I had a chance to test and compare two models: Samsung HW-Q800T vs Samsung HW-Q90R and this review should help people who are looking for a good soundbar. Both soundbars received a score of 8.2 in our ranking. The soundbars are equipped with a different number of buttons, multi function, volume down, volume up, microphone for the HW-Q800T and power, volume down, volume up, source for the HW-Q90R.
Each of the models under consideration has active amplification type. A noticeable difference is the number of channels that HW-Q800T has 3.1.2 and HW-Q90R has 7.1.4. These rivals can be compared in terms of power, 330 (overall) versus 512 (overall) according to devices. The built-in subwoofer is not implemented in any of these models. An external subwoofer can be connected to any of the units in this comparison. Rate 7 out of 10 received the Samsung HW-Q800T for audio features and specs, but the Samsung HW-Q90R received 9 out of 10.
Soundbars do not have AirPlay support. Each of the competitors can play content from Spotify.
Both models have a wireless Wi-Fi interface. Soundbars from this comparison have Bluetooth support. There are 1/0 HDMI inputs/outputs in the Samsung HW-Q800T versus 2/1 HDMIs in the Samsung HW-Q90R. As in the HW-Q800T, 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 HW-Q800T at 9 out of 10, while the HW-Q90R was rated 7/10.
Both devices have integrated voice control via Amazon Alexa. Each of the soundbars can be controlled using the application. The soundbars in this review are equipped with a microphone. The models under consideration can become part of a multiroom system.
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.