Samsung has announced two new Q series soundbars for 2019. HW-Q70R, created in collaboration with Harman Kardon, will support Dolby Atmos and DTS:X.

HW-Q60R & HW-Q70R soundbars
Not to be confused with the company’s new Q70R and Q60R LCD TVs, HW-Q60R and HW-Q70R are Samsung’s new upper mid-range soundbars that will include some of the features previously reserved for high-end models.

HW-Q60R is a 330W 5.1-channel soundbar with ‘Acoustic Beam’ technology that “uses an array of holes in the speaker to create a more dynamic, panoramic soundscape”. Stepping up to HW-Q70R will give you a 360W 3.1.2-channel soundbar with height channels and support for Dolby Atmos and DTS:X – the two object-based sound formats that deliver a more encompassing sound experience. Q70R also features ‘Acoustic Beam’.



One of the new features that Samsung is promoting is ‘Adaptive Sound’. The company explains that the soundbars will automatically switch to this mode when paired with a Samsung 2019 Q series TV.

- “Through Adaptive Sound, which understands the sound and optimizes it according to the scene, listeners can enjoy even more realistic sound for every genre of content,” said Jongsuk Chu, EVP of Visual Display Business at Samsung Electronics. ”The new Q-Series soundbars carry sound quality that has been revitalized by experts and feature designs that offer an appealing home aesthetic to create a better home theater experience for our customers.”



High-end HW-Q80R and HW-Q90R soundbars
The soundbars have been developed in collaboration with Harman Kardon who is owned by Samsung. Other features include 4K HDR pass-through, the company’s ‘One Remote’, Bluetooth, WiFi, and an external subwoofer. Both soundbars can be upgraded by purchasing an optional set of Samsung rear speakers.

Earlier this year, Samsung made references to two new high-end soundbars with Dolby Atmos and DTS:X. HW-Q80R is a 5.1.2-channel soundbar, while the flagship HW-Q90R is a 7.1.4-channel soundbar system. Both have up-firing and side-firing units built-in, while HW-Q90R has discreet rear speakers. However, these models were not detailed in today’s press release so we do not expect them to show up until later this year.

The new soundbars are successors to last year’s N models and represent the third generation of Atmos soundbars from Samsung. Despite continued support for Dolby’s object-based audio format in its soundbars, Samsung continues to shun both Dolby Atmos and Dolby Vision in its TVs. Competing companies such as LG, Sony, and Yamaha also offer soundbars capable of utilizing object-based audio formats.

Samsung HW-Q60R and HW-Q70R will be available in April for $500 and $800, respectively.

Samsung 2019 soundbars
 Samsung HW-Q60R 
- 320W 5.1-channel soundbar
- External 6,5” subwoofer
- Acoustic Beam
- Adaptive Sound
- 4K HDR pass-through
- Game Mode Pro
- One remote
- WiFi, USB and Bluetooth
- Compatible with optional rear speakers (SWA-8500S)

 
 
 Samsung HW-Q70R
- 360W 3.1.2-channel soundbar
- External 8” subwoofer
- Dolby Atmos
- DTS:X
- Acoustic Beam
- Adaptive Sound
- 4K HDR pass-through
- Game Mode Pro
- One remote
- WiFi, USB and Bluetooth
- Compatible with optional rear speakers (SWA-8500S)