Sony HT-S40R vs JBL Bar 9.1 review
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
- Amazon Music compatible
- Spotify support
- WI-FI enabled
- App control
- Microphone
- Multi-room support
- Compatible with Dolby Atmos
Common
Product
Model
Brand
Reviews
General
Placement type
Connection to source
Soundbar buttons
Audio features
Built-in channels
Amplification type
Output power, W
Separate speaker (in package)
Separate speaker connections
Subwoofer
Built-in subwoofer
Separate subwoofer (in package)
Separate subwoofer connections
Streaming services
Apple Music (AirPlay)
Amazon Music
Spotify
Other streaming services
Connectivity
WI-FI
Bluetooth
Ethernet (RJ45)
NFC
HDMI input/output
HDMI ARC
HDMI eARC
HDMI CEC
Optical digital input/output
USB
Coaxial digital input/output
Analog audio input/output (RCA)
Headphone output
Subwoofer output
Features
Voice control
App control
Microphone
Remote control
Multi-room
Multichannel surround
Dolby Atmos
Dolby (other)
DTS:X
DTS (other)
User manual
Dimensions
Size (Wx H x D), cm/in
Weight, kg/pounds
Other
Release year
Soundbars SoundStrokes Art comparison rating
- 5.2Sony HT-S40R
- 9JBL Bar 9.1
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