Samsung HW-Q990D vs HW-Q990F

Jan 06, 2026 12:21 AM By gmtonyshouston

34

Why is a 990 F above the 990 D if the D has higher rankings pretty much on everything

Hi, thanks for reaching out, I assume you mean in our recommendations when you say ‘above’. The short explanation is that the difference in scoring is primarily due to the Dynamics performance between the two bars.

Based on our subjective impressions, the F subdues the bass a little bit relative to the D, opting for a more clinical sound. And as a result of the redesign, the F’s subwoofer runs into more compression when we max out the bar’s volume. However, most people likely won’t be listening at this level, it doesn’t encounter any compression at 90dB SPL, and it’s not prone to rattling as much as the D. Unfortunately, we can’t always account for so much detail in our objective scoring (we don’t have a ‘rattle score’ or a way to quantify it at the moment), so we use the scores as a guideline and factor in our own observations and extra features (on other products) when we make a recommendation. The F also has Eclipsa Audio support, but it’s not a super important feature at the moment, since it’s not very widely supported.

If you are deciding between the two, I think I’d just send you to the one that’s cheaper (probably the D), since there’s barely a sliver of performance between both products.

Hope this demystifies the process a bit. 🧙‍♂️ Do let us know if you have any other questions.

Why is a 990 F above the 990 D if the D has higher rankings pretty much on everything

Oct 17, 2025 10:20 AM By RtingsUser3255491

2

Hello, I’m from Brazil and I’m using the translator. I had the Q990C, and now the Q990D. I found a significant difference in 3D sound immersion. I found it better in the Q990D version, perhaps due to the DSP techniques. I wanted to know what you thought of the 3D sound immersion “Dolby Atmos” between the Q990D and Q990F, subjectively. Is it the same or is one better than the other by how much? Thank you.

Hey, I replied to your question in the review comments for the Q990F. Thanks

Oct 18, 2025 10:13 AM By RtingsUser8105259

1

Excellent analysis, but I found no reference to the power output of this soundbar. Seems like Samsung is not disclosing this info, am I right?

I can share the power consumption listed on their labels (not the output), but this only indicates so much. Wattage is related to things like loudness, assuming that’s why you’re asking, but other variables like the sensitivity/efficiency of the drivers strongly influence the output loudness. I think the best metric for real world use is checking their max output in dB/SPL and compression in the Stereo Dynamics sections. They have very similar output volumes: 99.3 dB/SPL for the Q990F and 99.4 dB/SPL for the Q990D. The Q990F has a bit more dynamic range compression at max volume overall, but this is splitting hairs. Anyway, here are the consumption wattages, in case that’s also what you’re interested in. Q990F Bar: 41W Sub: 48W Satellites 19W each

Q990D Bar: 41W Sub: 26W Satellites: 19W each

Excellent analysis, but I found no reference to the power output of this soundbar. Seems like Samsung is not disclosing this info, am I right?

Hello, I’m from Brazil and I’m using the translator. I had the Q990C, and now the Q990D. I found a significant difference in 3D sound immersion. I found it better in the Q990D version, perhaps due to the DSP techniques. I wanted to know what you thought of the 3D sound immersion “Dolby Atmos” between the Q990D and Q990F, subjectively. Is it the same or is one better than the other by how much? Thank you.