In the competitive world of premium soundbars, both the JBL Bar 700 ($899) and Sony HT-A8000 ($698) aim to deliver immersive home theater audio without the complexity of traditional surround sound systems. Let's dive into how these two approaches to Dolby Atmos sound differ and which might work better for your setup.
Modern soundbars have evolved dramatically from simple TV speaker upgrades. They now incorporate sophisticated audio processing, wireless connectivity, and spatial audio technologies that can create convincing 3D soundscapes. Both the JBL Bar 700 and Sony HT-A8000 represent the current state of the art, though they take notably different approaches to achieving premium sound.
The key technologies driving these improvements include:
The JBL Bar 700 takes a more traditional approach with dedicated rear speakers, which creates a more convincing surround effect. The included wireless rear speakers provide genuine sound from behind, rather than relying on acoustic tricks. This makes effects like helicopters flying overhead or bullets whizzing past more realistic and engaging.
The Sony HT-A8000 counters with superior front soundstage precision. Its array of 11 carefully positioned drivers creates exceptional clarity for dialogue and front-channel effects. The proprietary 360 Spatial Sound Mapping technology does an impressive job of creating virtual surround effects, though it can't quite match the authenticity of physical rear speakers.
For music, each system shows different strengths:
The JBL delivers:
The Sony excels at:
Bass response marks one of the biggest differences between these systems. The JBL Bar 700 includes a powerful 10-inch wireless subwoofer that delivers deep, room-filling bass down to 35Hz. This makes action movies and music with heavy bass much more impactful.
The Sony HT-A8000 relies on built-in woofers unless you purchase the optional subwoofer. While its bass is clean and controlled, it simply can't match the depth and impact of JBL's included subwoofer.
The JBL system offers a complete solution out of the box with its 5.1 channel configuration. The innovative detachable rear speakers can run on battery power for up to 10 hours, making placement incredibly flexible. When attached to the main bar, they automatically recharge.
Sony takes a modular approach. The main bar delivers excellent sound on its own, and you can add wireless rear speakers and a subwoofer later. This flexibility comes at a cost - a fully equipped system will significantly exceed the JBL's price.
Both systems offer modern connectivity options, but with different strengths:
JBL Bar 700:
Sony HT-A8000:
The Sony's Sound Field Optimization is more sophisticated, using multiple measurements to create a precise acoustic map of your room. This results in better-optimized sound for different seating positions.
JBL's calibration system is simpler but still effective, focusing on basic room acoustics and speaker positions.
Both systems offer dialogue enhancement:
The JBL Bar 700 stands out with its battery-powered rear speakers and included subwoofer. This makes it more flexible for rooms where running power cables is challenging.
The Sony HT-A8000 excels in its integration with BRAVIA TVs, using the TV's speakers as additional audio channels and providing seamless control through the TV interface.
When comparing total cost:
The JBL provides better initial value if you want a complete surround sound system immediately. The Sony offers more flexibility to upgrade over time but costs more to achieve similar capabilities.
Choose the JBL Bar 700 if you:
Choose the Sony HT-A8000 if you:
Both systems represent excellent choices in premium soundbars, but they serve slightly different needs. The JBL offers a more traditional surround sound experience with modern conveniences, while the Sony provides superior integration with other Sony products and more upgrade flexibility.
| JBL Bar 700 ($899) | Sony HT-A8000 ($698) |
|---|---|
| System Configuration - Determines overall surround sound experience | |
| Complete 5.1 system with wireless rear speakers and subwoofer | Single bar 7.1.2 system, expandable with optional components |
| Total Speaker Power - Impacts maximum volume and dynamic range | |
| 620W total (240W soundbar, 300W sub, 2x40W surrounds) | 350W total (all channels combined) |
| Subwoofer - Critical for bass performance and movie impact | |
| Included 10" wireless subwoofer | No included subwoofer, optional purchase required |
| Surround Speakers - Key for true surround sound immersion | |
| Included wireless battery-powered (10hr battery life) | Optional purchase required |
| Dolby Atmos Configuration - Affects overhead sound quality | |
| 2 up-firing drivers with physical rear speakers | 2 up-firing drivers with virtual surround |
| Room Correction - Optimizes sound for your space | |
| Basic auto-calibration system | Advanced Sound Field Optimization with multiple measurements |
| Connectivity - Important for streaming and device compatibility | |
| HDMI eARC, Optical, Bluetooth 5.0, Wi-Fi, Chromecast, AirPlay | HDMI 2.1, eARC, Bluetooth 5.2, Wi-Fi, AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect |
| Special Features - Adds value through unique capabilities | |
| PureVoice dialogue enhancement, detachable speakers | 360 Spatial Sound Mapping, BRAVIA Sync, Gaming features |
| Physical Dimensions - Consider your available space | |
| 46.2" x 2.2" x 4.7" (main bar) | 43.4" x 2.6" x 4.5" |
| HDR Support - Matters for video passthrough quality | |
| HDR10, Dolby Vision | HDR10, Dolby Vision, HLG |
| Future Expandability - Important for system longevity | |
| Fixed system, no expansion options | Can add wireless sub and rear speakers later |
The JBL Bar 700 provides better movie performance with its included rear speakers and subwoofer. While the Sony HT-A8000 has excellent front sound, it needs optional speakers for true surround.
The JBL Bar 700 delivers superior bass with its included 10-inch wireless subwoofer. The Sony HT-A8000 requires a separate subwoofer purchase for comparable bass performance.
The JBL Bar 700 comes complete with everything needed. The Sony HT-A8000 requires additional purchases for full surround sound capabilities.
The Sony HT-A8000 offers more refined highs and better stereo separation, while the JBL Bar 700 provides stronger bass response for music.
The JBL Bar 700 offers simpler setup with its all-in-one package. The Sony HT-A8000 requires more setup time, especially when adding optional components.
The JBL Bar 700 costs $899 for a complete system. The Sony HT-A8000 starts at $698 but requires additional purchases for full functionality.
The Sony HT-A8000 works best with BRAVIA TVs through special integration features. The JBL Bar 700 works equally well with all TV brands.
Yes, both the JBL Bar 700 and Sony HT-A8000 support Dolby Atmos, though they implement it differently.
The Sony HT-A8000 has better gaming features with HDMI 2.1 support. The JBL Bar 700 provides good gaming performance but lacks advanced HDMI features.
Both systems support wireless streaming. The JBL Bar 700 offers Chromecast and AirPlay, while the Sony HT-A8000 includes AirPlay 2 and Spotify Connect.
Both excel at dialogue clarity with the JBL Bar 700 using PureVoice technology and the Sony HT-A8000 featuring Voice Zoom 3.
The Sony HT-A8000 offers more future flexibility with its upgradeable design, while the JBL Bar 700 is a complete but fixed system.
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) - consumerreports.org - skybygramophone.com - target.com - rtings.com - bestbuy.com - rubbermonkey.co.nz - shopatsc.com - audioadvice.com - sony.com - sony.com - sony.com - shop.cosmopolitan.com - store.sony.com.my - videoandaudiocenter.com
