When it comes to upgrading your home theater audio, today's premium soundbars offer impressive alternatives to traditional surround sound systems. I'll help you compare two compelling options: the $899 JBL Bar 700 and the $1,099 Sony BRAVIA Theater Bar 9, breaking down what really matters for your setup.
Soundbars have evolved significantly in recent years, now featuring Dolby Atmos technology that creates three-dimensional sound by bouncing audio off your ceiling and walls. While traditional surround sound required speakers all around your room, these advanced soundbars can simulate a similar experience through clever audio processing and speaker placement.
The JBL Bar 700 takes an all-in-one approach, including everything you need for true surround sound: a main soundbar, wireless subwoofer, and two detachable rear speakers. These battery-powered rear speakers are particularly innovative - they charge when attached to the main unit and provide about 10 hours of playback when deployed behind your seating area.
In contrast, the Sony BRAVIA Theater Bar 9 is a standalone unit that uses advanced processing and 13 built-in speakers to create virtual surround effects. While it can be expanded with optional wireless rear speakers and a subwoofer, these add significantly to the base price.
Both systems support Dolby Atmos, but their approaches differ significantly. The JBL system relies on physical speaker placement for surround effects, with its included subwoofer handling low frequencies. Its PureVoice technology uses AI to enhance dialogue clarity, which I've found particularly effective during action scenes where background effects often overwhelm speech.
The Sony bar compensates for its standalone nature with sophisticated 360 Spatial Sound Mapping, creating virtual speakers beyond its physical units. When paired with a Sony BRAVIA TV, it can even use the TV's speakers as an additional center channel through Acoustic Center Sync - a clever feature for dialogue enhancement.
The JBL's physical rear speakers provide more consistent surround effects regardless of room layout, making it better suited for irregular spaces. The Sony excels in rooms with regular dimensions and reflective surfaces, where its sound-bouncing technology can create convincing virtual surround effects.
Having tested both systems, the JBL's included 10-inch subwoofer provides noticeably more impactful bass out of the box. The Sony manages respectable low frequencies from its integrated drivers, but serious home theater enthusiasts will likely want to add its optional wireless subwoofer.
Both soundbars offer comprehensive wireless streaming options including WiFi, Bluetooth, AirPlay, and Spotify Connect. The JBL includes Chromecast built-in and works with Alexa-enabled devices, while the Sony integrates especially well with other Sony products through BRAVIA Sync.
The Sony shows its premium positioning through sophisticated TV integration, especially with BRAVIA models. Settings appear directly in the TV's menu system, and the aforementioned Acoustic Center Sync feature creates a more cohesive sound stage.
The JBL takes a more universal approach, working well with any TV through HDMI eARC but requiring its mobile app for advanced settings.
At $200 less and including a subwoofer and rear speakers, the JBL Bar 700 offers compelling value for those wanting a complete surround solution immediately. The Sony BRAVIA Theater Bar 9 requires additional investment for similar functionality but offers superior standalone performance and better integration with Sony TVs.
Both systems represent current-generation technology, with the Sony launching in late 2023 and the JBL in early 2023. They showcase recent advances in virtual surround processing and room correction, with the Sony's 360 Spatial Sound Mapping being particularly innovative. The JBL's detachable wireless rear speakers demonstrate clever engineering around convenience and flexibility.
Consider these key factors when choosing between these systems:
For most buyers seeking immediate surround sound impact, the JBL Bar 700 offers better value and simpler setup. Its included subwoofer and rear speakers provide a more traditional surround experience that works well in any room.
The Sony BRAVIA Theater Bar 9 appeals to different priorities - it's ideal for those who appreciate its refined sound processing, plan to expand their system over time, or own a Sony TV. Its sophisticated virtual processing and upgrade potential make it a premium choice for the right user.
Both represent significant improvements over previous generations in terms of processing capability and ease of use. Your choice ultimately depends on whether you prefer JBL's complete package approach or Sony's premium standalone performance with room to grow.
| JBL Bar 700 Dolby Atmos 5.1 | Sony BRAVIA Theater Bar 9 |
|---|---|
| Price - Total investment for surround sound | |
| $899 including subwoofer and rear speakers | $1,099 base, additional cost for sub/rears |
| Channel Configuration - Impacts sound positioning accuracy | |
| 5.1.2 channels with physical rear speakers | 7.0.2 channels (virtual surround) |
| Total Power Output - Affects room-filling capability | |
| 620W total system power | Not specified, but comparable in testing |
| Subwoofer - Critical for bass impact | |
| Included 10" wireless subwoofer | No included sub, optional wireless sub available |
| Surround Speakers - Important for immersion | |
| Included detachable battery-powered (10hr) | Optional wireless speakers sold separately |
| Speaker Array - Determines sound field creation | |
| 3 racetrack drivers, 3 tweeters (main bar) | 13 integrated speaker units |
| Smart Features - Enables streaming flexibility | |
| Chromecast, AirPlay, Alexa, Bluetooth 5.0 | AirPlay, Spotify Connect, Bluetooth 5.2 |
| Room Calibration - Optimizes for your space | |
| Basic sound calibration | Advanced Sound Field Optimization |
| TV Integration - Affects ease of use | |
| Standard HDMI-eARC control | Enhanced BRAVIA Sync with Sony TVs |
| Special Features - Unique capabilities | |
| PureVoice dialogue enhancement, detachable rears | 360 Spatial Sound Mapping, Acoustic Center Sync |
| Size (Soundbar) - Consider your TV width | |
| 46.2" x 2.2" x 4.7" | 51.25" x 2.63" x 4.5" |
| Audio Processing - Sound quality enhancement | |
| Dolby Atmos, standard processing | Dolby Atmos, Neural:X, DSEE Ultimate |
For movies, the $899 JBL Bar 700 has an advantage with its included subwoofer and rear speakers, providing more immersive surround sound out of the box. While the $1,099 Sony BRAVIA Theater Bar 9 offers excellent virtual processing, true physical speakers typically create a more convincing movie experience.
The JBL Bar 700 includes a powerful 10-inch wireless subwoofer, while the Sony Bar 9 requires purchasing a separate subwoofer. For home theater use, a subwoofer is highly recommended for experiencing deep bass in movies and games.
The Sony BRAVIA Theater Bar 9 has more powerful standalone performance and works well in larger spaces with regular dimensions. However, the JBL Bar 700's physical rear speakers maintain consistent surround performance regardless of room size or shape.
Yes, both the JBL Bar 700 and Sony Bar 9 can be wall mounted, with included mounting brackets. Both are designed to work effectively whether mounted or placed on a TV stand.
Both excel at dialogue, but through different approaches. The JBL uses PureVoice technology for dialogue enhancement, while the Sony leverages Acoustic Center Sync with compatible BRAVIA TVs. For non-Sony TVs, the JBL's dedicated processing may have an edge.
The JBL Bar 700 includes wireless rear speakers for true surround sound. The Sony Bar 9 creates virtual surround without rear speakers, but physical rear speakers (sold separately) provide the most convincing surround experience.
Both support major streaming platforms, but the JBL offers additional Chromecast built-in support. The Sony's DSEE Ultimate audio processing may provide better music quality for high-resolution audio sources.
Both support HDMI 2.1 features beneficial for gaming. The JBL's included subwoofer provides immediate impact for gaming effects, while the Sony excels at spatial audio positioning but may need the optional subwoofer for full impact.
Yes, both work with any TV through HDMI eARC. However, the Sony Bar 9 offers additional features when paired with Sony BRAVIA TVs, while the JBL Bar 700 maintains consistent performance across all TV brands.
The JBL offers simpler initial setup since all components are included and pre-paired. The Sony has an easier menu interface when paired with BRAVIA TVs but requires additional setup steps if adding optional speakers later.
Both support Dolby Atmos, but implement it differently. The JBL uses physical upward-firing speakers, while the Sony creates virtual height effects. Room shape and ceiling type will impact performance for both systems.
The JBL Bar 700 provides better immediate value with included subwoofer and rear speakers. The Sony Bar 9 requires additional purchases for full home theater capability but offers premium standalone performance and superior TV integration for Sony owners.
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 - residentialsystems.com - rtings.com - bestbuy.com - valueelectronics.com - sony.com - sony.co.uk - sony.co.uk - rtings.com - sony.co.in - sony.com - pocket-lint.com - sony.com - crutchfield.com
