When it comes to upgrading your TV's audio, soundbars have become the go-to solution for many people. Today, we're comparing two popular options: the premium JBL Bar 700 ($899) and the mid-range Samsung HW-B550D ($178). While both aim to enhance your TV audio experience, they take notably different approaches.
Before diving into the specifics, let's understand what makes today's soundbars different from older models. Modern soundbars use advanced digital signal processing (DSP) to create virtual surround effects, while some premium models include physical surround speakers. The technology has evolved significantly since basic stereo soundbars, with newer models offering features like room correction and wireless streaming.
The JBL Bar 700 offers a true 5.1 channel setup - meaning five speakers (left, center, right, and two surrounds) plus one subwoofer. The ".1" refers to the subwoofer channel, which handles the low bass frequencies. In contrast, the Samsung HW-B550D uses a 3.1 configuration, with three front channels and a subwoofer.
This difference is crucial because more channels generally mean better sound positioning and a more immersive experience. Think of it like having more points on a compass - you get more precise directional audio.
The JBL system stands out with its Dolby Atmos support, which adds height effects to create a more three-dimensional soundstage. This means you can hear sounds appearing to come from above, which is particularly effective in action movies or nature documentaries. The detachable rear speakers provide genuine surround sound, placing you in the middle of the action.
Samsung's approach relies on DTS Virtual:X technology to simulate surround effects from fewer speakers. While clever processing can create an illusion of surround sound, it can't match the precision of physical speakers behind you. However, for many TV shows and casual viewing, this virtual approach works surprisingly well.
A key difference lies in the subwoofers. JBL's 10-inch driver delivers deeper, more impactful bass that you can feel during explosive movie scenes. Samsung's 5-inch subwoofer produces adequate bass for TV viewing but won't shake the room during action sequences. This size difference means the JBL can reproduce lower frequencies (down to 35Hz) compared to Samsung's higher cutoff point.
Both systems handle dialogue well, but through different approaches. JBL uses their PureVoice technology, which actively separates speech from background sounds. Samsung employs a dedicated center channel with voice enhancement modes. In practice, both make dialogue clearer than TV speakers, but JBL's processing tends to maintain clarity better during complex sound mixes.
The JBL Bar 700 really shows its premium nature here with Wi-Fi connectivity supporting AirPlay, Chromecast, and Alexa Multi-Room Music. This means you can easily stream high-quality audio from various devices and services. The Samsung relies solely on Bluetooth, which is convenient but doesn't match Wi-Fi's quality and range.
JBL's eARC support allows for higher-quality audio formats and easier control through your TV remote. It also passes through 4K HDR video, including Dolby Vision, making it future-proof for modern TV setups. Samsung's basic ARC connection handles common audio formats but is limited to 1080p video pass-through.
For dedicated movie watching, the JBL system's advantages become clear. The true surround speakers and Atmos support create a mini theater experience. During testing, effects like helicopters flying overhead or rainfall sound notably more realistic compared to the Samsung's virtual approach.
For news, sports, and regular TV shows, the Samsung performs admirably. Its 3.1 setup provides clear dialogue and decent stereo separation, which is often all you need for this type of content. The simpler setup might actually be preferable for day-to-day use.
The JBL's superior processing and larger subwoofer make it better for music, especially genres with significant bass content. However, the Samsung handles most music well enough for casual listening, particularly when streaming via Bluetooth from your phone.
At $178, the Samsung HW-B550D represents excellent value for basic audio enhancement. It delivers the core benefits of a soundbar - better dialogue, some bass impact, and improved overall sound - at an accessible price point.
The JBL Bar 700 at $899 requires a bigger investment but offers significantly more features and better performance. Whether this premium is worth it depends largely on your usage patterns and how much you value audio quality.
Consider these key factors:
Both soundbars excel at their respective price points. The Samsung HW-B550D provides solid audio enhancement for everyday use at a reasonable price. The JBL Bar 700 delivers a premium experience with features that justify its higher cost for enthusiasts and movie lovers.
Choose the Samsung if you want a significant upgrade from TV speakers without a major investment. Opt for the JBL if you're serious about home theater audio and will appreciate its advanced features and superior performance.
| JBL Bar 700 Dolby Atmos 5.1 | Samsung HW-B550D 3.1 |
|---|---|
| Channel Configuration - Determines surround sound capabilities | |
| 5.1 with physical rear speakers | 3.1 virtual surround only |
| Total Power Output - Impacts maximum volume and dynamic range | |
| 620W (more headroom for peaks) | 410W (adequate for most rooms) |
| Subwoofer Size - Affects bass depth and impact | |
| 10-inch driver (theater-like bass) | 5-inch driver (good for TV/music) |
| Advanced Audio Formats - Important for movie enthusiasts | |
| Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital+ | Dolby Digital, DTS Virtual:X |
| HDMI Features - Matters for 4K TV compatibility | |
| eARC, 4K Dolby Vision pass-through | Basic ARC, 1080p pass-through |
| Wireless Connectivity - Affects streaming options | |
| Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, AirPlay, Chromecast | Bluetooth only |
| Special Features - Enhances usability | |
| PureVoice, Room calibration, Detachable speakers | Adaptive Sound Lite, Bass Boost |
| Battery Life - For portable components | |
| 10 hours (rear speakers) | N/A (no battery components) |
| Dimensions (Soundbar) - Consider your TV stand space | |
| 46.2" x 2.2" x 4.7" | 33.9" x 2.3" x 3" |
| Price - Value consideration | |
| $899 (premium features justify cost) | $178 (excellent value for basics) |
| Best Use Case - Helps match to your needs | |
| Home theater, large rooms, movie enthusiasts | Basic TV enhancement, smaller rooms, casual viewing |
The JBL Bar 700 ($899) is significantly better for movies due to its Dolby Atmos support and true 5.1 surround sound with physical rear speakers. The Samsung HW-B550D ($178) offers basic virtual surround, but can't match the immersive experience of physical speakers.
The main difference is that the JBL Bar 700 is a true 5.1 system with detachable rear speakers and Dolby Atmos, while the Samsung HW-B550D is a 3.1 system with virtual surround effects only.
For home theater enthusiasts, the JBL Bar 700's premium features justify its higher price. However, if you're mainly watching regular TV, the Samsung HW-B550D provides excellent value at its lower price point.
The JBL Bar 700 has notably better bass with its 10-inch subwoofer compared to the Samsung HW-B550D's 5-inch subwoofer. This difference is especially noticeable during action movies and music playback.
While not essential, Dolby Atmos (available on the JBL Bar 700) adds significant immersion to home theater experience with overhead sound effects. The Samsung HW-B550D lacks this feature but still provides good basic surround effects.
The Samsung HW-B550D is well-suited for small rooms due to its compact size and virtual surround approach. The JBL Bar 700 benefits from more space to properly position its rear speakers.
Both can stream via Bluetooth, but the JBL Bar 700 adds Wi-Fi streaming with AirPlay and Chromecast for better quality. The Samsung HW-B550D is limited to Bluetooth only.
Both perform well, but the JBL Bar 700 has an edge with its PureVoice technology. The Samsung HW-B550D offers good dialogue clarity through its dedicated center channel.
For true surround sound, physical rear speakers (like those on the JBL Bar 700) make a significant difference. The virtual surround of the Samsung HW-B550D is good but can't match real speakers.
The JBL Bar 700 is better suited for 4K setups with its eARC support and 4K HDR pass-through. The Samsung HW-B550D is limited to 1080p pass-through.
Both are relatively simple to set up, but the Samsung HW-B550D is slightly easier due to fewer components. The JBL Bar 700 requires more setup with its rear speakers but includes auto-calibration.
Either would work well for sports, but the Samsung HW-B550D offers great value for this use case. The JBL Bar 700's advanced features are less crucial for sports viewing.
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) - bestbuy.com - crutchfield.com - avsforum.com - consumerreports.org - abt.com - pcrichard.com - samsung.com - samsung.com - rtings.com - samsung.com - jeffsappliance.com
