The promise of immersive soundbars is frequently enough overstated. While marketed as a shortcut to a truly enveloping audio experience, many fall short of delivering genuine immersion. For technologies like Dolby Atmos, DTS:X and Eclipsa Audio – the latter possibly gaining traction in 2026 - true immersion necessitates the presence of dedicated surround speakers. An all-in-one soundbar, like the Samsung HW-QS90H, simply cannot replicate the sensation of sound originating from all directions, including to the sides and behind you.
I’ve encountered onyl one soundbar that genuinely achieves that captivating sense of immersion: the Sennheiser Ambeo Max. It’s a significant soundbar in terms of size, and realistically, most living spaces wouldn’t be able to accommodate it. Though, the sonic performance is truly remarkable.
Slimmer, all-in-one alternatives exist, but the absence of dedicated surround speakers diminishes their ability to create a truly immersive experience. this is a key consideration when evaluating these systems.
you can frequently enough expand these systems with additional speakers; for example, the Music Centre speakers are compatible with the HW-QS90H. While the exact cost of the HW-QS90H remains to be seen, it’s likely to be more affordable than the Q990H. Though,adding surround speakers will likely bring the total price closer to that of the higher-end model.
An all-in-one soundbar undoubtedly offers convenience, but it often compromises on the full potential of immersive audio.
Understanding Immersive Audio and Soundbars
Immersive audio technologies,such as Dolby Atmos and DTS:X,aim to create a three-dimensional soundscape. They achieve this by adding height channels to conventional surround sound, making sounds appear to come from above and also around you. However, these technologies require proper speaker placement to function optimally. A single soundbar, no matter how advanced, struggles to replicate the effect of discrete speakers positioned throughout the room.
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