Comparing Premium Soundbars: Finding Your Perfect Audio Upgrade

The hunt for better TV sound has led many to consider soundbars as an elegant solution. Today, we'll compare two compelling options: the JBL Bar 700 ($899.95) and the Samsung HW-S700D ($397.99), both released in late 2023.

Understanding Modern Soundbars

Soundbars have evolved dramatically from simple TV speaker replacements into sophisticated home theater solutions. Today's premium models offer features like Dolby Atmos (which creates a 3D sound bubble around you), room calibration (automatically adjusting sound for your space), and wireless streaming capabilities.

The key differentiator is often the channel configuration - essentially how many distinct speakers are working together. The JBL Bar 700 offers a 5.1 setup (five speakers plus a subwoofer), while the Samsung HW-S700D provides 3.1 channels. This fundamental difference shapes much of their performance capabilities.

Deep Dive: Audio Performance

Movie and TV Experience

The JBL's 5.1 configuration, with its physical rear speakers, creates a genuinely immersive experience. When a helicopter flies overhead in a movie, you'll hear it move through the room. The 10-inch subwoofer delivers impactful explosions and deep rumbles that you can feel. This system particularly shines in larger rooms where sound can properly disperse.

The Samsung takes a different approach, using advanced processing to simulate surround effects from fewer speakers. Its strength lies in dialogue clarity - the dedicated center channel, enhanced by Samsung's Active Voice Amplifier technology, ensures you'll never miss a whispered conversation. While it can't match the JBL's true surround capabilities, it excels at its core mission of upgrading TV audio.

Music Playback

For music lovers, the JBL's fuller speaker array creates a more enveloping soundstage - that sense of being surrounded by musicians. The larger subwoofer provides weightier bass for genres like hip-hop or classical orchestras. The rear speakers contribute to a more concert-like experience.

The Samsung delivers clean, detailed music playback focused on the front soundstage. Its sophisticated processing helps create good stereo separation, though bass impact is more modest through its smaller subwoofer. It's particularly well-suited for vocal-focused music and podcasts.

Setup and Integration

Here's where the products' different philosophies become apparent. The JBL Bar 700 requires more thoughtful setup - you'll need to position rear speakers and potentially run through room calibration if you move them. However, this effort pays off in superior surround performance.

The Samsung opts for simplicity. Its slim single bar and wireless subwoofer are easy to position. If you own a recent Samsung TV, the Q-Symphony feature lets the soundbar work in harmony with your TV's built-in speakers for enhanced audio. While this ecosystem lock-in might deter some, it's an elegant solution for Samsung TV owners.

Smart Features and Connectivity

Both systems offer modern conveniences like Bluetooth streaming and HDMI eARC (which allows high-quality audio transmission from your TV). The JBL goes further with built-in Wi-Fi, supporting AirPlay, Chromecast, and Alexa Multi-Room Music. This flexibility lets you easily integrate it into any smart home setup.

The Samsung focuses on its ecosystem, with tight SmartThings integration and optimization for Samsung TVs. While more limited in overall connectivity, it offers useful features like Game Mode Pro, which enhances gaming audio when connected to compatible Samsung TVs.

Value Proposition

At $899.95, the JBL represents a significant investment but delivers true surround sound and premium features. The $397.99 Samsung offers impressive performance for less than half the price, especially excelling at TV audio enhancement and dialogue clarity.

Technology Improvements

Since their late 2023 release, both systems have received firmware updates enhancing their capabilities. The JBL's PureVoice technology has been refined to better handle dialogue in complex audio mixes. Samsung has improved its SpaceFit Sound calibration, though it still doesn't quite match the precision of JBL's system.

How to Decide

Choose the JBL Bar 700 if:

• You want genuine surround sound
• Your room is medium to large sized
• Movies are your primary use case
• You value connectivity options
• Budget allows for premium features

Choose the Samsung HW-S700D if:

• You prioritize dialogue clarity
• You have a smaller room
• Simple setup is important
• You own a Samsung TV
• Value is a key consideration

The decision ultimately comes down to your priorities and space. The JBL offers a more theater-like experience but requires more setup and investment. The Samsung provides excellent TV audio enhancement in a simpler, more affordable package.

Remember that room size significantly impacts performance - the JBL's capabilities are best realized in larger spaces, while the Samsung's focused sound works well in smaller rooms. Consider your viewing distance and room layout when deciding.

Both represent solid choices in their respective price categories, with the JBL offering premium performance and the Samsung delivering impressive value. Your choice should align with your space, budget, and how you'll primarily use the system.

JBL Bar 700 Dolby Atmos 5.1 Soundbar with Subwoofer Deals and Prices

Samsung HW-S700D 3.1 Channel Slim Soundbar Deals and Prices