Samsung debuts QS700F soundbar and refreshes Q990 at CES 2025

Samsung has new speakers and updates to an existing model to show off at CES 2025. First, the HW-QS700F is an all-new soundbar designed to be placed on a shelf or TV stand, but can also be mounted at a 90-degree angle. On the wall under the TV. The QS700F can optimize sound based on how it is positioned for best performance. This adjustment occurs automatically thanks to the built-in gyroscope sensor. The QS700F will come with Samsung’s redesigned subwoofer, the same one found in the new Q990F.

In a quick demo, the QS700F sounded just as pure and clear as the Q990F. However, I only got a few seconds in a noisy room, so I’ll have to wait for the full review to see if that’s true. However, Samsung’s brand clarity is likely to be a key aspect of the sound profile, and the included sub delivers ample bass. That low tone was evident even in the noisy display area.

The company’s flagship speaker returns in 2025 with a major makeover. The HW-Q990F will still be an all-in-one package with a wireless subwoofer and satellite rear speakers and retains the same angular look. But the company says it has reduced the size of the submarine to less than half of the previous version. What’s more, Samsung explains that it has done so while providing more powerful audio performance from the unit. As someone who has reviewed both Q990D and Q990CI can tell you that my previous amp was phenomenal, so this is a great update.

The Q990F remains an 11.1.4-channel soundbar with “clearer, richer, more intuitive sound” and Dolby Atmos support. The built-in rear surround speakers also have loud drivers, enhancing the overall effect of immersive sound. As I mentioned before, having everything in one package is convenient and saves you from having to make additional purchases on top of expensive speakers. I was able to hear the Q990F at Samsung’s CES demo area, and it’s as loud as ever, with the crisp, clear detail I encountered in the previous two models. As I mentioned earlier, these smaller subpackages pack a punch, and should fill out nicely as a replacement for the larger unit that the main speakers were previously packed into.

Samsung will use AI to enhance the sound quality on its soundbar in 2025. Two features, Active Voice Amplifier Pro and Q-Symphony Pro, use AI to boost dialogue over background noise and analyze audio using a Samsung TV processor respectively. The company says Q-Symphony Pro will also be available on two new B-series soundbars, the HW-B750F and HW-B650F, which will arrive in 2025.

There is another item that Samsung is keen to discuss at CES: Eclipse of sound A platform developed in cooperation with Google. Details about the new 3D audio standard are scarce at the moment, but Samsung has already said that its 2025 TVs and speakers will support it. According to the press release, Eclipsa Audio allows content creators to fine-tune audio and location data for spatial audio. Samsung and Google appear to be developing their own take on Dolby Atmos. Furthermore, Samsung says that content creators will be able to upload videos with Eclipsa Audio to YouTube later this year, but there’s no word on support for other platforms yet.

Samsung first announced plans to develop 3D spatial audio In 2023 When it collaborated with Google on the Immersive Audio Model and Formats (IAMF). The IAMF is accredited by the Alliance for Open Media (AOM), whose members include Amazon, Apple, and Netflix. This is also not the first time Samsung has shunned Dolby as it has opted for HDR10+ instead of Dolby Vision for its TVs.

There is no information on pricing and availability on any of the new speaker models yet. This information will likely arrive closer to launch. For reference, the Q990D is $2,000, but again, it includes a subwoofer and rear speakers. Sony Bar 9 It’s only $1,400 for the speakers themselves.