It makes sense comparing JBL Bar 5.1 vs Nakamichi Shockwafe Pro 7.1 because they both are able to give some premium features. Based on our rating, Bar 5.1 has a total rating of 7.2 out of 10 versus 7.8 for Shockwafe Pro 7.1. The competitors' control buttons are different: power, volume down, volume up, input and power, source, demo, volume down, volume up, respectively.
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 7.1.4 for the Nakamichi Shockwafe Pro 7.1. The output power is different and equal to 510 (overall) W for the Bar 5.1 versus 600 (overall) W for the Shockwafe Pro 7.1. Competitors do not have a built-in subwoofer. Rivals have wireless connection to separate subwoofer. Both models received our 8 rating of 10 for their 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 JBL Bar 5.1 has 3/0 HDMI inputs/outputs versus 3/1 of the Nakamichi Shockwafe Pro 7.1. 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 Pro 7.1 has a Dolby Atmos multichannel audio format support. A surround technology DTS:X is supported only by the Shockwafe Pro 7.1. For multichannel surround JBL Bar 5.1 got a rating of 4, and Nakamichi Shockwafe Pro 7.1 10 out of 10.