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Sonos Ray — $279
Sonos

Sonos Ray

$279

80
/ 100
From $279
VS
Samsung HW-Q990D wins by 13
Samsung HW-Q990D — 11.1.4 · Wireless sub + rears · Q-Symphony
Samsung

Samsung HW-Q990D

11.1.4 · Wireless sub + rears · Q-Symphony

93
/ 100
From $1,799
Specdex verdict

Samsung HW-Q990D takes it — here’s why.

In our weighted Specdex score, Sonos Ray lands at 80 and Samsung HW-Q990D at 93. That puts Samsung HW-Q990D ahead by 13 points — a decisive margin driven mostly by its strengths in the categories below.

Pick Sonos Ray if…

  • ✓Dolby Atmos on most
  • ✓One-box simplicity
  • ✓eARC passthrough

Pick Samsung HW-Q990D if…

  • ✓11.1.4 with sub + rears included
  • ✓DTS:X and Atmos
  • ✓Best matched with Samsung TVs
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Winner by scenario

Derived from the sub-score breakdown · not a separate test

Sound

Samsung HW-Q990D

Compared on the sound sub-score

Samsung HW-Q990D leads on sound (95 vs 80).

Features

Samsung HW-Q990D

Compared on the features sub-score

Samsung HW-Q990D leads on features (94 vs 78).

Design

Sonos Ray

Compared on the design sub-score

Sonos Ray leads on design (84 vs 82).

Value for money

Sonos Ray

Specdex score per dollar at MSRP

Sonos Ray more score per dollar ($279 vs $1,799).

Sonos Ray 80
vs
93 Samsung HW-Q990D

Score breakdown

Sonos Ray
80
sound 80
features 78
design 84
ease 86
Samsung HW-Q990D
93
sound 95
features 94
design 82
ease 80

Specs side-by-side

Sonos Ray versus Samsung HW-Q990D — full spec comparison
Spec Sonos Ray Samsung HW-Q990D
Channels
—
11.1.4
Connectivity
—
HDMI 2.1 eARC, Wi-Fi, BT
Extras
—
Wireless sub + rears included

Sonos Ray

Pros
  • +Dolby Atmos on most
  • +One-box simplicity
  • +eARC passthrough
Cons
  • −Rear surrounds sold separately on some
  • −App quality varies
  • −Cabinet depth needs space

Samsung HW-Q990D

Pros
  • +11.1.4 with sub + rears included
  • +DTS:X and Atmos
  • +Best matched with Samsung TVs
Cons
  • −Bulky rear speakers
  • −EQ can be bright
  • −Complex setup

FAQ: Sonos Ray vs Samsung HW-Q990D

Which is better, Sonos Ray or Samsung HW-Q990D? +

Samsung HW-Q990D scores 93 on our weighted rubric — ahead by 13. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.

Is Sonos Ray worth the price? +

At $279, Sonos Ray delivers a Specdex score of 80 — strongest in ease.

Is Samsung HW-Q990D worth the price? +

At $1,799, Samsung HW-Q990D delivers a Specdex score of 93 — strongest in sound.

Does Sonos Ray or Samsung HW-Q990D last longer? +

Based on our long-term update and support ratings, both ship with multi-year support. Battery and reliability scores are visible in the breakdown above.

Which is better for sound, Sonos Ray or Samsung HW-Q990D? +

Samsung HW-Q990D — leads on sound (95 vs 80). Compared on the sound sub-score.

Which is better for features, Sonos Ray or Samsung HW-Q990D? +

Samsung HW-Q990D — leads on features (94 vs 78). Compared on the features sub-score.