When it comes to improving your TV's audio, soundbars offer a compelling solution that bridges the gap between built-in TV speakers and complex home theater systems. Today, we'll compare two distinctly different approaches: the premium $899.95 JBL Bar 700 surround system and the entry-level $279 Sonos Ray.
Soundbar technology has evolved significantly in recent years. The biggest advancement has been the implementation of virtual surround sound processing, which uses sophisticated algorithms to create immersive audio from fewer speakers. While traditional surround sound required speakers placed around the room, modern soundbars can simulate similar effects through clever acoustic engineering.
The JBL Bar 700, released in 2022, represents the latest in this technology, featuring Dolby Atmos processing that creates virtual height channels - making sounds appear to come from above without requiring ceiling speakers. In contrast, the Sonos Ray, also from 2022, takes a more focused approach, concentrating on clear dialogue and music reproduction in a compact form factor.
The JBL Bar 700 delivers a true cinematic experience with its 5.1 channel setup. This means it has five main speaker channels (left, center, right, and two surrounds) plus one subwoofer channel (the ".1"). The included 10-inch wireless subwoofer provides deep bass that you can feel during explosive scenes, while the detachable wireless rear speakers create genuine surround sound effects.
What sets it apart is the Dolby Atmos implementation. When watching compatible content, the system creates a three-dimensional soundfield - imagine hearing a helicopter moving from behind you, over your head, and to the front of the room. This is achieved through specialized audio processing and carefully designed speaker arrays.
The Sonos Ray takes a different approach. It focuses on two-channel audio (left and right) but uses advanced processing to create a wider soundstage - the perceived width of the audio field. While it can't match the immersive experience of the JBL, it excels at dialogue clarity through careful tuning of the midrange frequencies where voices typically reside.
For music, each system has distinct advantages. The JBL Bar 700's subwoofer and multiple channels provide room-filling sound with powerful bass, making it excellent for electronic music, rock, and other bass-heavy genres. However, the surround processing can sometimes make stereo music feel artificially spread out.
The Sonos Ray shines with music streaming, offering superior integration with streaming services through the Sonos app. Its stereo design and careful tuning provide accurate music reproduction, though it lacks the bass impact of the JBL system. The Ray's more focused soundstage can actually be advantageous for critical music listening.
The JBL Bar 700 offers comprehensive connectivity:
The Sonos Ray keeps it simpler but smarter:
Room size significantly impacts soundbar performance. The JBL Bar 700's powerful output and surround capabilities make it ideal for medium to large rooms (15x20 feet or larger). The wireless rear speakers offer flexible placement options, though they need periodic recharging.
The Sonos Ray is optimized for smaller spaces, performing best in rooms up to about 15x15 feet. Its compact design (22 inches wide) works well in apartments or bedrooms where space is premium. The Ray's forward-firing speakers mean it can be placed inside a TV cabinet without compromising sound quality.
The price difference between these systems ($620) could buy two additional Sonos Ray soundbars. However, value depends entirely on your needs:
Consider these key factors when choosing between the JBL Bar 700 and Sonos Ray:
Neither system is definitively "better" - they serve different purposes and users. The JBL Bar 700 offers a premium home theater experience that can transform movie watching, while the Sonos Ray provides excellent sound quality for everyday TV viewing and music listening in a simpler package.
Choose the JBL if you want the full home theater experience and have the space and budget to support it. Pick the Sonos if you want great sound in a compact package with the potential to expand into a whole-home audio system later.
| JBL Bar 700 Dolby Atmos 5.1 | Sonos Ray |
|---|---|
| Price - Base investment required | |
| $899.95 | $279.00 |
| Audio Configuration - Determines surround capabilities | |
| 5.1 channel with wireless surrounds and subwoofer | 2.0 stereo configuration |
| Power Output - Impacts room-filling capability | |
| 620W total system power | Not specified, suitable for small-medium rooms |
| Audio Processing - Affects immersive experience | |
| Dolby Atmos with virtual height channels | Basic stereo processing |
| Subwoofer - Critical for bass performance | |
| 10" wireless subwoofer included | None (optional separate purchase) |
| Connectivity Options - Flexibility for setup | |
| HDMI eARC, Optical, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Chromecast | Optical only, Wi-Fi, AirPlay 2 |
| Room Size Suitability - Space requirements | |
| Medium to large rooms (15'x20' or larger) | Small to medium rooms (up to 15'x15') |
| Smart Features - Ecosystem integration | |
| Basic streaming, voice assistant compatible | Full Sonos ecosystem, superior streaming |
| Physical Dimensions - Space considerations | |
| Main bar: 34.8" x 2.2" x 4.7" (plus surrounds/sub) | Compact: 22" x 2.8" x 3.7" |
| Special Features - Additional capabilities | |
| Room calibration, PureVoice dialogue enhancement | TruePlay tuning (iOS only), Speech enhancement |
| Multi-room Capability - Whole home audio | |
| Basic through Chromecast/AirPlay | Advanced Sonos ecosystem integration |
| Setup Complexity - Installation effort | |
| Moderate (multiple components to position) | Simple (single unit, optical connection) |
The JBL Bar 700 is significantly better for movies, offering true 5.1 surround sound with Dolby Atmos, wireless rear speakers, and a dedicated subwoofer. The Sonos Ray is limited to 2.0 stereo sound, making it less immersive for movie watching.
For home theater enthusiasts, the JBL Bar 700's $899.95 price tag is justified by its superior surround sound capabilities and included subwoofer. However, if you're mainly watching TV shows or news, the Sonos Ray at $279 provides excellent value.
The Sonos Ray is ideal for small spaces, with its compact 22-inch width and focused sound. The JBL Bar 700 system, while more powerful, requires more space for optimal surround sound placement.
The JBL Bar 700 includes a wireless 10-inch subwoofer for powerful bass. The Sonos Ray doesn't include a subwoofer, but one can be added separately if desired.
Both excel at dialogue clarity. The JBL Bar 700 uses PureVoice technology, while the Sonos Ray features speech enhancement. Both perform well, but the JBL's center channel gives it a slight edge.
Yes, both can stream music. The Sonos Ray offers superior streaming integration through the Sonos app. The JBL Bar 700 supports streaming via Bluetooth, Chromecast, and AirPlay.
The JBL Bar 700 uses HDMI eARC for the best audio quality and Dolby Atmos support. The Sonos Ray only uses optical connection, which is simpler but doesn't support advanced audio formats.
The JBL Bar 700 is better for gaming due to its surround sound capabilities and more immersive audio experience. The Sonos Ray works fine for casual gaming but won't provide the same level of immersion.
The Sonos Ray can be expanded within the Sonos ecosystem for multi-room audio. The JBL Bar 700 comes complete with surrounds and subwoofer but has limited expansion options.
The JBL Bar 700 is better suited for larger TVs (55" and above) due to its wider soundstage and more powerful output. The Sonos Ray is better matched with TVs 50" or smaller.
Only the JBL Bar 700 supports Dolby Atmos, providing virtual height channels for immersive 3D sound. The Sonos Ray doesn't support Dolby Atmos.
The Sonos Ray offers simpler setup with just an optical connection and power cable. The JBL Bar 700 requires more setup time to position surround speakers and subwoofer, plus calibration for optimal performance.
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 - soundandvision.com - youtube.com - appleinsider.com - youtube.com - sonos.com - cnet.com - howtogeek.com - pcrichard.com - en.community.sonos.com - epicsystems.tech - en.community.sonos.com - cepro.com - videoandaudiocenter.com
