Thank you!😊

Thank you! That's exciting... Not too long to go 😊

@@silverathlon Good news my new Samsung Q950A is here it arrived Friday and your review/set up is helping out tons a big thanks go out to you all again. Keep up the great reviews much appreciated.

@@jefferyberg2850 thanks and hope you enjoy it!!

@@silverathlon Its here early Thank you Samsung in California way to go; its all set up with some help and the soundbar sounds just amazing blows every other bar I have ever owned out of the water so immersive and clear with vocals while watching anything. Samsung has nailed it on the head with this bar a true winner.

@@jefferyberg2850 nice!! Enjoy it 😊

Thank you!

You are welcome!

My pleasure 😊

Thank you!

Unfortunately I do not have a Samsung TV to test this with.

i have this sound bar and a 2021 QLED 8k tv and the q symphony makes a world of difference. I haven't even set it up properly yet, just unboxed and connected, and its superb

Q symphony doesnt work. If you plug your media player into the soundbar samsung doesnt allow the option for it to work. If you plug your media player into the tv it does, but that is a no no as you greatly diminsh the ability of the soundbar when you do that as you cant use surround mode anymore which doesnt allow full use of all speakers thus making q symphony pointless since your soundbar wont be using all their speakers, so Samsung lied about this and pretty much are going on novices that dont understand you have to plug your media player into the soundbar and not the tv, it also causes unneeded lag to your setup. BTW I do have this soundbar and it is awesome and I have a q90a 65', but q symphony was false advertising

It depends on the room and how well the sound bounces off the walls. It also depends on the movie - In Blade runner as mentioned in the video it was pretty good. You do feel as if the sound is coming from above. A wired system with physical speakers is going to obviously sound better but this comes close for what it is.

Exactly you got it right 👍

Thank you!! There is a HDMI cable that runs from the TV to the sound bar but its hidden in the wall and comes out of the bottom behind the TV unit.

@@silverathlon wow that's the quickest response I've ever received on KZfaq. Much appreciated. Instant sub by the way, looking forward to discovering more of your informative videos. Can I please ask about setting up equipment: I'm about to replace a very old, dying 50" LG 3d plasma with the following: Sony 65" A80J OLED TV Sony 4K ubp-x700 Blu-Ray Player And probably Samsung Q950A soundbar I'll also have a Cable box, which I'm hoping to soon replace with a newer, wireless model that has a couple of UHD channels, as well as a mini cable box strictly for English Premier League soccer. Neither my wife or myself are gamers. The new set up will see the TV go into another part of the living room, almost diagonally opposite to the current setup. The room is about 10 feet long by 20 feet wide roughly. Nothing will be wall mounted I don't think as the walls are old, thin plaster. The new location will be next to one wall that juts out about 20 inches in the corner. The opposite end, next to the old TV location has a large, open arch, approximately 5.5 feet wide by 7 5 high. There is also a door next to the new TV location. Sorry for all this detail, but wondering if: a) a soundbar is suitable in this room to begin with, and if yes b) should I be sticking with Sony for the soundbar for ease of communication between all devices I'm writing from Melbourne Australia by the way, and my local store could give me a huge saving on the older and less feature-packed Sony Z9f soundbar, saving about $700 Aussie dollars (about $515 US) v the Samsung. In terms of the set-up, what would be the best way to set everything up for optimum viewing and listening? Would you advise on swapping any of the likely new devices for something else ( I suppose more so the soundbar as I'm kind of sold on the TV, having researched and viewed it extensively, and the Sony 4K Blu Ray player is now I believe the only Sony 4K model readily available in Australia at the moment. Sincere apologies for rambling on, but I'm so desperate for expert advice when so far it of my comfort zone 🤣 Sincerest thanks Norm Melbourne, Australia

Lol, sorry thought you were in the USA, didn't think you were also in 🇦🇺

@@normlieberman372 Haha yep I'm from Melb, Australia too! The soundbar should be suitable for you as mine is placed in a similar size room to yours with a wall on the left side of the soundbar and open space on the right side (as per the video). If your ceiling isn't too high you will have a more immersive ATMOS feel. The soundbar relies on the sound bouncing off walls to make it more immersive. You can however increase or decrease the volume of the different channels to compensate for the distance to the wall. The Sony HT-A9 is a very good option if you want to stick with Sony but its pricier and you also need to purchase the sub seperately (seems like its currently unavailable on the Sony store though) The Q950A sounds amazing for its price and I moved from a proper 5.1 stand alone system. I can't really comment on the compatibilty of the Sony TV's and Samsung soundbar but I've got an LG C9 and the Samsung soundbar works great. Everything is controlled through the app or the remote so I dont see any reason as to why it wouldnt work with a TV that has eArc. Good luck with the purchase. Let me know how you go! Cheers!

@@silverathlon thanks mate, will do 👍

The options available directly on the soundbar are limited. You need to use the app for most other things. Wish Samsung would allow everything to be done in the app.

I use the Adaptive sound mode and set the Auto Eq to on in the Smartthings app.

Yes you can place it anywhere. It is however recommended to place it near the soundbar ( close to the TV)

My Rear speaker wide and front levels were set to -1 as they are right behind me. I only increased the Rear Top levels to 4. With the front soundbar I left left everything as per the default setting and changed the Front Top levels to 5. I would recommend changing the levels based on your room and where you have placed your speakers.

They are approximately 140 cm's long. I'm sure you can replace them with a longer figure 8 cable if needed.

@@silverathlon "IF NEEDED?" 🤣(at only 140cm you would almost be sitting on the soundbar!!)

@@warrencramer4516 not sure I follow. How do you mean? I find the standard cable length fine. All depends on where your power point is.

@@silverathlon at 140cm long, most people will have to run it back to other side of the room. Not long enough.

@@warrencramer4516 ah I see what you mean. Yep if you don't have a power outlet where you are placing the rear speakers then the provided cable isn't going to cut it.

We had "Allow Passthrough" checked in the Audio options on the Xbox. The Xbox was connected to the TV via HDMI. The soundbar and TV were connected via HDMI eArc.

Thank you! Try unplugging and then plugging the soundbar from the power, leave it for 30 seconds and then try plugging back in again. If it still doesn't work you might have a faulty unit.

Hey Dennis, I have not experienced this issue. It sounds very strange. Have you tried updating the firmware? There is also an option to Adjust the Soundbar volume using a TV remote (page 12 of the manual). I would try playing with that too.

@@silverathlon OOHh I figured it out. Im supposed to pull down or push up the volume button. It's a deceiving looking button. It looks like you're supposed to just push it (which mutes the speaker) So it has 3 functions. Very deceiving.

@@dennispena5496 haha yes it can be confusing... Glad you figured it out😊

The HW-Q950A compatibility with Alexa is 'works with', not 'built in'. This means that the Soundbar is compatible with the Alexa service, however only receives Alexa voice commands you issue to a separate Alexa device.

Yes, you can use any sound mode while watching Atmos content. Note: when using Standard mode you will only get 7.1.4 while playing Atmos content. If you want to get the full 11.1.4 you have to use one of the other sound modes - Adaptive, Surround or Game Pro

@@silverathlon hey I saw that in the manual as well, i think it's a typo, cos I would think it's bad that in native mode you don't get full 11.1.4 for Atmos. When I checked the Q950T manual it says it does 9.1.4 in standard mode for Atmos (it is a 9.1.4) set.

@@silverathlon great. Thanks for the reply!

@@ravishanf You might be right! Will test this later and report back!😊

@@jkon1970 if you use standard you don't get the full 11.1.4. Adaptive probably sounds the best.

The newer Q990B replaces this model. It replaces the cloth covering on the soundbar with a metallic looking cover and the LCD has now been moved from the top to the front so you can see it when seated. If you can get the Q950A at a relatively cheap price get it, otherwise I would recommend the Q990B if you want the latest and greatest!

@@silverathlon I can get it for about £850 but will check out the new version and decide what's best Thanks for your time 👍

@@waynesworld247 no problems at all.. Yeah definitely check it out in person. Good luck with the purchase!

I haven't personally heard the MS-650 but from what I've seen that has 3 channels whereas the Q950A has 11 channels plus upward firing speakers which makes it very immersive. Plus the Q950A is Samsung's halo model when it comes to sound bars. I would highly recommend you listen to the Q950A in store if you have the chance.

@@silverathlon Hmm that's interesting. I'm debating between that soundbar or a klipsch left/right tower setup that I will expand upon further down the road. Don't care about space atm just want best sound quality possible. But I should check out the sohndbar as it would save me money in the long run.

@@Janjibro66 If you want the best sound quality and have the space then definitely go for a proper system with a receiver and speakers in the ceiling. The Q950 is impressive for what it is but if I had the space and budget I would have gone with a proper system.

Yes the TV passes the full Dolby Atmos for me using eArc.

Yes, you can use the soundbar only without the rears.

I use a click on and off adapter with remote.

You shouldn't really have any static noise. I have none! Perhaps you have other devices nearby that are interfering? Otherwise I would be contacting Samsung to get you a replacement.

I don't believe the PS5 supports Dolby Atmos yet. Did it get a recent update?

Would depend on your room, the model of the Onkyo amp, sub woofer and the speakers you want to use. If you want simplicity and less wires then the Q50A is the way to go.

As long as you have a compatible TV, Q-symphony will work with either Atmos or DTS X. Unfortunately, I was unable to test this as I do not have a compatible Samsung TV.

It's so the sound can bounce off the walls and make it more immersive.

@@silverathlon fair enough. Another question, do you get audio lag when playing from console? I think I'm getting it quite a bit

@@WrathChild-NZ I use an Xbox and don't experience any lag. What console are you using? I would probably try resetting the soundbar and setting it up again just in case. Also ensure it's up to date.

Yes it does a pretty good job if you choose the surround or adaptive audio modes. If you choose the standard audio mode it will output whatever the input is (eg: if the source is 5.1, it will output 5.1, etc). If your source is 2.1 and the audio mode is standard the rear speakers will not be used unless you change the audio mode to surround or adaptive. Alternatively, you can disconnect the rear speakers and still output audio from the soundbar. Hope that answers your questions.

@@silverathlon thank you!

Yep you can. You have to use the provided remote to do it.

@@silverathlon how do u do it? I tried what i could but the rear speaker only works with only surround mode.

You have to use the settings button on the remote. Each you click it will display a speaker on the screen on top of the bar. Keep pressing untill you see Rear speaker. You will be able to increase the front & top speaker volume since each speaker has 2 speakers.

Have you tried using the app. Also try using a different HDMI cable.

@@silverathlon yes I'm using the smart app I'm using the HDMI cable that came with it but I will buy a new one and try that one thank you

You can update the firmware using the USB port on the soundbar or via the Samsung SmartThings app. When using SmartThings, once you have selected the soundbar in the app go to Information and you will see the option there.

@@silverathlon Does the firmware update usually take over 30 minutes? Firmware update has been stuck on 80 percent for a while now.

@@jessepalacios3311 I updated the firmware through SmartThings and it took approx 5 mins. Are you using the app or USB?

@@silverathlon thank you for the reply. Had to power down the bar and power it on again. Finally finished. Great review 👏.

@@jessepalacios3311 That's great!! Thank you😊

You can change the sound modes in the Smartthings app. Try adaptive. Yeah I use Spotify so the lack of HDD support doesn't really bother me.

Not necessarily.... As long as you have a HDMI port on your TV you can use it.

If you have the soundbar connected to your TV via HDMI eArc, then under the Sound Output option on your TV you should be able to pick the TV speaker + soundbar option.

@@silverathlon i only have TV ARC on soundbar does that mean Q-Symphony? In TV there soundbar model shown there is not TV+Soundbar

@@johnneytamang firstly make sure the firmware on the soundbar is the latest. Q-Symphony is only available when you connect the soundbar to the TV using an HDMI cable or an optical cable. You will also need to change the source on your soundbar to D.IN. To do this, press Source on the soundbar’s remote until “D.IN” appears. Once the soundbar has been connected and D.IN is set, “TV+Soundbar” should appear under the Sound Output menu of the TV.

@@silverathlon that really works mate. Cheers for your help. Any idea for audio settings on samsung q800t soundbar?

I've got little kids and I've pushed it back so they can't get to it 😁

Unfortunately, this is still the same. You can only adjust the levels as a pair.

If they are still flashing it means it hasn't connected properly to the sub.

The SWA9500S is a 2.0.2 system which means you will end up with 9.1.4 and not 11.1.4.

I would suggest you plug the shield directly into HDMI 1 on the soundbar. Make sure the settings for pass through audio on the shield are set to on or auto( I don't own a shield so not sure what the correct seeing is). Connect the HDMI from the Arc port on the TV to the Arc port on the soundbar. Connect the PS4 to HDMI 2 on the soundbar. I don't believe you need a HDMI 2.1 cable.

@@silverathlon k...thanks Waiting for delivery and will get back with update

Yesss.i love it...so if help any other people that has only ARC tv this is what i have done.Plug a 8k hdmi 2.1 from soundbar to tv arc Output.Conect the other devices ps4,laptop,and shield to tv.in the begining you will have some headake...i had a lot...but i guess tv is teaching to get the dolby from shield.had to do several power off plug directly.and i had to reset setup on soundbar again.update all devices that is very important.(shield,ps4,) and also be sure you update the smart things app.also on my ps4 i changed output sound from linear pcm to bitstream dolby.Still doing some changings on the individual channels and eould be great for Samsung to add this option on the next update,but so far i love it.I hope this will help other people in the same situation.

@@unasistent Awesome! Thanks for that ..It will definitely help others.

No, just connected HDMI via eArc and then ran Smart things.

@@silverathlon Did you use a samsung smartphone ? I can't get mine registered in smartthings througt my Google Pixel 6A.

@@andreashandlbauer8216 yep I did use a Samsung in the video. But I've also used a OnePlus 5T and had no issues registering. Make sure the sound bar shows INT on the display before registering.

Do you have the Q950A or another model?

@@silverathlon another t670 Samsung

It's actually quite misleading but after consulting with Samsung, the HW-Q950A compatibility with Alexa is 'works with', not 'built in'. This means that the Soundbar is compatible with the Alexa service, however only receives Alexa voice commands you issue to a separate Alexa device. Hope that helps clear it up.

It's a 65 inch TV.

I have tried to get Alexa to work but have not been successful even after following the directions in the manual. I will try a few things and let you know if I am successful.

@@silverathlon I got a replacement last saturday. The Alexa still not work. Now I decide to return the product and get refund.

@@untakaczz Fair enough...I still haven't got it working. Probably a bug. It doesn't bother me so much as I already have another Echo device for Alexa. I am going to raise a ticket with Samsung support anyway.

Agree, it won't be as good as a standalone system and while some may like it others won't. Also, the experience in-store will be very different to the experience at home in a smaller room. This setup relies on walls to bounce the sound off to create an immersive experience. Nevertheless, it's always best to listen to it yourself before you buy!

This is the 2021 model. The Q950A is the 2021 model and the Q950T is the 2020 model.

@@silverathlonit’s a bit confusing, I live in Sweden and the latest one with 11.1.4 channel is called Q960AXE and the 2020 model is Q950 I don’t get it. 😂

@@silverathlon the only difference is the channel and the old one is WiFi enabled and watt the old one is 546W and the new one is 512W from what I can see

@@cliffordnnannaoguguo4816 Ah I see.... Is this on the Samsung website or another website? The Samsung Swedish website only seems to mention Q950T.

@@cliffordnnannaoguguo4816 from the specs it's either a slightly different model or the specs are incorrect on the website. The Q950A I'm using is the Australian version which can be found here: www.samsung.com/au/audio-devices/soundbar/q950a-black-hw-q950a-xy/

65 inches

Not sure where you are located but here in Australia the soundbar can be had for 30-35% off RRP which makes it worth it.

Firstly, ensure the HDMI cable from the soundbar is connected to the eArc port on your TV. Secondly, in the sound settings on the TV make sure eArc is on and sound output is set to Auto.

@@silverathlon sure. The cable is connected on the eArc port. The eArc format on the TV is active, of course. And also the audio output Is setted on auto. I try with auto and with pass through. I've started to think that the HDMI cable with the soundbar is not 2.1...but this is only my opinion

​@@giulianoblasi5866 seems like you got the settings correct. I used my own cable and not the one in the box. Yes I would definitely try with a HDMI 2.1 cable.

@@silverathlon thanks a lot for now. I will know you about the development 😉

@@giulianoblasi5866 good luck!

Lol.. it was my daughter's birthday.

The bass is pretty good for a sound bar. Definitely better when watching movies than listening to music.

@@silverathlon ok thanks for the reply. I have being trying to make up my mind about wish one to buy because I wanted a good quality cinema sound.

@@leatongunning2880 it's pretty good for what it is. You can't compare it to a proper stand alone system but for the price and if you don't have a massive room it's pretty impressive.

Are you using HDMI ARC? If so, make sure the sound output on the TV is set to HDMI ARC. Also, have you setup the soundbar using the Smartthings app?

You do not need eArc to use this soundbar. Technically all you need to do is plug your device ( Blu-Ray player or any device that supports Dolby Atmos or DTS: X) directly to the soundbar and you should get Atmos or DTS: X.

The soundbar was connected directly to the TV using the eArc port on the TV. The Xbox was connected to one of the other HDMI ports on the TV.

@@silverathlon if Blu-ray DVD player ??

This is true. Unfortunately, I don't have a choice as my room is small.

@@silverathlon fair enough only saying as u had mine close and didn't sound half as good as when I moved them back, Maybe grab some speaker stand for the rears I'd suggest you'll notice how better the channel separation is 👍🏻

@@RonD84 thanks ..I actually did end up getting speaker stands since I made the video and it's made a difference. Thanks again for your advice 👍

Agree... you can still use the soundbar without setting it up with a phone, but you do lose functionality.