Samsung 0990D

This soundbar system delivers Atmos in very impressive fashion

- 

At the risk of pointing out the blooming obvious, Samsung sells a lot of TVs. And, while we have no actual evidence, we predict that it absolutely hates it when people combine those TVs with soundbars from other brands.

That is why it is so determined to make its own market-leading soundbars. It's been getting steadily closer to that lofty ambition, with last year's Q990C falling just a whisker short of a five-star verdict.

This full system comprises a soundbar, wireless subwoofer and two wireless surround speakers, with a huge 11.1.4 total channel count. It's clearly a premium proposition, but, for a full system with the sort of feature set that it has, the Q990D actually looks like pretty good value.

The angular, monolithic design of the 'bar and satellites is starting to look a bit dated, but there are plenty of sensible design elements, such as the fairly non-reflective finish and 7cm height of the soundbar which means it doesn't obstruct a typical TV. Simple brackets for wall mounting the unit are also included. Interestingly, the subwoofer features a smoother and slightly softer-looking design, which seems sensible given its large dimensions of 41 x 22 x 41cm.

There are 22 drivers in total, with the 'bar itself featuring six forward-firing elliptical midrange drivers and three tweeters, four side-firing drivers and two up-firers. Each surround features one forward-, one side- and one up-firing driver, and the sub has a 20cm driver hidden behind a smart plastic plate. Samsung recommends the surrounds be placed behind the listening position at a 135-150 degree angle, though the system will of course compensate if you have to put them more to the sides.

The Q990D features Samsung's SpaceFit automatic calibration, which uses the mic built into the soundbar itself and is constantly running whenever the SpaceFit setting is selected - there's no messing about with test tones or external mics.