Samsung - HW-Q700C

Grab a samsung 3.1.2 there around 300$ open box Canadian usa prob like 199$ I forget the model

I can understand your logic. I’ve got a bunch of Apple devices, one HomePod 2, and a Samsung Q700C. Let me give you some perspective. If you’re comparing a HomePod 2 stereo pair vs the Samsung Q800F, it comes down to use case. Objectively, the Q800F is the stronger home theater setup because it has a dedicated sub, a centre channel, and real up-firing speakers. That translates into around 40–60% better performance overall for movies and TV: deeper bass, louder output, and clearer dialogue. HomePods hold their ground in music playback though. In a medium-sized room with Apple TV and Apple Music, a stereo pair sounds very clean, accurate, and integrated. The gap there is smaller, maybe only 10–20%, and in some cases HomePods actually feel more natural. So: For big cinematic Atmos, explosions, and room-filling sound - Q800F wins hands down. For music, simplicity, and Apple ecosystem integration - HomePod 2 pair can be just as satisfying. Basically, if your main priority is movies and immersion, go with the soundbar. If it’s music and seamless Apple integration, the HomePods won’t disappoint.

Upgraded my 10 yr old Samsung soundbar to the Q700c for AU$497 (EOY). Great bass and dialogue are crystal clear. Great value for money

I’ve had the sennheiser ambeo, Bose smart ultra, and the Samsung q800, in that order. First two were returned for connectivity issues with my newish Samsung tv. The q800 has been great (the ambeo probably had the best surround but only if it connected). Q symphony is amazing. With the first two bars, you could clearly tell the sound was coming from below the TV… q symphony fixes that completely. And the subwoofer is amazing.

Don't buy a soundbar just because it's the same brand as the TV, I tried Samsung's Q-symphony and it's ass. I also switched to a Sony TV while keeping the Samsung soundbar.

Get the Sonos system. Samsung is terrible at support. Further you can buy the Sonos components from Costco. At least most of them. Return policy is quite generous as you probably know. Don’t be tempted by the Samsung pricing. It’s just not as good or reliable as the Sonos systems. He’ll even the JBL soundbar systems have better sound than the Q series.

I found that Q-Symphony adds a nice touch of fill-in to the front soundstage. Not life changing, but definitely worth it.

Brand does not matter a lot if you don't want to use brand specific features (e.g. Samsung's Q-Symphony or Wireless Atmos - I don't know about features like this from TCL). HDMI-CEC supports power and volume controls, and changing source to the TV. I have a Samsung Q800D and it's amazing but it costs around $500. You should check out the Q700 series as those are cheaper but has good score on Rtings.

Im upgrading from a Q700c with rear sepaker (swa9500s) to the Q990F because i got them in promotion for 470usd with tax (Chile). Hope is worth it

Yes can, i know people with have the same situation and have All In One soundbar, which is not probably the best from Samsung, but working good. Samsung Q-Symphony on TV working in this perfect too. Sound can be around you, effect is amazing. Just add soundbar from TV about 1 metre distance and have to be cool effect with specific material of video. Humans which have this situation have smaller room than 12 squares metres. You probably will be need better soundbar as S class 60 models.