Last week, during CES 2025, Samsung unveiled its new soundbar lineup. However, it didn't offer many details about those devices. Today, the company provided more information about some models in its new soundbar lineup.
Samsung's 2025 soundbars come with 50% smaller subwoofers
In a press release, Samsung revealed more information about its flagship soundbar, the HW-Q990F, and one of its mid-range soundbars, the HW-QS700F.
HW-Q990F
The HW-Q990F is an 11.1.4-channel soundbar system with two wireless surround speakers and an active subwoofer. It uses the TV's NPU in Q-Symphony mode to make dialogues clearer. Its soundbar has 15 drivers:
- 6x elliptical-shaped midrange drivers
- 3x forward-facing tweeters
- 4x side-facing speakers
- 2x upward-facing speakers for Dolby Atmos height effect
The wireless surround sound speakers have three drivers each:
- 1x forward-facing midrange driver
- 1x side-facing mid-range driver
- 1x upward-facing speaker
Samsung says its new subwoofer, which is 50% smaller than last year's model, has newly engineered dual-active 8-inch subwoofers placed on the opposite sides. This dual-opposing design is claimed to offset vibration for cleaner and more precise bass.
Going with the AI theme, Samsung said its new soundbars have AI-driven features, and the HW-Q990F has Active Voice Amplifier Pro to emphasize dialogues, Dynamic Bass Control for balanced and distortion-free sound, and Q-Symphony that adjusts audio based on the placement and angle of connected surround speakers for a more immersive 3D audio.
HW-QS700F
The HW-QS700F is Samsung's mid-range soundbar designed to offer installation flexibility. It is likely a 3.1.2-channel soundbar with a unique design. It can be placed on the TV cabinet or wall-mounted.
Based on its mounting direction, the TV switches its up-firing and front-firing speakers. It uses the built-in gyroscope sensor to determine whether it is placed horizontally or vertically. Then, it tunes the audio accordingly.
Samsung says the HQ-QS700F is “ideal for users who demand both elegance and performance.” It has the same compact subwoofer that is used by the HW-Q990F, which means distortion-free and precise bass.
Is Eclipse Audio not ready for prime time yet?
As Samsung announced last week, both soundbars have Eclipsa Audio. Co-developed by Google and Samsung, the newly designed spatial audio system is royalty-free and designed to compete with Dolby Atmos.
The mention of Eclipsa Audio is mysteriously missing from Samsung's latest press release. It makes us think the new standard isn't ready for primetime yet, especially since no media streaming partner other than YouTube has announced its support.
The new soundbars will likely continue to support Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital Audio, and DTS:X.
Other features of the new soundbars from the company will likely include Active Voice Amplifier, Adaptive Sound, AirPlay 2, Chromecast, Q-Symphony, SpaceFit Sound, and Wireless Dolby Atmos.
Hun Lee, Executive VP of Samsung DX, said, “Our new soundbars combine exceptional audio quality with seamless convenience. With advanced AI technology in the HW-Q990F and the HW-QS700F’s innovative convertible design, these soundbars effortlessly adapt to any environment, delivering an immersive and personalized audio experience for every user.“
