JBL Bar 5.1 vs Sony HT-X8500 review
The JBL Bar 5.1 vs Sony HT-X8500 comparison proves that these soundbars have many common features. Based on our rating, Bar 5.1 has a total rating of 7.2 out of 10 versus 6 for HT-X8500. The competitors' control buttons are different: power, volume down, volume up, input and power, volume down, volume up, input, Bluetooth, respectively.
Audio features
Both soundbars have active amplification type. A significant difference between the units in the number of channels, the JBL Bar 5.1 has 5.1 versus 2.1 for the Sony HT-X8500. Only the Sony HT-X8500 has a built-in subwoofer. The JBL Bar 5.1 got our rating of 8 out of 10, and the Sony HT-X8500 6 for its audio features and specs. Spotify support is available on the Bar 5.1.
Connectivity
Both models do not have WI-FI support. Rivals from our review have Bluetooth support. The JBL Bar 5.1 has 3/0 HDMI inputs/outputs versus 1/1 of the Sony HT-X8500. 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. App control is available for the Bar 5.1. None of the models under consideration have a built-in microphone. 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 JBL Bar 5.1 got a rating of 4, and Sony HT-X8500 10 out of 10.
Advantages JBL Bar 5.1 over Sony HT-X8500
- Separate subwoofer in package
- Amazon Music compatible
- Spotify support
- App control
Advantages Sony HT-X8500 over JBL Bar 5.1
- Built-in subwoofer
- Compatible with Dolby Atmos
- Compatible with DTS:X
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
- 7.2JBL Bar 5.1
- 6Sony HT-X8500
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