l would like to share my experience after comparing and testing two soundbars – Sony HT-Z9F vs VIZIO SB3821-C6. The Sony HT-Z9F was rated 7.2, while the VIZIO SB3821-C6 has a rating 4.5. 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, input, Bluetooth, volume down, volume up for the SB3821-C6.
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 SB3821-C6 has 2.1. 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 VIZIO SB3821-C6 received 5 out of 10.
Soundbars do not have AirPlay support. The HT-Z9F can play audio from Spotify.
Wireless Internet connection is realized only in the HT-Z9F. Soundbars from this comparison have Bluetooth support. The HDMI Audio Return Channel (ARC) is implemented only in the HT-Z9F. Connecting devices via USB is possible in both models. We rated the connectivity of the HT-Z9F at 8 out of 10, while the SB3821-C6 was rated 6/10. None of these soundbars can be controlled using the app. Soundbars in this review are not equipped with a microphone. The Sony HT-Z9F may become part of a multiroom system.
Dolby Atmos audio decoder is onboard the HT-Z9F. The HT-Z9F can work with surround sound due to DTS:X support. The HT-Z9F was rated 8/10, while the SB3821-C6 received a mark of 5/10 for multichannel surround.