Sony HT-S40R vs JBL Bar 9.1 review

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The Sony HT-S40R vs JBL Bar 9.1 comparison proves that these soundbars have many common features. Based on our rating, HT-S40R has a total rating of 5.2 out of 10 versus 9 for Bar 9.1.

Audio features

Both soundbars have active amplification type. A significant difference between the units in the number of channels, the Sony HT-S40R has 5.1 versus 9.1 for the JBL Bar 9.1. The output power is different and equal to 600 (overall) W for the HT-S40R versus 820 (overall) W for the Bar 9.1. Competitors do not have a built-in subwoofer. The HT-S40R has a wired connection to separate subwoofer, and the Bar 9.1 - wireless. The Sony HT-S40R got our rating of 7 out of 10, and the JBL Bar 9.1 9 for its audio features and specs.

Streaming services

Spotify support is available on the Bar 9.1.

Connectivity

Only the JBL Bar 9.1 can connect to the Internet via WI-FI. Rivals from our review have Bluetooth support. The Sony HT-S40R has 0/1 HDMI inputs/outputs versus 1/1 of the JBL Bar 9.1. The HDMI Audio Return Channel (ARC) feature supports both devices. Both soundbars have a USB connector. For connectivity, the HT-S40R received a rating of 7/10 versus 10/10, respectively.

Features

App control is available for the Bar 9.1. A built-in microphone is present only on the Bar 9.1. Multi-room is only available for the JBL Bar 9.1.

Multichannel surround

Only the Bar 9.1 has a Dolby Atmos multichannel audio format support. The soundbars do not support the surround sound technology DTS:X. For multichannel surround Sony HT-S40R got a rating of 8, and JBL Bar 9.1 7 out of 10.

Advantages JBL Bar 9.1 over Sony HT-S40R