Pros
Excellent sound quality with clear dialogue and deep bass
Easy Bluetooth connection and app control
Supports Dolby Atmos and DTS:X for immersive sound
Sensitive Alexa integration
Great for gaming, movies, and music
Comes with soundbar, 2 satellite speakers, and an 8” subwoofer
Good customer support
Solid build quality
Various connectivity options, including Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
Cons
Settings display is on top of the soundbar, making it hard to see
Requires a lot of tweaking to get optimal sound
Intermittent connectivity issues with wireless speakers and subwoofer
Main Product Advantages
10 Sound Quality
The SAMSUNG HW-Q950T delivers outstanding sound quality with Dolby Atmos and DTS:X support, providing immersive audio with impressive clarity, smooth bass, and well-separated channels.
9 Customer Support
Excellent customer support from retailers and Samsung. Some users have reported receiving replacements and expedited shipping with great empathy handling issues that arose.
9 Build Quality
The soundbar and components are well-built and sturdy; however, they are dust magnets and require regular cleaning. The lack of mounting hardware is noted but understandable given the substantial weight of the units.
9 Ease of Assembly
Fairly straightforward setup with wireless connections, though some manual tweaking of settings is often necessary for optimal performance.
8 Connectivity
Offers multiple connectivity options including Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, eARC, and multiple HDMI inputs. Quick and easy initial Bluetooth setup, though HDMI connectivity can be finicky and may require troubleshooting.
8 Value for Money
Given the high-quality sound and features offered, the HW-Q950T is generally seen as good value for money despite its high price and some notable annoyances with user and connectivity features.
7 User Experience
While offering great sound, users face some setup complexities and occasional connectivity issues with wireless components. The small top-facing display complicates adjustments and lacks modern on-screen settings.
7 Compatibility
Compatible with various audio formats and modern TVs, but some users experience difficulties integrating with non-Samsung TVs, especially when using certain streaming devices and older technology.
6 Alexa Integration
Alexa is built-in and very responsive, but the integration is poorly executed with volume control issues, causing it to be impractically loud or quiet based on the soundbar's volume settings.
5 OLED Display
The display is small and top-mounted, making it difficult to read and navigate settings effectively.
SAMSUNG HW-Q950T 9.1.4ch Soundbar with Dolby Atmos/ DTS:X and Alexa Built-in (2020) Review
The top of the line Q Series soundbar engulfs the room in true 3D surround sound. The inclusion of rear speakers enhances depth and immersion, especially with the addition of up-firing rear speakers that project sound from above and around.
Users are advised that images are simulated for illustration purposes only and the appearance, design, and GUI specifications may change without affecting product performance. Actual products may differ from images shown, and buyers are encouraged to refer to the product gallery for accurate visuals. Note that the TV is sold separately.
The soundbar is compatible with the Samsung Wireless Rear Speaker Kit, which includes a wireless module requiring a power cord to function and speaker cables to connect to rear speakers. However, features may not be compatible with all Samsung TVs, and functions can vary by TV model. A wired connection to the TV is necessary for this service, as wireless connection options to the TV are not supported.
The availability of certain services might vary depending on the region, service provider, or language, and such services are subject to change without notice without affecting the product's performance. Actual user experience may vary.
Amazon, Alexa, and all related logos are trademarks of Amazon or its affiliates. This soundbar includes built-in Alexa, enabling voice controls for an enhanced user experience.
Conclusion
The SAMSUNG HW-Q950T 9.1.4ch Soundbar with Dolby Atmos/ DTS:X is an exceptional audio device for those seeking immersive 3D surround sound. While the unit requires some wired connections and may have varying compatibility depending on the TV model, it offers premium features like up-firing rear speakers and built-in Alexa. This soundbar promises high-quality audio performance although users should be aware of potential appearance and design changes.
