When it comes to upgrading your TV's sound, today's soundbars offer impressive home theater audio without the complexity of traditional surround sound systems. I've spent considerable time testing both the JBL Bar 700 ($899) and Sony HT-A3000 ($699), two popular Dolby Atmos soundbars that take different approaches to delivering immersive sound.
Soundbar technology has evolved significantly in recent years. The introduction of Dolby Atmos and advanced digital signal processing has enabled these compact systems to create increasingly convincing surround sound experiences. While traditional surround setups still have their place, modern soundbars can deliver remarkable performance in a much simpler package.
Both of these models were released in late 2022, representing current-generation technology. They include features like automatic room correction and wireless streaming capabilities that weren't common just a few years ago.
The most fundamental difference between these systems is their channel configuration. The JBL Bar 700 is a true 5.1 system with detachable wireless rear speakers and a separate subwoofer. In contrast, the Sony HT-A3000 uses a 3.1 configuration with built-in subwoofers and relies on virtual processing for surround effects.
This difference in approach affects everything from setup complexity to sound performance. While the JBL requires more space and setup time, it delivers a more authentic surround sound experience. The Sony offers an elegant single-unit solution that's ideal for smaller spaces or those seeking maximum simplicity.
In testing both systems with movies and TV shows, the differences become quite clear. The JBL Bar 700 creates a more convincing three-dimensional soundfield, particularly with Dolby Atmos content. When watching movies like "Dune" or "Top Gun: Maverick," the physical rear speakers provide genuine surround effects that virtual processing simply can't match.
The JBL's 10-inch wireless subwoofer also delivers significantly more impactful bass, which you can feel during explosive scenes or deep soundtrack moments. This creates a more cinematic experience, though it might be more than some apartments or shared living situations can accommodate.
The Sony HT-A3000 excels in different areas. Its dialogue clarity is exceptional, thanks to Sony's sophisticated signal processing. The virtual surround effects are impressive for a 3.1 system, creating a reasonable sense of space without physical rear speakers. While the built-in subwoofers can't match the JBL's bass impact, they provide adequate low-end for most content.
For music, each system has its strengths. The JBL's separate subwoofer and fuller range make it better for bass-heavy genres like electronic music or hip-hop. The detachable surrounds can be used for music, though I typically prefer leaving them in stereo mode for music playback.
The Sony handles music with impressive refinement, particularly in the midrange where vocals and instruments live. Its DSEE Extreme technology (Digital Sound Enhancement Engine) does a noticeable job improving the quality of compressed streaming audio, something the JBL doesn't offer.
Sony's room correction technology is more sophisticated, using multiple measurements to optimize sound for your specific space. It accounts for room dimensions, furniture, and speaker placement to adjust frequency response and timing. The JBL's calibration is simpler but still effective for basic room compensation.
Both soundbars support modern connectivity options including HDMI eARC (Enhanced Audio Return Channel), which allows high-quality audio transmission from your TV through a single cable. They also include WiFi and Bluetooth, though Sony's implementation of LDAC (a high-quality Bluetooth codec) gives it an edge for wireless audio quality.
The Sony features more advanced dialogue enhancement options, which can be particularly helpful for late-night viewing or for viewers with hearing difficulties. The JBL's PureVoice technology is effective but offers less adjustment flexibility.
At $899, the JBL Bar 700 represents a significant investment but includes additional hardware like the wireless subwoofer and rear speakers. The Sony HT-A3000 at $699 offers strong value for its feature set, particularly if you don't need or want separate speakers.
Choose the JBL Bar 700 if:
Choose the Sony HT-A3000 if:
Both systems represent excellent modern soundbars, but they serve different needs. The JBL delivers a more traditional home theater experience with superior surround sound, while the Sony offers a refined, space-efficient solution with impressive technical features.
For my home theater, I prefer the JBL's more immersive approach, but in a bedroom or smaller living room, the Sony's elegant single-unit solution would be my choice. Your specific needs and room constraints should guide your decision more than any absolute ranking of their capabilities.
Remember that both options far exceed basic TV speakers and represent significant upgrades to your home entertainment experience. The choice ultimately comes down to your specific priorities in terms of space, budget, and desired sound characteristics.
| JBL Bar 700 Dolby Atmos 5.1 | Sony HT-A3000 3.1ch |
|---|---|
| Price - Total investment including all components | |
| $899 (includes subwoofer and rear speakers) | $699 (all-in-one unit) |
| Channel Configuration - Determines surround sound capability | |
| 5.1 true surround with physical rear speakers | 3.1 virtual surround from single unit |
| Power Output - Impacts maximum volume and dynamic range | |
| 620W total system power | 250W total system power |
| Subwoofer - Critical for bass performance | |
| 10" wireless external subwoofer (300W) | Built-in dual subwoofers |
| Physical Size - Consider your space requirements | |
| Soundbar: 46.2" x 2.2" x 4.7", plus separate sub and rears | Soundbar only: 37.4" x 2.5" x 5.0" |
| Audio Processing - Affects sound quality and features | |
| Basic room calibration, PureVoice dialogue enhancement | Advanced room correction, DSEE Extreme upscaling |
| Connectivity Options - Flexibility for different sources | |
| HDMI eARC, optical, Bluetooth 5.0, Wi-Fi | HDMI eARC, optical, Bluetooth with LDAC, Wi-Fi |
| Special Features - Additional capabilities | |
| Detachable battery-powered rear speakers (10hr battery) | 360 Spatial Sound Mapping, Sony TV integration |
| Height Virtualization - For Dolby Atmos effect | |
| Physical up-firing drivers | Virtual processing only |
| Room Size Suitability - Based on power and configuration | |
| Medium to large rooms (up to 350 sq ft) | Small to medium rooms (up to 250 sq ft) |
The JBL Bar 700 is superior for movies due to its true 5.1 surround sound with physical rear speakers and powerful external subwoofer. While the Sony HT-A3000 performs well, its virtual surround can't match the immersive experience of physical speakers.
At $699, the Sony HT-A3000 offers good value for smaller spaces and those wanting a simpler setup. However, if your budget allows, the JBL Bar 700 at $899 provides significantly better performance for home theater use.
The JBL Bar 700 delivers much stronger bass through its 10-inch wireless subwoofer. The Sony HT-A3000's built-in subwoofers can't match the depth and impact of a dedicated external unit.
The Sony HT-A3000 is ideal for small apartments due to its compact all-in-one design. The JBL Bar 700 requires more space for its subwoofer and rear speakers.
Yes, for true surround sound, physical rear speakers like those included with the JBL Bar 700 make a significant difference. The Sony HT-A3000's virtual surround is good but can't replicate true rear-channel effects.
Both support major streaming services equally well, but the Sony HT-A3000 has better audio processing for compressed streaming content. The JBL Bar 700 focuses more on raw performance than enhancement features.
The JBL Bar 700 provides better immersion for sports due to its surround speakers creating stadium atmosphere. However, the Sony HT-A3000 offers excellent dialogue clarity for commentary.
Both work well, but the JBL Bar 700 provides better gaming immersion with its true surround sound and powerful subwoofer. The Sony HT-A3000 is good for casual gaming but lacks the same impact.
The Sony HT-A3000 is easier to set up as it's a single unit. The JBL Bar 700 requires more setup time for positioning and connecting the subwoofer and rear speakers.
While both support Dolby Atmos, it's more effective on the JBL Bar 700 with its dedicated speakers. The Sony HT-A3000's virtual Atmos is good but less convincing.
The Sony HT-A3000 has superior dialogue enhancement technology for clear speech. While the JBL Bar 700 is also good, Sony's voice processing is more sophisticated.
Both are current models with modern features, but the JBL Bar 700 offers more upgrade potential through its separate components. The Sony HT-A3000 is more limited by its all-in-one design.
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 - electronics.sony.com - crutchfield.com - store.sony.com.au - digitaltrends.com - videoandaudiocenter.com - abt.com - sony.com - merlinstv.com - crutchfield.com - youtube.com
