Samsung HW-Q950A vs Sony HT-A9 [ with wireless subwoofer ]

Which one is better, the Sony HT A9 or the Samsung HW-Q950a? Wide-angle tweeters from Samsung will have a large sweet spot. Samsung's soundbar is the best soundbar for the money because it uses drivers that are angled in different directions and audio formats like Atmos and DTS: X. With up-firing channels, you can make a great overhead effect. You can really get into movies and video games when the surround sound is so good. Sony's powerful sound dome is made up of real and fake speakers that work together. When it comes to realism, the psychoacoustic sound is much better than the fake sound that most soundbars make. It looks, feels, and sounds more like the real thing. The Sony HT-A9 raises the bar for sound in home theaters.

Pros

  • Room filling sound
  • Punchier bass
  • Powerful heights
  • Multiple sound settings
  • Sturdy built

Cons

  • Costly

Pros

  • Sound Field Optimization
  • 4K/120 passthrough
  • Works with voice control enabled devices
  • Low latency
  • Good for gaming

Cons

  • No center channels
Where to Buy
Ebay
Ali-Expess
Wallmart

Advance Comparison

Model

Samsung HW-Q950A 11.1.4

Sony HT-A9/SA-SW5: 7.1.4ch Soundbar [with Bass Module]

Brand Name

SAMSUNG

Sony

Rating
Mixed Usage
8.3
8.0
SOUND QUALITY
8.2
7.5
BASS ACCURACY :
8.4
7.5
AUDIO & VIDEO LATENCY:
7.7
7.8
AUDIO ENHANCEMENT FEATURES:
9.9
8.9
BUILD QUALITY :
7.5
8.5
GENERAL
Number of Channel
11.1.4 Channel
7.1.4 Channel
Placement Type
Wall-mountable , Table-top
Wall-mountable
Connectivity Type
Wireless
Both (Wired & Wireless)
Subwoofer Feature
Built-in Subwoofer , Separate Subwoofer , Wireless Subwoofer
Wireless Subwoofer
Rear Speaker
Yes
Yes
Central Channel Speaker
Yes
N/A
Audio Enhancement Features
Yes
Yes
HDMI input/output
Yes
Yes
Analog Audio In 3.5mm (Aux)
N/A
N/A
Loudness
High Volume ( > 92db )
Moderate ( ± 80db)
Warranty
12 months Months
12 months Months
Connectivity:
Digital Optical Audio Input ( Toslink )
1 Optical Audio Input
None
HDMI ARC
1 (shared)
1 (shared)
HDMI Output
1 (shared)
1 (shared)
Full HDMI Input
2 HDMI Input
1 HDMI Input
Analog Audio In 3.5mm (Aux)
None
None
RCA Ports
No
No
USB Port
None
None
Ethernet Jack
No
Yes
Audio Quality ( Tested )
Dialogue & Vocal Accuracy
Frequency deviation from target is less than standard error (3.4 dB ); which means soundbar is very good to reproduce dialog and instrumental music
Frequency deviation from target is less than standard error (3.4 dB ); which means soundbar is very good to reproduce dialog and instrumental music
Bass Accuracy ( for music, film scores, movies, and games)
Soundbar 's Low-Frequency-Extension is less than 35 Hz. Which means It can reproduce the deep thump and rumble in the low-bass accurately.
Soundbar 's Low-Frequency-Extension is more than 35 Hz. Which means It can reproduce the deep thump and rumble in the low-bass accurately.
3- Dimensional Sound Accuracy ( Sound Stage)
audio seems to be coming from a more accurate pinpoint location
audio seems to be coming from a more accurate pinpoint location
Total Harmonic Distortion ( Center Channel )
It has dedicated center channel speaker and Total Harmonic Distortion of center channel @80dB is less than standard value(>0.7). So soundbar produce more clear and accurate audio of the dialogue in movies.
No Dedicated Center Channel Speaker. So, it can not produce sound quite as clear as 3.0, 3.2 , 5.1 or 7.2 channels Soundbar. But It has decent center performance to produce accurate audio and dialogue.
Surround Sound Imaging ( Rear Channel )
Dedicated Rear channel speaker produce discrete surround sound like tower speaker
No dedicated rear channel (7.1 channel) but surround content produced by side-firing speakers on the bar is quite impressive and sounds seem to be coming from above you, behind you and on the sides.
Streo Dynamics ( Loudness ):
Dynamic Range Compression @ Max Volume is more than standard deviation (<2 dB) and maximum valume is less then 92 dB SPL
Dynamic Range Compression @ Standard Volume (80 dB) is more than standard deviation (<2 dB).
Audio & Video Latency
Here no visible latency via ARC (80 ms) and Optical (60 ms) but visuals difference may found via Full HDMI Input (59 ms).
Here no visible latency via ARC (74 ms) and Optical (N/A) but visuals difference may found via Full HDMI Input (54 ms).
Audio Enhancement Features:
Digital Room Correction:
Yes
Yes
Auto Volume Adjustment/ Night Mode:
Yes
Yes
Equilizer Options:
Graphic + Presets
Presets
Bass Adjustment ( Thump & Punch of sound)
Yes
Yes
Treble Adjustent ( Brightness and Clarity od Audio)
Yes
N/A
Surround Level Adjustment:
Yes
Yes
Virtual Surround Effect:
Yes
Yes
Supported Audio Format ( HDMI ARC)
eARC Standard
Yes
Yes
Dolby Atmos
Yes
Yes
Dolby Digital
Yes
Yes
Dolby Digital Plus
Yes
Yes
DTS
Yes
Yes
DTS: X
Yes
Yes
Dolby True HD ( eARC only )
Yes
Yes
DTS- HD MA (eARC only)
Yes
Yes
5.1 PCM ( eARC only )
Yes
Yes
Supported Audio Format (Full HDMI In' port ):
Dolby Atmos :
Yes
Yes
DTS:X :
Yes
Yes
Dolby Digital :
Yes
Yes
Dolby Digital Plus:
Yes
Yes
DTS :
Yes
Yes
Dolby TrueHD :
Yes
Yes
DTS-HD MA :
Yes
Yes
5.1 PCM
Yes
Yes
Audio Format Support ( Optical Port ):
Dolby Digital :
Yes
N/A
DTS :
Yes
N/A
Build Material
Enclosure
Sealed (bar),Ported (sub)
Passive Radiator
Finish
The bar and the satellites are made of plastic and the subwoofer is made of wood. which feels quite solid.
The speakers excellent build quality with a solid plastic and metal grilles to help protect the drivers. The sub also made of plastic build feels quite sturdy.
Color
Black
Light Gray - Black
Soundbar Width
48.4" (123.0 cm)
6.3
Soundbar Height
2.8" (7.0 cm)
12.2
Soundbar Depth
5.4" (13.8 cm)
5.8
Subwoofer Width
8.2" (20.9 cm)
10.6
Subwoofer Depth
15.9" (40.3 cm)
16.5
Drivers Specs
Tweeter Size and Type :
Dome (3)
0.75
Midrange Size & Types:
Cone (12)
N/A
Woofer Size & Type :
None
2.875
Subwoofer Driver
8" Cone
7
Where to Buy
Ebay
Ali-Expess
Wallmart

Comparatives Review


Samsung HW-Q950A vs Sony HT-A9 [ with wireless subwoofer ]:

From above section you may see the all features and test results. Here, I am going to explain which one will be best and why.

Design and Build-quality:

In terms of building quality, Sony HT-A9 prevailed. It somewhat alters the appearance of a conventional sound system like a soundbar. The satellites have been replaced with a compact control box and an off-white finish.

These satellites are manufactured with plastic casings and metal grills. Most impressively, despite changing your posture, these speakers will automatically detect whether you are vertical or horizontal and will adjust their sound output appropriately.

The Samsung HW-Q950A, on the other hand, looks stunning with its black finish bar structure. You can put it wherever thanks to the sleeker body. The plastic body is lightweight since it has tight fabric draping over the front and top. Although this building is very sturdy, dust may adhere to it readily. You must thus take special caution.

Winner: Sony HT-A9

Multiple Features for a Great Sound Experience:

Both sound systems are fantastic and have many outstanding features. They are more practical to use because of their wireless connections, however, HT-A9 may still be used with a cable connection. The wireless subwoofer that was performed specifically follows. You can rely on them for a clean, cable-free minimalistic look.

Both the HT-A9 and HW-Q950A provide a wide range of audio-enhancing options. You may modify the bass to your preferred level using the bass adjustment feature of digital room correction. In addition to this, there are many EQ settings and simulated surround sound effects.

You may find the many audio formats that are widely supported, which mostly improve the sound quality. Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital, DTS: X, and other technologies can provide simulated 3D sound effects. However, Sony only supports HDMI in ports, whereas Samsung here offers Dolby Digital and DTS in both HDMI and optical.

All of these, as well as built-in Chromecast, are supported by Sony. You might wish to include this in your sound system.

Winner: Tie

Connectivity:

Compared to Sony, HW-Q950A provides more inputs and outputs. This does not restrict the connectivity options, which makes Samsung more useful.

There are two HDMI ports, one optical audio input, and one HDMI ARC on Samsung devices. Those two HDMI ports can serve as hubs for various devices. However, because AUX isn't there, you won't be able to connect your older devices.

The connection of the Sony HT-A9 is virtually the same, however, it only allows one HDMI IN. However, additional S-center output has the added benefit of allowing you to connect any BRAVIA TV and operate the tiny box.

Winner: Samsung HW-Q950A

Sound Performance:

When it comes to sound performance, both speakers have their charm. But you still get to see the difference when using a different approach.

Mixed Usage:

The Samsung HW-Q950A soundbar is excellent for a variety of uses. You won't have any problem understanding the dialogue in your favorite TV episodes or the instruments in your favorite songs since it is an 11.1.4 soundbar with a balanced sound straight out of the box. With anything from 5.1 surround sound content to object-based codecs like Dolby Atmos, you can have an immersive audio experience when viewing movies.

The Sony HT-A9 is suitable for a variety of uses. For our testing, we activated the Sound Field Optimization room correction function, which adjusts audio reproduction depending on the acoustics of your space. It provides performances in Atmos and surrounding sound. It can still reproduce vocals, but it struggles to generate a thumping low bass for bass-heavy music or action movies.

Winner: Samsung HW-Q950A

For Movies:

For movies, the Samsung HW-Q950A is excellent. You won't have any problem following the story on screen since dialogue is clear and prominent in the mix, and the bass rumbles in sequences with lots of action. With its satellites, you receive 5.1 surround sound codecs, such as Dolby Digital, which are frequently featured on streaming sites, for an immersive audio experience.

For movies, the Sony HT-A9 is adequate. It boasts a well-balanced mid-range on "Standard Surround," which reproduces dialogue rather well. Its four satellites provide an immersive surround audio experience, and its Immersive AE function allows you to turn on and off its up-firing loudspeakers.

Winner: Samsung HW-Q950A

For Music:

For music, the Samsung HW-Q950A is excellent. A built-in microphone in the subwoofer allows this soundbar's room correction capability to automatically adjust audio reproduction to your specific space's acoustic needs. Its sound profile is well-balanced with it on, especially in the mids. Vocal and leading instrumentation are audible and prominent in the mix, while the sub adds a low-frequency growl. It is therefore appropriate for a wide range of musical styles. There are several customization tools available to change its sound as well.

The Sony HT-A9 is adequate for playing music. It contains a Sound Field Optimization room correction technology that adapts music reproduction automatically to the acoustics of your environment. It reproduces vocalists and lead instruments rather accurately in "Standard Surround" mode, while there is a slight amount of additional muddiness in the bass that could thin them out. Sadly, it is unable to replicate the deep thud and rumble seen in bass-heavy genres like EDM.

Winner: Samsung HW-Q950A

Which Is Better: Overall Performance:

When judging performance as a whole, sound quality is the most important thing to look at. Several things give the Samsung HW-Q950A a slight edge in this area. It has a 360-degree sound field that can take you to a different universe with sounds coming from the front, back, sides, and above. Still, the flaw is as small as it can be, so you won't even see it.

The Sony HT-A9 is another gem that has great sound quality. But compared to Samsung, it still has a long way to go. The home theater still sounds good, and it does a good job of reproducing every voice and speech. It works with Dolby Atmos, DTS, and other audio formats that make movies sound better. If you want to get lost in the music, you don't even have to leave your living room. The main things that make the two sound systems different are the number of channels, how well they work, and how loud and good the subwoofers are

Where to Buy
Ebay
Ali-Expess
Wallmart

ADVANCE COMPARE ENGINE

Select Two Audio / Video System for Detailed Comparison

ADVANCE SEARCH ENGINE

Find Your Sound System by Any Desire Specification