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- Review count76
- Helpfulness votes84
- First reviewSeptember 2, 2018
- Last reviewOctober 29, 2025
- Featured reviews0
- Average rating4.3
- Review comment count44
- Helpfulness votes37
- First review commentDecember 19, 2018
- Last review commentOctober 30, 2025
- Featured review comments0
Questions
- Question count0
- Helpfulness votes0
- First questionNone
- Last questionNone
- Featured questions0
- Answer count13
- Helpfulness votes5
- First answerDecember 20, 2018
- Last answerMarch 24, 2024
- Featured answers0
- Best answers0
Step up your game with the precision of this CORSAIR M65 RGB gaming mouse. Featuring a lightweight aluminum frame, this mouse offers smooth, balanced performance and boasts weight-tuning zones for custom weight distribution. This CORSAIR M65 RGB gaming mouse has an 18,000 DPI sensor that offers impressive precision on almost any surface.
Posted by: YourMainDude
Verified Purchase:Yes
Love this mouse. The Ultra is a great follow-on too. No sticky, soft-touch coating to go bad. The glide, the buttons, the scroll wheel and even the cable are all top shelf IMHO. A great mouse @ MSRP ... a total steal at a sales price as low as 39.99.
Corsair has officially dethroned Logi for me. Corsair software isn't buggy and it just makes sense ... and their build quality is second to none.
Length of ownership: 1
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
Ease of Use
5
Quality
5
Value
5
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CORSAIR VENGEANCE RGB PRO SL DDR4 memory lights up your PC while delivering peak performance in a compact form factor just 44mm tall for wide compatibility with CPU coolers. Every module boasts ten bright, individually controlled RGB LEDs for brilliant illumination. Take control with CORSAIR iCUE software and completely customize every module~s lighting to match your system, create your own custom lighting profiles, and synchronize lighting across all your CORSAIR products. A custom PCB provides superb signal quality for superb performance and stability on the latest Intel and AMD DDR4 motherboards, while tightly screened memory chips unlock superior overclocking ability. For mesmerizing, completely customizable RGB lighting and the best in DDR4 performance, equip your PC with VENGEANCE RGB PRO SL.
Customer Rating
5
Corsair Quality
on June 30, 2022
Posted by: YourMainDude
Verified Purchase:Yes
Excellent Ram for the price. The RGB feature is fully customizable and well controlled via the iCue software. I had issues with Team Group modules that didn't illuminate and T-Group blamed the motherboard but that wasn't actually true. So I opted for the Corsair Vengeance and everything is working great. Even @ C18 these are not much slower in real-world performance vs. C14 dimms and the iCue software doesn't throw Windows Event errors like other products. My Cinebench 23 scores are still way above 15k and everything runs smoothly - be it gaming or productivity.
My mobo is the Gigabyte X570 Aorus Xtreme and this 16x2 kit is just what I needed. Since I 'go dark' on the mobo's RGB zones, iCue gives me all the control I need and will come in handy using their keyboard & mice products.
Highly satisfied and highly recommended when on sale!
Length of ownership: 11
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
Ease of Use
5
Quality
5
Value
5
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The ARRIS SURFboard S33 is a DOCSIS 3.1 Cable Modem that delivers the fastest speeds and the latest technology. With a 2.5 Gigabit and a 1 Gigabit Ethernet port, the S33 enables a multi-gig experience for things like online gaming, 4K video streaming and more. It~s best for cable internet speed plans up to 2.5 Gbps and setup is simple with an easy-to-use app. It's compatible with any Wi-Fi router and saves you money on monthly rental fees. Upgrade your home network with an SURFboard S33 DOCSIS 3.1 Cable Modem.
Customer Rating
1
Buyers Beware
on May 14, 2022
Posted by: YourMainDude
Verified Purchase:Yes
Can't knock the speed on this thing; detected no measurable loses compared to my aging Netgear modem. In other words... I get all the speed I am paying for.
But the problem with this modem (and I suspect many others now...) is that if you have Comcast/Xfinity, they will provision this modem and download their boot module into it, which then locks you out of the 'Web Manager' internal status web page of the device. I thought something was fishy when I couldn't log into through my router arrangement @ 192.168.100.1 - so it prompted me to connect my laptop directly to it (as Arris recommends anyway). What I got was a login page that wouldn't allow access because the user name or password had been altered - meaning - the defaults were modified. It's important to be able to see the internal logs and the signal/bonding stats from time to time to see if your ISP is having outside infrastructure problems. With Comcast shutting things down, they are basically altering the device you paid for with no notification. Not cool. Not cool at all.
The other problem that prompted me to score this device low is the mobile app Arris prompts you to use to set up and configure your device. Don't waste your time with that on this particular device. It offers nothing of value beyond the information you already have access to on the bottom product label or the quick start card. It's these types of not-even mediocre attempts to promote 'mobile app' benefits that are pretty much deceitful - and that would otherwise prompt me to give this modem 0 stars if the BB review section allowed it. Coupled with the no-go Web Manager lock-out ... I can't recommend this product whatsoever.
Giving this modem 'average' scores on performance and connection quality only because I've used it for such a short period of time. If you sort the reviews by lowest score first, you will see that the S33 also has medium to long term reliability issues that the typical social media agents of Arris will reply to in recognizably unsupported ways. Take those for what they are worth!
Mobile Submission: False
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
Connection Quality
3
Performance
3
Setup
1
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+11points
12of 13voted this as helpful.
Effortlessly charge your Surface Duo 2* with this versatile USB-C~ power supply, now with longer USB-C~ cord for easier connectivity, plus Fast Charging.
Customer Rating
5
Must Have
on May 6, 2022
Posted by: YourMainDude
Verified Purchase:Yes
Microsoft quality albeit at an OEM price. Must have for Surface Duo 2 owners.
Length of ownership: 167
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
Quality
5
Value
3
Ease of Use
5
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0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
![John Wick: Chapters 1-3 [Includes Digital Copy] [4K Ultra HD Blu-ray]](https://pisces.bbystatic.com/prescaled/500/500/image2/BestBuy_US/images/products/553d4483-9198-4965-bd0b-e291835965cf.jpg)
Keanu Reeves suits up as legendary assassin John Wick in this action-packed triple feature. Included here are John Wick (2014), John Wick: Chapter 2 (2017), and John Wick: Chapter Three - Parabellum (2019).
Customer Rating
5
John Wick FTW
on May 6, 2022
Posted by: YourMainDude
Verified Purchase:Yes
Excellent series. Outstanding visual and audio presentation. 4K is the only way to go with John Wick!
Length of ownership: 298
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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0points
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The Back-UPS Pro family offers guaranteed power protection for high performance computer systems, routers/modems, external storage devices, game consoles and other electronics in your home or business. These UPSs supply electronics with abundant battery backup during outages and stabilize unsafe voltage levels. They also provide power protection from damaging surges and spikes, and allow the use of management software so you get the most out of your UPS. Premium features of this family may include Automatic Voltage Regulation (AVR), an LCD display, Smart Outlets, energy saving functions that reduce electricity use, network manageability, Watchdog, or configurable outlets. Together with the rest of the Back-UPS Pro's standard features, they are the perfect choice to protect your data and keep your system available.
Customer Rating
5
Always APC
on May 6, 2022
Posted by: YourMainDude
Verified Purchase:Yes
Top quality. Have never experienced and issues with APC backup UPS power products. The batteries are easy to replace after 5 or 6 years and it's a cost effective way to avoid recycling old units. The display is clear, bright and informative. I only wish this new generation of UPS's had the older feature of 'switched' outlets.
Length of ownership: 195
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
Quality
5
Value
5
Ease of Use
5
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0points
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![James Bond: The Daniel Craig 5-Film Collection [4K Ultra HD Blu-ray/Blu-ray]](https://pisces.bbystatic.com/prescaled/500/500/image2/BestBuy_US/images/products/80242f88-0229-4988-86d8-8ab993950404.jpg)
Customer Rating
5
Great visual quality and sound
on May 6, 2022
Posted by: YourMainDude
Verified Purchase:Yes
Great visual quality and sound. Buy it on sale and save a bundle. Highly recommended.
Length of ownership: 14
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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0points
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The R1280T powered bookshelf speakers have a modern look with quality audio sound. If you~re looking for affordable and versatile bookshelf, computer or home theater set of speakers with uncompromising sound, the R1280T speakers are your go-to 2.0 speaker system. With a 4-inch bass driver and a calibrated, flared bass reflex port, this bookshelf speaker system delivers robust, rich bass notes and well-balanced audio for an immersive listening experience. Volume dials on the side allow you to control the bass and treble. The dual RCA input and included cables let you connect to various external devices such as laptops, tablets, smartphones, or record players. These Edifier powered bookshelf speakers come with a compact-sized remote control for easy operation. The faithful sound production and performance of the R1280T are any audiophiles dream. Many Edifier customers are use the R1280T for connecting turntables for the best audio experience.
Customer Rating
1
Not Energy Start Compliant
on May 6, 2022
Posted by: YourMainDude
Verified Purchase:Yes
Computer speakers are usually 'green' in that they go into a sleep or standby level of power use without intervention. These speakers sound great once the have been through a 50 hour break-in period ... but the remote control doesn't have a power off function and the speakers don't go green.
If you want them off, you need to reach around and click the switch (not always convenient depending on your placement...) or by using a power strip. Not acceptable considering the price.
Length of ownership: 45
Mobile Submission: False
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
Quality
4
Value
3
Ease of Use
1
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-14points
8of 30voted this as helpful.
In competitive gaming, every frame matters. Introducing Acer's XV271 gaming monitor - the Full HD (1920 x 1080) resolution monitor that can keep up with your game play. This AMD FreeSync Premium monitor takes gameplay to the next level of smooth, the game~s frame rate is determined by your graphics card, not the fixed refresh rate of the monitor, giving you a serious competitive edge. Plus, users can enjoy comfortable viewing experience while gaming via flicker-less, low dimming and ComfyView display. The design saves space on your desk and lets you place multiple monitors side by side to build a seamless big-screen display.
Customer Rating
3
Stuck pixels
on May 6, 2022
Posted by: YourMainDude
Verified Purchase:Yes
Good color rendition, brightness and contrast. The slim bezel design is also very appealing and the unit is light weight without feeling cheap. My unit has a chain of stuck pixels which was surprising, because Acer QC is usually top-shelf.
For those wondering, if you use DP and connect to relatively modern GPU, this monitor will default to 280 HZ straight out of the box. And 280 HZ vs 240 HZ is indistinguishable without invoking 'over drive'.
Very minimum light bleed, almost zero IPS glow and looked fantastic even before using a Spyder X Pro. There is also an app called 'Acer_Display_Widget' that works really well if you're prone to wanting to switch display mode quickly without going into button presses on the rear of the monitor. This can be handy if you want to switch from gaming to content creation or to whatever else...
Wanted to love it but it's a return and I'm not interested in playing the panel lottery this time around. Stuck pixels!
Length of ownership: 1
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
Ease of Use
5
Quality
3
Value
4
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0points
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Pressure cook, slow cook, sear, saut~, boil, simmer, and steam with the Crock-Pot Express Easy Release. The Easy Release Multi-Cooker lets you pressure cook foods up to 70% faster than a conventional oven but also lets you drop in your favorite ingredients for a delectable slow-cooked meal. It features 3 innovative functions that will take your cooking to the next level. Manual Pressure lets you customize recipes by setting any cook time plus high or low pressure. Simmer Function cooks gently and slowly and helps thicken sauces, and Boil allows you to create more one-pot dishes, such as pasta, poached eggs, and more. When used as a pressure cooker, it features a front steam release dial to keep your hand safe and away from the hot steam being released. The nonstick cooking pot removes for easy cleanup and 6-quart capacity can serve over 7 people, perfect for family meals or large gatherings. The Crock-Pot Express also includes a recipe book, steaming rack, and spoon.
Customer Rating
5
This is the One
on October 11, 2021
Posted by: YourMainDude
Verified Purchase:Yes
We love it. Easy to use, easy to clean and multi-functional. Probably gets the most use out of ALL of the kitchen appliances we own. Has never let us down... but that's what you get when you purchase Crock-Pot brand. It's big, so check the dimensions vs. your counter space arrangement. But the large capacity of this thing makes a world of difference.
Recommended!
Length of ownership: 156
Mobile Submission: false
I would recommend this to a friend!
Quality
5
Ease of Use
5
Value
5
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0points
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LG - 5.1.2-Channel Hi-Res Audio Sound Bar with Wireless Subwoofer and Dolby Atmos Technology - Black
Go beyond surround sound to the dynamic audio of Dolby Atmos with this LG sound bar. It produces conventional 5.1-channel sound and works with Atmos 3D audio sources and high-resolution audio for a more realistic experience. This LG sound bar works with Google Assistant and Chromecast for voice-command capability of your entertainment selections.
Overall
2 out of 5
2 out of 5eh okay
By Janet
from San Jose Ca
didnt like the fact the volume would go UP&Down constantly. when we would turn the tv off and turn back on a couple of hours later the volume would be at 65 when it was left at 20
YourMainDude
The South
Truth
December 19, 2018
So there you have it. The LG social media agent posts a link to Refrigerator support. That pretty much sums it up folks. LG is broken ... just like this sound bar.
+1point
1of 1voted this comment as helpful.
LG - 5.1.2-Channel Hi-Res Audio Sound Bar with Wireless Subwoofer and Dolby Atmos Technology - Black
Go beyond surround sound to the dynamic audio of Dolby Atmos with this LG sound bar. It produces conventional 5.1-channel sound and works with Atmos 3D audio sources and high-resolution audio for a more realistic experience. This LG sound bar works with Google Assistant and Chromecast for voice-command capability of your entertainment selections.
Overall1 out of 5
1 out of 5P.I.T.A.
By BlackEye
from Tacoma, WA
I purchased this soundbar with the OLED C8 television and it was a pain from day one. First sound bar had display issues and would show stars all over the screen flashing on and off. Purchased new cables and even a new apple tv thinking it couldn't be the soundbar. It was indeed the soundbar. So exchanged it. The second soundbar would not recognize my gaming system. I would have to manually change the input and then sound would only play from the TV not the soundbar. The picture passed through great, but it was a huge hassle just to get to the input.
The sound was good in atmos, but the voice levels were too quiet in every mode except movie mode. Adjusting the channel levels were of no use.
For the price, and the fact that it was new LG product to new LG product, this should have been seamless.
Switched to the SONY 7.1.2 soundbar and it has been great.
I DO NOT RECOMMEND THIS FOR ANYONE.
YourMainDude
The South
For the record ...
February 17, 2019
To anyone still considering this now near end-of-life model, you can not - I repeat - you can not adjust the processing modes during Atmos playback... so this reviewer is wrong. Assuming your player is truly passing the Atmos bitstream data, this bar will display Atmos at which time you will not be able to scroll through the Bass Blast, Standard, Movie or Music modes. It's clearly stated in the user manual as well. Atmos mode in this bar defaults to Standard (Meridian) mode. Period.
+1point
1of 1voted this comment as helpful.
LG - 5.1.2-Channel Hi-Res Audio Sound Bar with Wireless Subwoofer and Dolby Atmos Technology - Black
Go beyond surround sound to the dynamic audio of Dolby Atmos with this LG sound bar. It produces conventional 5.1-channel sound and works with Atmos 3D audio sources and high-resolution audio for a more realistic experience. This LG sound bar works with Google Assistant and Chromecast for voice-command capability of your entertainment selections.
Overall5 out of 5
5 out of 5POST FIRMWARE UPDATE - Awesome soundbar, FINALLY!!
By MarcRod
from Queens, NY
I am coming back to update my a previous post. My original unit was not connecting correctly to the LG app and never acknowledged the widely discussed firmware update. I exchanged my unit at Best Buy for one that was more recent, a June 2018 build. Though it still did not have the latest firmware installed, it did allow me to connect properly via the app and download it after a few tries. Still very frustrating to use the app, but it did ultimately work. The soundbar sounds MUCH better now so I don't feel as ripped off for buying. You can still hear some center channel weakness on certain movies, but as a whole I'm VERY satisfied, especially with the separate rear speakers which IMO are a must. Shame on LG for making this update so difficult for users to install. The LG Customer Service isn't even aware of it!!!! Buyers, you need to make sure your software version reads MAIN: 18061178... That is the latest version... If it doesn't say that, you wont be able to adjust Center Channel settings via the remote. Believe me, it's been a painful month to get this so I know your pain!!! Good luck all!! The soundbar hits the ball out of the park once the firmware update is installed.
YourMainDude
The South
@EWARAGO
February 17, 2019
@EWARAGO, the answer to you question is No. They added a center channel control that doesn't actually control the Dialog objects in Atmos encoded movies. It simply boost the center channel... literally. What that does is boost dialog that fall into that front/center Atmos region and if the dialog is object mapped further back or away from center ... the center channel boost does absolutely nothing.
0points
0of 0voted this comment as helpful.
Upgrade home audio systems with this LG high-res audio sound bar. Meridian technology widens the sound field and enhances audio quality, while an up-firing speaker with Dolby Atmos technology delivers rich, immersive sound. Google Assistant integration lets this LG high-res audio sound bar recognize voice commands to control smart home devices.
Overall5 out of 5
5 out of 5Loud
By Mrdave
from Celebration, fl
Make sure your room can accommodate this. It is very loud and the sound will vibrate the pictures off of your neighbors walls and they will complain. Great product
YourMainDude
The South
Pretty thin review ...
May 12, 2019
Pretty thin review ...with little ThinQing involved.
The DPS is in this model is still broken, just like the 2018 SK10 TOTL model.
-5points
0of 5voted this comment as helpful.
Now you can game faster and more accurately, with G502 LIGHTSPEED featuring superfast 1 ms wireless connectivity. A next-gen HERO sensor delivers 25k DPI class-leading performance and energy efficiency~get up to 60 hours of uninterrupted gaming. 11 programmable buttons help you optimize gameplay with custom keybinds and macros. Primary buttons feature metal spring tensioning for fast and crisp actuation. Six adjustable weights let you find the right mouse feel. LIGHTSYNC RGB gives you ~16.8 million colors to create an exciting and immersive gaming environment. The hyper-fast scroll wheel lets you speed through long menus and documents.
Overall3 out of 5
3 out of 5A+ on the hardware, Big F- on the software
By MadSquabbles
If it wasn't required to switch to G Hub for the Lightspeed G502 it would have been a perfect upgrade. But since it's forced it goes from a near perfect execution to a pretty interface that takes more clicks and less intuitive than the "ugly" interface of the LGS.
Having a cordless version of what is one of the most popular mice for gamers is something a lot of people have been waiting for. All the goodness of the the G502 Hero but wireless with no lag! Who could ask for more...and to put it bluntly, WHO ASKED FOR MORE???? Logitech ruined a perfect piece of software package to throw a buggy "prettier" version for the newer product models. Since this program is essential to the mouse you're forced to deal with it.
First problem: Long time user of Logitech mice so I have a large collection of macros, 5 profiles, multiple custom key combos, etc. G Hub asks if you want to import your settings from the old LGS and, of course, I clicked yes... it didn't import anything as far as I could tell. Maybe it pulled a few custom key combos like Ctrl+Tab and Ctrl+Shift+Tab for switching tabs in browsers since I saw them in the Key Assignments (not sure if they're in there by default). But nothing else was imported. Even the Default setting wasn't the same as my default in LGS. No macros, no profies, NOTHING was imported.
In the older LGS you made profiles - I had about 5 for various games and programs - the assign applications/games to each of the profiles. In G Hub you add programs then make individual profiles assigned to the apps/games. So what was previously 5 profiles with dozens of apps assigned is now a long vertical list of apps/programs with profiles assigned to each. There is no way I see to make a profile link across multiple apps/games. Suppose you change what key assignments you want and plan to do it across multiple games. It's not as easy as just editing the profile assigned those groups of games. You have to go to the first game, make changes, drag that profile to the next game, click the profile to make it the default, go back to the profile page (you can't make the profile the default profile with out going the customization page first -automatically does it when you click it to set it as defualt-, then go back to the profile assignment pages). Repeat for every app/game. This used to take one step. Edit the profile, all games assigned the profile are now updated. Each app has its own set of profiles. Any change will not affect the other profiles. In order to easily assign profiles by dragging and dropping you make a clutter of profiles. I have a "Default" (that I can't set o MY PERSONAL DEFAULT PREFERENCES across all profiles to make specific tweaks easier) plus My profile. You'll see the clutter when you edit profiles and see a long dropdown of apps and profiles in the profile editor page.
Macros are also not shared between Apps and App Profiles. If you have a macro you want to use in multiple games, you make it in one then drag that macro to the other App, then add it to the profile assignment. Again, another multi-step process that only used to take one. I use my G502 for work and play and some programs (like Adobe CC) have pretty common settings across apps, so having to go through multiple steps to achieve what I used to do it one is a pain, especially since I can't see my old settings and I have to keep going back and forth making changes as I remember them.
And talk about buggy! I have an app called "No Longer Installed" that I can't get rid of. Heck I have an app that is installed that I can't get rid of. A game I play had and update and they renamed their EXE so I removed the old app and added the new one. G Hub goes wacky and becomes unresponsive when trying to delete apps from the list. I have to force quit and relauch... I even rebooted to see if it'll fix it but no-go. So I have to deal with the fact that until an update comes around I'm gonna have ghost apps taking up space in my profile bar, which would be so bad if the add new app wasn't the last entry in the profile page. Since now I have dozens of apps in the list I have to scroll to the end of the list to get to the Add App button.
Another negative is there is no option to back up your profiles locally. I learned a long time ago to back up my profiles in LGS and G Hub doesn't have the option. There's an option to save to the cloud as long as you create an account, but I don't care about sharing with others. The first time had to spend hours of recreating macros, preferences, etc was the last time I thought I'd have to do it since I could save my profiles locally. G Hub doesn't have that option and since it can't successfully import old settings YOU MAY SPEND HOURS setting your system back up. I did (am still doing). And since you have G Hub installed you can't open LGS to look at old macros and setting to copy them. You're going all from memory.
Good thing is that after you spend hours of setting everything up you won't have to worry about having to do it again and (hopefully) they'll address some of these issues in the future.
I would have written more about the mouse itself if it weren't for the poor experience on the software. Pretty much, if you love the G502 series you'll love the wireless version, but you gotta deal with a big downgrade in the software. I'm really considering boxing up the Lightspeed because of this, but I've got a feeling we're all going to forced on G Hub eventually. Seeing as they're making Apps the primary list instead of profiles I'd probably not be wrong in assuming it's being done so they can collect data on your game list/habits to resell. Instead of seeing active profiles, now they're getting "analytics" on active games/apps.
As much as I love and wanted the LightSpeed G502 it's sad to see how badly they butchered the software. I REAALLLLYY wanted to give this a 5 star review because to mess up the g502 series mouse they'd have to try hard with the goal of messing something up... and they found a way. If you're willing to spend time doing everything over again and no having access to locally back up your settings then go for it. If you're looking for a smooth transition from your old set up to the new, you can forget it. Write down your settings, macros, profiles, etc before you install G Hub or you'll be doing everything from memory like I have been. If LGS was an option this would have been a perfect experience.
If you don't customize your mouse much with macros, profiles, custom keys, and such then upgrading may not be as big a deal as it was for me.
This is one of the toughest reviews for me. I absolutely love the new hardware, but why, WHY mess with the software??? Maybe the changes are aimed at different gamers. I could see multiple profiles per game could being useful, but in my case no-so-much. Eventually I'll get used to the new way of doing things and I'll whine less. But coming from years of using LGS to this mess is a transition I wasn't looking forward to, especially since my gaming time last night was wasted recreating settings instead of gaming.
Here to hoping the software experience improves... even so, it's hard not to recommend a wireless version of the greatest gaming mouse ever made.
YourMainDude
The South
G Hub is trash ...
May 19, 2019
G Hub has a lot of issues and Logi has issues specific to this new hardware as well. I agree, LGS is far superior.
+2points
2of 2voted this comment as helpful.
Elevate your home entertainment experience with this Samsung 7.1.4-channel soundbar system. Wi-Fi functionality enables remote control via a virtual assistant, and the wireless subwoofer and rear speakers combine to deliver an immersive audio experience. This 510W Samsung 7.1.4-channel soundbar system features Bluetooth connectivity for wireless media streaming from compatible devices.
Overall5 out of 5
5 out of 5The Soundbar for Those Who Demand the Very Best
By JimC
from Chicago, IL
The Samsung Harman/Kardon HW-Q90R is an outstanding, speaker-packed sound bar which delivers an amazing 7.1.4 sound experience worth every penny of its premium price point. Its combination of features, sound quality, aesthetics and power is simply unmatched by any other sound bar system.
All great TVs, no matter the brand, are really just a beautiful visual delivery system. The speakers in even very expensive TVs are just not comparable to the display. The solution is to add a supplemental sound bar to your TV to replace those pitiful little speakers built in to it, extending the audio range of the speakers and delivering deep bass.
The many sound bars available tend to fall into three categories – budget units (a couple of hundred dollars), mid-range systems (four to eight hundred dollars) and ultra-deluxe equipment (well over a thousand dollars.) A good rule of thumb is to spend at least half of what you spent on the TV and ideally, two-thirds or more of the cost of the TV.
The next issue is what kind of system to buy (2.0, 2.1, 3.1, 5.1 or 7.1). Those numbers indicate how many channels of stereo are created. 2.0 is traditional (left/right) stereo, 2.1 adds a separate sub-woofer, 3.1 adds a center channel, 5.1 includes side left/right speakers for better surround sound effects. Finally, 7.1 adds two speakers on the left and right but positioned behind where the listener sits. All of these systems are designed to utilize speakers at the same height as the listeners’ ears.
But in 2012 Dolby Laboratories introduced a new surround sound technology which added a third dimension to the sound experience through the use of “object-based audio.” Sound is projected with “height” speakers to a point above the listener which greatly adds to the impact and realism of big budget blockbuster movies. Rain falling or aircraft soaring through the sky feel as though they are really overhead, rather than simply coming from the screen. Dolby Atmos implements this technology through a 7.1.4 speaker arrangement. The “4” refers to the number of speakers which create sound from the top of the room (two front (left/right) height speakers plus two rear (left/right) height speakers.) Another version of this type of fully-immersive sound creation is DTS-X which uses a somewhat different approach but the same speaker arrangement. Dolby Atmos and DTS-X have become the new standards for premium movie sound.
Sorry for the long lecture, but to really appreciate the Samsung/Harman Kardon system you need to understand all of the above.
Consider this fine combination of features:
• Samsung Harman/Kardon HW-Q90R Soundbar
• 7.1.4 speaker system with four individual speaker enclosure components
• Main Sound Bar
o 13 speaker drivers: Front Left (3), Center (3), Front Right (3), Side Right, Side Left, Front Height Left, Front Height Right
o 10 18 watt amplifiers, 3 10 watt amplifiers: 210 watts of total amplification power
o 48.3” wide x 3.3” tall x 5.4” deep
o Weight: 19.4 pounds
• Sub-Woofer Speaker
o 8” driver with rear bass port
o Wireless connection
o 160 watt amplifier
o 8.1” wide x 15.9” tall x 15.9” deep
o Weight: 21.6 pounds
• Rear Surround Speakers (Left and Right)
o Rear Left and Rear Height Left, Rear Right and Rear Height Right
o Wireless connection
o 4 35 watt amplifiers: 140 watts of total amplification power
o 4.7” wide x 8.3” tall x 5.7” deep (each)
o Weight: 4.6 pounds (each)
• 510 watts of total combined amplification power
• Frequency response range: 34 Hz to 17k Hz
• Supports Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby TrueHD, DTS-X, DTS Digital Sound, DTS-HD Master Audio
• Inputs: Optical Digital, ARC HDMI, HDMI (2), WiFi, BlueTooth
• Output effects: Standard, Surround, Game Pro, Adaptive Sound
• Digital display on main sound bar
• Optimized for integrated use with Samsung QLED televisions
• Compatible with Amazon Alexa
• Wireless LAN 802.11AC
• Samsung Harman/Kardon HW-Q90R Soundbar
• 7.1.4 speaker system with four individual speaker enclosure components
• Main Sound Bar
o 13 speaker drivers: Front Left (3), Center (3), Front Right (3), Side Right, Side Left, Front Height Left, Front Height Right
o 10 18 watt amplifiers, 3 10 watt amplifiers: 210 watts of total amplification power
o 48.3” wide x 3.3” tall x 5.4” deep
o Weight: 19.4 pounds
• Sub-Woofer Speaker
o 8” driver with rear bass port
o Wireless connection
o 160 watt amplifier
o 8.1” wide x 15.9” tall x 15.9” deep
o Weight: 21.6 pounds
• Rear Surround Speakers (Left and Right)
o Rear Left and Rear Height Left, Rear Right and Rear Height Right
o Wireless connection
o 4 35 watt amplifiers: 140 watts of total amplification power
o 4.7” wide x 8.3” tall x 5.7” deep (each)
o Weight: 4.6 pounds (each)
• 510 watts of total combined amplification power
• Frequency response range: 34 Hz to 17k Hz
• Supports Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby TrueHD, DTS-X, DTS Digital Sound, DTS-HD Master Audio
• Inputs: Optical Digital, ARC HDMI, HDMI (2), WiFi, BlueTooth
• Output effects: Standard, Surround, Game Pro, Adaptive Sound
• Digital display on main sound bar
• Optimized for integrated use with Samsung QLED televisions
• Compatible with Amazon Alexa
• Wireless LAN 802.11AC
Included in the box are the massive 8” wireless sub-woofer, the primary sound bar itself, two wireless rear surround sound speakers, two sets of four power cords (both U.S. and European versions), a sophisticated remote control, an HDMI cable, a pair of wall brackets for the main sound bar and a set-up book.
The four speaker units are all beautifully finished in an iridescent black called “carbon silver.” They have metallic mesh covering all speaker surfaces with elegant beveled corners and a polished upper edge. The mass and detailing of these units subtly underline both the quality of the engineering and the substantial investment you have made in the system.
Set-up is remarkably easy. Just plug in the power supply to the main sound bar, the sub-woofer and the two surround speakers. Next, attach an HDMI cable from the ARC output of the sound bar to the ARC HDMI input on the television. If you have other devices attached to the TV (such as a Blu-Ray player, game system, cable box, etc.) you can leave those HDMI cables as is. Or, you can route those HDMI cables through the sound bar. However, in either case the sound bar will take over the audio function from the TV as long as it is attached to the ARC port.
The main sound bar is quite wide, nearly matching the width of my 65” TV, and packed with 13 individual speaker drivers. There are nine speakers facing you, two mid-range woofers and one tweeter each for the left, center and right channels. On each end are a side left and side right full-range speaker. On the top at each side are the two front height speakers which project upward at a slight angle toward the listener. There are 13 amplifiers, totaling 210 watts, to drive all of these speakers. (See the illustration of these speakers which I posted.) The compact height of the sound bar (3.3”) is a real plus for those who have their TVs standing on a video table rather than wall-mounted. It should not block the screen of any such TV.
The sub-woofer has a side-firing 8 inch driver supplemented by a rear bass port. It is powered by a 160 watt amplifier. The two surround speakers each have a rear speaker on the side and an angled rear height speaker on the top. Each surround speaker has a pair of 35 watt amplifiers. Both the sub-woofer and the surround speakers have a blue LED on the back to indicate that they are connected to the sound bar.
The four sound modes map the input to the speakers in different ways. “Standard” is a simple reproduction of the original format, “Surround” creates 7.1.4 sound output from any input, “Gaming” emphasizes the sound effects present in most video games. “Adaptive” keeps spoken dialog intelligible by adjusting the center channel level independently. No more wondering what that character just said as the explosions were going off! After trying all of the sound modes I decided I liked the Surround mode best and left it on that setting.
OK, so enough about the impressive technical details, how does it sound? One word: INCREDIBLE!!! Press the “on” button on the slim remote, select a sound mode (standard, surround, gaming or adaptive) and you will be immersed in sound. The first thing you will notice is that deep rich bass which had been absent from your TV speakers. You can turn of the volume on the sub-woofer to floor-shaking levels if you wish! Next, the overall sound quality is superb, very clear, distortion-free with excellent midrange and highs. The remote can adjust the treble and bass level as well as the volume of each speaker individually.
To truly appreciate it, access YouTube videos which showcase Dolby Atmos and DTS-X. Sit in a chair, directly in front of the sound bar and with the surround speakers behind you. Feel the sound move from the front, over you, around you, behind you – a completely immersive experience! I have never been more impressed with an audio product. The system does an amazing job of reproducing the full range of both Dolby Atmos and DTS-X sound files. You will be so happy when you play your 4K UHD Blu-ray movies through this system. Your home will finally reproduce that movie theater sound which you really want. And since both Netflix and Amazon Prime have incorporated Dolby Atmos into their best series, those subscriptions will seem an even better bargain.
Several added features expand the role of the sound bar beyond its use with your TV. You can connect your phone or tablet via Bluetooth. It has Alexa compatibility (but you need to supply your own Alexa controller.) It has WiFi connectivity which requires the Samsung SmartThings app to achieve networking. Why not just a simple WPS button?
What don’t I like? The main sound bar’s scrolling digital display when you change a setting is just so-so. A full digital display on the remote would be far better, showing the settings of all speakers. There are no equalizer preset sound modes (e.g., movie, sports, music, etc.) just a simple bass/treble adjustment. There is no microphone for properly balancing the speakers. No support brackets or speaker stands are included for the two surround speakers. To function properly these should be held at a certain height. I did purchase stands (see photo) to hold the two speakers, but for a system which costs more than all but the biggest big-screen TVs it seems that Samsung could have thrown in a pair of custom stands (which would have cost no more than $40.) Samsung should realize that customers who are willing to invest in a truly premium system deserve and expect all of the bells and whistles.
But, the bottom line is that the incredible sound and amazing setup simplicity of the Samsung HW-Q90R makes it the absolute best choice for 7.1.4 audio systems. It is an excellent value for serious video fans who want to enrich their audio experience to theater quality. You will find that this investment truly produces excellent returns of auditory enjoyment!
YourMainDude
The South
FYI
June 27, 2019
Via the SmartThings app, you can switch from 'Tone' controls to a multi-band equalizer. The 4 sound modes presented + this EQ capability, is above-and-beyond that which is offered by many other systems... and this system doesn't need a "Music" mode or "Movie" mode to perform. "Standard" works great for most everything, but having STANDARD, SURROUND, GAME PRO, and ADAPTIVE SOUND as choices is more than enough IMHO. Other sound bar systems need a music mode to work properly - this one doesn't.
+4points
4of 4voted this comment as helpful.
Elevate your home entertainment experience with this Samsung 7.1.4-channel soundbar system. Wi-Fi functionality enables remote control via a virtual assistant, and the wireless subwoofer and rear speakers combine to deliver an immersive audio experience. This 510W Samsung 7.1.4-channel soundbar system features Bluetooth connectivity for wireless media streaming from compatible devices.
Overall3 out of 5
3 out of 5As close to perfection as you can get...
By YourMainDude
from The South
Preface –
For soundbar reviews that are Atmos branded, I primarily use the following source material to evaluate 7.1 channel control, general object-oriented sound positioning, dynamic fidelity and Atmos dialog performance:
Dolby Laboratories own September 2015, Blu-ray demonstration disc
Game of Thrones, season seven Blu-ray disc
Justice League 4k Blu-ray disc
For soundbar reviews that are Atmos branded, I primarily use the following source material to evaluate 7.1 channel control, general object-oriented sound positioning, dynamic fidelity and Atmos dialog performance:
Dolby Laboratories own September 2015, Blu-ray demonstration disc
Game of Thrones, season seven Blu-ray disc
Justice League 4k Blu-ray disc
Dialog presentation is a super critical area of soundbar performance and an often overlooked (untested?) area. It is my professional opinion that any soundbars that don’t deliver proper positioning & balance to the other facets of the soundscape are systems that aren’t truly worth their high dollar price tags. In the +1000-dollar category, it simply makes far more sense to stick with a true AV receiver system that employs all the dedicated speakers unless you can find a soundbar that is designed & tuned to perform the same vital functions. There are only a few companies that have come close to achieving this… with Samsung being one.
Presentation -
The Samsung Q90R soundbar comes well packaged with clear instructions – for basic setup – and it is keenly organized in the relatively smallish packaging considering the aggregate weight of all the components. The remote control, like so many of its competitors, is not backlit – but to be quite honest, I like the ergonomics Samsung has designed into their remote – so I can forgive the lack of any backlighting. The sub is substantial and solidly constructed, with a rectangular footprint that should make it easy to tuck behind furniture. The real value in this package is the inclusion of up-firing drivers in the rear surrounds. And these rear surrounds are the closest thing you can get to truly wireless surrounds – with no speaker wires between the sub and the satellites. All you have is the power cords to each individual speaker. I personally like this design aspect. Samsung wisely designed their matrix ‘status’ display to be verbose & informative AND enabling it to automatically turn completely OFF after several seconds. In other words, this soundbar goes blacked out, monolith mode once you’ve put down the remote.
The Samsung Q90R soundbar comes well packaged with clear instructions – for basic setup – and it is keenly organized in the relatively smallish packaging considering the aggregate weight of all the components. The remote control, like so many of its competitors, is not backlit – but to be quite honest, I like the ergonomics Samsung has designed into their remote – so I can forgive the lack of any backlighting. The sub is substantial and solidly constructed, with a rectangular footprint that should make it easy to tuck behind furniture. The real value in this package is the inclusion of up-firing drivers in the rear surrounds. And these rear surrounds are the closest thing you can get to truly wireless surrounds – with no speaker wires between the sub and the satellites. All you have is the power cords to each individual speaker. I personally like this design aspect. Samsung wisely designed their matrix ‘status’ display to be verbose & informative AND enabling it to automatically turn completely OFF after several seconds. In other words, this soundbar goes blacked out, monolith mode once you’ve put down the remote.
Initial Setup -
Setup was simple & straightforward but not issue free. For one, the SmartThings mobile app is OK but has pitfalls in the way it was designed. Once you’ve set up the system the 1st time, any attempt to connect to a different wireless network requires a full-on, hard resetting of the device. The option in the app to modify the wireless settings is grayed out. I ventured over to the Samsung SmartThings and AV forums and was met with an abundance of unhelpful chatter. Nowhere in the user manual or online is one able to find clear instructions on Wi-Fi login in procedures. I’m assigning an immediate single star demerit for this glaring oversight. Why have the option in the mobile app if it’s not going to be enabled? And why should a hard reset be required to simply change Wi-Fi login settings?
I attribute this situation to the flawed thinking of the Internet of Things and app developer’s disregard for ‘ease of use’ and a simplified user experience.
Pairing between the main soundbar, the subwoofer and the satellites is all automatic – straight out of the box. But problems with synchronization losses can & will ensue – and are widely reported on the internet forums and on the review pages of the Samsung product page.
More on that later…
Setup was simple & straightforward but not issue free. For one, the SmartThings mobile app is OK but has pitfalls in the way it was designed. Once you’ve set up the system the 1st time, any attempt to connect to a different wireless network requires a full-on, hard resetting of the device. The option in the app to modify the wireless settings is grayed out. I ventured over to the Samsung SmartThings and AV forums and was met with an abundance of unhelpful chatter. Nowhere in the user manual or online is one able to find clear instructions on Wi-Fi login in procedures. I’m assigning an immediate single star demerit for this glaring oversight. Why have the option in the mobile app if it’s not going to be enabled? And why should a hard reset be required to simply change Wi-Fi login settings?
I attribute this situation to the flawed thinking of the Internet of Things and app developer’s disregard for ‘ease of use’ and a simplified user experience.
Pairing between the main soundbar, the subwoofer and the satellites is all automatic – straight out of the box. But problems with synchronization losses can & will ensue – and are widely reported on the internet forums and on the review pages of the Samsung product page.
More on that later…
Performance -
Upon setting this system up with my Xbox One & my 4k Blu-ray player, I recognized that Samsung dedicated the resources to getting dialog decoding properly setup on this flagship model. Using my reference discs, I immediately went right into all the battle scenes in ‘Game of Thrones’ season 7. Dialog during these Atmos(pheric) soundscapes is a tough act for many competitors to manage. When Daenerys is riding bareback on the dragon and commands it to breath fire down on the vulnerable army of warriors, you should be able to clearly hear her utter those words. ‘Dracarys’ You should also be able to perceive distance and position between the screams, the shouts and the spurious dialog between actors… with consistent clarity, no matter the positioning. You’ll recognize a poor design straight away as you hear dramatic musical content, roaring car engines and loud explosions swamp over voices, making them incomprehensible. It’s a great test method – and GOT discs help reveal deficiencies with skill & precision. This sound bar handles dialog perfectly. Next up, I always defer to the engineers over at Dolby Laboratories. Their demo discs can offer an abundance of insight on just how well (…or not) an AV equipment manufacturer has followed the ‘rules’ in constructing their DSP hardware & software. You can start by using the channel tests available on their demo discs. I always grab a seat on the couch and run through the 7.1 and 9.1 speaker tests. Even though this system is NOT a 9.1 system, you should still be able to perceive the relative locations of the side- speakers in a phantom way. I was amazed just how well the Samsung Q90R positioned these phantom channels with balance & precision. Just try that test on many of the other competing products! The last bits of testing I do with the Dolby demo disc includes playing the various music samples, movie clips and Dolby animation shorts. On the Samsung Q90R, everything is presented with a near ‘theater like’ character. It honestly left me breathless the first day I ran through all these demos. Samsung should be commended for paying such close attention to the Dolby specifications. Finally, I always run through a series of super hero movies – including ‘Justice League’. At this point I still pay close attention to dialog presentation, but I also take note of sound movement, bass articulation (punch) and overall tonal balance. Again, this soundbar is truly amazing. Having owned & demo’d quite a few different soundbars over the past several years – and some are indeed good – none even come close to the staging, the impact and the dialog performance of the Q90R. I spent a good amount of time also using Rhapsody, Bluetooth direct streaming and watching downloaded music video content – and this sound bar does a really great job of punching out music, while at the same time providing great fidelity across ALL music genres and sources.
And it does this in Standard mode. This soundbar doesn’t have a ‘Music’ setting and I was a bit disappointed when I first read that in the manual, but from what I can see (…and hear) now – it really doesn’t need it.
Upon setting this system up with my Xbox One & my 4k Blu-ray player, I recognized that Samsung dedicated the resources to getting dialog decoding properly setup on this flagship model. Using my reference discs, I immediately went right into all the battle scenes in ‘Game of Thrones’ season 7. Dialog during these Atmos(pheric) soundscapes is a tough act for many competitors to manage. When Daenerys is riding bareback on the dragon and commands it to breath fire down on the vulnerable army of warriors, you should be able to clearly hear her utter those words. ‘Dracarys’ You should also be able to perceive distance and position between the screams, the shouts and the spurious dialog between actors… with consistent clarity, no matter the positioning. You’ll recognize a poor design straight away as you hear dramatic musical content, roaring car engines and loud explosions swamp over voices, making them incomprehensible. It’s a great test method – and GOT discs help reveal deficiencies with skill & precision. This sound bar handles dialog perfectly. Next up, I always defer to the engineers over at Dolby Laboratories. Their demo discs can offer an abundance of insight on just how well (…or not) an AV equipment manufacturer has followed the ‘rules’ in constructing their DSP hardware & software. You can start by using the channel tests available on their demo discs. I always grab a seat on the couch and run through the 7.1 and 9.1 speaker tests. Even though this system is NOT a 9.1 system, you should still be able to perceive the relative locations of the side- speakers in a phantom way. I was amazed just how well the Samsung Q90R positioned these phantom channels with balance & precision. Just try that test on many of the other competing products! The last bits of testing I do with the Dolby demo disc includes playing the various music samples, movie clips and Dolby animation shorts. On the Samsung Q90R, everything is presented with a near ‘theater like’ character. It honestly left me breathless the first day I ran through all these demos. Samsung should be commended for paying such close attention to the Dolby specifications. Finally, I always run through a series of super hero movies – including ‘Justice League’. At this point I still pay close attention to dialog presentation, but I also take note of sound movement, bass articulation (punch) and overall tonal balance. Again, this soundbar is truly amazing. Having owned & demo’d quite a few different soundbars over the past several years – and some are indeed good – none even come close to the staging, the impact and the dialog performance of the Q90R. I spent a good amount of time also using Rhapsody, Bluetooth direct streaming and watching downloaded music video content – and this sound bar does a really great job of punching out music, while at the same time providing great fidelity across ALL music genres and sources.
And it does this in Standard mode. This soundbar doesn’t have a ‘Music’ setting and I was a bit disappointed when I first read that in the manual, but from what I can see (…and hear) now – it really doesn’t need it.
I’ll now cover syncing issues and audio drops – as it is a commonly reported set of issues on the internet. With a little bit of digging, anyone can find Samsung’s explanation that this system uses 5 GHz wireless bands to link up the pieces. And because of this, Wi-Fi interference problems are pretty much unavoidable. On a few occasions, I noticed that the subwoofer & rear speakers wouldn’t turn off. The subwoofer power LED remained blue and the rear speakers flashed blue. I also experienced subwoofer & independent rear channel disconnects in the middle of movies and it turned into a completely frustrating experience. For the first week or so I had to resort to unplugging the subwoofer from the wall to get the system back up and running. But once I took a closer look at it, I repositioned my router & access points to the best of my ability and also stopped using Wi-Fi on my Blu-ray player, FireTV & Xbox One and my experience dramatically improved. This isn’t to say that Samsung doesn’t have linking issues – but having too many Wi-Fi connected devices in close proximity to the sound bar and/or in the line-of-sight paths on the sound bar mesh is an area where owners can somethings help things. So, before anyone throws in the towel, or rushes to return the gear out of frustration– take a closer look at your wireless environment and see if there are some adjustments you can make first. It’s worth the effort. As a side note, I noticed things that having a smart phone near one of the rear speakers with Wi-Fi being active or a family member using a laptop computer on the couch, in the middle of the sound bar’s wireless path, causes the sub & rear channels to drop. Everyone’s Wi-Fi environment is different. I don’t completely fault Samsung on these issues. There are too many variables involved. No demerit for this wireless performance – because sound bars are inherently prone to these issues. I also noticed that the firmware version on the product support page doesn’t remotely match the firmware version reported by the SmartThings app. Another demerit.
Summary -
This sound bar system is truly amazing. Atmos dialog is clear and properly placed. Overall sound staging is near ‘theater quality’ and the subwoofer/rear speaker sound-field contributions are THE best I’ve experienced. From movies, to music – starting with stereo sources and all the way up to 7.1.4 Dolby & DTS sound tracks – this system has one of the best – if not THE best – DSP designs currently available. Build quality of this system is apparent from the moment you unbox everything. The remote is one of the best designs out there – lack of backlighting notwithstanding. There are issues with wireless interoperability and firmware confusion, but those issues can be addressed, and they aren’t things that would prevent me from recommending this system.
This sound bar system is truly amazing. Atmos dialog is clear and properly placed. Overall sound staging is near ‘theater quality’ and the subwoofer/rear speaker sound-field contributions are THE best I’ve experienced. From movies, to music – starting with stereo sources and all the way up to 7.1.4 Dolby & DTS sound tracks – this system has one of the best – if not THE best – DSP designs currently available. Build quality of this system is apparent from the moment you unbox everything. The remote is one of the best designs out there – lack of backlighting notwithstanding. There are issues with wireless interoperability and firmware confusion, but those issues can be addressed, and they aren’t things that would prevent me from recommending this system.
Pros:
Stellar DSP performance – for all source material.
Switchable EQ; you can choose tone control or multiband equalizer (in the app)
Solid build quality.
An ergonomically superior remote; intuitive to use.
A status display that actually goes completely dark when not needed.
Plenty of power to fill even a very large Great Room.
Relatively easy to set up…
Stellar DSP performance – for all source material.
Switchable EQ; you can choose tone control or multiband equalizer (in the app)
Solid build quality.
An ergonomically superior remote; intuitive to use.
A status display that actually goes completely dark when not needed.
Plenty of power to fill even a very large Great Room.
Relatively easy to set up…
Cons:
… goofy SmartThings app.
Firmware versions are confusing and the update process unclear.
Subwoofer and rear speaker disconnection issues.
… goofy SmartThings app.
Firmware versions are confusing and the update process unclear.
Subwoofer and rear speaker disconnection issues.
YourMainDude
The South
To Samsung Brand Response
July 1, 2019
What are you referring to with "Ver 1008"? The SmartThings app doesn't show any version 1008 firmware update available. And the manual download doesn't work.
+3points
3of 3voted this comment as helpful.
Elevate your home entertainment experience with this Samsung 7.1.4-channel soundbar system. Wi-Fi functionality enables remote control via a virtual assistant, and the wireless subwoofer and rear speakers combine to deliver an immersive audio experience. This 510W Samsung 7.1.4-channel soundbar system features Bluetooth connectivity for wireless media streaming from compatible devices.
Overall3 out of 5
3 out of 5As close to perfection as you can get...
By YourMainDude
from The South
Preface –
For soundbar reviews that are Atmos branded, I primarily use the following source material to evaluate 7.1 channel control, general object-oriented sound positioning, dynamic fidelity and Atmos dialog performance:
Dolby Laboratories own September 2015, Blu-ray demonstration disc
Game of Thrones, season seven Blu-ray disc
Justice League 4k Blu-ray disc
For soundbar reviews that are Atmos branded, I primarily use the following source material to evaluate 7.1 channel control, general object-oriented sound positioning, dynamic fidelity and Atmos dialog performance:
Dolby Laboratories own September 2015, Blu-ray demonstration disc
Game of Thrones, season seven Blu-ray disc
Justice League 4k Blu-ray disc
Dialog presentation is a super critical area of soundbar performance and an often overlooked (untested?) area. It is my professional opinion that any soundbars that don’t deliver proper positioning & balance to the other facets of the soundscape are systems that aren’t truly worth their high dollar price tags. In the +1000-dollar category, it simply makes far more sense to stick with a true AV receiver system that employs all the dedicated speakers unless you can find a soundbar that is designed & tuned to perform the same vital functions. There are only a few companies that have come close to achieving this… with Samsung being one.
Presentation -
The Samsung Q90R soundbar comes well packaged with clear instructions – for basic setup – and it is keenly organized in the relatively smallish packaging considering the aggregate weight of all the components. The remote control, like so many of its competitors, is not backlit – but to be quite honest, I like the ergonomics Samsung has designed into their remote – so I can forgive the lack of any backlighting. The sub is substantial and solidly constructed, with a rectangular footprint that should make it easy to tuck behind furniture. The real value in this package is the inclusion of up-firing drivers in the rear surrounds. And these rear surrounds are the closest thing you can get to truly wireless surrounds – with no speaker wires between the sub and the satellites. All you have is the power cords to each individual speaker. I personally like this design aspect. Samsung wisely designed their matrix ‘status’ display to be verbose & informative AND enabling it to automatically turn completely OFF after several seconds. In other words, this soundbar goes blacked out, monolith mode once you’ve put down the remote.
The Samsung Q90R soundbar comes well packaged with clear instructions – for basic setup – and it is keenly organized in the relatively smallish packaging considering the aggregate weight of all the components. The remote control, like so many of its competitors, is not backlit – but to be quite honest, I like the ergonomics Samsung has designed into their remote – so I can forgive the lack of any backlighting. The sub is substantial and solidly constructed, with a rectangular footprint that should make it easy to tuck behind furniture. The real value in this package is the inclusion of up-firing drivers in the rear surrounds. And these rear surrounds are the closest thing you can get to truly wireless surrounds – with no speaker wires between the sub and the satellites. All you have is the power cords to each individual speaker. I personally like this design aspect. Samsung wisely designed their matrix ‘status’ display to be verbose & informative AND enabling it to automatically turn completely OFF after several seconds. In other words, this soundbar goes blacked out, monolith mode once you’ve put down the remote.
Initial Setup -
Setup was simple & straightforward but not issue free. For one, the SmartThings mobile app is OK but has pitfalls in the way it was designed. Once you’ve set up the system the 1st time, any attempt to connect to a different wireless network requires a full-on, hard resetting of the device. The option in the app to modify the wireless settings is grayed out. I ventured over to the Samsung SmartThings and AV forums and was met with an abundance of unhelpful chatter. Nowhere in the user manual or online is one able to find clear instructions on Wi-Fi login in procedures. I’m assigning an immediate single star demerit for this glaring oversight. Why have the option in the mobile app if it’s not going to be enabled? And why should a hard reset be required to simply change Wi-Fi login settings?
I attribute this situation to the flawed thinking of the Internet of Things and app developer’s disregard for ‘ease of use’ and a simplified user experience.
Pairing between the main soundbar, the subwoofer and the satellites is all automatic – straight out of the box. But problems with synchronization losses can & will ensue – and are widely reported on the internet forums and on the review pages of the Samsung product page.
More on that later…
Setup was simple & straightforward but not issue free. For one, the SmartThings mobile app is OK but has pitfalls in the way it was designed. Once you’ve set up the system the 1st time, any attempt to connect to a different wireless network requires a full-on, hard resetting of the device. The option in the app to modify the wireless settings is grayed out. I ventured over to the Samsung SmartThings and AV forums and was met with an abundance of unhelpful chatter. Nowhere in the user manual or online is one able to find clear instructions on Wi-Fi login in procedures. I’m assigning an immediate single star demerit for this glaring oversight. Why have the option in the mobile app if it’s not going to be enabled? And why should a hard reset be required to simply change Wi-Fi login settings?
I attribute this situation to the flawed thinking of the Internet of Things and app developer’s disregard for ‘ease of use’ and a simplified user experience.
Pairing between the main soundbar, the subwoofer and the satellites is all automatic – straight out of the box. But problems with synchronization losses can & will ensue – and are widely reported on the internet forums and on the review pages of the Samsung product page.
More on that later…
Performance -
Upon setting this system up with my Xbox One & my 4k Blu-ray player, I recognized that Samsung dedicated the resources to getting dialog decoding properly setup on this flagship model. Using my reference discs, I immediately went right into all the battle scenes in ‘Game of Thrones’ season 7. Dialog during these Atmos(pheric) soundscapes is a tough act for many competitors to manage. When Daenerys is riding bareback on the dragon and commands it to breath fire down on the vulnerable army of warriors, you should be able to clearly hear her utter those words. ‘Dracarys’ You should also be able to perceive distance and position between the screams, the shouts and the spurious dialog between actors… with consistent clarity, no matter the positioning. You’ll recognize a poor design straight away as you hear dramatic musical content, roaring car engines and loud explosions swamp over voices, making them incomprehensible. It’s a great test method – and GOT discs help reveal deficiencies with skill & precision. This sound bar handles dialog perfectly. Next up, I always defer to the engineers over at Dolby Laboratories. Their demo discs can offer an abundance of insight on just how well (…or not) an AV equipment manufacturer has followed the ‘rules’ in constructing their DSP hardware & software. You can start by using the channel tests available on their demo discs. I always grab a seat on the couch and run through the 7.1 and 9.1 speaker tests. Even though this system is NOT a 9.1 system, you should still be able to perceive the relative locations of the side- speakers in a phantom way. I was amazed just how well the Samsung Q90R positioned these phantom channels with balance & precision. Just try that test on many of the other competing products! The last bits of testing I do with the Dolby demo disc includes playing the various music samples, movie clips and Dolby animation shorts. On the Samsung Q90R, everything is presented with a near ‘theater like’ character. It honestly left me breathless the first day I ran through all these demos. Samsung should be commended for paying such close attention to the Dolby specifications. Finally, I always run through a series of super hero movies – including ‘Justice League’. At this point I still pay close attention to dialog presentation, but I also take note of sound movement, bass articulation (punch) and overall tonal balance. Again, this soundbar is truly amazing. Having owned & demo’d quite a few different soundbars over the past several years – and some are indeed good – none even come close to the staging, the impact and the dialog performance of the Q90R. I spent a good amount of time also using Rhapsody, Bluetooth direct streaming and watching downloaded music video content – and this sound bar does a really great job of punching out music, while at the same time providing great fidelity across ALL music genres and sources.
And it does this in Standard mode. This soundbar doesn’t have a ‘Music’ setting and I was a bit disappointed when I first read that in the manual, but from what I can see (…and hear) now – it really doesn’t need it.
Upon setting this system up with my Xbox One & my 4k Blu-ray player, I recognized that Samsung dedicated the resources to getting dialog decoding properly setup on this flagship model. Using my reference discs, I immediately went right into all the battle scenes in ‘Game of Thrones’ season 7. Dialog during these Atmos(pheric) soundscapes is a tough act for many competitors to manage. When Daenerys is riding bareback on the dragon and commands it to breath fire down on the vulnerable army of warriors, you should be able to clearly hear her utter those words. ‘Dracarys’ You should also be able to perceive distance and position between the screams, the shouts and the spurious dialog between actors… with consistent clarity, no matter the positioning. You’ll recognize a poor design straight away as you hear dramatic musical content, roaring car engines and loud explosions swamp over voices, making them incomprehensible. It’s a great test method – and GOT discs help reveal deficiencies with skill & precision. This sound bar handles dialog perfectly. Next up, I always defer to the engineers over at Dolby Laboratories. Their demo discs can offer an abundance of insight on just how well (…or not) an AV equipment manufacturer has followed the ‘rules’ in constructing their DSP hardware & software. You can start by using the channel tests available on their demo discs. I always grab a seat on the couch and run through the 7.1 and 9.1 speaker tests. Even though this system is NOT a 9.1 system, you should still be able to perceive the relative locations of the side- speakers in a phantom way. I was amazed just how well the Samsung Q90R positioned these phantom channels with balance & precision. Just try that test on many of the other competing products! The last bits of testing I do with the Dolby demo disc includes playing the various music samples, movie clips and Dolby animation shorts. On the Samsung Q90R, everything is presented with a near ‘theater like’ character. It honestly left me breathless the first day I ran through all these demos. Samsung should be commended for paying such close attention to the Dolby specifications. Finally, I always run through a series of super hero movies – including ‘Justice League’. At this point I still pay close attention to dialog presentation, but I also take note of sound movement, bass articulation (punch) and overall tonal balance. Again, this soundbar is truly amazing. Having owned & demo’d quite a few different soundbars over the past several years – and some are indeed good – none even come close to the staging, the impact and the dialog performance of the Q90R. I spent a good amount of time also using Rhapsody, Bluetooth direct streaming and watching downloaded music video content – and this sound bar does a really great job of punching out music, while at the same time providing great fidelity across ALL music genres and sources.
And it does this in Standard mode. This soundbar doesn’t have a ‘Music’ setting and I was a bit disappointed when I first read that in the manual, but from what I can see (…and hear) now – it really doesn’t need it.
I’ll now cover syncing issues and audio drops – as it is a commonly reported set of issues on the internet. With a little bit of digging, anyone can find Samsung’s explanation that this system uses 5 GHz wireless bands to link up the pieces. And because of this, Wi-Fi interference problems are pretty much unavoidable. On a few occasions, I noticed that the subwoofer & rear speakers wouldn’t turn off. The subwoofer power LED remained blue and the rear speakers flashed blue. I also experienced subwoofer & independent rear channel disconnects in the middle of movies and it turned into a completely frustrating experience. For the first week or so I had to resort to unplugging the subwoofer from the wall to get the system back up and running. But once I took a closer look at it, I repositioned my router & access points to the best of my ability and also stopped using Wi-Fi on my Blu-ray player, FireTV & Xbox One and my experience dramatically improved. This isn’t to say that Samsung doesn’t have linking issues – but having too many Wi-Fi connected devices in close proximity to the sound bar and/or in the line-of-sight paths on the sound bar mesh is an area where owners can somethings help things. So, before anyone throws in the towel, or rushes to return the gear out of frustration– take a closer look at your wireless environment and see if there are some adjustments you can make first. It’s worth the effort. As a side note, I noticed things that having a smart phone near one of the rear speakers with Wi-Fi being active or a family member using a laptop computer on the couch, in the middle of the sound bar’s wireless path, causes the sub & rear channels to drop. Everyone’s Wi-Fi environment is different. I don’t completely fault Samsung on these issues. There are too many variables involved. No demerit for this wireless performance – because sound bars are inherently prone to these issues. I also noticed that the firmware version on the product support page doesn’t remotely match the firmware version reported by the SmartThings app. Another demerit.
Summary -
This sound bar system is truly amazing. Atmos dialog is clear and properly placed. Overall sound staging is near ‘theater quality’ and the subwoofer/rear speaker sound-field contributions are THE best I’ve experienced. From movies, to music – starting with stereo sources and all the way up to 7.1.4 Dolby & DTS sound tracks – this system has one of the best – if not THE best – DSP designs currently available. Build quality of this system is apparent from the moment you unbox everything. The remote is one of the best designs out there – lack of backlighting notwithstanding. There are issues with wireless interoperability and firmware confusion, but those issues can be addressed, and they aren’t things that would prevent me from recommending this system.
This sound bar system is truly amazing. Atmos dialog is clear and properly placed. Overall sound staging is near ‘theater quality’ and the subwoofer/rear speaker sound-field contributions are THE best I’ve experienced. From movies, to music – starting with stereo sources and all the way up to 7.1.4 Dolby & DTS sound tracks – this system has one of the best – if not THE best – DSP designs currently available. Build quality of this system is apparent from the moment you unbox everything. The remote is one of the best designs out there – lack of backlighting notwithstanding. There are issues with wireless interoperability and firmware confusion, but those issues can be addressed, and they aren’t things that would prevent me from recommending this system.
Pros:
Stellar DSP performance – for all source material.
Switchable EQ; you can choose tone control or multiband equalizer (in the app)
Solid build quality.
An ergonomically superior remote; intuitive to use.
A status display that actually goes completely dark when not needed.
Plenty of power to fill even a very large Great Room.
Relatively easy to set up…
Stellar DSP performance – for all source material.
Switchable EQ; you can choose tone control or multiband equalizer (in the app)
Solid build quality.
An ergonomically superior remote; intuitive to use.
A status display that actually goes completely dark when not needed.
Plenty of power to fill even a very large Great Room.
Relatively easy to set up…
Cons:
… goofy SmartThings app.
Firmware versions are confusing and the update process unclear.
Subwoofer and rear speaker disconnection issues.
… goofy SmartThings app.
Firmware versions are confusing and the update process unclear.
Subwoofer and rear speaker disconnection issues.
YourMainDude
The South
@BrettA
July 6, 2019
Brett, I attempted to load 1008 via download and it didn't do anything. Samsung even tried walking me through it - with no luck. I now have an open ticket.
So did you actually see the version number as 1008 popping up on SmartThings?
So did you actually see the version number as 1008 popping up on SmartThings?
+2points
2of 2voted this comment as helpful.
Elevate your home entertainment experience with this Samsung 7.1.4-channel soundbar system. Wi-Fi functionality enables remote control via a virtual assistant, and the wireless subwoofer and rear speakers combine to deliver an immersive audio experience. This 510W Samsung 7.1.4-channel soundbar system features Bluetooth connectivity for wireless media streaming from compatible devices.
Overall
4 out of 5
4 out of 5Buggy
By BrettA
This is an amazing sounding soundbar, but Samsung released or before it was ready. The Samsung support is so bad and unresponsive to do many complaints from people globally. But in the end they updated the firmware to fix the major problems in the US, but other parts of the world are still waiting. Even still there are issues with the firmware design, in my opinion, especially how it all requires the use of their SmartThings app, which is horrible piece of junk app.
YourMainDude
The South
Version 1008.0
July 6, 2019
Brett,
Did 1008.0 actually show up verbose on the SmartThings app - for you?
I attempted the flash drive method of 1008 (with Samsung AV tech support over my shoulder...) and it didn't take.
SmartThings reports a 622 version on my bar with no update available...
I attempted the flash drive method of 1008 (with Samsung AV tech support over my shoulder...) and it didn't take.
SmartThings reports a 622 version on my bar with no update available...
0points
0of 0voted this comment as helpful.
Get peace and quiet anywhere with these Sony truly wireless noise-cancelling earbuds. An advanced HD noise-cancelling processor blocks distracting background noise so you can focus in noisy environments, and Bluetooth connectivity ensures easy use with smartphones and other devices. These Sony truly wireless noise-cancelling earbuds include a convenient charging case that offers up to 24 hours of use per charge.
Overall5 out of 5
5 out of 5World class
By Capshroud
from Lawrence
Sony can absolutely build some beautiful and high tech products, and these in-ear headphones are just that. The build quality of the earphone and the charging case is superb. The appearance is sexy and modern, and along with that, the sound quality is the best I’ve heard from earbuds.
The packaging is very nice but not overdone. The instructions are minimalist for sure, but if you install the Sony Headphones app as instructed, it will lead you through the setup and pairing. I found the process easy and painless, and the pairing worked on the first attempt. The app also lets you shape and control the sound and reassign a couple of button functions. It also lets you set the amount of ambient sound passed through, turn ambient off, and turn noise canceling on. That selection can also be changed by the touchpads on the buds. However, the same button press is used to cycle these selections or to trigger Google Assistant, so you have to decide which function you want at your fingertip. The app is the only method to shape sound and equalization, but there are a number of presets, and they all can be modified. You can absolutely make these guys sound the way you want, and that sound is fabulous.
The buttons on the buds are capacitive touch and not physical buttons. That would make you think that these earphones are waterproof, but not so. If you’re working out and get very sweaty, these may not be for you. In my mind, they are aimed at daily work, commuting, relaxing and phone use. They even have the ability to detect the environmental noise level and adjust the amount of ambient sound passed through. If you use the foam earbud covers to seal them to your ears, the noise canceling is better then many over the ear headphones. BTW, they include two types of ear inserts in three sizes each.
The case will completely recharge the buds up to three times, so with a 6-8 hour per charge running time (noise-canceling cuts the run time) and three charges, you’re good for a long while. The case also has NFC, so you can quickly pair to any particular device with a touch.
Controlling ambient and noise-canceling are the areas were these Sony wireless in-ear headphones are absolutely the leader and probably in a class their own. I think the sound and music quality is equal to the best anyone offers in earbuds wired or not. These are first-class earphones.
YourMainDude
The South
Correction
July 22, 2019
Bose does the best noise cancellation. Period.
And they charge a fortune for it.
And they charge a fortune for it.
0points
0of 0voted this comment as helpful.
YourMainDude's Questions
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Behold, the chillest machine in gaming. The OMEN 45L takes cooling way up, with the OMEN CRYO CHAMBER. This patented system uses the ambient air to create extreme cooling inside the system. The OMEN CRYO CHAMBER is also end user upgradable because ice is the new fire. Beauty, meet Beast. Tempered glass panels, a full-metal frame with toolless entry, and complete RGB control. Its one nifty spaceship. Adaptation, battle station. Built for extreme performance, and easy toolless upgradeability. The OMEN 45L is a one stop, can't stop, shop for DIY performance mastery. Dream, adapt, overcome. Optimize and customize: Step aboard the one-stop spec shop command center that is OMEN Gaming Hub. Tweak every last detail from intelligent overclocking, to SW-based fan control, BIOS access, RAM frequency and RGB.
The CM1000 Ultra-High Speed Cable Modem, with speeds up to 1Gbps and DOCSIS 3.1 is 10X faster than DOCSIS 3.0 devices. It's backward compatible with DOCSIS 3.0 and ready for future service plan upgrades for XFINITY from Comcast, Cox, and Spectrum. A Gigabit Ethernet port provides faster access and downloads.
Is this modem compatible with this router/modem combo? NETGEAR - Nighthawk Dual-Band AC1900 Router with 24 x 8 DOCSIS 3.0 Cable Modem - Black
The CM1000 Ultra-High Speed Cable Modem, with speeds up to 1Gbps and DOCSIS 3.1 is 10X faster than DOCSIS 3.0 devices. It's backward compatible with DOCSIS 3.0 and ready for future service plan upgrades for XFINITY from Comcast, Cox, and Spectrum. A Gigabit Ethernet port provides faster access and downloads.
LG - 5.1.2-Channel Hi-Res Audio Sound Bar with Wireless Subwoofer and Dolby Atmos Technology - Black
Go beyond surround sound to the dynamic audio of Dolby Atmos with this LG sound bar. It produces conventional 5.1-channel sound and works with Atmos 3D audio sources and high-resolution audio for a more realistic experience. This LG sound bar works with Google Assistant and Chromecast for voice-command capability of your entertainment selections.
I have the same issue as many other described over here and LG website. The sound of the voices is NOT laud enough during the surround sound action scenes. I chated with LG & they could not help. Could you please advise if someone has found a solution?
LG social media CS will reply to questions and reviews but when you call them, they want the unit returned. They explain that that they do not have an upper-level support team for sound bars like they do for say - televisions. So essentially, their social media respondents are wasting time - making it appear as though they are responsive in a positive way. I personally find that insulting.
There has been only 1 firmware update to this product and it doesn't fix the problem.
There has been only 1 firmware update to this product and it doesn't fix the problem.
7 years, 4 months ago
by
YourMainDude
Heighten your gaming experience with this VR-ready NVIDIA GeForce RTX Founders Edition graphics card. The NVIDIA Turing architecture incorporates real-time ray tracing and AI features for enhanced realism, and the 8GB of memory supports peak resolutions and frame rates. Dual-axial 13-blade fans and a vapor chamber keep this NVIDIA GeForce RTX Founders Edition graphics card cool and quiet.
I have an Alienware Aurora R4 with a GTX 760. i know this card will be a huge upgrade but im wondering if my possessor will handle the 2070? i have Intel i7-4820 CPU @ 3.70GHz. also my power supply is a Alienware™ 875 Watt Multi-GPU.
Heighten your gaming experience with this VR-ready NVIDIA GeForce RTX Founders Edition graphics card. The NVIDIA Turing architecture incorporates real-time ray tracing and AI features for enhanced realism, and the 8GB of memory supports peak resolutions and frame rates. Dual-axial 13-blade fans and a vapor chamber keep this NVIDIA GeForce RTX Founders Edition graphics card cool and quiet.
Heighten your gaming experience with this VR-ready NVIDIA GeForce RTX Founders Edition graphics card. The NVIDIA Turing architecture incorporates real-time ray tracing and AI features for enhanced realism, and the 8GB of memory supports peak resolutions and frame rates. Dual-axial 13-blade fans and a vapor chamber keep this NVIDIA GeForce RTX Founders Edition graphics card cool and quiet.
Heighten your gaming experience with this VR-ready NVIDIA GeForce RTX Founders Edition graphics card. The NVIDIA Turing architecture incorporates real-time ray tracing and AI features for enhanced realism, and the 8GB of memory supports peak resolutions and frame rates. Dual-axial 13-blade fans and a vapor chamber keep this NVIDIA GeForce RTX Founders Edition graphics card cool and quiet.
Will this card be good with a 550w power supply i am using an i7 8700k and i want this card but i only have a 550w power supply
The Nvidia site clearly states that a 550W supply is the minimum requirement. An 8700k is a very power efficient CPU, so assuming you don't have a lot of other high power consuming devices in your rig - like a huge bank of traditional power hungry hard drives and other PCI cards - and your power supply is of a good quality, I wouldn't worry.
You've met the 'typical' minimum spec defined by Nvidia. Battlefield V running in Ultra RTX mode barely pushes my 'loaded' system above 300 watts with this card.
You've met the 'typical' minimum spec defined by Nvidia. Battlefield V running in Ultra RTX mode barely pushes my 'loaded' system above 300 watts with this card.
7 years, 4 months ago
by
YourMainDude
Heighten your gaming experience with this VR-ready NVIDIA GeForce RTX Founders Edition graphics card. The NVIDIA Turing architecture incorporates real-time ray tracing and AI features for enhanced realism, and the 8GB of memory supports peak resolutions and frame rates. Dual-axial 13-blade fans and a vapor chamber keep this NVIDIA GeForce RTX Founders Edition graphics card cool and quiet.
Heighten your gaming experience with this VR-ready NVIDIA GeForce RTX Founders Edition graphics card. The NVIDIA Turing architecture incorporates real-time ray tracing and AI features for enhanced realism, and the 8GB of memory supports peak resolutions and frame rates. Dual-axial 13-blade fans and a vapor chamber keep this NVIDIA GeForce RTX Founders Edition graphics card cool and quiet.