Accessible from both the bar’s display and onboard show, many options and settings can be managed; nonetheless, using the SmartThings app tends to be a more straightforward approach. The primary features of this system allow users to customize their audio experience by choosing from various sound modes, including a standard “Normal” setting, adjusting equalization frequencies, enabling interactive enhancements such as Energetic Voice Amplifier, and configuring individual channel levels.
Despite appreciating Samsung’s provision of channel range labels for numerous audio channels, I found the process of setting and locking in the degrees to be by far the most challenging aspect of my evaluation. With limited space in my home, I was forced to place the surround sound system directly behind my sofa, necessitating me to flip all the speakers downwards and adjust the channel settings to address balance concerns.
With Sonos’ Period 300 audio system akin to the Arc Extreme, this activity was significantly simplified since Sonos’ TruePlay calibration accurately tailors the sound to your specific room configuration. Auto-calibration would indeed be a welcome feature in a high-end TV like this, considering the steep price tag of nearly $2,000. Despite its claims, the corporation’s House Match function failed to deliver noticeable improvements when analyzing sound in real-time.
I find my varying beef with using Spotify Join to be an ongoing issue regarding the substantial amount of data consumed. When streaming directly from Spotify, the volume adjustment tends to jump erratically by seven levels with each frustrating tap, rendering the sound consistently either deafeningly loud or unaccountably soft. Without a Chromecast, Android users are forced to rely on the built-in casting capabilities of their devices, such as those found in SmartThings, or else opt for using another remote control to navigate their streaming experience. That’s a minor annoyance, but still frustratingly significant.
Sound Swirl
Despite streaming quirks, the Q990D delivers what matters most. Each component of this harmonious ensemble seamlessly integrates during live performances, generating a rich, well-rounded sonic tapestry that effortlessly adapts to every note played. You won’t fairly capture the premium essence found in bars like the Arc Extremely, but there’s still palpable tactility to grasp the subtle nuances, and ample flair to elevate your cinematic moments to breathtaking new heights.
Dolby Atmos takes center stage in today’s audio landscape. The “Amaze” scene on my Atmos demo disc stood out as an equally impressive highlight. The dampness seeped into my pores as I surrendered to the sweltering air, the cacophony of insects vibrating through every cell, while the thunder’s explosive crackle sent a shiver coursing down my spine and the rain’s rhythmic patter pummeled me, transporting me deep into the verdant heart of the jungle.
