Currently, the most common way to improve the sound of a TV, is by adding a soundbar. TVs do not usually integrate a good integrated audio system so it is advisable to purchase a sound bar to get a higher quality sound. Now, there are many soundbars available on the market, but not all of them will give you the same performance.
In this new review, we are going to tell you about the Samsung HW-Q930B / Q910B one of the best sound bars on the market if you are looking to enjoy surround sound in your home. It is a model that has no less than 9.1.4 channels with a total of 17 speakers and supports Dolby Atmos sound both wired and wirelessly.
This model sits above the HW-Q800B series we told you about and below the HW-Q990B. The problem with the latter is that there is little availability and its price varies quite a bit with respect to this HW-Q930B which is in a much more interesting price range.
Depending on the country you live in, you may find the Q930B or Q910B series, but it’s essentially the same soundbar with the same features.
If you want to know all the details about the Samsung HW-Q930B soundbar, read on, as we are going to explain all its advantages and disadvantages, so you know if it is the most suitable model for you.
Samsung HW-Q930B review
- Surround sound feel with 9.1.4 channels
- Superior channels on the bar and rear speakers
- High performance
- Excellent definition of dialogue
- Dolby Atmos wireless and wired
- Powerful bass
- Extensive customization of sounds
- Compatible with second generation Q-Symphony
- Does not transmit the 4K video signal at 120 Hz
- 9.1.4-channel
- 17 speakers
- 9 Woofers + 3 Tweeters + 4 upward upfiring speakers + subwoofer
- 540W
- Wireless Dolby Atmos
- DTS:X
- Game Pro Mode
- HDMI eARC
- Bluetooth
- Wi-Fi
- Q-Symphony 2º generation
- Active Voice Amplifier (AVA)
- SpaceFit Sound 2º generation
- Airplay 2
- Soundbar size: 1110 x 60 x 120mm
- Subwoofer size: 210 x 403 x 403mm
- Rear speakers size: 130 x 200 x 140mm
Design
The HW-Q930B features a metallic finish that gives a glimpse of some of the integrated speakers. We found this finish to be much better than the cloth finish that many Samsung models have had in the past. It is much easier to clean and is more durable if you have children at home. The look now has more pronounced polygonal shapes as we see on many Samsung models this year.
Samsung HW-Q930B / Q910B with new polygonal design
We are talking about a soundbar that takes up quite a lot of space as it is 111 mm long, something you have to take into account if you plan to put it on a piece of furniture. As for the height is not too high so you should not have any problem when placing it under the TV, without blocking any image.
If you prefer to leave it hanging on the wall, the box already includes the bracket to put it on the wall, both for the body of the bar and for the rear speakers.
The included rear speakers are now a little larger than those included in previous years and now have curved lines. These speakers also have a metal grille finish without any fabric element.
Wireless rear speakers with front and top drivers- HW-Q910B / Q930B review
The wireless subwoofer is quite large being 8 inches, but since it does not connect with any cable with the bar, you can place it wherever you want. This subwoofer by emitting the lower frequencies, the human ear is not able to accurately determine the positioning and is perceived as omnidirectional, so you can place it wherever you want, it does not necessarily have to be close to the bar.
HW-Q930B / Q910B Wireless 8 Inch Subwoofer
On the front there is a small display that shows all the settings and source information.
Connectivity HW-Q910B
The built-in connections are three HDMI ports, one of which is eARC for you to connect to your TV. The other HDMI port is for you to connect devices such as a console or player and pass the signal to the TV. Through this port you can send video signal in 4K resolution and HDR to your TV.
Samsung HW-Q930B Sound Bar Connections
It also includes an optical audio input that you can also use if your TV does not have an HDMI ARC port. Look at the HDMI ports of your TV, because if it has several, it usually has an ARC port and that has to be written next to the connection. If you can, always the best way to connect it to the TV is via HDMI, as it is the only way to enjoy Dolby Atmos sound. In addition, an HDMI cable is already included in the box.
It also integrates a USB port, but in this case, it does not play music but it is only valid for technical service, for updates. You can also connect it to your TV via Bluetooth, although we recommend that you do it via cable for better quality and to avoid possible synchronization problems.
One of the big new features is that it is now able to play Dolby Atmos sound wirelessly via Wi-Fi. Of course, this is only valid if you have a 2022 Samsung Q80B series or Neo QLED or QD-OLED series TVs.
Sound
Samsung HW-Q930B / Q910B series has no more and no less than 17 speakers inside counting the wireless subwoofer. Specifically it incorporates 9 Woofers, 3 Tweeters, 4 top speakers and the subwoofer.
It is capable of reproducing surround sound by having a 9.1.4 channel system and being Dolby Atmos compatible. The experience is quite spectacular and you can appreciate quite realistic overhead sounds.
It has many options for you to customize the audio to your liking. You can choose between Standard Mode, Adaptive Mode, Surround Mode and Pro Gaming Mode. At the same time, you can control the bass and treble frequencies independently from the remote control to give more presence to the bass or high frequencies. A Dialogue Enhancer is also available to emphasize vocals above other frequencies, making it easier to hear dialogue in movies or series.
Samsung HW-Q930B 9.1.4 Channel Dolby Atmos Soundbar HW-Q930B
If you want to give more power to the rear speakers as well as the top sound, you can also adjust the values to give them more or less intensity. Finally highlight the Night Mode, which comes in handy if you listen to it late at night so that you disturb less your family or neighbors by lowering the volume and lowering the intensity of the bass and emphasize the voices.
One of the features we found particularly interesting is Q-Symphony. If you have a 2022 Samsung TV by enabling the Q-Symphony feature, the sound will be played through the TV and bar speakers at the same time. The audio is reconfigured and the TV speakers act in conjunction with the bar speakers, giving a more direct sound that comes directly from the screen.
The difference is quite noticeable especially if you have a Q80B or higher TV which already have more built-in speakers.
If you have a Samsung TV from 2021 compatible with Q-Symphony you can also use it, but it will not play all the speakers but only the top ones.
Samsung HW-Q930B with compatible Q-Symphony TV
It features 2nd generation Space Fit Sound that automatically calibrates the sound based on the characteristics of the room. In this way it adjusts the sound based on whether it is placed in a corner, if there are curtains, ceiling height, etc.
The power that this bar has is 514W and provides a really high volume which makes it capable of filling large spaces with sound.
To listen to it with music, it also gives a top level performance, getting a lot of nuances and a very defined sound and with punchy bass.
Final opinion Samsung HW-Q930B / Q910B
Samsung HW-Q930B / Q910B soundbar review
The Samsung HW-Q930B / Q910B is a soundbar that we recommend if you are looking to get a good surround feel in your living room. If you are a movie buff and want to enjoy surround audio, this model will not let you down.
In our opinion, the Samsung HW-Q930B is one of the best soundbars we have tested for watching movies, as it achieves great definition in voices, powerful bass and a sound that surrounds you especially when the content is in Dolby Atmos. Thanks to the top speakers integrated into the bar and the rear speakers, you will be able to hear sounds also on the vertical axis.
The four side speakers help to achieve a much more expanded sound around the room and the center channel together with the dialogue enhancer makes the voices sound very clear in scenes with a lot of effects and music at the same time.
Another advantage that this Samsung HW-Q930B has over its competitors is that it has great sound customization so you always get the right sound for your room and for your preferences.
If you also have a Samsung Neo QLED or QD-OLED TV you can enjoy a much spectacular sound by combining the speakers of your TV and the bar.
There are few aspects that we can criticize or miss. One of them is that it does not offer the ability to pass 4K signal at 120 Hz via HDMI, but is limited to 60 Hz. This should not be a problem for most people since they can connect the console or PC directly to the TV, however in this price range we believe that it could have been added. Another detail, is that in Spain, it does not come with the Alexa voice assistant integrated, something that in other countries it does support.
But except for these small details that most will not worry too much, in our opinion considering its performance and price the Samsung HW-Q930B has few rivals in the high-end range.
See Samsung HW-Q930B / Q910B price
DTS:X, Rear Speakers, Q Symphony, SpaceFit Sound, Airplay 2
Alternatives to Samsung HW-Q930B
Although we recommend the Samsung HW-Q930B as a hard-to-improve option, there are other alternatives on the market that you can also take a look at.
Samsung HW-Q990B
The first alternative to consider is the model above the Q930B, which is the Q990B series that incorporates some improvements. This model comes with an 11.1.4-channel system that mounts a total of 22 speakers and provides somewhat superior surround sound.
An additional woofer has been added for the left, center and right channels, plus a side woofer on each rear speaker. Also, the subwoofer has been redesigned to provide more accurate bass.
It features an Auto Equalizer that analyzes the sound bouncing through the subwoofer’s microphone and automatically calibrates the sound according to the characteristics of the room.
The size of the bar increases, but if you have space and are going to listen to it in a large room, you might be interested in upgrading to this model. The problem is that it is not so easy to get and it is a more exclusive product, but we certainly think it is worth it.
View price Samsung HW-Q990B
DTS:X, Rear Speakers, Q Symphony, SpaceFit Sound+, Airplay 2
LG S95QR
LG has launched another very interesting model as is the S95QR, which has a 9.1.5 channel system and 810W of power. This model stands out for incorporating a third top speaker in the center looking for a center channel to be heard from above. As in previous years, this bar has had the collaboration of the British audio firm Meridian Audio.
It’s priced similarly to the Samsung HW-Q990B, so in our opinion it’s more worth going for the Samsung especially if you have a Neo QLED or QD-OLED TV from the brand. In any case, it’s another great option to consider.
See LG S95QR price
9.1.5 Channel, 810 Watts Output, DTS:X, and IMAX Enhanced
Bose Smart Soundbar 900
Another alternative in a similar price range to the Samsung HW-Q930B is the Bose Smart Soundbar 900. This is a 5.0.2 channel soundbar with Dolby Atmos support, but it does not come standard with a wireless subwoofer. For people who don’t want to have a separate subwoofer it’s a good alternative, but it’s not going to achieve the same quality as the Samsung.
You can add the Bass Module 500 or 700 subwoofer, as well as separate rear speakers, but the price increases substantially.
The design is one of its main advantages, as it looks very elegant and is available in both black and white. If we stick to the sound quality, we recommend you more the Samsung HW-Q930B especially for cinema and series.
See price Bose Smart Soundbar 900
Dolby Atmos with Alexa Built-In, Bluetooth connectivity
Dolby Atmos with Alexa Built-In, Bluetooth connectivity
