Sony HT-X8500 vs JBL Bar 2.1 review
The present review is aimed to compare two soundbars - Sony HT-X8500 vs JBL Bar 2.1 that are meant to satisfy the needs of cinema and music lovers. Based on our rating, both soundbars have the same overall rating of 6. The competitors' control buttons are different: power, volume down, volume up, input, Bluetooth and power, volume down, volume up, source, respectively.
Audio features
Both soundbars have active amplification type. Soundbars have the same number of channels on 2.1. Only the Sony HT-X8500 has a built-in subwoofer. The Sony HT-X8500 got our rating of 6 out of 10, and the JBL Bar 2.1 7 for its audio features and specs.
Streaming services
Soundbars do not have AirPlay support. Spotify support not implemented in both soundbars.
Connectivity
Only the JBL Bar 2.1 can connect to the Internet via WI-FI. Rivals from our review have Bluetooth support. Each soundbar has 1/1 HDMI inputs/outputs. The HDMI Audio Return Channel (ARC) feature supports both devices. Both soundbars have a USB connector. For connectivity, each of the soundbars received a rating of 8/10. Compared soundbars have no app control. A built-in microphone is present only on the Bar 2.1. Soundbars do not have Multi-room support.
Multichannel surround
Only the HT-X8500 has a Dolby Atmos multichannel audio format support. A surround technology DTS:X is supported only by the HT-X8500. For multichannel surround Sony HT-X8500 got a rating of 10, and JBL Bar 2.1 4 out of 10.
Advantages Sony HT-X8500 over JBL Bar 2.1
- Built-in subwoofer
- Compatible with Dolby Atmos
- Compatible with DTS:X
Advantages JBL Bar 2.1 over Sony HT-X8500
- Separate subwoofer in package
- WI-FI enabled
- Microphone
Common
Product
Model
Brand
Reviews
General
Placement type
Connection to source
Soundbar buttons
Audio features
Built-in channels
Amplification type
Output power, W
Separate speaker (in package)
Separate speaker connections
Subwoofer
Built-in subwoofer
Separate subwoofer (in package)
Separate subwoofer connections
Streaming services
Apple Music (AirPlay)
Amazon Music
Spotify
Other streaming services
Connectivity
WI-FI
Bluetooth
Ethernet (RJ45)
NFC
HDMI input/output
HDMI ARC
HDMI eARC
HDMI CEC
Optical digital input/output
USB
Coaxial digital input/output
Analog audio input/output (RCA)
Headphone output
Subwoofer output
Features
Voice control
App control
Microphone
Remote control
Multi-room
Multichannel surround
Dolby Atmos
Dolby (other)
DTS:X
DTS (other)
Dimensions
Size (Wx H x D), cm/in
Weight, kg/pounds
Other
Release year
Soundbars SoundStrokes Art comparison rating
- 6Sony HT-X8500
- 6JBL Bar 2.1
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