After introducing the soundbar system by Altec Lansing in 1998, it has become a mainstay option for homes that prefer a smaller sound system setup.
Samsung and Sony, two of the highly respected manufacturers of home entertainment products, introduced their flagship soundbars in the same year (2021). When it comes to flagship standards, these two companies are always competing with each other to raise the bar.
Now, we will determine which of the two flagship soundbars is better? The Samsung HW-Q950A or the Sony HT-A7000?
Sound Quality
Samsung HW-Q950A
The Samsung HW-Q950A is the brand’s flagship soundbar of the company Samsung. So it when comes to flagships, is it really the best? Yes, the Samsung HW-Q950A is one of the best soundbars available in the market.
The Samsung HW-Q950A has excellent sound quality and has an exceptionally complete three-dimensional soundstage. Its subwoofer produces the deepest bass tones to support the clear sound of the soundbar.
Audio specifications of the Samsung HW-Q905A:
| Samsung HW-Q905A | Specifications |
| Soundbar | |
| Channel Configuration | 11.1.4 |
| Full-Range Drivers | 16 x |
| Amplifier Output | 246 Watts |
| Satellite Speakers | |
| Speaker Positioning | Rear |
| Speaker Configuration | Full-Range |
| Full-Range Drivers | 2 x per Speaker |
| Power Rating | 210 Watts |
| Satellite Connectivity | Wireless |
| Subwoofer | |
| Amplifier Output | 160 Watts |
| Subwoofer Connectivity | Wireless |
The Samsung HW-Q950A can produce a powerful sound and can get quite loud, resulting in your audio filling up your large room or party when the volume is cranked up. There is also minimal compression and distortion when you push it to max volume. Overall, the Samsung HW-Q950A has an excellent stereo dynamics performance.
The Samsung HW-Q950A already has a great stereo frequency response on its own. Still, this soundbar comes with a room correction feature called AutoEQ, and using it dramatically improves its sound quality.
Its frequency response on the center channel is quite balanced, especially in the mid-range, where voices are reproduced, and as a result, dialogue is reproduced accurately and with detail. Overall, the Samsung HW-Q950A has an excellent center channel performance.
The Samsung HW-Q950A’s compatibility with DTS:X and Dolby Atmos, it is able to project in such a way that the listener gets to listen to the audio in an immersive way, resulting in producing a three-dimensional effect.
All in all, there is no wonder why it is the flagship soundbar of Samsung, and its sound quality is proof of that. It is loud but also gives an excellent surround performance. It has one of the best sound qualities for soundbars available in the market.
Sony HT-A7000
When it comes to the best soundbar available in the market, Sony will definitely bet on its own flagship, the Sony HT-A7000. It’s is a single, high-quality soundbar that is able to competently deliver excellent treble clarity, bass, and a room-filling sound on its own.
The Sony HT-A700 also comes with an optional subwoofer and rear speakers.
| Sony HT-A700 | Specifications |
| Channel Configuration | 7.1.2-Channel (Virtual Surround) |
| Low-Frequency Drivers | 2 pcs x 2 x 3.8” / 51 x 97 mm |
| High-Frequency Drivers | 2 pcs x 0.6” / 16 mm Side-Firing Tweeter |
| Full-Range Drivers | 5 pcs x 1.8 x 2.1” / 46 x 54 mm Front-Firing Cone2 pcs x 1.8 x 2.1” / 46 x 54 mm Up-Firing Cone |
| Amplification | 11 x |
| Amplifier Output | 500 Watts |
The Sony HT-A7000 has a decent stereo frequency response on its own. The soundbar’s frequency response is pretty neutral, with some extra punch in the bass range, but after using its Sound Field Optimization room correction feature, it results in a significant improvement in its sound quality.
The Sony HT-A7000 has a nice stereo soundstage performance. The soundbar’s soundstage is perceived to be quite wide as it uses front-firing speakers to reproduce the sound field.
The Sony HT-A7000 has a decent stereo dynamics performance but is not that great against other flagship soundbars by other companies. It does not get easily loud, which is why it is not really that suitable to be used in larger rooms. The produced sound also does not get easily distorted when the volume is cranked up.
Amazon gave an average score of 4.7 stars out of 5 stars for its sound quality.
The Sony HT-A7000’s sound quality is impressive for a flagship-level soundbar. It is more amazing that it is able to produce high-quality audio even though it is only from a single soundbar. The Sony HT-A7000 is one of the excellent options for soundbars available in the market in terms of sound quality.
You can read here to find the differences between a soundbar and an AV Receiver.
Build Quality
Samsung HW-Q950A
When you learn that the Samsung HW-Q950A is the flagship soundbar of the company, then it is really expected that it has a premium build, and with a look at it, it has really an excellent build quality.
Build specifications of the Samsung HW-Q950A:
| Samsung HW-Q950A | Specifications |
| Dimensions | 48.5 x 2.7 x 5.4” / 123.2 x 6.9 x 13.7 cm (Soundbar)8.3 x 15.9 x 15.9” / 21.1 x 40.4 x 40.4 cm (Subwoofer)4.9 x 8 x 5.6” / 12.4 x 20.3 x 14.2 cm (Satellites) |
| Weight | 15.7 lb / 7.1 kg (Soundbar)21.6 lb / 9.8 kg (Subwoofer)4 lb / 1.8 kg (Each Satellite) |
| Wall Mountable | Yes, with Included Hardware |
The Samsung HW-Q950A’s bar is pretty wide and heavy, with slightly angled vent-like openings for its side surround speakers. The bar is primarily plastic but still durable, and the front and top are tightly draped with Kvadrat fabric.
The Samsung HW-Q950A’s satellites are also made primarily from plastic. There’s tight fabric covering the top and front sides, which seems like it could collect dust and needs to be cleaned regularly.
The Samsung HW-Q950A’s subwoofer is mainly made from wood. It has an opening on the right side that is covered by Kvadrat fabric, though this seems to get dirty quickly.
The Samsung HW-Q950A’s overall build quality is impressive. Even though the bar and the satellites are made mainly from plastic, it is still durable and sturdy. Its drawback is only the fabric used in covering the enclosures as it can easily acquire dust and get dirty. However, some may opt to place the soundbar behind your TV, so this wont matter to you.
Sony HT-A7000
Excellent build quality is really one of the few things you can notice looking at Sony HT-A7000. It also has beautiful aesthetics that can match any flagship soundbars that are available in the market.
Build specifications of the Sony HT-A7000:
| Sony HT-A7000 | Specifications |
| Dimensions | 51.2 x 3.1 x 5.6” / 1300 x 80 x 142 mm |
| Weight | 19.1 lb / 8.7 kg |
| Wall Mountable | Yes, with Optional Hardware |
The Sony HT-A7000 is mainly made of high-quality plastic and has a top-notch design. It also comes with a protective metal grille on its front. Fortunately, the grille is transparent enough that you can see the speakers behind it.
The Sony HT-A7000’s top has a glass plate that gives it a more premium feel, and the fabric covering the up-firing drivers on top has good quality.
The Sony HT-A7000 soundbar has a wide span, and it’s a bit taller than some of the other soundbars in the market. It is also a little bit large and heavy, but it feels premium.
All in all, the Sony HT-A7000 has impressive build quality. Although it is made mostly from plastic, I can assure you that it is a very durable soundbar. Like the Samsung HW-Q950A, its drawback is its cloth because it is slightly loose than other flagship materials.
Controls
Samsung HW-Q950A
The Samsung HW-Q950A has plenty of options for control and connectivity.
The Samsung HW-Q950A comes with two HDMI inputs, one HDMI output, an optical digital-audio input, and the now obligatory Wi-Fi and Bluetooth support.
Samsung HW-Q950A provides support for its Tap View technology, where you can establish a connection between a compatible Samsung phone and the soundbar simply by touching the phone to the soundbar’s chassis.
Control and connectivity options of the Samsung HW-Q950A:
| Samsung HW-Q950A | Specifications |
| Inputs | 2 x HDMI1 x Optical TOSLINK |
| Outputs | 1 x HDMI – ARC/eARC |
| USB Ports | 1 x USB (Version Unspecified) (Service) |
| Ethernet | None |
| Wireless Audio Protocols | AirPlay, Bluetooth, Spotify Connect |
| Bluetooth | 4.2 |
| NFC | No |
| Bluetooth Codec Support | SBC |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) |
Using the SmartThings app, you can adjust the bass, treble, and multiband EQ settings. It also comes with an Auto EQ feature to automatically calibrate the system for your listening space. The Q950A’s microphone also allows some commands to the built-in Amazon Alexa voice assistant.
The Samsung HW-Q950A’s control and connectivity options are really what you expect from a flagship soundbar system. Its wireless connections are also pretty stable, which is essential for this type of system. All in all, its control and connectivity options are impressive.
Sony HT-A7000
Like the Samsung HW-Q950A, the Sony HT-A7000 also has broad control and connectivity options.
Control and connectivity options of the Sony HT-A7000:
| Sony HT-A7000 | Specifications |
| Inputs | 2 x HDMI – Audio/Video1 x Optical TOSLINK – Audio1 x 1/8” / 3.5 mm – Audio |
| Outputs | 1 x HDMI – ARC/eARC/Audio/Video |
| USB Ports | 1 X USB (Audio) |
| Ethernet | None |
| Wireless Audio Protocols | AirPlay 2, Chromecast built-in, Spotify Connect |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 |
| NFC | No |
| Bluetooth Profiles | A2DP, AVRCP |
| Bluetooth Coded Support | AACLDACSBC |
| Bluetooth Range | 98.4’ / 30 m |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi (802.11ac) |
The Sony A7000 has lots of available physical inputs. It has two Full HDMI In ports, which lets you use the soundbar as a hub between different devices. It also allows you to play files directly via USB or an older device. It also comes with a remote control.
The Sony HT-A7000 also allows you to stream audio from your mobile devices to the bar wirelessly, as it can support AirPlay 2, Chromecast built-in, Spotify Connect.
With the ability to control the soundbar using the Sony Music Center App, the control and connectivity options that the Sony HT-7000A has to offer are really top-notch. For its features, the Sony HT-A7000 has lived up to the hype.
Price
Samsung HW-Q950A
For a flagship soundbar’s price, the Samsung HW-Q950A is really one of the best options in the market. For the money you are going to pay for its sound, build quality, and control options, it is an excellent investment.
Amazon gave an average score of 4.1 stars out 5 stars for its value as reviewers saw it as an excellent investment by purchasing it.
For its worth, you’ll never regret purchasing this one.
Sony HT-A7000
The Sony HT-A7000 is one of the best single soundbars available in the market. Although it is a little bit pricey compared to other soundbars, in its totality, there is no doubt that purchasing one is an excellent decision.
Amazon gave an average score of 4.0 stars out of 5 stars as reviewers considered it an excellent investment by purchasing the Sony HT-A7000
The Sony HT-A7000 is an excellent option value-wise against other flagship soundbars available in the market.
Pros and Cons
Samsung HW-Q950A
Pros:
- Graphic EQ and presets
- Realistic sound
- Extreme present center channel
- Well-rounded Dolby Atmos soundstage
- Auto EQ room calibration
- Immersive sound with deep but controlled bass
Cons:
- A little bit expensive
- Power cords for satellite speakers are annoying short
- Does not support Chromecast built-in
- SmartThings app cannot access full setup menu
Sony HT-A7000
Pros:
- Lots of wireless playback options
- Room correction feature
- Good stereo soundstage
- Excellent build quality
- 7.1.2 channel output for successful immersive delivery
Cons:
- No EQ controls
- Does not get very loud
- Lacks low-bass
- Expensive
Which Is Better?
Both Samsung HW-Q950A and Sony HT-A700 are excellent soundbars as these are the two companies’ flagship soundbars, but when the push comes to shove, I will choose the Samsung HW-Q950A.
The Samsung HW-Q950A has a better built and channel configuration. It also gets easily louder with minimal compression at maximum volume. It also has more sound enhancement features, as it allows to adjust the bass and treble and has a graphic EQ.
