Sony HT-Z9F vs JBL Bar 2.1 review

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The present review is aimed to compare two soundbars - Sony HT-Z9F vs JBL Bar 2.1 that are meant to satisfy the needs of cinema and music lovers. Based on our rating, HT-Z9F has a total rating of 7.2 out of 10 versus 6 for Bar 2.1. The competitors' control buttons are different: power, input, Bluetooth, music service, volume down, volume up and power, volume down, volume up, source, respectively.

Audio features

Both soundbars have active amplification type. A significant difference between the units in the number of channels, the Sony HT-Z9F has 3.1 versus 2.1 for the JBL Bar 2.1. The output power is different and equal to 400 (overall) W for the HT-Z9F versus 300 (overall) W for the Bar 2.1. Competitors do not have a built-in subwoofer. Rivals have wireless connection to separate subwoofer. Both models received our 7 rating of 10 for their audio features and specs.

Streaming services

Soundbars do not have AirPlay support. Spotify support is available on the HT-Z9F.

Connectivity

These models have the ability to connect to the Internet via WI-FI. Rivals from our review have Bluetooth support. The Sony HT-Z9F has 2/0 HDMI inputs/outputs versus 1/1 of the JBL Bar 2.1. The HDMI Audio Return Channel (ARC) feature supports both devices. Both soundbars have a USB connector. For connectivity, each of the soundbars received a rating of 8/10.

Features

Both models support voice control using Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant. Compared soundbars have no app control. A built-in microphone is present only on the Bar 2.1. Multi-room is only available for the Sony HT-Z9F.

Multichannel surround

Only the HT-Z9F has a Dolby Atmos multichannel audio format support. A surround technology DTS:X is supported only by the HT-Z9F. For multichannel surround Sony HT-Z9F got a rating of 8, and JBL Bar 2.1 4 out of 10.

Advantages Sony HT-Z9F over JBL Bar 2.1

Advantages JBL Bar 2.1 over Sony HT-Z9F