I had a chance to test and compare two models: Sony HT-S40R vs JBL BAR 1000 and this review should help people who are looking for a good soundbar. The Sony HT-S40R was rated 5.2, while the JBL BAR 1000 has a rating 9.
Each of the models under consideration has active amplification type. A noticeable difference is the number of channels that HT-S40R has 5.1 and BAR 1000 has 7.1.4. These rivals can be compared in terms of power, 600 (overall) versus 880 (overall) according to devices. The built-in subwoofer is not implemented in any of these models. An external subwoofer connects to the HT-S40R via wired, but BAR 1000 has wireless connection type. Rate 7 out of 10 received the Sony HT-S40R for audio features and specs, but the JBL BAR 1000 received 9 out of 10.
The BAR 1000 can play audio from Spotify.
Wireless Internet connection is realized only in the BAR 1000. Soundbars from this comparison have Bluetooth support. There are 0/1 HDMI inputs/outputs in the Sony HT-S40R versus 3/1 HDMIs in the JBL BAR 1000. As in the HT-S40R, so in the BAR 1000 there is the HDMI Audio Return Channel (ARC). Connecting devices via USB is possible in both models. We rated the connectivity of the HT-S40R at 7 out of 10, while the BAR 1000 was rated 10/10.
The manufacturer of the BAR 1000 provides a device control application. The JBL BAR 1000 equipped with a microphone. The models under consideration cannot become part of a multiroom system.
Dolby Atmos audio decoder is onboard the BAR 1000. Devices from this comparison cannot process surround sound due to lack of DTS:X. The HT-S40R was rated 8/10, while the BAR 1000 received a mark of 7/10 for multichannel surround.