
Sonos
Beam (Gen 2)
Compact, easy setup, great value, but virtual Atmos disappoints.

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I went from the Sony HTA-7000 to the JBL 1300mk2. Everything is louder on the JBL, but the dialogue is low and hard to hear compared to the Sony. That's the only downside of the JBL.
This is the one I just bought and it is amazing!
That's hilarious. I own the Shockwave and the JBL 1300 mk2, and they aren't even playing the same game.
I’ve got a JBL Bar 1300mk2 myself, not cheap but it’s bloody good. https://youtu.be/2CoPy4R60fU?si=rWnf7Jdczox-YZT9 There are cheaper JBL models which are also pretty good and looking at their site they currently have 20% off. https://uk.jbl.com/soundbars/
Buy the JBL Bar 1300 Mk2 and rest assured it will easily serve you well for the next 10 years. It’s the best choice for bass lovers and delivers an overall powerful and immersive sound experience. Samsung Q990F, on the other hand, is a true all-in-one package designed to deliver sound from every angle, with 11 front and surround channels, rear speakers, 1 subwoofer, and 4 up-firing channels. Since you own a Samsung TV, this becomes an even better option thanks to Q-Symphony, which enhances dialogue clarity by syncing the TV speakers with the soundbar. Before ordering, I’d strongly recommend visiting a nearby mall or store to experience both in person. If I had to choose and money wasn’t a concern, I would personally go with the JBL Bar 1300 Mk2.
Please not JBL. While it's having punchy bass it's faking everything. If you're not into sound it will be fine to you, however if you do know how things should sound, then it's definitely not the right option. Wish some quality, Klipsch Flexus Core 300 is a good option, however it costs as full system of samsung or jbl :). Dirac makes difference.
The jbl is better... period. The only way the Sony can compete is if u get the rear speakers and sub, and then the price will just be racking up... so is it even worth it.

Sonos
Beam (Gen 2)
Compact, easy setup, great value, but virtual Atmos disappoints.

Sonos
Arc Ultra
Immersive Atmos, strong bass, but pricey and weak for music.

Samsung
HW-Q990D
Powerful, immersive sound, great value; but music and software issues.

Samsung
Q990F (HW-Q990F/ZA)
Good for movies/Atmos, but music and sub are inconsistent.

Samsung
Q990F
Easy setup, powerful bass for movies, but poor for music.

Ranked #1
Sonos - Arc Ultra

Ranked #1
Sonos - Beam (Gen 2)

Ranked #1
Sonos - Arc Ultra

Ranked #1
Sonos - Playbar

Ranked #1
Sonos - Arc Ultra