l would like to share my experience after comparing and testing two soundbars – Nakamichi Shockwafe Pro 7.1 eARC vs LG S80QR. The Nakamichi Shockwafe Pro 7.1 eARC was rated 5.8, while the LG S80QR has a rating 8.4.
Each of the models under consideration has active amplification type. A noticeable difference is the number of channels that Shockwafe Pro 7.1 eARC has 7.1.4 and S80QR has 5.1.3. These rivals can be compared in terms of power, 850 (overall) versus 490 (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 8 out of 10 in our ranking.
The S80QR can play audio from Spotify.
Wireless Internet connection is realized only in the S80QR. Soundbars from this comparison have Bluetooth support. 1/1 HDMI inputs/outputs are in each of soundbars. As in the Shockwafe Pro 7.1 eARC, so in the S80QR there is the HDMI Audio Return Channel (ARC). Connecting devices via USB is possible in both models. We rated the connectivity of the Shockwafe Pro 7.1 eARC at 7 out of 10, while the S80QR was rated 10/10.
None of these soundbars can be controlled using the app. Soundbars in this review are not equipped with a microphone. The models under consideration cannot become part of a multiroom system.
Manufacturers equipped both units with Dolby Atmos audio decoder. Units from this comparison can process surround sound due to DTS:X support. The same score of 10/10 was put to the soundbars for multichannel surround support.