It makes sense comparing Sony HT-Z9F vs Nakamichi Shockwafe Pro 7.1 because they both are able to give some premium features. Based on our rating, HT-Z9F has a total rating of 7.2 out of 10 versus 7.8 for Shockwafe Pro 7.1. The competitors' control buttons are different: power, input, Bluetooth, music service, volume down, volume up and power, source, demo, volume down, volume up, respectively.
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 7.1.4 for the Nakamichi Shockwafe Pro 7.1. The output power is different and equal to 400 (overall) W for the HT-Z9F versus 600 (overall) W for the Shockwafe Pro 7.1. Competitors do not have a built-in subwoofer. Rivals have wireless connection to separate subwoofer. The Sony HT-Z9F got our rating of 7 out of 10, and the Nakamichi Shockwafe Pro 7.1 8 for its audio features and specs.
Soundbars do not have AirPlay support. Spotify is available on each of the soundbars.
Only the Sony HT-Z9F can 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 3/1 of the Nakamichi Shockwafe Pro 7.1. 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. Compared soundbars have no app control. None of the models under consideration have a built-in microphone. Multi-room is only available for the Sony HT-Z9F.
Both devices have support for Dolby Atmos multichannel audio format. The surround sound technology DTS:X is supported by devices under review. For multichannel surround Sony HT-Z9F got a rating of 8, and Nakamichi Shockwafe Pro 7.1 10 out of 10.