I had a chance to test and compare two models: Sony HT-Z9F vs JBL BAR 1000 and this review should help people who are looking for a good soundbar. The Sony HT-Z9F was rated 7.2, while the JBL BAR 1000 has a rating 9. The soundbars are equipped with a different number of buttons, power, input, Bluetooth, music service, volume down, volume up for the HT-Z9F and power, volume down, volume up for the BAR 1000.
Each of the models under consideration has active amplification type. A noticeable difference is the number of channels that HT-Z9F has 3.1 and BAR 1000 has 7.1.4. These rivals can be compared in terms of power, 400 (overall) versus 880 (overall) according to devices. The built-in subwoofer is not implemented in any of these models. An external subwoofer can be connected to any of the units in this comparison. Rate 7 out of 10 received the Sony HT-Z9F for audio features and specs, but the JBL BAR 1000 received 9 out of 10.
Each of the competitors can play content from Spotify.
Both models have a wireless Wi-Fi interface. Soundbars from this comparison have Bluetooth support. There are 2/0 HDMI inputs/outputs in the Sony HT-Z9F versus 3/1 HDMIs in the JBL BAR 1000. As in the HT-Z9F, 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-Z9F at 8 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 Sony HT-Z9F may become part of a multiroom system.
Manufacturers equipped both units with Dolby Atmos audio decoder. The HT-Z9F can work with surround sound due to DTS:X support. The HT-Z9F was rated 8/10, while the BAR 1000 received a mark of 7/10 for multichannel surround.