It makes sense comparing Nakamichi Shockwafe Elite 7.2 vs JBL Bar 5.1 because they both are able to give some premium features. Based on our rating, Shockwafe Elite 7.2 has a total rating of 8 out of 10 versus 7.2 for Bar 5.1. The competitors' control buttons are different: power, source, demo, volume down, volume up and power, volume down, volume up, input, respectively.
Both soundbars have active amplification type. A significant difference between the units in the number of channels, the Nakamichi Shockwafe Elite 7.2 has 7.2.4 versus 5.1 for the JBL Bar 5.1. The output power is different and equal to 800 (overall) W for the Shockwafe Elite 7.2 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 Nakamichi Shockwafe Elite 7.2 got our rating of 9 out of 10, and the JBL Bar 5.1 8 for its audio features and specs. Spotify is available on each of the soundbars.
Both models do not have WI-FI support. Rivals from our review have Bluetooth support. The Nakamichi Shockwafe Elite 7.2 has 3/1 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. 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.
Only the Shockwafe Elite 7.2 has a Dolby Atmos multichannel audio format support. A surround technology DTS:X is supported only by the Shockwafe Elite 7.2. For multichannel surround Nakamichi Shockwafe Elite 7.2 got a rating of 10, and JBL Bar 5.1 4 out of 10.