Samsung HW-M360/ZA vs Yamaha MusicCast BAR 400 review

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l would like to share my experience after comparing and testing two soundbars – Samsung HW-M360/ZA vs Yamaha MusicCast BAR 400. The Samsung HW-M360/ZA was rated 6.6, while the Yamaha MusicCast BAR 400 has a rating 8.2. The soundbars are equipped with a different number of buttons, volume down, volume up, power, input for the HW-M360/ZA and power, volume down, volume up, input, mute for the MusicCast BAR 400.

Audio features

Each of the models under consideration has active amplification type. A noticeable difference is the number of channels that HW-M360/ZA has 2.1 and MusicCast BAR 400 has 5.1. These rivals can be compared in terms of power, 200 versus 200 (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. Audio features and specs of considered models we rated 7 out of 10 in our ranking.

Streaming services

The Samsung HW-M360/ZA is equipped with AirPlay, but the Yamaha MusicCast BAR 400 has AirPlay 2 on board. Each of the competitors can play content from Spotify.

Connectivity

Wireless Internet connection is realized only in the MusicCast BAR 400. Soundbars from this comparison have Bluetooth support. The HDMI Audio Return Channel (ARC) is implemented only in the MusicCast BAR 400. Connecting devices via USB is possible in both models. We rated the connectivity of the HW-M360/ZA at 5 out of 10, while the MusicCast BAR 400 was rated 8/10. The manufacturer of the HW-M360/ZA provides a device control application. The Yamaha MusicCast BAR 400 equipped with a microphone. The models under consideration can become part of a multiroom system.

Multichannel surround

Dolby Atmos audio decoder support is not implemented in either the HW-M360/ZA or MusicCast BAR 400. Devices from this comparison cannot process surround sound due to lack of DTS:X. The HW-M360/ZA was rated 4/10, while the MusicCast BAR 400 received a mark of 6/10 for multichannel surround.

Advantages Samsung HW-M360/ZA over Yamaha MusicCast BAR 400

Advantages Yamaha MusicCast BAR 400 over Samsung HW-M360/ZA