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Samsung has new soundbars and updates to the existing model to show at CES 2025. First, the HW-QS700F is a new speaker designed to be placed on a shelf or TV, but it can be installed at 90 degrees. on the wall below the TV. The QS700F can increase the volume depending on the setting for optimal performance. This adjustment is done automatically thanks to the built-in gyro sensor. The QS700F will come with a redesigned Samsung subwoofer, the same one packed with the new Q990F.
In a quick demo, the QS700F sounded as clear and crisp as the Q990F. However, I only got a few seconds in the noise room, so I’ll have to wait for the full review to see if this is true. However, Samsung’s trademark clarity is supposed to be a big part of the audio, and the included unit provides enough bassy thump. This low tone was evident even in the area of the vulgar show.
The corporate soundtrack returns in 2025 with a big change. The HW-Q990F will remain an all-in-one package with wireless subwoofers and satellite rear speakers included and retain the same features. But, the company says it has reduced the size of the sub to half of the previous model. In addition, Samsung explains that it did so while providing the most powerful audio from this unit. As someone who reviewed both and Q990D and Q990CI can tell you that the previous subwoofer was huge, so this is a big improvement.
The Q990F remains an 11.1.4 speaker system with “clear, rich and dynamic sound” and Dolby Atmos support. The included rear speakers also carry firing drivers, which add to the depth of sound. And as I noted before, having everything in one package is convenient and saves you from having to buy extras on top of the expensive noise. I heard the Q990F at Samsung’s CES show floor, and it sounds like it did before, with the best, clearest sound I’ve experienced on the previous two models. As I’ve said before, this little unit packs a punch, and should fill in nicely as a replacement for the larger unit that most standard soundbars have had in the past.
Samsung will use AI to improve the sound quality of its speakers in 2025. Two products, Active Voice Amplifier Pro and Q-Symphony Pro, use artificial intelligence to improve background noise and analyze the sound with the Samsung TV processor respectively. The company says Q-Symphony Pro will also be available on two new B-series speakers, the HW-B750F and HW-B650F, which will arrive in 2025.
Another thing that Samsung wants to talk about at CES is its own Eclipse Audio A platform that is growing in partnership with Google. Details are lacking on the new 3D audio format at the moment, but Samsung has already said its 2025 TVs and soundbars will support it. According to a press release, Eclipsa Audio enables content creators to change the sound quality and center sound environment. It looks like Samsung and Google are making their own take on Dolby Atmos. Additionally, Samsung says creators will be able to upload videos with Eclipsa Audio to YouTube later this year, but there’s no word yet on support for other platforms.
Samsung first announced its plans for 3D spatial audio in 2023 when it partnered 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 is not the first time Samsung has rejected Dolby as it chose HDR10+ over Dolby Vision for its TVs.
There’s no word on pricing and availability for any new audio models. That information is expected to arrive closer to implementation. For reference, the Q990D is $2,000, but again, it includes a subwoofer and rear speakers. Sony’s Bar 9 and $1,400 for the soundbar alone.
