Samsung Sound bar 'compatability' Q-symphony

[cRaigAl205]

I'm currently quite tempted to get a Samsung sound bar to complement my 2019 Qled TV (QE49Q60RAT). I'm minded to 'push the envelope' somewhat spec-wise as I figure I'm only going to aim to do this once, but I have a question on what is compatible between ages 2019-2023.
Ive spoken to Samsung "support" but to be honest they were pretty vague/useless. I guess my question is what does Q-symphony "compatibility" mean? Will the sound bar be unlikely to function at all? or is Q-symphony some kind of added value/premium feature which I may/may not need?


Google/Samsung website isn't entirely clear if its just the addition of the sound bar in harmony with the TV (as an option) or if its a dedicated wireless/bluetooth requirement. Presumably there should be the option of a simpler belt-and-braces HDMI/pass through connection?

This is what I was thinking of starting with https://www.samsung.com/uk/audio-devices/soundbar/...

I wish they'd make this simpler..!

Thanks in advance,

Cheers,
Craig

[Lucid_AV]

Q-symphony is a feature where the speakers on the TV are used at the same time as those in the sound bar. The objective is to create a more convincing surround effect than can be achieved with the sound bar alone.

Q-symphony redirects the TV speakers so that they're used as surround speakers to supplement the sound bar. As such, the TV needs to be Q-symphony compatible as well as the sound bar. I've had a look at the user manuals and e-manual for your TV. Doing a word search in the pdfs shows that Q- and symphony are not listed. I'd say that the chance our TV has Q-symphony compatibility is low to zero.

Not having Q-symphony won't prevent a sound bar from working as normal. Whether you choose a basic stereo one, or something with a sub, or one with wireless rear speakers, or something Atmos-enabled, the standard feature set will work where the bar mutes the TV speakers if connected via the ARC/eARC sockets.

[dickymint]

unfortunately Q-Symphony feature only works on 2021 and newer TV's I whent through similar to make sure mine was suitable and found this list........

https://www.samsung.com/my/support/tv-audio-video/...

To be honest I keep switching between surround and adaptive sound (the Q symphony setting) and still not sure which is best depending on the source.

[donkmeister]

First question to ask yourself... What are your reasons for going down this route? You'll get better results for the same money with a separate AV receiver and speaker package, and not be tied into a one-make ecosystem.

[cRaigAl205]

Thanks guys,

Without wanting to get flamed I must confess I'm not really someone who could be considered "an audiophile". If its not an exponential/catastrophic drop off in quality (I'm sure even with a generic Samsung sound bar I'd hope to be impressed with the improvement, I may well be able to live with it, I don't think I'm a heathen but I could well be lol. I'm erring on the side of convenience/compatibility/visual clutter/hopefully use of a single remote. I've stuck my head round the back of the TV and I seem to have a HDMI arc connection, and I currently think I should have an optical connection which I don't think I'll need for anything else (I don't think I can connect it to a console, for example) so belt-and-braces I should have options

It's difficult for me to gauge how 'extreme' articles/reviews are when it comes to disappearing down rabbit hole just to fill columns on the reviews!

I'm still not 100 % sure what q- symphony gets you (does any one know if the feature is turned off can you get any sound out of it at all?), but I reckon its probably worth the 'risk' - I think I should get an approx 14 day 'cooling off period' for a non-fault/damage return, so I figure I can always try and gently open the packaging, try it and see if it needs to go back after like a day or so..

Cheers,

Craig

[Lucid_AV]

cRaigAl205 said:

Thanks guys,

Without wanting to get flamed I must confess I'm not really someone who could be considered "an audiophile". If its not an exponential/catastrophic drop off in quality (I'm sure even with a generic Samsung sound bar I'd hope to be impressed with the improvement, I may well be able to live with it, I don't think I'm a heathen but I could well be lol. I'm erring on the side of convenience/compatibility/visual clutter/hopefully use of a single remote. I've stuck my head round the back of the TV and I seem to have a HDMI arc connection, and I currently think I should have an optical connection which I don't think I'll need for anything else (I don't think I can connect it to a console, for example) so belt-and-braces I should have options

It's difficult for me to gauge how 'extreme' articles/reviews are when it comes to disappearing down rabbit hole just to fill columns on the reviews!

I'm still not 100 % sure what q- symphony gets you (does any one know if the feature is turned off can you get any sound out of it at all?), but I reckon its probably worth the 'risk' - I think I should get an approx 14 day 'cooling off period' for a non-fault/damage return, so I figure I can always try and gently open the packaging, try it and see if it needs to go back after like a day or so..

Cheers,

Craig

Come on, this really is less complicated than you're trying to make it. You're coming at this from the wrong angle. There is no loss in quality because one device doesn't have Q-symphony. It is to sound bars and TVs what flame decals, la cucaracha car horns, and body kit flared arches are to standard cars. It's tarting-up the job without improving the basic performance.

Basic tutorial 101a: How a sound bar normally works with a TV

The TV speakers are off. The sound bar is making all the noise.

Basic tutorial 101b: How Q-symphony works between compatible devices.

The sound bar is making most of the noise.
The TV speakers are not off, but they aren't producing the sounds you would normally hear from the TV on its own.

The TV speakers are being given a different job by the sound bar. They're being given the same sort of ambience effects sounds that you would get from rear speakers or overhead speakers in a conventional surround system. That's what Q-Symphony does. It makes the TV speakers into surrogate surround speakers to enhance what you're seeing and hearing from the sound bar.

- Here endeth the lessons -

With your TV that doesn't have Q-symphony then you're at Basic tutorial 101a level. The same as you would be if you bought an LG sound bar, or a Sony, or a Sennheiser, or a Sonos, or any other make except Samsung.

Sound bars cover all sorts of quality levels. The basic ones are simple stereo devices which just aim to make the dialogue a bit easier to follow. That happens mostly because the sound from the TV is so carp (small speakers which face the wrong direction), and that gives the sound bar the advantage. There's a bit more space for the speakers and they point at the listener, not away from them.

The next level up is mostly about adding convenience features: A HDMI ARC connection instead of optical; Bluetooth connectivity; maybe a wireless sub or some kind of pseudo-surround effect. Once these boxes are ticked then the design focus switches either more speaker channels or audio fidelity.

Regarding your wish-list: If you want the convenience of one remote then you should hook up using HDMI ARC. If you use that, then whatever remote you're using for TV volume right now will control the sound bar volume. You won't need optical as well.

A console connection is easiest to achieve by plugging it directly into the TV. The TV will then send audio to the sound bar to match whatever you happen to be watching on TV.

Re: reviews. Go have a read of the rtings.com review site. Along with the reviews they also do comparisons against the likely competitor products.

Coming back to Q-symphony, my advice to you is simple. Don't waste your time and money on this feature. Don't buy a sound bar just because it has Q-Symphony. Leave the gimmicks alone. Focus your efforts on finding a sound bar that sounds good. The HW-Q990C you pointed to is £1,500. It's not the most expensive sound bar out there, but it's very much at the upper end of what people spend on these things. If I was drawing up a shortlist, I'd compare the 990 against the £1,000 Q930C. The performances will be pretty close. Just think what you could do with the £500 you didn't need to spend.

[cRaigAl205]

Lucid_AV said:

Come on, this really is less complicated than you're trying to make it......

I'm very much trying not to over-complicate things.. I guess I keep coming back to what do 'they' (and you..) mean when you say "compatible"? If Q-Symphony is listed as a requirement, does that mean a 2023 sound bar will have no mechanism to be connected to a 2019 TV? And I'd essentially be buying an expensive dumb brick?

Or will there be the option to 'physically' connect (via HDMI for example- and have the option to turn the TV speakers off) & rely solely on the sound bar?

While I mention it would be ideal to have both on one remote, it's absolutely not a requirement, and I'm sure I could live without. Same with the console, I've stuck my head behind it, and I'm not sure if I will even have the option of HDMI/optical out so I'm not going to hang my hat on it either way (and I reckon I'd be happy with a simple TV output/volume control for both the console & TV if needed!).

I guess while I've said I'm no heathen, I'm trying to balance between 'buying cheap/buying twice' and spending a little more (in the grand scheme of things..) plus I cant really think short term what I'd spend an extra 500quid or so on! Plus In the meantime I've managed to find a price match online from Currys for £1000, so I've got a discount code to try in the morning!

Thanks for your patience & explanation!
Cheers,
Craig

[dickymint]

cRaigAl205 said:

Lucid_AV said:

Come on, this really is less complicated than you're trying to make it......

I'm very much trying not to over-complicate things.. I guess I keep coming back to what do 'they' (and you..) mean when you say "compatible"? If Q-Symphony is listed as a requirement, does that mean a 2023 sound bar will have no mechanism to be connected to a 2019 TV? And I'd essentially be buying an expensive dumb brick?

Or will there be the option to 'physically' connect (via HDMI for example- and have the option to turn the TV speakers off) & rely solely on the sound bar?

While I mention it would be ideal to have both on one remote, it's absolutely not a requirement, and I'm sure I could live without. Same with the console, I've stuck my head behind it, and I'm not sure if I will even have the option of HDMI/optical out so I'm not going to hang my hat on it either way (and I reckon I'd be happy with a simple TV output/volume control for both the console & TV if needed!).

I guess while I've said I'm no heathen, I'm trying to balance between 'buying cheap/buying twice' and spending a little more (in the grand scheme of things..) plus I cant really think short term what I'd spend an extra 500quid or so on! Plus In the meantime I've managed to find a price match online from Currys for £1000, so I've got a discount code to try in the morning!

Thanks for your patience & explanation!
Cheers,
Craig

It will work fine on your TV (and sound awesome by comparison) but it will not play your TV speakers at the same time as the soundbar kit. What do you actually watch on the TV? Do you use a Sky Box, BT Box or just the TV and it's apps? Atmos and 4K is amazing but so your sources play it?

[dickymint]

Just to add: For what you're prepared to spend on the soundbar have you considered upgrading your TV at the same time? Based on the size of screen you have something like this............

https://www.johnlewis.com/samsung-qe50q80c-2023-ql...

Which gives you £300 off a Samsung soundbar?

It's Man maths

[cRaigAl205]

Now who's trying to over complicate things!?! #missioncreep
I'd say its 90% straight TV & its apps that I watch. While it may come across that I'm willing to throw caution to the wind, I'm trying to exercise some restraint and not replace stuff that isn't that old & is still working fine! Trying to find a balance I guess..!

Cheers,
Craig

[Lucid_AV]

cRaigAl205 said:

I'm very much trying not to over-complicate things.. I guess I keep coming back to what do 'they' (and you..) mean when you say "compatible"? If Q-Symphony is listed as a requirement, does that mean a 2023 sound bar will have no mechanism to be connected to a 2019 TV? And I'd essentially be buying an expensive dumb brick?

Or will there be the option to 'physically' connect (via HDMI for example- and have the option to turn the TV speakers off) & rely solely on the sound bar?

While I mention it would be ideal to have both on one remote, it's absolutely not a requirement, and I'm sure I could live without. Same with the console, I've stuck my head behind it, and I'm not sure if I will even have the option of HDMI/optical out so I'm not going to hang my hat on it either way (and I reckon I'd be happy with a simple TV output/volume control for both the console & TV if needed!).

I guess while I've said I'm no heathen, I'm trying to balance between 'buying cheap/buying twice' and spending a little more (in the grand scheme of things..) plus I cant really think short term what I'd spend an extra 500quid or so on! Plus In the meantime I've managed to find a price match online from Currys for £1000, so I've got a discount code to try in the morning!

Thanks for your patience & explanation!
Cheers,
Craig

Compatible - means they work together. In this case both devices have Q-Symphony feature. Let's pretend for a moment that your mobile phone and car radio both have Bluetooth. That means they're compatible as far as connecting the phone to the car stereo via a Bluetooth link. You can still use your radio for other stuff. You can still use your phone for other stuff. But as far as linking the phone to the car stereo wirelessly both devices need Bluetooth in order for this to work. That's what they need to be compatible.

Q-Symphony is a feature, not the be-all and end-all of connectivity. It's a sparkly candle on a birthday cake. It's sprinkles on your ice cream cone. It's an added bit of dressing, not the whole fricking deal. In order to use this feature then both the telly and sound bar need the Q-symphony feature. If one or the other device doesn't have it then they're not compatible as far as the Q-Symphony feature is concerned, but they'll still work together for the usual purpose of improving telly sound. It doesn't stop the sound bar being used with the TV

I'll repeat that. It doesn't stop the sound bar being used with the TV. Any TV. Your TV. An LG. A Sony. A Panasonic. A HiSense etc. If you bought the 990 then you connect it to your TV via the HDMI ARC/eARC sockets on each device.

Q-symphony isn't some kind of wireless connectivity. If your TV had the feature then the connection would still be via a HDMI cable.

Regarding Q-Symphony being listed as a requirement: Where exactly? Says who? Do you have a link? Is it possible that you've misread something about it and now you're off down this blind alley? If it's a reseller site, is it possible that they're a bit thick on the concept and so gave you a bum steer?

You haven't got this on your TV, but it doesn't matter. It's not important. Does it not occur to you that Samsung sells the Q990 sound bar to people who don't own Samsung TVs. Why would they have a feature that effectively cripples the sound bar if not used with a Samsung TV featuring Q-Symphony? Wouldn't that be a particularly stupid move? Would doing that make any sort of commercial sense?

[cRaigAl205]

I feel I'm inching towards a revelation... I've actually spoken directly to Samsung online chat support (the horses' mouth so to speak!) and they didn't really answer the question as to what "compatibility" meant in this instance - the website, at least to my understanding, isn't particularly clear as to whether its a feature/marketing spiel or a baked in requirement (they just muddied the water TBH and I asked (at least what I thought..) was a fairly clear/direct question, but I now have my doubts!

I shall sleep on it and do a bit more mulling over in the morning, but I'd say I'm 90% there..!

A couple of links that are current contenders for your review if you wouldnt mind!

https://www.samsung.com/uk/support/model/QE49Q60RA...

https://www.samsung.com/uk/audio-devices/soundbar/...

I've also just stumbled across a Q930C new but open box on eBay direct from Samsung for the more palatable cost of 580quid, so it could well be the case that I can 'manmaths' my way into justifying a new/shiny TV to ensure "compatibility" (whatever that really means...) It could be the case that something like this is a vague improvement, and I figure if I can end up spending less than 12/1300 quid and can replace both rather than just get a sound bar its not the end of the world.. https://www.samsung.com/uk/tvs/qled-tv/q80b-50-inc... (again, it looks like I could get an open box/refurbished new TV with a 12 month warranty for just over 600quid which is obviously tempting..) Ho hum..

Cheers,
Craig




Cheers,
Craig

Edited by cRaigAl205 on Tuesday 22 August 22:18

[dickymint]

Lucid_AV said:

cRaigAl205 said:

I'm very much trying not to over-complicate things.. I guess I keep coming back to what do 'they' (and you..) mean when you say "compatible"? If Q-Symphony is listed as a requirement, does that mean a 2023 sound bar will have no mechanism to be connected to a 2019 TV? And I'd essentially be buying an expensive dumb brick?

Or will there be the option to 'physically' connect (via HDMI for example- and have the option to turn the TV speakers off) & rely solely on the sound bar?

While I mention it would be ideal to have both on one remote, it's absolutely not a requirement, and I'm sure I could live without. Same with the console, I've stuck my head behind it, and I'm not sure if I will even have the option of HDMI/optical out so I'm not going to hang my hat on it either way (and I reckon I'd be happy with a simple TV output/volume control for both the console & TV if needed!).

I guess while I've said I'm no heathen, I'm trying to balance between 'buying cheap/buying twice' and spending a little more (in the grand scheme of things..) plus I cant really think short term what I'd spend an extra 500quid or so on! Plus In the meantime I've managed to find a price match online from Currys for £1000, so I've got a discount code to try in the morning!

Thanks for your patience & explanation!
Cheers,
Craig

Compatible - means they work together. In this case both devices have Q-Symphony feature. Let's pretend for a moment that your mobile phone and car radio both have Bluetooth. That means they're compatible as far as connecting the phone to the car stereo via a Bluetooth link. You can still use your radio for other stuff. You can still use your phone for other stuff. But as far as linking the phone to the car stereo wirelessly both devices need Bluetooth in order for this to work. That's what they need to be compatible.

Q-Symphony is a feature, not the be-all and end-all of connectivity. It's a sparkly candle on a birthday cake. It's sprinkles on your ice cream cone. It's an added bit of dressing, not the whole fricking deal. In order to use this feature then both the telly and sound bar need the Q-symphony feature. If one or the other device doesn't have it then they're not compatible as far as the Q-Symphony feature is concerned, but they'll still work together for the usual purpose of improving telly sound. It doesn't stop the sound bar being used with the TV

I'll repeat that. It doesn't stop the sound bar being used with the TV. Any TV. Your TV. An LG. A Sony. A Panasonic. A HiSense etc. If you bought the 990 then you connect it to your TV via the HDMI ARC/eARC sockets on each device.

Q-symphony isn't some kind of wireless connectivity. If your TV had the feature then the connection would still be via a HDMI cable.

Regarding Q-Symphony being listed as a requirement: Where exactly? Says who? Do you have a link? Is it possible that you've misread something about it and now you're off down this blind alley? If it's a reseller site, is it possible that they're a bit thick on the concept and so gave you a bum steer?

You haven't got this on your TV, but it doesn't matter. It's not important. Does it not occur to you that Samsung sells the Q990 sound bar to people who don't own Samsung TVs. Why would they have a feature that effectively cripples the sound bar if not used with a Samsung TV featuring Q-Symphony? Wouldn't that be a particularly stupid move? Would doing that make any sort of commercial sense?

Calm down

[cRaigAl205]

dickymint said:

Calm down

Its OK, I'd much rather someone called a spade a spade especially if there is a (fair...?) chance I am being a bit slow!!

[Chuck328]

For what it's worth, we bought the 990C ( not for Q symphony ) purely because our 15 yr old surround sound was showing its age. Very happy with it matched to the Samsung TV ( also new).

Didn't really know much about Q or eArc but it all works very well.

Amazon ( frustratingly) have it massively cheaper than what we paid to !

[hantsxlg]

For what it is worth... connect up any soundbar you want via a HDMI lead to your ARC socket and it will work great. The q-symphony bit is only relavant if you apply the excellent Man-Maths suggestion and buy a new Samsung TV (with q-sym) at the same time.

I bought a Samsung TV and 990B soundbar from Samsung.com last year and got the soundbar for half price with their current deal. I am very happy with the 990B. I have seem some brand new ones going for under £1000 on amazon recently which might be worth a look for. The 990B (and C) are BIG and you'll want at least a 55" TV so it doesn't look silly underneath it if you are wall mounting. (I wish I had gone for a 65" tv now rather than 55").

[cRaigAl205]

The Q900C soundbar has arrived, and I'm quietly impressed! I reckon I'll keep it (as it seems to be "compatible" with my current TV, but man-maths has nearly won me over and I'm fairly sure I'll be keeping the 2022 QE55...Q-Symphony widget and selling my current TV. New and shiny is always better, right!?

Thanks for your help/advice/convincing where required!

Cheers,

Craig