Sony HT-X8500 vs Samsung HW-Q90R review

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I had a chance to test and compare two models: Sony HT-X8500 vs Samsung HW-Q90R and this review should help people who are looking for a good soundbar. The Sony HT-X8500 was rated 6, while the Samsung HW-Q90R has a rating 8.2. The soundbars are equipped with a different number of buttons, power, volume down, volume up, input, Bluetooth for the HT-X8500 and power, volume down, volume up, source for the HW-Q90R.

Audio features

Each of the models under consideration has active amplification type. A noticeable difference is the number of channels that HT-X8500 has 2.1 and HW-Q90R has 7.1.4. A built-in subwoofer is available only in the Sony HT-X8500. Rate 6 out of 10 received the Sony HT-X8500 for audio features and specs, but the Samsung HW-Q90R received 9 out of 10.

Streaming services

Soundbars do not have AirPlay support. The HW-Q90R can play audio from Spotify.

Connectivity

Wireless Internet connection is realized only in the HW-Q90R. Soundbars from this comparison have Bluetooth support. There are 1/1 HDMI inputs/outputs in the Sony HT-X8500 versus 2/1 HDMIs in the Samsung HW-Q90R. As in the HT-X8500, so in the HW-Q90R there is the HDMI Audio Return Channel (ARC). Connecting devices via USB is possible in both models. We rated the connectivity of the HT-X8500 at 8 out of 10, while the HW-Q90R was rated 7/10. The manufacturer of the HW-Q90R provides a device control application. The Samsung HW-Q90R equipped with a microphone. The Samsung HW-Q90R may become part of a multiroom system.

Multichannel surround

Manufacturers equipped both units with Dolby Atmos audio decoder. Units from this comparison can process surround sound due to DTS:X support. The same score of 10/10 was put to the soundbars for multichannel surround support.

Advantages Sony HT-X8500 over Samsung HW-Q90R

Advantages Samsung HW-Q90R over Sony HT-X8500