Sony HT-A7000 vs Samsung HW-Q950A: Side by Side Comparison

Sony HT-A7000 vs Samsung HW-Q950A, which is the best? Well, analyzing the overall performance vs cost, we incline towards Samsung HW-Q950A. The soundbar system shows excellent soundstage and surround sound performance. You can easily place them in large rooms, and it can play loud without major distortion. It delivers 3D sound with accuracy. The sound you hear follows the action on screen resulting in immersive listening experience. Sony HT-A7000 with SW5 sub and RS3S rear speaker shows decent performance compared to the A7000 bar alone. However, the single standalone Sony A7000 is one of the best sounding soundbars at a reasonable cost.

Pros

  • Expandable
  • Supports Chromecast and Airplay
  • Clearer vocals
  • Ideal for compact spaces

Cons

  • Costly

Pros

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

Cons

  • Costly
Where to Buy
Ebay
Ali-Expess
Wallmart

Advance Comparison

Model

Sony HT-A7000 7.1.2ch Dolby Atmos Soundbar

Samsung HW-Q950A 11.1.4

Brand Name

Sony

SAMSUNG

Rating
Mixed Usage
8.2
8.3
SOUND QUALITY
8
8.2
BASS ACCURACY :
8
8.4
AUDIO & VIDEO LATENCY:
8.2
7.7
AUDIO ENHANCEMENT FEATURES:
8.4
9.9
BUILD QUALITY :
8.5
7.5
GENERAL
Number of Channel
7.1.2 Channel
11.1.4 Channel
Placement Type
Wall-mountable
Wall-mountable , Table-top
Connectivity Type
Wireless
Wireless
Subwoofer Feature
Wireless Subwoofer
Built-in Subwoofer , Separate Subwoofer , Wireless Subwoofer
Rear Speaker
Yes
Yes
Central Channel Speaker
Yes
Yes
Audio Enhancement Features
Yes
Yes
HDMI input/output
Yes
Yes
Analog Audio In 3.5mm (Aux)
Yes
N/A
Loudness
High Volume ( > 92db )
High Volume ( > 92db )
Warranty
12 months Months
12 months Months
Connectivity:
Digital Optical Audio Input ( Toslink )
1 Optical Audio Input
1 Optical Audio Input
HDMI ARC
1 (shared)
1 (shared)
HDMI Output
1 (shared)
1 (shared)
Full HDMI Input
2 HDMI Input
2 HDMI Input
Analog Audio In 3.5mm (Aux)
1
None
RCA Ports
No
No
USB Port
1 USB Port
None
Ethernet Jack
No
No
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 less than 35 Hz. Which means It can reproduce the deep thump and rumble in the low-bass accurately.
3- Dimensional Sound Accuracy ( Sound Stage)
soundstage has good focus overall but but some sound tracks seem to be bit more diffused and lack separation.
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.
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.
Surround Sound Imaging ( Rear Channel )
Dedicated Rear channel speaker produce discrete surround sound like tower speaker
Dedicated Rear channel speaker produce discrete surround sound like tower speaker
Streo Dynamics ( Loudness ):
Dynamic Range Compression @ Standard Volume (80 dB) is more than standard deviation (<2 dB).
Dynamic Range Compression @ Max Volume is more than standard deviation (<2 dB) and maximum valume is less then 92 dB SPL
Audio & Video Latency
Here no visible latency via ARC (48 ms) and Optical (54 ms) but visuals difference may found via Full HDMI Input (60 ms).
Here no visible latency via ARC (80 ms) and Optical (60 ms) but visuals difference may found via Full HDMI Input (59 ms).
Audio Enhancement Features:
Digital Room Correction:
Yes
Yes
Auto Volume Adjustment/ Night Mode:
Yes
Yes
Equilizer Options:
Presets
Graphic + Presets
Bass Adjustment ( Thump & Punch of sound)
N/A
Yes
Treble Adjustent ( Brightness and Clarity od Audio)
N/A
Yes
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
Yes
DTS :
Yes
Yes
Build Material
Enclosure
Bass Reflex
Sealed (bar),Ported (sub)
Finish
The bar and the satellites has a similar build, with plastic and metal grilles to protect the drivers. Its feels very premium. The bar also has a glass top. fabric covering the up-firing drivers
The bar and the satellites are made of plastic and the subwoofer is made of wood. which feels quite solid.
Color
Black
Black
Soundbar Width
51.2" (130.0 cm)
48.4" (123.0 cm)
Soundbar Height
3.1" (8.0 cm)
2.8" (7.0 cm)
Soundbar Depth
5.6" (14.3 cm)
5.4" (13.8 cm)
Subwoofer Width
10.6" (27.0 cm)
8.2" (20.9 cm)
Subwoofer Depth
16.5" (42.0 cm)
15.9" (40.3 cm)
Drivers Specs
Tweeter Size and Type :
0.625" Dome (2)
Dome (3)
Midrange Size & Types:
1.8125"x2.125" Cone (7)
Cone (12)
Woofer Size & Type :
2.0"x3.8125" Cone (2)
None
Subwoofer Driver
None
8" Cone
Where to Buy
Ebay
Ali-Expess
Wallmart

Comparatives Review


Sony HT-A7000: Best Features:

Independent subwoofer and surround speakers work together. On the other hand, room calibration software improves the overall sound dispersion in your room. The dialogue enhancement option gives out clear and crisp vocals. It uses an Immersive AE option to enable the up-firing speakers in the bar.

Sony HT-A7000: Pros and Cons

Pros:

Cons:
  • Supports Airplay 2 and Chromecast
  • Room-filling sound
  • Good Atmos performance
  • Multiple EQ
  • Can purchase standalone bar
  • Not very loud

Samsung HW-Q950A: Best Features:

It has SpaceFit Sound+ that works as a room calibration feature. It performs well with most of the audio content and can get quite loud. Pair it with any QLED TV and allow seamless synchronization. With the Adaptive Sound option, the bar can adjust the sound with each scene as per need.

Active Voice Amplifier boosts vocals for optimum clarity. You have the option to mirror sound from your phone with a single tap.

Samsung HW-Q950A Pros and Cons

Pros: Cons:
  • Alexa built-in
  • Good out-of-the-box accuracy
  • Balanced sound profile
  • Impressive surround sound
  • Impactful Dolby Atmos performance
  • Wireless TV connection
  • No Chromecast

Sony HT-A7000 vs Samsung HW-Q950A: Side-by-Side Analysis

This section sheds light on various features of Sony and Samsung soundbars. As a result, you can take the best decision and figure out which brand suits you.

Aesthetics and Build Quality:

Both Sony and Samsung show modern and stylish aesthetics. Sony HT-A7000 is made of plastic, perforated metal grille (not removable) and fabric cover the bar. It has glass surface on top that attracts fingerprints. It gives you a premium feel. The subwoofer and rear speakers are well built that consist of plastic, metal grille and fabric. They follow Sony’s Omnidirectional Block concept and blend in with each other easily.

Samsung soundbar is made of good plastic and fabric but the cloth is prone to dust. The sub and rear speakers are made of plastic and fabric is used for covering. Build quality is good but average.

Performance:

Comparing Sony HT-A7000 vs Samsung HW-Q950A, Samsung shows superior performance. The HW-Q950A has a broader soundstage with a powerful soundfield. Sound from all around you will engulf you with powerful overhead effects. With 4 up-firing drivers and punchier low-ends movie watching is cinematic.

It is best for overall use and is a premium soundbar for sure. With Sony, you have different options, you can purchase Sony 7.1.2 A7000 standalone soundbar and then add a subwoofer and rear speakers. This will be suitable for users who have limited space or have cost issues. Since Sony HT-A7000 soundbar is futureproofed, you can always expand it later. The single bar has two built-in sub and two up-firing speakers.

Sony uses 360 Spatial Sound Mapping with rear speakers to produce several phantom speakers. Vertical Surround Engine and S-Force PRO Front Surround produce room-filling and immersive surround sound. Movies become enjoyable with Dolby Atmos and DTS:X. Wide soundstage, powerful low-ends and overall balanced sound make this Sony soundbar system popular among many.

Connectivity and Control Options:

Sony HT-A7000 has HDMI In, and out, an optical port, analog audio, etc. Samsung HW-Q950A has HDMI In, and out along with optical port. Both these bars have Bluetooth and Wi-Fi.

In terms of controlling the bar, along with physical buttons, they come with user-friendly remote controls. They can also be controlled with mobile apps. Between Sony and Samsung, only Samsung has a built-in voice assistant whereas Sony is compatible with voice-enabled devices. 

Other Features:

Sony uses Sound Field Optimization room correction settings to adjust sound no matter the surround speaker position in your room. To improve digital music files, it uses Edge-AI and DSEE Extreme. In order to improve movie and game content, it uses Auto HDR Tone Mapping and Auto Genre Picture Mode. With Acoustic Center Sync, when you pair the Sony soundbar with Bravia TV, the bar and TV act as center speaker.

Samsung uses Auto EQ to analyze room acoustics and adjusts the audio. Choose one from the following modes based on your preference and content: Adaptive Sound, Surround, Game Pro, Standard. It uses Q-Symphony when paired with Samsung TV so that the bar and TV can play at the same time.

Price:

Sony HT-A7000 is costlier than Samsung HW-Q950A. However, with Sony, you have the option to purchase the soundbar alone without any independent sub or surround speakers. While this might reduce the cost, the performance will be average.

Conclusion:

We feel Sony HT-A7000 performs well as a standalone soundbar but the overall package with sub and rear speakers should sound better. Surround sound is impactful, and dialogue-heavy content is produced with clarity. It offers several settings and options but compared to Samsung Q950A it doesn’t have bass and treble settings.

On the other hand, at a lower cost, Samsung HW-Q950A bar with sub and rear speaker shows improved audio performance with powerful Atmos effects. It produces room-filling sound with good surround sound effects. Both these bars feature basic smart features, but Samsung is slightly ahead with built-in Alexa. While the Sony HT-A7000 sound system will show pleasant performance, you might like the Samsung HW-Q950A if you are ‘serious’ about sound quality.

FAQ:

Should you choose Sony over Samsung?

Well, with Sony HT-A7000, you have several options. You can install the single bar in compact or small spaces, go with the whole package. Dolby Atmos' performance is impressive as well. Also, if you already have Sony TV, you might choose Sony over Samsung for better integration.

Are soundbars worth it?

Soundbars are the modern solution for any home theater. With space limitations, it is the best way to improve your TV sound. When paired with sub and surround speaker, the output audio enhances more than you can imagine.

Where to Buy
Ebay
Ali-Expess
Wallmart

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