Home theater audio has come a long way from complex receiver-based systems. Today's premium soundbars offer impressive performance in sleek, user-friendly packages. Let's compare two leading contenders: the JBL Bar 700 ($899) and LG S90TR ($799), both released in late 2023.
Today's soundbars have evolved far beyond simple TV speaker replacements. They now incorporate advanced audio processing, wireless connectivity, and sophisticated speaker arrays that create immersive sound experiences. The key differentiator between models is often their channel configuration - essentially how many distinct speakers they use and where those speakers direct sound.
A modern premium soundbar system typically includes:
The JBL Bar 700 takes a 5.1 approach, meaning it has five main channels plus a subwoofer. Its standout feature is the innovative detachable battery-powered rear speakers - a unique solution that offers flexibility in placement without requiring power outlets.
The LG S90TR employs a more comprehensive 7.1.3 setup - seven main channels, one subwoofer, and three height channels. This configuration provides more precise sound placement and better overhead effects, particularly noticeable with Dolby Atmos content.
Both systems handle movie soundtracks impressively, but with different strengths. The LG's additional channels create a more precise soundstage - you can better pinpoint where sounds are coming from. This is particularly noticeable during complex action scenes where multiple sound effects occur simultaneously.
The JBL counters with its PureVoice technology, which uses artificial intelligence to enhance dialogue clarity. This feature proves especially valuable during quiet scenes or when background noise might otherwise muddle speech.
For Dolby Atmos content (movies and shows with overhead sound effects), the LG has a clear advantage with its dedicated height channels. While the JBL creates virtual height effects admirably, physical speakers aimed upward simply provide more convincing overhead sound.
For music, both systems offer strong performance but with different characteristics. The JBL's 5.1 configuration often provides better stereo imaging - the ability to accurately place instruments and vocals in the sound field. Its built-in support for high-resolution audio streaming services (including Tidal and Amazon Music HD) makes it particularly appealing for music enthusiasts.
The LG's additional channels can create a more enveloping music experience, especially with live concert recordings or orchestral pieces. However, some might find its presentation slightly less precise for pure stereo content.
Modern gaming demands both high-quality audio and video passthrough capabilities. The LG edges ahead here with its support for 4K/120Hz passthrough, making it more future-proof for next-generation gaming consoles. Both systems handle positional audio well, but the LG's additional channels provide more precise location cues in games - particularly useful in competitive titles.
The JBL Bar 700 offers comprehensive streaming options with built-in Wi-Fi, AirPlay, Alexa, and Chromecast support. This means you can easily stream music from virtually any service or device. The system also includes automatic room calibration, though it's not as sophisticated as the LG's AI-based solution.
The LG S90TR introduces several innovative features like WOW Orchestra (which coordinates with compatible LG TVs for enhanced sound) and advanced AI Room Calibration. While it offers fewer built-in streaming options, its integration with LG TVs is seamless.
JBL's battery-powered rear speakers offer unique flexibility - they can be placed anywhere without worrying about power cords, and they automatically recharge when reattached to the main soundbar. Battery life extends to about 10 hours, sufficient for even the longest movie marathons.
The LG's setup is more traditional but offers more precise calibration options. Its AI Room Calibration feature uses advanced algorithms to optimize sound based on your room's acoustic properties, resulting in more consistent performance across different spaces.
At $799, the LG offers more channels and sophisticated room correction at a lower price point than the $899 JBL. However, the JBL's unique features like battery-powered rear speakers and comprehensive streaming support might justify the premium for some users.
Consider these scenarios:
For a dedicated home theater:
For a flexible living room setup:
For gaming and modern entertainment:
Both systems represent significant advances over previous generations of soundbars. The integration of AI for room correction and dialogue enhancement, wireless rear speakers, and sophisticated digital signal processing shows how far the technology has come.
The JBL's PureVoice technology represents a new approach to dialogue enhancement, using machine learning to separate speech from background sounds. Meanwhile, LG's WOW Orchestra exemplifies the trend toward deeper integration between TVs and sound systems.
Choose the JBL Bar 700 if:
Choose the LG S90TR if:
Both systems represent excellent choices in modern home audio, but their different approaches suit different users. The JBL excels in flexibility and ease of use, while the LG offers more channels and precise sound placement at a lower price point.
Remember that room size and layout should influence your decision - larger rooms benefit more from the LG's additional channels, while smaller or multipurpose spaces might better suit the JBL's adaptable design.
| JBL Bar 700 Dolby Atmos 5.1 | LG S90TR 7.1.3 |
|---|---|
| Price - Overall Value Proposition | |
| $899 | $799 |
| Channel Configuration - Determines surround sound precision | |
| 5.1 channels (more basic setup) | 7.1.3 channels (more precise positioning + height) |
| Total Power Output - Impacts maximum volume and clarity | |
| 620W total system power | 700W+ (exact spec not published) |
| Subwoofer Size - Affects bass performance | |
| 10" driver (powerful, deep bass) | 8" driver (tight, controlled bass) |
| Rear Speaker Design - Important for flexibility | |
| Battery-powered detachable (10hr battery) | Traditional wireless powered |
| Height Channel Support - Critical for Dolby Atmos | |
| Virtual height channels only | 3 dedicated upward-firing speakers |
| Streaming Features - Affects music playback options | |
| Wi-Fi, AirPlay, Chromecast, Alexa | Bluetooth, AirPlay only |
| Room Calibration - Optimizes sound for your space | |
| Basic auto-calibration | Advanced AI Room Calibration |
| Video Passthrough - Important for gaming | |
| 4K/60Hz HDR10, Dolby Vision | 4K/120Hz HDR10, Dolby Vision |
| Special Features - Unique capabilities | |
| PureVoice dialogue enhancement, portable rears | WOW Orchestra (LG TV integration), more precise surround |
| Connectivity - Input/Output options | |
| 1 HDMI in, 1 HDMI eARC, optical, USB | 1 HDMI in, 1 HDMI eARC, optical, USB |
| Physical Size - Consider your space | |
| Main bar: 34.8" wide, less intrusive | Main bar: 49.2" wide, needs more space |
The LG S90TR is generally better for dedicated home theater use due to its 7.1.3 channel configuration and dedicated height speakers for Dolby Atmos. While the JBL Bar 700 performs well, its 5.1 channel setup doesn't match the LG's precision in surround sound placement.
The JBL Bar 700 costs $899, while the LG S90TR is priced at $799, making the LG a better value for its additional features and channels.
The JBL Bar 700 features a larger 10-inch subwoofer compared to the LG S90TR's 8-inch unit. This gives the JBL an advantage in deep bass output, though both deliver impressive low-end performance.
The LG S90TR edges out the JBL Bar 700 for movie watching due to its additional channels and dedicated height speakers, creating a more immersive Dolby Atmos experience.
The JBL Bar 700 offers a simpler setup process, especially with its detachable wireless rear speakers. The LG S90TR requires more careful placement of its permanent rear speakers but provides more advanced room calibration.
The JBL Bar 700 offers more streaming options with built-in Wi-Fi, Chromecast, AirPlay, and Alexa support. The LG S90TR is more limited, primarily relying on Bluetooth and AirPlay.
The LG S90TR is superior for gaming with 4K/120Hz passthrough and more precise positional audio from its 7.1.3 channels. The JBL Bar 700 is still capable but better suited for casual gaming.
Yes, both support Dolby Atmos, but the LG S90TR delivers a more authentic experience with dedicated height channels, while the JBL Bar 700 uses virtual processing for height effects.
The JBL Bar 700 features PureVoice technology specifically designed for dialogue enhancement, giving it an edge over the LG S90TR for clear speech reproduction.
The JBL Bar 700 is more suitable for small rooms with its compact design and flexible rear speaker placement. The LG S90TR benefits from larger spaces where its additional channels can create a more expansive soundstage.
Yes, both the JBL Bar 700 and LG S90TR can be wall-mounted, and both include mounting hardware in the box.
The LG S90TR offers better TV integration, especially with LG TVs through its WOW Orchestra feature. The JBL Bar 700 works well with any TV but doesn't offer specific brand integration features.
We've done our best to create useful and informative comparisons to help you decide what product to buy. Our research uses advanced automated methods to create this comparison and perfection is not possible - please contact us for corrections or questions. These are the sites we've researched in the creation of this article: crutchfield.com - harmanaudio.com - target.com - jbl.com - walmart.com - dell.com - jbl.com.pdf) - rtings.com - abt.com - youtube.com - bestbuy.com - microcenter.com - buydig.com - bestbuy.com - videoandaudiocenter.com - oceanstateappliance.com - youtube.com - avsforum.com - lg.com
