I had a chance to test and compare two models: Samsung HW-T550 vs JBL BAR 1000 and this review should help people who are looking for a good soundbar. The Samsung HW-T550 was rated 4.5, while the JBL BAR 1000 has a rating 9. The soundbars are equipped with a different number of buttons, volume down, volume up, power, source for the HW-T550 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 HW-T550 has 2.1 and BAR 1000 has 7.1.4. These rivals can be compared in terms of power, 320 (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 6 out of 10 received the Samsung HW-T550 for audio features and specs, but the JBL BAR 1000 received 9 out of 10.
The BAR 1000 can play audio from Spotify.
Wireless Internet connection is realized only in the BAR 1000. Soundbars from this comparison have Bluetooth support. There are 1/1 HDMI inputs/outputs in the Samsung HW-T550 versus 3/1 HDMIs in the JBL BAR 1000. As in the HW-T550, 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 HW-T550 at 6 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 models under consideration cannot become part of a multiroom system.
Dolby Atmos audio decoder is onboard the BAR 1000. Devices from this comparison cannot process surround sound due to lack of DTS:X. The HW-T550 was rated 5/10, while the BAR 1000 received a mark of 7/10 for multichannel surround.