For those looking to elevate their home cinema sound, soundbars are an excellent solution, particularly if dialogue clarity has been a concern. Among the high-end options available, a few stand out. The Sonos Arc currently takes the crown as the best overall sound quality, particularly appealing with its current reduced price. However, the Samsung HW-Q900C is a formidable alternative that competes closely with the Sonos, and it includes a subwoofer for a comparable price. Right now, the 7.1.2ch Samsung HW-Q900C together with the subwoofer is priced at $565.68, down from its original price of $1,399.00, marking the lowest price recorded.

While the sound quality of the Samsung HW-Q900C may not quite match the premium level set by the Sonos Arc, it provides a remarkably close experience at a fraction of the cost. Additionally, it offers a range of useful features and greater adaptability. If you plan to connect various devices such as gaming consoles or Blu-ray players to your surround sound setup, the included HDMI-switching capability allows for seamless transitions between your devices without the hassle of fiddling with cables.

The HW-Q900C is designed for versatility, offering four distinct sound modes: standard, surround (to enhance soundstage), adaptive (which adjusts sound based on what you’re watching), and Game Pro (optimizing sound levels for gaming).

If there are plans to upgrade to a 9.1.4-channel system in the future, all that’s needed is the addition of the two rear satellite speakers, the SWA-9500S. This would allow for a premium surround sound experience for under $900. Yet, for those with a budget now, investing in the 11.1.4-channel HW-Q990C at $979 is a worthy option. This model comes with superior satellite speakers. Achieving a similar setup with Sonos would considerably inflate costs without offering a significant upgrade, although for those with disposable income, the Sonos surround system remains the pinnacle of audio quality.