Samsung has new soundbars and updates to its existing model that will be unveiled at CES 2025. Firstly, the HW-QS700F is an all-new speaker that is designed to sit on a shelf or TV stand, but can also be mounted at an angle 90 degrees. on the wall under the TV. The QS700F can optimize the sound depending on how you position it to achieve the best performance. This adjustment occurs automatically thanks to the built-in gyroscope. The QS700F will come with an updated Samsung subwoofer, the same one found in the new Q990F.
In a quick demo, the QS700F sounded just as crisp and clear as the Q990F. However, I only had a few seconds in a noisy room, so I'll have to wait for the full review to see if this is true. However, Samsung's signature clarity is likely to be the main aspect of the sound profile, and the included subwoofer provides ample bass. This low tone was noticeable even in the raucous demo area.
The company's flagship soundbar returns in 2025 with significant changes. The HW-Q990F will remain an all-in-one package with a wireless subwoofer and rear satellite speakers, and will retain the same angular look. But the company says it has reduced the size of the subwoofer to less than half the size of the previous version. Moreover, Samsung explains that it was able to do this while delivering even more powerful sound quality from the device. As someone who has watched both Q990D And Q990CI can tell you that the previous subwoofer was huge, so this is a great upgrade.
The Q990F remains an 11.1.4-channel speaker with “clearer, richer, lighter sound” and Dolby Atmos support. The included rear surround speakers also feature upward-firing drivers, adding to the overall immersive audio experience. And as I noted earlier, having everything in one package is convenient and saves you from having to make additional purchases beyond an expensive soundbar. I was able to hear the Q990F in Samsung's CES demo area, and it's as loud as ever, with the crisp, clear detail I encountered on the previous two models. As I noted, this smaller subwoofer delivers good results and should serve as a good replacement for the larger unit that previously came with flagship soundbars.
In 2025, Samsung will use artificial intelligence to improve the sound quality of its soundbars. Two features, Active Voice Amplifier Pro and Q-Symphony Pro, use artificial intelligence to enhance dialogue over background noise and analyze audio using the Samsung TV's 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 go on sale in 2025.
Another thing Samsung wants to discuss at CES is Eclipse Audio a platform it is developing in collaboration with Google. Details about the new 3D audio standard are still scarce, but Samsung has already said its 2025 TVs and soundbars will support it. According to a press release, Eclipsa Audio allows content creators to customize audio data and location for spatial audio. It looks like Samsung and Google are developing their own take on Dolby Atmos. What's more, Samsung says creators will be able to upload videos using Eclipsa Audio to YouTube later this year, but there's no word yet on support for other platforms.
Samsung announces plans to develop 3D spatial audio for the first time in 2023 when he collaborated with Google on the Immersive Audio Model and Formats (IAMF). The IAMF has been adopted 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, opting for HDR10+ instead of Dolby Vision for its TVs.
There's no word yet on pricing or availability for any of the new soundbar models. This information will likely come closer to launch. For reference, the Q990D costs $2,000, but again, it comes with a subwoofer and rear speakers. Bar Sony 9 costs $1,400 just for the soundbar itself.