Home theater systems: Nakamichi Shockwafe Ultra 9.2.4 SSE Max vs. Samsung Q990D

Quick Verdict

Both the Nakamichi Shockwafe Ultra 9.2.4 SSE Max and the Samsung Q990D are high-end soundbars designed for immersive surround sound. The Nakamichi prioritizes power and bass with its dual subwoofers and higher wattage, while the Samsung Q990D emphasizes a more comprehensive channel configuration and smart features. The best choice depends on individual preferences and priorities; those seeking maximum bass and power may prefer the Nakamichi, while those valuing smart integration and a wider soundstage might opt for the Samsung.

The Nakamichi Shockwafe Ultra 9.2.4 SSE Max boasts a higher power output (1300W) and dual 10" subwoofers compared to the Samsung Q990D's 656W and single 8" subwoofer, potentially offering a more impactful bass experience.
The Samsung Q990D features more channels (11.1.4) than the Nakamichi (9.2.4), suggesting a more immersive and detailed surround sound.
The Samsung Q990D offers smart features like voice assistant compatibility (Amazon Alexa, Bixby, Google Assistant) and integration with the SmartThings app, which are not specified for the Nakamichi.
Both soundbars support Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, ensuring compatibility with modern audio formats.
The Nakamichi has more HDMI inputs (3) than the Samsung (2).

Key features – Side-by-Side

Attribute	Nakamichi Shockwafe Ultra 9.2.4 SSE Max	Samsung Q990D
Number of Channels	9.2.4	11.1.4
Total System Power Output	1300W	656W
Subwoofer Type and Size	Dual 10" wireless subwoofers	Wireless, 8-inch driver
Dolby Atmos Support	Yes	Supported with wireless Dolby Atmos on compatible Samsung TVs
DTS:X Support	Yes	Supported
HDMI Input Ports	3 HDMI 2.1 inputs	2 HDMI 2.1
HDMI Output Ports with eARC	1 HDMI eARC output	1 HDMI 2.1 with eARC
Wireless Connectivity	Bluetooth 5.0 with aptX HD	Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.2
Voice Assistant Compatibility	Not specified	Amazon Alexa, Bixby, and Google Assistant
Soundbar Dimensions	45.5 x 3.0 x 3.6 inches	Approximately 48.5" x 2.7" x 5.4" or 1232 x 69.5 x 138 mm
Subwoofer Dimensions	12 x 20.2 x 13.6 inches	Approximately 8.6" x 16.2" x 16.1" or 220.0 x 413.0 x 410.0 mm
Surround Speaker Configuration	Four 2-way modular surround speakers	Dedicated, with up-firing and side-firing drivers
Price	Not available	Not available
Ratings	Not available	Not available

Overall Comparison

Nakamichi: 9.2.4 channels, 1300W, Dual 10" subwoofers; Samsung: 11.1.4 channels, 656W, 8" subwoofer, Smart Assistant Compatibility

Pros and Cons

Nakamichi Shockwafe Ultra 9.2.4 SSE Max

Pros:

Realistic and immersive 360-degree surround sound
Deep and balanced bass down to 20Hz
Plug-and-play simplicity
SSE technology for vertical height effects
Broad soundstage with side-firing tweeters and surround speakers
Supports various Dolby and DTS formats
43-key backlit remote for seamless control
Discrete center channel for improved vocal clarity
Extended-range twin-cone drivers for full-bodied dialogue

Cons:

Potential finicky HDMI connections
Need to power cycle the unit

Samsung Q990D

Pros:

Realistic and immersive surround sound experience
Deep and powerful bass
Easy to set up
Automatic sound calibration with SpaceFit Sound Pro
Effective up-firing speakers for height and verticality
Wide soundstage for movies, music, and gaming
Handles different audio formats and sources well
User-friendly remote control
Compatible with Samsung SmartThings app
Clear and intelligible dialogue reproduction
Integrates with smart home devices and voice assistants

Cons:

Potential audio delay with Dolby Digital content via optical (manual compensation available in app)

User Experiences and Feedback

Nakamichi Shockwafe Ultra 9.2.4 SSE Max

What Users Love

Immersive experience with Dolby Atmos and DTS:X content
Thunderous and accurate bass
Wide sound net to encapsulate the audience
Premium choice for high voice clarity

Common Complaints

No major complaints reported.

Value Perception

No value feedback reported.

User Recommendations

The system creates a 360-degree sound experience
The bass is described as "thunderous" and "accurate"

Samsung Q990D

What Users Love

Realistic and immersive surround sound
Deep and powerful bass
Easy setup
Effective up-firing speakers
Wide soundstage
Clear dialogue

Common Complaints

Potential audio delays with Dolby Digital content via optical

Value Perception

No value feedback reported.

User Recommendations

Creates a realistic and immersive surround sound experience, with sound appearing to come from all around and even above the listener.
The subwoofer produces deep and powerful bass.
The system is generally easy to set up.
The up-firing speakers are effective in creating a sense of height and verticality in the soundstage.
The system offers a wide soundstage for movies, music, and gaming.
Dialogue reproduction is clear and intelligible, even during loud action scenes.