Yes
Supported
eARC
Yes
DTS-HD MA
Yes
Supported
PCM Channels
Up To 7.1
5.1 PCM (eARC only)
Yes
Audio Format Support: HDMI In
10
10
Dolby Atmos
Yes
Supported
Dolby Digital
Yes
Supported
Dolby Digital Plus
Yes
Supported
Dolby TrueHD
Yes
Supported
DTS
Yes
Supported
DTS:X
Yes
Supported
DTS-HD MA
Yes
Supported
PCM Channels
Up To 7.1
5.1 PCM
Yes
Audio Format Support: Optical
0.0
10
Dolby Digital
No
Supported
DTS
No
Supported
PCM Channels
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
7.8
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
74 ms
Optical
N/A
Full HDMI In
54 ms
Audio Latency: Optical
7.9
Optical Latency Video
PCM-2.0 ch
103 ms
Dolby Digital
325 ms
Video Passthrough To TV
0.0
8.5
1080p Max Refresh Rate
120Hz
1080p @ 4:4:4 Max Refresh Rate
120Hz
4k Max Refresh Rate
60Hz
4k @ 120Hz @ 10-Bit
Not Supported
4k @ 4:4:4 Max Refresh Rate
60Hz
8k Max Refresh Rate
30Hz
HDR10 Passthrough
Yes
Yes
HDR10+ Passthrough
Yes
Dolby Vision Passthrough
Yes
HDMI Forum VRR Passthrough
Yes
4k @ 60 Hz Passthrough
Yes
FreeSync Passthrough
No
G-SYNC Passthrough
No
ALLM Passthrough
Yes
4k @ 60 Hz @ 10 bit Passthrough
Yes
4k @ 60 Hz @ 4:4:4 Passthrough
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
Light Gray - Black
HT-A9 with SAS-SW5
SEE PRICE
Amazon.comBlack
HW-Q990B
SEE PRICE
Amazon.comBlack
HW-Q990B
SEE PRICE
BestBuy.comBlack
HW-Q990B
SEE PRICE
Walmart.comBlack
HW-Q990B
SEARCH
B&H
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Sony HT-A9 with Bass Module
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Sony HT-A9 with Bass Module vs Samsung HW-Q990B: Main Discussion
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