l would like to share my experience after comparing and testing two soundbars – Sony HT-S40R vs JBL BAR 700. The Sony HT-S40R was rated 5.2, while the JBL BAR 700 has a rating 8.8.
Each of the models under consideration has active amplification type. By the number of channels, the devices do not differ. These rivals can be compared in terms of power, 600 (overall) versus 620 (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 700 has wireless connection type. Rate 7 out of 10 received the Sony HT-S40R for audio features and specs, but the JBL BAR 700 received 8 out of 10.
The BAR 700 can play audio from Spotify.
Wireless Internet connection is realized only in the BAR 700. Soundbars from this comparison have Bluetooth support. There are 0/1 HDMI inputs/outputs in the Sony HT-S40R versus 1/1 HDMIs in the JBL BAR 700. As in the HT-S40R, so in the BAR 700 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 700 was rated 10/10.
The manufacturer of the BAR 700 provides a device control application. The JBL BAR 700 equipped with a microphone. The models under consideration cannot become part of a multiroom system.
Dolby Atmos audio decoder is onboard the BAR 700. Devices from this comparison cannot process surround sound due to lack of DTS:X. The HT-S40R was rated 8/10, while the BAR 700 received a mark of 7/10 for multichannel surround.