Jbl vs samsung: which soundbar delivers the best bang for your buck?
What To Know
- Their latest offerings, the JBL 1000 soundbar and the Samsung Q990B soundbar, have emerged as formidable contenders, promising an immersive and cinematic audio experience.
- The Samsung Q990B, on the other hand, boasts a more powerful and dynamic sound, with thunderous bass and a wider range of frequencies.
- The Q990B offers a more immersive Dolby Atmos experience, a wider range of features, and a more powerful sound.
The world of home entertainment has witnessed a fierce rivalry between two audio giants: JBL and Samsung. Their latest offerings, the JBL 1000 soundbar and the Samsung Q990B soundbar, have emerged as formidable contenders, promising an immersive and cinematic audio experience. In this comprehensive guide, we will pit these two soundbars head-to-head, comparing their features, performance, and value for money.
Design and Aesthetics
The JBL 1000 soundbar boasts a sleek and minimalist design, with a low-profile form factor that seamlessly blends with modern home décor. Its fabric grille adds a touch of elegance, while the metal accents provide durability. The Samsung Q990B, on the other hand, features a more angular design with a prominent grille. Its larger size and weight make it a more noticeable presence in the room.
Audio Performance
Sound Quality
Both the JBL 1000 and Samsung Q990B deliver exceptional sound quality, but they have distinct strengths. The JBL 1000 emphasizes clarity and detail, with a well-balanced frequency response. Its wide soundstage creates a spacious and immersive audio experience, making it ideal for movies and music. The Samsung Q990B, on the other hand, boasts a more powerful and dynamic sound, with thunderous bass and a wider range of frequencies. It excels at delivering a cinematic experience, especially for action-packed content.
Dolby Atmos Support
Both soundbars support Dolby Atmos, an immersive audio format that creates a multi-dimensional sound field. The JBL 1000 uses a 5.1.2 channel configuration with two up-firing speakers, while the Samsung Q990B employs a 9.1.4 channel setup with four up-firing speakers. The Q990B’s larger number of channels and speakers provides a more enveloping and immersive Dolby Atmos experience.
Features and Connectivity
Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
Both the JBL 1000 and Samsung Q990B offer Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, allowing for wireless music streaming and control. However, the Samsung Q990B has an advantage with its built-in AirPlay 2 support, which expands the range of compatible streaming devices.
HDMI and eARC
Both soundbars feature multiple HDMI ports, including eARC (Enhanced Audio Return Channel), which enables high-quality audio transmission from compatible TVs. This allows for the lossless transmission of Dolby Atmos and other high-bitrate audio formats.
Voice Assistant Compatibility
The JBL 1000 soundbar supports Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, while the Samsung Q990B adds support for Bixby. This allows for hands-free control of the soundbar and other smart home devices.
Price and Value
The JBL 1000 soundbar is priced at around $999, while the Samsung Q990B costs approximately $1,799. The Q990B offers a more immersive Dolby Atmos experience, a wider range of features, and a more powerful sound. However, the JBL 1000 is a more affordable option that still delivers a great audio experience.
Which Soundbar is Right for You?
The choice between the JBL 1000 soundbar and the Samsung Q990B ultimately depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you prioritize clarity, affordability, and a minimalist design, the JBL 1000 is an excellent option. If you seek an immersive cinematic experience with powerful sound, advanced features, and Dolby Atmos support, the Samsung Q990B is the better choice.
Alternatives to Consider
If neither the JBL 1000 nor the Samsung Q990B meets your requirements, here are some alternatives to consider:
- Sonos Arc: A premium soundbar with excellent sound quality and a compact design.
- Bose Smart Soundbar 900: A powerful and feature-rich soundbar with a wide soundstage.
- Vizio Elevate: A budget-friendly soundbar with Dolby Atmos support and up-firing speakers.
Information You Need to Know
Which soundbar has better sound quality?
The Samsung Q990B has a more powerful and dynamic sound, while the JBL 1000 emphasizes clarity and detail. Both soundbars deliver exceptional audio quality.
Which soundbar is more affordable?
The JBL 1000 soundbar is priced at around $999, while the Samsung Q990B costs approximately $1,799.
Which soundbar has more Dolby Atmos channels?
The Samsung Q990B has a 9.1.4 channel setup with four up-firing speakers, while the JBL 1000 has a 5.1.2 channel configuration with two up-firing speakers.
Which soundbar has better connectivity options?
Both soundbars offer Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, HDMI, and eARC connectivity. The Samsung Q990B has an advantage with its built-in AirPlay 2 support.
Which soundbar is better for movies?
The Samsung Q990B is a better choice for movies due to its more powerful sound, wider range of frequencies, and immersive Dolby Atmos experience.