Today we're comparing two impressive soundbar systems: the JBL Bar 700 ($899.95) and the Samsung HW-Q800D ($697.99). Both aim to deliver theater-like sound in your living room, but they take notably different approaches.
Home theater audio has evolved dramatically in recent years. Today's premium soundbars aren't just simple speaker upgrades - they're sophisticated audio systems that can simulate or create true surround sound experiences. The key technologies driving this evolution are Dolby Atmos (which adds height to traditional surround sound) and advanced digital signal processing that can make sound appear to come from places where no speakers exist.
The JBL Bar 700 and Samsung HW-Q800D represent two distinct philosophies in soundbar design. JBL opts for physical rear speakers that detach from the main unit, while Samsung uses advanced virtual processing with dedicated upfiring speakers.
The JBL's detachable rear speakers are quite innovative - they charge when attached to the main bar and can operate wirelessly for up to 10 hours. This provides genuine surround sound without permanent wiring. The Samsung counters with upfiring drivers that bounce sound off your ceiling, creating a sense of height that the JBL can't quite match.
The subwoofers also differ significantly. JBL includes a larger 10-inch driver compared to Samsung's 8-inch unit. In practice, this means the JBL can produce deeper bass, though Samsung's unit offers tighter, more controlled low frequencies.
Both systems excel with movies, but in different ways. The JBL Bar 700 creates a more convincing surround field thanks to its physical rear speakers. When watching action movies or scenes with lots of movement, you'll notice sounds truly moving behind you rather than being simulated.
The Samsung HW-Q800D counters with superior overhead effects. Its dedicated upfiring speakers create more convincing rain, helicopter, or overhead plane effects. The system's SpaceFit Sound technology (which automatically calibrates audio based on your room's acoustics) helps create a surprisingly immersive experience despite the lack of rear speakers.
For music, both systems take different approaches. The JBL offers more precise stereo imaging and better separation between instruments, largely due to its wider main soundbar design. The Samsung provides a wider front soundstage and stronger bass response, which works particularly well for modern pop and electronic music.
The JBL's PureVoice technology deserves special mention - it uses artificial intelligence to enhance dialogue clarity without affecting other sounds. This is particularly noticeable during complex musical passages where vocals can sometimes get lost with other systems.
Both soundbars offer comprehensive connectivity options, but there are important differences. The JBL includes USB playback (in US models) and supports AirPlay, while Samsung offers better integration with their own TVs through Q-Symphony, which coordinates the TV's speakers with the soundbar for enhanced sound.
The JBL offers broader smart home compatibility with support for AirPlay, Chromecast, and Alexa Multi-Room Music. Samsung focuses more on their ecosystem, with excellent integration with SmartThings and other Samsung devices.
Setting up the JBL requires more consideration due to the rear speakers. You'll need somewhere to place them and occasionally remember to recharge them. The Samsung is more straightforward - place the bar and subwoofer, and you're largely done.
Both systems include room calibration features, but Samsung's SpaceFit Sound is more sophisticated, continuously adjusting to room changes rather than requiring manual recalibration.
At $200 less, the Samsung HW-Q800D represents better value for many users, especially those who:
The JBL Bar 700's higher price brings:
Consider your room layout first. If you have space and appropriate seating for rear speakers, the JBL's true surround sound creates a more theater-like experience. However, if your room layout is challenging or you prefer a cleaner setup, Samsung's virtual approach might be more practical.
For Samsung TV owners, the HW-Q800D's integration features add significant value. The Q-Symphony feature creates a notably better experience when paired with compatible Samsung TVs.
Music listeners should consider their preferred genres. The JBL's precise imaging works better for classical and jazz, while the Samsung's powerful bass suits modern genres better.
Budget-conscious buyers should note that while the Samsung is cheaper, both systems represent good value in their respective niches. The JBL's additional features justify its higher price for those who will use them.
Both systems represent excellent choices in the premium soundbar category, with the key difference being their approach to surround sound. The JBL Bar 700 offers a more traditional home theater experience with physical rear speakers, while the Samsung HW-Q800D provides a sophisticated virtual solution that's easier to integrate into most homes. Your choice should ultimately depend on your room configuration, existing equipment, and how you plan to use the system most often.
| JBL Bar 700 | Samsung HW-Q800D |
|---|---|
| Price - Total investment including all components | |
| $899.95 | $697.99 |
| Channel Configuration - Determines surround sound capability | |
| 5.1 with physical rear speakers | 5.1.2 with upfiring height channels |
| Subwoofer Size - Impacts bass depth and power | |
| 10-inch driver (deeper bass extension) | 8-inch driver (tighter, controlled bass) |
| Total Power Output - Affects maximum volume and dynamics | |
| 620W | 360W |
| Rear Speakers - Critical for true surround immersion | |
| Detachable wireless speakers with 10-hour battery | No rear speakers included |
| Height Channel Implementation - Important for Dolby Atmos effects | |
| Virtual height processing | Dedicated upfiring drivers |
| Smart Features - Enables streaming and integration | |
| AirPlay, Chromecast, Alexa Multi-Room | Q-Symphony, SpaceFit Sound, SmartThings |
| Bluetooth Version - Affects wireless audio quality | |
| Bluetooth 5.0 | Bluetooth 5.2 |
| Room Calibration - Optimizes sound for your space | |
| Basic sound calibration | Advanced SpaceFit Sound with continuous adjustment |
| HDMI Ports - Determines connectivity options | |
| 1 input, 1 output (eARC) | 1 input, 1 output (eARC) |
| Special Audio Processing - Enhances specific audio elements | |
| PureVoice dialogue enhancement | Active Voice Amplifier (AVA) |
| Dimensions (Soundbar) - Consider your TV stand space | |
| 46.2" x 2.2" x 4.7" (larger) | 43.7" x 2.4" x 4.7" (more compact) |
The JBL Bar 700 offers a more immersive movie experience thanks to its physical rear speakers, while the Samsung HW-Q800D provides better overhead effects. For pure home theater use, the JBL's true surround sound creates a more cinema-like experience.
The JBL Bar 700 costs $899.95, while the Samsung HW-Q800D is priced at $697.99, making the Samsung about $200 less expensive.
The JBL Bar 700 features a larger 10-inch subwoofer that produces deeper bass, while the Samsung HW-Q800D's 8-inch subwoofer offers tighter, more controlled low frequencies.
Physical rear speakers, like those included with the JBL Bar 700, provide true surround sound. While the Samsung HW-Q800D creates virtual surround effects, physical rear speakers generally deliver a more authentic surround experience.
The Samsung HW-Q800D has a simpler setup since it's just the main bar and subwoofer. The JBL Bar 700 requires more planning due to rear speaker placement, but the wireless design makes installation straightforward.
Both the JBL Bar 700 and Samsung HW-Q800D work with any TV using HDMI ARC or optical connections. However, the Samsung offers additional features when paired with Samsung TVs through Q-Symphony.
The Samsung HW-Q800D is better suited for small rooms since it doesn't require rear speaker placement. The JBL Bar 700 needs more space to properly position its rear speakers for optimal performance.
Both support Bluetooth streaming, but the JBL Bar 700 offers more options with AirPlay, Chromecast, and Alexa Multi-Room Music. The Samsung HW-Q800D focuses on Samsung ecosystem integration.
Both offer dialogue enhancement, with the JBL Bar 700's PureVoice technology generally performing better than the Samsung HW-Q800D's Active Voice Amplifier for clear speech during movies.
Both soundbars support Dolby Atmos, which adds height effects to create more immersive sound. The Samsung HW-Q800D has dedicated upfiring speakers, while the JBL Bar 700 uses virtual processing for height effects.
Both soundbars perform well for gaming, but the JBL Bar 700 offers better positional audio due to its rear speakers, which is particularly helpful in competitive gaming situations where precise sound location matters.
The JBL Bar 700's higher price is justified if you want true surround sound and more streaming options. The Samsung HW-Q800D offers better value if you don't need physical rear speakers and prefer a simpler setup.
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) - techradar.com - valueelectronics.com - samsung.com - rtings.com - samsung.com - crutchfield.com - samsung.com - samsung.com - samsung.com - shidirect.com
