Samsung debuted the QS700F soundbar and updated Q990 at CES 2025

Samsung has new soundbars and updates to an existing model to show off at CES 2025. First, the HW-QS700F is an all-new speaker that’s designed to sit on a shelf or TV stand, but can also be mounted on a 90 degrees flat on the wall under the TV. The QS700F can optimize the sound based on how you’ve positioned it for the best performance. This adjustment is done automatically thanks to a built-in gyro sensor. The QS700F will come with a redesigned Samsung subwoofer, the same one that’s packaged with the new Q990F.

In a quick demo, the QS700F sounded 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 a full review to see if that’s true. Still, Samsung’s trademark purity is likely to be a major aspect of the sound profile, and the included subwoofer provides ample bass. That low tone was evident even in the noisy demo area.

The company’s flagship soundbar returns in 2025. with significant change. The HW-Q990F will remain an all-in-one package with a wireless subwoofer and rear satellite speakers included, and will retain the same angular look. But the company says it has reduced the submarine’s size to less than half of the previous version. What’s more, Samsung explains that it has done this while delivering an even more powerful audio performance from the device. As someone who has reviewed both Q990D and Q990Ci can tell you that the previous subwoofer was huge so this is a great update.

The Q990F remains an 11.1.4-channel speaker with “clearer, richer and lighter sound” and Dolby Atmos support. The included rear surround speakers are also equipped with upward-firing drivers, which enhances the overall effect of immersive audio. And as I noted before, having everything in one package is convenient and saves you from having to make additional purchases in addition to 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 with the two previous models. As I’ve already noted, this smaller pod is powerful and should fill in nicely as a replacement for the larger unit that the flagship soundbars were previously packaged with.

Samsung will use AI to improve the sound quality of its sound bars in 2025. Two features, Active Voice Amplifier Pro and Q-Symphony Pro, use artificial intelligence to enhance dialogue above background noise and analyze sound with 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 arrive in 2025.

Another item Samsung wants to discuss at CES is its Eclipse Audio a platform it develops in collaboration with Google. Details on the new 3D audio standard are scarce for now, but Samsung has already said that TVs and soundbars from 2025. will support it. According to the press release, Eclipsa Audio allows content creators to adjust 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 Eclipsa Audio videos to YouTube later this year, but there’s no word yet on support for other platforms.

Samsung first announced plans to develop 3D spatial audio in 2023 when collaborating with Google on the Immersive Audio Model and Formats (IAMF). IAMF was adopted by the Alliance for Open Media (AOM), which counts Amazon, Apple and Netflix among its members. This isn’t the first time Samsung has eschewed Dolby either, as it opted for HDR10+ over 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 arrive closer to launch. For reference, the Q990D costs $2,000, but again includes a subwoofer and rear speakers. The Sony 9 tape is $1400 just for the soundbar itself.