Sad fact: We didn’t get to go to the Muse concert. Sadder fact. We didn’t manage to score tickets to the upcoming Coldplay concert.

But you know what kept our sad hearts sane while we see our friends share clips from said concerts? Eargasm-level sounds from the Q-800c Q-Series (henceforth called the Q-800 for brevity’s sake) soundbar blasting Muse’s Uprising. Sorry neighbours. You had your turn with your Taylor Swift. “Plug-In Baby” is up next.

Jokes aside, the Q-800c is the perfect compliment or addition for any home entertainment system enthusiast, be it for those just dipping their toes, or the ones waist-deep in it. Not just limiting itself to audiophiles or cinephiles who put above-average emphasis on sound quality, but also to gamers who prefer to experience sound effects through proper speakers instead of gaming headsets.

Now we aren’t experts when it comes to sound systems but we consider ourselves well-versed in would be entertainment and the best way to consume them. And in our books, we have identified several key areas that make a sound system worth getting; ease of installation, user experience, overall performance and of course, value.

Symphony Of The Night (And Day)

For the first portion, the Q-800 can be linked up to your Q-series TV via several methods although the best method would be through the HDMI eARC port. This is to maximize its performance and should be a straightforward installation as long as you stay close to the instructions manual. However, one standout feature of the Q-800c is that it is the world’s first Dolby Atmos surround sound system which can be connected wirelessly. Perfect if you are aiming for a minimalist setup devoid of wire clutter.

By using the Q-Symphony feature, the audio is vastly improved as the system melds the sound output from your TV with the ones coming from your soundbar for that even more cinematic experience. However, it is worth noting that the True 5.1.2ch Sound works best in small to medium-sized living rooms as the soundbar bounces off the sound from your ceiling to give that surround sound experience.

Needless to say, while the soundbar may appear beefy compared to other models in the market but trust us; that beefiness is all worth it once you hear what’s being pumped out of this baby. Once connected to your television, there are several ways to control the sound volume. You can easily swap between your TV remote, the Samsung SmartThings app or if an app is being cast from your mobile device, the in-app sound controls.

Catch Main Game on RTM 2 every Saturdays and reruns on Sundays, 6PM on RTM Sukan!

Sound has always been given a backseat when it comes to home entertainment spaces and we would be the first to admit – we thought the same too in the past. But the fact is that, the experience of consuming a good movie is instantly elevated once paired with a quality system which pumps out high-quality audio. You would immediately realize; visualization is just half of the experience. Otherwise, why would the cinemas invest heavily in sound technology, right? Speaking of which, we can’t wait to experience Oppenheimer with the Q-800c. Remind us to warn our neighbours about an impending blast.

Master Blaster

Speaking of blasts, while FPS gamers would go with their headsets for better directional sound awareness over a soundbar, those who often play single-player games with huge vistas and ambient noise would love the Q-800c. Cue grand symphonies or impactful cinematic cutscenes or perhaps even quick-time event segments – nothing beats experiencing it with such a powerful audio punch. Games which put a high emphasis on sound effects excel as well. Playing Diablo IV with sound emitting from the Q-800c – nothing beats the sound of clanking steel. Even the sound of barrels being broken is amplified. And let us tell you this – Star Wars Jedi: Survivor was made for the Q-800c. Just imagine hearing the swooshing lightsabers throughout.

If you’re the sort who enjoy having music play in the background as you do your chores or even work, music coming from the Q-800c feels punchy but not overdoing it with the bass. Our go-to music when testing audio stuff is mostly Daft Punk so safe to say – “Lose Yourself to Dance” has never sounded so good.

We paired the Q-800c with the 75-inch QLED TV and by golly – we don’t think we can go back to consuming our favourite shows or music the old way anymore.

Would we recommend it? Of course we would – assuming you have the want to transform your living room to a space worth living in, alongside a sizeable bank balance. At a retail price of RM3,639.00, the Q-800c isn’t chump change but it’s well worth the investment.

FINAL SCORE: 90/100