Sony HT-A9 vs Samsung HW-Q950A: Details Analysis

Sony HT-A9 and Samsung HW-Q950A are almost similar, but Samsung hits the next level here. With an 11.1.4 CH setup, a dedicated subwoofer, precise quality sound and bass, Samsung HW-Q950A won the battle since we are here to make the comparison. But on the other hand, Sony HT-A9 is also worth considering because of the build quality, home theater-like sound and so on. Both soundbars are incredible and packed with impressive features to take the listener's sound experience to another level. But which can best work for you?  Let us find a suitable home theater solution for you with a detailed comparison.

Pros

  • Flexible placement
  • Sub level option
  • Multi EQ options
  • Versatile
  • Works with voice enabled devices

Cons

  • Subwoofer not included

Pros

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

Cons

  • Costly
Where to Buy
Ali-Expess
Wallmart

Advance Comparison

Model

Sony HT-A9 7.1.4ch Soundbar

Samsung HW-Q950A 11.1.4

Brand Name

Sony

SAMSUNG

Rating
Mixed Usage
7.7
8.3
SOUND QUALITY
7
8.2
BASS ACCURACY :
6.9
8.4
AUDIO & VIDEO LATENCY:
7.8
7.7
AUDIO ENHANCEMENT FEATURES:
8.9
9.9
BUILD QUALITY :
8
7.5
GENERAL
Number of Channel
7.1.4 Channel
11.1.4 Channel
Placement Type
Wall-mountable
Wall-mountable , Table-top
Connectivity Type
Both (Wired & Wireless)
Wireless
Subwoofer Feature
Without Subwoofer
Built-in Subwoofer , Separate Subwoofer , Wireless Subwoofer
Rear Speaker
N/A
Yes
Central Channel Speaker
N/A
Yes
Audio Enhancement Features
Yes
Yes
HDMI input/output
Yes
Yes
Analog Audio In 3.5mm (Aux)
N/A
N/A
Loudness
Moderate ( ± 80db)
High Volume ( > 92db )
Warranty
12 months Months
12 months Months
Connectivity:
Digital Optical Audio Input ( Toslink )
None
1 Optical Audio Input
HDMI ARC
1 (shared)
1 (shared)
HDMI Output
1 (shared)
1 (shared)
Full HDMI Input
1 HDMI Input
2 HDMI Input
Analog Audio In 3.5mm (Aux)
None
None
RCA Ports
No
No
USB Port
None
None
Ethernet Jack
Yes
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 more 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)
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 )
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.
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 )
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.
Dedicated Rear channel speaker produce discrete surround sound like tower speaker
Streo Dynamics ( Loudness ):
Dynamic Range Compression @ Standard Volume (80 dB) is less 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 (74 ms) and Optical (N/A) but visuals difference may found via Full HDMI Input (54 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)
Yes
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 :
N/A
Yes
DTS :
N/A
Yes
Build Material
Enclosure
No Subwoofer
Sealed (bar),Ported (sub)
Finish
The speakers have metal grilles to protect the drivers inside. The control box is made of plastic.
The bar and the satellites are made of plastic and the subwoofer is made of wood. which feels quite solid.
Color
Light Gray
Black
Soundbar Width
6.3
48.4" (123.0 cm)
Soundbar Height
12.2
2.8" (7.0 cm)
Soundbar Depth
5.8
5.4" (13.8 cm)
Subwoofer Width
N/A
8.2" (20.9 cm)
Subwoofer Depth
N/A
15.9" (40.3 cm)
Drivers Specs
Tweeter Size and Type :
Dome (3)
Midrange Size & Types:
Cone (12)
Woofer Size & Type :
None
None
Subwoofer Driver
None
8" Cone
Where to Buy
Ali-Expess
Wallmart

Comparatives Review


Sony HT-A9 vs Samsung HW-Q950A

Here is our alalysis and verdict in different usage case:

Design and Build-quality: 

When it comes to building quality, Sony HT-A9 won the debate. It kind of changes the outlook of a traditional sound system like a soundbar. They have replaced satellites with an off-white finish and a small control box.

These satellites are made with metal grills with plastic cases.

Most impressively, you can be placed in a different position, and these speakers can automatically recognize the vertical or horizontal position and produce sound accordingly.

Whereas Samsung HW-Q950A looks beautiful in that black finish bar structure. The sleeker body lets you place it anywhere. The front and top of the plastic body are draped with tight cloth, making it lightweight.

This structure is surprisingly durable, but dust can stick to it easily. So, you must be extra careful.

Winner: Sony HT-A9

Multiple Features for a Great Sound Experience

Both sound systems are incredible and come with multiple impressive features

The wireless connectivity makes them more convenient to use, but you can use HT-A9 with a wired connection if you wish to. Then there comes the wireless subwoofer that performed dedicatedly. For a clear, cable-free minimalistic look, you can count on them.

There are so many audio enhancement features that both HT-A9 and HW-Q950A support. Digital room correction for blending the sound in any size room, and bass adjustment lets you customize the bass how you like. Other than these, there are virtual surround sound effects, and several EQ presets are available.  

You will find the vastly supported audio formats that mostly make the sound quality more lifelike. Dolby Atmos can create virtual 3D sound effects, Dolby Digital, DTS: X and others. But Samsung here supports Dolby Digital and DTS in both HDMI and optical, whereas Sony supports only HDMI in port.

Sony supports all this, along with built-in Chromecast. This can be something you may want in your sound system.  

Winner: Tie

Universal Connectivity :

HW-Q950A supports more inputs and outputs than Sony. This does not limit the connectivity option can be more helpful with Samsung.  

In Samsung, there are two HDMI inputs, one optical audio input, with one HDMI ARC. Those two HDMI-in ports can work as hubs between several devices. But if you want to connect your older devices, that will not be possible because of the absence of AUX.

Sony HT-A9 has almost the same connection, except it supports only one HDMI IN. But additional S-center output gives the extra advantage of connecting any BRAVIA TV and controlling the mini box.

Winner: Samsung HW-Q950A

Which Is Better? Overall Performance

While measuring the overall performance, sound quality comes first. Undoubtedly, both speakers have played a crucial role in giving outstanding sound quality. They are worthy in all aspects of having a place in home theater.

But several criteria make Samsung HW-Q950A slightly better. It provides a 360-degree sound which can take you to another world full of sound from above, behind, front and sides.

You literally can feel the helicopter going above you or even the footsteps. For louder action movies or concerts sound, a 90dB sensitivity rate makes it louder than Sony. The distortion is still lowest as much as possible that you won't even feel it.  

Not to leave any stone unturned, the 10' subwoofer performs precisely. The vibrant, powerful bass makes the whole experience exciting.  

The Sony HT-A9 is another masterpiece producing exceptional sound quality. But when it comes to comparison, it remains one step behind Samsung.

Still, the home theater is like sound; it produces every vocal and dialogue precisely. For creating the cinematic experience, it supports Dolby Atmos, DTS and others. You can stick entirely to the sound in your living room and never wish to leave.

The difference between the two sound systems is mostly because of the number of channels, their performance, and the subwoofer quality with the loudness.   

But to be very honest, whichever you choose is not going to make you regret it ever.

Winner: Samsung HW-Q950A

Sony HT-A9 Pros and Cons:

Pros

Cons

Room correction feature.

Amazing soundstage.

Good build-quality.

Lack of bass.

Do not get much louder.

Samsung HW-Q950A Pros and Cons :

Pros

Cons

Graphic EQ, preset.

Louder.

Great bass.

Does not have built-in Chromecast.

Sony HT-A9 vs Samsung HW-Q950A: Which Is Better for What?

Now soundbars and speakers are no longer used only for music or movies; they are used for multiple purposes, such as gaming, home theater and many more.

Sony HT-A9 and Samsung HW-Q950A proved their worth in every way; thus, two best options to consider for home theater.

But those who have a bigger living room, or a gamer, sometimes even enjoy louder music like a concert; HW-Q950A is the absolute choice for them

Other than home theater, TV shows, sports, movies or soft music, you can count on Sony.

Final Verdict:

For modern home theater, movies or music, if someone wishes to bring the movie theater home, both Sony HT-A9 and Samsung HW-Q950A are the best options.

When Sony has a solid structure with detailed sound, Samsung produces exceptional, cinematic, and most realistic sound ever.

We have tried to highlight every possible feature to make a detailed comparison. Ultimately, the decision will be yours which best suits your needs.

Where to Buy
Ali-Expess
Wallmart

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