Sound quality:
Samsung's Q930C has very good overall sound quality - although it has some noticeable sonic quirks, this model reproduces music and dialog very well. In the Standard sound mode with the tone controls set to provide the most even tonal balance the bass has good impact and goes fairly deep, but is a bit tubby. The midrange is fairly even, but is a bit hazy, grainy, and a dark, and touch plasticky. The treble is extended, but is a bit smeared and a touch sizzly. This model does a decent job of recovering room ambience, but sounds a bit congested. The two channel sound field extends somewhat above and a bit to the sides of the speaker enclosure and lacks front to back depth.
Multichannel
When 5.1 channel program material is played sounds that are intended to come from behind are heard in the rear channels, and with the proper listener position, speaker placement, and adjustment of the speaker volume levels the system can provide a sound field that envelopes the listener to the side and rear, but not from above.
Dolby Atmos
When playing Dolby Atmos material the width and height of the sound stage expands and depending on the program material can fill the entire room; audio imaging can extend overhead from the front to the back of the room depending on the program material as well as to the sides and rear.
DTS:X
When playing DTS:X material the width and height of the sound stage expands and depending on the program material can fill the entire room; audio imaging can extend overhead from the front to the back of the room depending on the program material as well as to the sides and rear.
Sound Modes
The various sound modes had a noticeable effect on the overall sound field and/or tonal balance.
There was no significant difference in sound quality between HDMI, optical, WiFi, and Bluetooth inputs.
Dolby Atmos and/or DTS:X program material can only be played through the HDMI input and through the HDMI ARC/eARC input when it is connected to a TV that has a HDMI ARC connection that supports Dolby Digital+ and/or DTS-HD High Resolution Audio, or a HDMI eARC connection that supports Dolby Digital+ or Dolby Digital TrueHD and/or DTS-HD Master Audio or DTS-HD High Resolution Audio.
TV ease of use: Very good overall.
Features ease of use: Very good overall.
