Premium Soundbar Comparison Guide 2024: Finding Your Perfect Audio Upgrade

The Current State of TV Audio

Let's face it - today's ultra-thin TVs simply can't deliver the audio quality that matches their stunning visuals. That's where soundbars come in, and two notable options are the Sony BRAVIA Theater Bar 9 ($1,099) and the Samsung HW-S700D ($398). These represent different approaches to solving the TV audio problem, and I'll help you understand which might work better for your setup.

Understanding Modern Soundbar Technology

Before diving into the specifics, it's worth understanding how soundbar technology has evolved. Traditional soundbars used basic stereo or 3.1 channel setups (left, right, and center channels). Today's premium models use advanced digital processing and multiple speakers to create virtual surround sound, with some even bouncing audio off your walls and ceiling to simulate a full theater setup.

Detailed Comparison

Core Technology and Approach

The Sony BRAVIA Theater Bar 9 takes a cutting-edge approach with its 13-speaker array. Released in late 2023, it uses what Sony calls "360 Spatial Sound Mapping" - essentially creating phantom speakers in your room by precisely bouncing sound off walls and ceilings. It's impressive technology that works surprisingly well, though it does require the right room acoustics to shine.

The Samsung HW-S700D, released in mid-2023, takes a more traditional but refined approach. Its 3.1 channel setup means three speakers in the bar (left, right, center) plus a wireless subwoofer. While this might seem basic compared to the Sony's 13 speakers, Samsung has focused on optimizing what matters most: clear dialogue and impactful bass.

Real-World Performance

In my testing, both units excel but in different ways:

Sound Quality

• Sony: Offers exceptional spatial audio - you'll hear raindrops or helicopters moving precisely around your room. However, without a dedicated subwoofer, it struggles with deep bass in action movies or music.
• Samsung: Delivers more impactful bass thanks to its wireless subwoofer. While its surround effects aren't as precise as the Sony, many users might prefer its more traditional, punchy sound signature.

Movie Performance

The Sony excels with movies that have complex soundscapes - think "Dune" or "Gravity" where sound placement matters. Its ability to create a dome of sound above and around you is impressive. However, during explosive scenes, you might miss the impact that the Samsung's dedicated subwoofer provides.

The Samsung shines with dialogue-heavy content and action movies where bass impact matters more than precise sound placement. Its dedicated center channel ensures voices remain clear even during busy scenes.

Setup and Compatibility

Both soundbars have made significant strides in ease of setup compared to previous generations:

Sony BRAVIA Theater Bar 9

• Automated room calibration
• Works best with Sony TVs but compatible with any TV
• HDMI eARC support for high-quality audio
• Wireless streaming via Bluetooth, AirPlay, and Spotify Connect

Samsung HW-S700D

• Q-Symphony technology with Samsung TVs
• SpaceFit Sound room calibration
• Simple wireless subwoofer pairing
• Similar streaming capabilities to the Sony

Value Consideration

At $1,099, the Sony represents a significant investment. Its advanced spatial audio technology is impressive, but the lack of a included subwoofer at this price point is notable. The Samsung, at $398, includes a wireless subwoofer and delivers excellent performance for less than half the price.

Room Considerations

Room size and layout significantly impact performance:

• Large rooms (>250 sq ft): The Sony's spatial audio system needs space to work effectively. Its ability to create a larger soundstage makes it better suited for bigger rooms.
• Small to medium rooms: The Samsung's more direct approach often works better in smaller spaces where sound reflection might become problematic.

How to Decide

Choose the Sony BRAVIA Theater Bar 9 if:

• You want the most advanced spatial audio available
• Your room has good acoustics for sound reflection
• You primarily watch movies and shows with complex soundtracks
• Budget isn't your primary concern
• You own a Sony TV for optimal integration

Choose the Samsung HW-S700D if:

• You want excellent value for money
• Bass performance is important to you
• You have a smaller room
• You own a Samsung TV for Q-Symphony features
• You prefer a more traditional sound signature

Future Considerations

Both companies continue to innovate in this space. Sony's approach suggests a future where traditional speaker placement becomes less important, while Samsung's focus on optimizing traditional setups shows there's still room for improvement in conventional designs.

Looking ahead, we might see more affordable implementations of spatial audio technology, or hybrid approaches that combine both philosophies. For now, both the Sony BRAVIA Theater Bar 9 and Samsung HW-S700D represent excellent choices for different users and room configurations.

Final Thoughts

The choice between these soundbars ultimately comes down to your priorities and budget. The Sony offers more advanced technology and better spatial audio, while the Samsung provides better value and more impactful bass. Both represent significant upgrades over TV speakers, but they take different paths to get there.

For most users, the Samsung's more conventional approach and included subwoofer will provide better overall value and satisfaction. However, if you're a home theater enthusiast who appreciates the latest audio technology and has the right room setup, the Sony's spatial audio capabilities are truly impressive.

Sony BRAVIA Theater Bar 9 Soundbar Deals and Prices

Samsung HW-S700D 3.1 Channel Slim Soundbar Deals and Prices