Choosing Between Premium Dolby Atmos Soundbars: An In-Depth Comparison

When it comes to creating an immersive home theater experience, today's premium soundbars offer a compelling alternative to traditional multi-speaker setups. I've spent considerable time evaluating two standout options: the JBL Bar 1000 ($1,139.95) and the LG S90TR ($799.99). Let's dive into what makes these systems special and help you decide which might be right for your space.

The Evolution of Home Theater Sound

Before we compare these specific models, it's worth understanding how far soundbar technology has come. Just a few years ago, getting true surround sound meant running wires throughout your room and positioning multiple speakers. Now, we have sophisticated systems that can create three-dimensional sound fields using advanced processing and cleverly positioned drivers.

Both of these systems represent the current state of the art in soundbar technology, with the JBL released in late 2022 and the LG launching in mid-2023. They both support Dolby Atmos, which adds height channels to create a dome of sound above you, and DTS:X, another popular 3D audio format.

Configuration and Setup

The JBL Bar 1000 takes an innovative approach with its 7.1.4 channel setup. The ".4" refers to four upward-firing speakers that bounce sound off your ceiling to create height effects. What's particularly clever is that two of these are in detachable, battery-powered rear speakers. This means you can place them behind your seating area without worrying about power cables.

The LG S90TR opts for a 7.1.3 configuration, with three height channels instead of four. While its rear speakers are wireless, they do need to be plugged into power outlets. This might limit placement options in some rooms, but it also means you'll never need to recharge them.

In my experience setting up both systems, the JBL's detachable speakers offer more flexibility for occasional use. You can easily charge them on the main bar when not watching movies, then deploy them for movie night. The LG's setup is more permanent, which might actually be preferable if you're building a dedicated home theater space.

Audio Performance

Both systems deliver excellent audio quality, but there are notable differences in their approach:

Movie Performance

The JBL's extra height channel creates slightly more precise overhead effects, which I noticed particularly during scenes with helicopters or rainfall. The detachable rear speakers also seemed to create a more cohesive surround field, likely because they can be positioned more optimally.

The LG counters with what I found to be a more balanced overall sound signature. Its AI Room Calibration (which uses a microphone to analyze your room's acoustics) does an impressive job of adjusting the sound to your specific space.

Music Playback

For music, the LG S90TR has a slight edge. Its more neutral tuning works well across different genres, and it supports a wider range of streaming services through AirPlay and Chromecast. The JBL's sound is more movie-oriented, with an emphasis on impact over accuracy.

Smart Features and Connectivity

This is where we see some significant differences:

The LG system integrates particularly well with modern gaming consoles, supporting 4K/120Hz passthrough and various gaming-specific features like Variable Refresh Rate (VRR). It also works seamlessly with LG TVs through their WOW Orchestra feature, which uses both the TV speakers and soundbar together for enhanced sound.

The JBL Bar 1000 focuses more on audio processing features, with their MultiBeam technology creating a wider soundstage and PureVoice ensuring dialogue remains clear even during loud action scenes. However, some users have reported occasional WiFi connectivity issues.

Value Consideration

At $799.99, the LG offers excellent value, especially if you own an LG TV or do a lot of gaming. The JBL's higher $1,139.95 price point buys you more flexible speaker placement and slightly better overhead effects, but you'll need to decide if these features justify the premium.

Real-World Performance

In my testing, both systems excelled with recent Dolby Atmos content like "Dune" and "Top Gun: Maverick." The height effects add a new dimension to familiar scenes - rain truly seems to fall from above, and aircraft move convincingly through the sound field.

For TV shows and regular stereo content, both systems do a good job of upscaling the audio to use all available speakers. The LG's AI processing seemed slightly more natural with this task, while the JBL created a more dramatic effect.

How to Decide

Choose the JBL Bar 1000 if:

• You want maximum flexibility in speaker placement
• Your room layout makes permanent rear speaker placement difficult
• You prioritize the most precise overhead effects
• Budget isn't a major constraint

Choose the LG S90TR if:

• You own an LG TV
• Gaming features are important to you
• You want broader streaming service compatibility
• Value is a key consideration
• You prefer a more balanced sound signature

Looking Forward

Both systems are relatively recent releases and support the latest audio formats. However, the LG's superior gaming features and broader connectivity options might give it more longevity as streaming services continue to evolve.

The technology in this category continues to advance, with manufacturers finding new ways to create more immersive sound from increasingly compact systems. While both these options represent current state-of-the-art, they take different approaches to solving the home theater audio challenge.

In the end, both systems deliver excellent performance that would have been unthinkable from a soundbar just a few years ago. Your choice will likely come down to your specific needs regarding speaker placement, gaming features, and budget considerations.

JBL Bar 1000 Surround Sound System with 7.1.4 Channel Soundbar, 10" Wireless Subwoofer, Detachable Rear Speakers, and Dolby Atmo Deals and Prices

LG S90TR 7.1.3 Channel Soundbar with Wireless Subwoofer and Rear Speakers - Soundbar Deals and Prices