Review: Samsung HW-Q995F

Samsung has long been a leader in soundbars, and with the Q995F, they are taking another step forward. With 11.1.4 channels, including new and improved rear speakers, the goal is clear: you will get full cinema sound without having to sacrifice half your living room to speakers.

Industrial design

The angular design of previous models has been carried over with perforated metal grilles that give it a robust and industrial look. It’s not necessarily the most elegant on the market, but the build quality is impeccable. This year’s model has a more compact subwoofer than before, with two 8-inch woofers that beat out in unison (push-push).

Although the soundbar is quite large at 123 cm, it goes well with TVs from 55 inches and up. The rear speakers are compact enough to be placed discreetly on shelves or side tables.

Easy setup, advanced technology

Samsung has made it amazingly easy to set up the system. Everything connects wirelessly, and calibration is done automatically via the SmartThings app. The new SpaceFit Sound Pro feature analyses the room in real time and adjusts the sound accordingly to achieve a more precise and seamless surround sound experience. Of course, it also works with Dolby Atmos and DTS:X content.

On the connection side, you will find two HDMI inputs and one HDMI eARC output for connecting to your TV, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, AirPlay 2, Chromecast and Spotify Connect. If you have a newer Samsung TV, Q-Symphony technology allows the TV’s own speakers to play along with the soundbar for even better sound.

The sound of the Samsung Q995F

Samsung really shines with film content. The opening scene in a chapel in The Harder They Fall is subdued, and the dialogue is not easy to understand with all soundbars. But Samsung makes it crystal clear, with really good richness in the bass register, without sounding muddy or bombastic.

The Dolby Atmos experience is almost shockingly good. The surround sound spreads precisely throughout the room, and the Samsung soundbar creates a semicircle of sound in front of us, while the rear speakers ensure that we are completely enveloped. The height channels provide a convincing sense of sound from above, whether there are helicopters or rain on the menu.

Action sequences take on a physical presence, thanks in no small part to the powerful subwoofer. The dynamics are impressive, with stark contrasts between quiet scenes and explosive action sequences. The sound never feels strained, even at high volumes.

Although Samsung excels primarily with films, the Q995F performs surprisingly well with music. The bass reproduction is surprisingly powerful and controlled, especially with modern rhythmic music. Previous models have had a more undefined subwoofer when it comes to music, but this one sounds incredibly defined and undistorted. The midrange is also present; the only thing we miss is a little resolution at the very top. But wow, Samsung really masters the all-round category.

Streaming via AirPlay 2 or Spotify Connect works seamlessly, and Music mode provides a wide stereo image. The sound character is more entertaining than “painfully accurate”, but boy, does it swing!

Conclusion

The Samsung HW-Q995F is the best option if you want a complete home cinema experience without setting up large and numerous speakers around your living room. It combines a massive soundstage with precise sound placement, excellent dialogue and an impressive physical presence in the bass.

The price is naturally higher than for a comparable single soundbar, but at the same time lower than many of its competitors if you add rear speakers. If you compare it with a comparable package from Sonos or Harman/Kardon, Samsung comes out significantly more favourably.