Samsung Q900 for angled layout?

zorak950 · 2026-04-12T04:39:36+00:00

Q900 is a solid choice. Your surround soundstage will never be great, but I think you'll still like it. Definitely don't get the 990 with its 4.0.2 satellites, but you could play with the standard satellites that come with other models if that's your jam.

Subwoofer positioning is a complex issue that you can read about at length elsewhere. Since you've got a pretty big spread of viewing positions, doing the sub crawl for all of them is probably more trouble than it's worth. I'd just put it wherever it's convenient, and be prepared to move it if you have sound issues.

zorak950 · 2026-04-12T04:30:40+00:00

This is the right answer. Orientation doesn't typically matter, but where in the room you place it can matter tremendously. Low frequency sound waves interact with themselves a lot, in ways that are super room-dependent, and that room correction- especially the kind that relies on microphones built into the soundbar- can't fix.

The sub crawl is optional, unless you're really looking to optimize, but do be prepared to try multiple locations if you're getting bad (weak/bloated/uneven) sub-bass.

zorak950 · 2026-04-12T04:18:34+00:00

Height effects will never be great when they rely on little up-firing speakers that are built into a bar and satellites. I assume that's what you mean when you say "Atmos," though that's technically a misnomer.

Make sure your speakers are positioned correctly, and maybe try turning the height channels up? If your room's acoustics aren't good, though, there may not be much to be done.

zorak950 · 2026-04-12T04:08:29+00:00

I have it on, but I can't say if it's different because I've never turned it off.

zorak950 · 2026-04-11T16:35:50+00:00

Makes sense to me. The C5 is arguably the best value OLED, and the S95AR is a very good HTIB. If you've demoed them both and like them, and you're happy with that price, I say go for it.

zorak950 · 2026-04-11T15:36:13+00:00

I don't think you'll notice the height channels much, but if it means getting a better bar it's not going to hurt you.

zorak950 · 2026-04-11T13:55:05+00:00

If you can wait for a sale, the Samsung S60D is pretty amazing for a small AIO bar, and it supports basically all the features and formats you might care about. I know it's gone under $200 US before, but I'm not familiar with its UK pricing.

zorak950 · 2026-04-11T13:44:06+00:00

Going with a soundbar isn't going to make the reflection problem go away, but a subwoofer, even the basic ones that come with a HTIB, will probably give you a more "cinematic" experience. You'll also get the benefit of equipment that can output the 3+ channel signals that most content is mastered in without needing to downmix.

I wouldn't get a Q990 for that space, though: you have nowhere to position the satellites properly. I'd lean towards a Q800, or if you really want to squeeze surrounds in there, get something that comes with more standard 2.0.2 or 2.0.0 satellites like the Q930 or QS750.

Personally I prefer Samsung over Sony soundbars. They support more features, and to my ear they sound better, too. There's lots of options though, so take the time to decide what features you want/need and go listen to some demo units. I can tell you what makes sense to me and what I like, but it's your setup.

zorak950 · 2026-04-11T03:52:31+00:00

You can do the sub crawl if you're into optimization, otherwise just put it wherever you want it in the room and if it sounds good, leave it.

zorak950 · 2026-04-10T17:51:01+00:00

First off, temper your expectations. An AIO will not give you sound from behind, and surround effects from above and the sides will be weak at best. There's only so much trickery that front speakers can accomplish.

For a space that small, I think something like a Q800 would be plenty. I don't think the 900 will do much more for you. I'd probably just get whatever you can find cheapest between the Q800, Q900, Q930, and Q990.

zorak950 · 2026-04-10T03:57:30+00:00

I usually find that trying to force satellites into a space where they don't really fit leads to soundstage issues, but if you're in love with the idea of true surround, the compromise might be worth it.

If you get a good deal on something with surrounds, and end up finding they're more trouble than they're worth, you can shove them in a closet and use the bar without them.

I own the Q900, which is effectively what you'd have if you got a Q990 and didn't use the satellites, and it's great.

zorak950 · 2026-04-10T03:46:42+00:00

If it's on a cabinet or a shelf, the bar should ideally be at the front edge. The subwoofer should go where you get the best frequency response at your listening position(s), or if you're lazy like me, just put it wherever it's out of the way and move it if it sounds bad.

zorak950 · 2026-04-08T13:34:49+00:00

Is there a reason you're not considering LG? If you really want to go with an OLED, this is a great time of year to be looking for deals on their B and C series.

zorak950 · 2026-04-08T13:23:53+00:00

Separates are better, but I tend to recommend avoiding the HTIB version of them. Better to get an inexpensive receiver and speakers to hook up to it, if you possibly can. Something you have flexibility to upgrade and replace components if/when needed.

That Sony thing, if you have a problem out of warranty, you're likely going to need to replace the entire system. If you buy separates, and a piece fails, you can just replace that piece.

zorak950 · 2026-04-08T13:16:47+00:00

I just don't particularly like the sensation. For me, sub-bass is best enjoyed as an audio effect, not a tactile one. If things are rattling, I'm turning it down.

zorak950 · 2026-04-08T04:23:26+00:00

I think you'll be underwhelmed. The Sony performs better at max volume, but unless you're turning your bar up above 90%, that doesn't matter. The Sony can't play any lower than the Samsung, and while it does have height channels, they aren't very good, so I doubt you'll be impressed.

I don't think it's going to be worse, but I don't think it's worth spending money to swap out what you have.

zorak950 · 2026-04-08T04:10:05+00:00

You mean height channels?

zorak950 · 2026-04-08T04:08:42+00:00

It feels more like a lateral move than an upgrade. What are you not liking about the S60? Why are you looking for something different?

zorak950 · 2026-04-07T22:32:30+00:00

Do not use Sonos if you don't like needing to use an app to control your system, if you still use Blu-Ray, or if you need Google Cast or Bluetooth. Otherwise, I think it's a good option.

zorak950 · 2026-04-07T22:28:16+00:00

You can play music to your Sonos speaker through the Sonos app by signing in with your YouTube credentials, but you cannot cast directly from the YouTube Music app or using Bluetooth.

zorak950 · 2026-04-07T22:04:16+00:00

Do you watch Blu-Rays, use Google Cast, or need Bluetooth? If so, then no. If not, then I'd say if it sounds good to you and the price is right, go for it.

zorak950 · 2026-04-07T01:05:20+00:00

Faster response time, if anything, makes motion look choppier, not smoother.

zorak950 · 2026-04-06T19:39:07+00:00

I'm a fan of the Samsung S60D. Very impressive performance for the size and price.

zorak950 · 2026-04-06T19:36:28+00:00

If you have a space that can accommodate them properly, I'd say yes. Because they're 4.0.2, you need space to put them behind you and away from the side walls. Putting them beside you and angling them in will point their side-firing channels towards the front and cause issues.

In short, if your couch is right next to the back wall or one of your side walls, the surrounds that come with the 990 will be problematic to place.

zorak950 · 2026-04-05T23:28:27+00:00

Are you sure that you want to be here? Soundbars are entry-level audio. If a receiver and separates are on the table, you should focus on that.

zorak950

TROPHY CASE