Sony HT-Z9F vs JBL Bar 5.1 review

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It makes sense comparing Sony HT-Z9F vs JBL Bar 5.1 because they both are able to give some premium features. Based on our rating, both soundbars have the same overall rating of 7.2. The competitors' control buttons are different: power, input, Bluetooth, music service, volume down, volume up and power, volume down, volume up, input, respectively.

Audio features

Both soundbars have active amplification type. A significant difference between the units in the number of channels, the Sony HT-Z9F has 3.1 versus 5.1 for the JBL Bar 5.1. The output power is different and equal to 400 (overall) W for the HT-Z9F versus 510 (overall) W for the Bar 5.1. Competitors do not have a built-in subwoofer. Rivals have wireless connection to separate subwoofer. The Sony HT-Z9F got our rating of 7 out of 10, and the JBL Bar 5.1 8 for its audio features and specs. Spotify is available on each of the soundbars.

Connectivity

Only the Sony HT-Z9F can connect to the Internet via WI-FI. Rivals from our review have Bluetooth support. The Sony HT-Z9F has 2/0 HDMI inputs/outputs versus 3/0 of the JBL Bar 5.1. 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.

Features

App control is available for the Bar 5.1. None of the models under consideration have a built-in microphone. Multi-room is only available for the Sony HT-Z9F.

Multichannel surround

Only the HT-Z9F has a Dolby Atmos multichannel audio format support. A surround technology DTS:X is supported only by the HT-Z9F. For multichannel surround Sony HT-Z9F got a rating of 8, and JBL Bar 5.1 4 out of 10.

Advantages Sony HT-Z9F over JBL Bar 5.1

Advantages JBL Bar 5.1 over Sony HT-Z9F