JBL Bar 2.1 vs Samsung HW-R650

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Votes 7 7
Rating 4.4 4.4

Bar 2.1 vs HW-R650 comparison chart

Overall
JBL Bar 2.1
6
Samsung HW-R650
5.2
8
4
Multichannel surround
4
5

JBL Bar 2.1 vs Samsung HW-R650 review

JBL Bar 2.1
vs
Samsung HW-R650

Comparison of JBL Bar 2.1 and Samsung HW-R650 will reveal the best features offered by the devices. Bar 2.1 is a better soundbar than the HW-R650. Its sound profile is well-balanced and stereo performance is better. According to the results of our comparison, Bar 2.1 received 6 points out of 10 possible, and HW-R650 was rated 5.2 points.

Advantages JBL Bar 2.1 over Samsung HW-R650

  • Wireless connection via Wi-Fi
  • Voice control supports
  • Built-in microphone

Advantages Samsung HW-R650 over JBL Bar 2.1

  • We do not know advantages

Audio features

Each of the compared models received 7 points for the audio features.

Bar 2.1
7
HW-R650
7

It worth understanding the difference between the two types of amplification: a passive soundbar does not have its own amplifier and receives amplification from the signal source, while an active soundbar has a built-in amplifier. The same active type of amplification is used in the Bar 2.1 and the HW-R650.

There are stereo soundbars and multichannel ones. It is with the help of multichannel devices that you can get volumetric sound. It is worth noting one of the main differences, the Bar 2.1 has 2.1 channels, while the HW-R650 has 3.1 channels. Also, the output power of the soundbars under consideration is different, JBL Bar 2.1 has 300 (overall) W, and 340 (overall) W has the competitor.

Bar 2.1 HW-R650
Built-in channels2.13.1
Amplification typeactiveactive
Output power, W300 (overall)340 (overall)
Separate speaker (in package)00
Separate speaker connectionshas notwireless

Subwoofers

Soundbars can have a built-in or external subwoofer. The first type is inseparable from the soundbar body, but for the second, you can choose a good location for deep bass. Both reviewed devices are equipped with an external subwoofer. Competitors support wireless connection to a separate external subwoofer.

Bar 2.1 HW-R650
Built-in subwoofer
Separate subwoofer (in package)
Separate subwoofer connectionswirelesswireless

Multichannel surround

Unlike stereo, when reproducing multichannel sound, each specific direction of sound corresponds to its dedicated channel with a separate independent loudspeaker, which creates a three-dimensional sound stage. The Bar 2.1 received rating 4 out of 10 for multichannel audio processing, but the HW-R650, in the same category, earned 5 out of 10 points.

Bar 2.1
4
HW-R650
5

The peculiarity of Dolby Atmos is that this format is object-oriented, that is, each object of the audio signal is sounded separately and linked to its spatial location. If we look at the models in terms of Dolby Atmos support, then none of these soundbars can work with this technology.

DTS:X is an algorithm for processing sound scenes by the processor, linking directly to objects, rather than channels, and calculating the optimal distribution of sound output in a room. This ability to reproduce surround sound with DTS:X technology is not implemented in any of the soundbars in this comparison.

Bar 2.1 HW-R650
Dolby Atmos
Dolby (other)Dolby DigitalDolby Digital, Dolby Pro Logic II
DTS:X
DTS (other)has notDTS Digital Surround

Streaming services

The possibility to listen online to millions of songs from one device has become a reality thanks to streaming services.

Bar 2.1
0
HW-R650
0

None of the two models is not implemented AirPlay function. The popular Spotify service cannot be used on both soundbars.

Bar 2.1 HW-R650
Apple Music (AirPlay)
Amazon Music
Spotify
Other streaming serviceshas nothas not

Connectivity

The existence of a sufficient number of current connectors significantly expands the functionality of the device. For example, only through HDMI is it possible to implement the transfer of object-oriented formats, and the presence of a Bluetooth connection will allow remote control, etc. The devices received different ratings for connectivity: JBL Bar 2.1 was rated 8 out of 10, and Samsung HW-R650 was rated 7 out of 10.

Bar 2.1
8
HW-R650
7

The presence of Wi-Fi in the soundbar allows you to get rid of wires when connected to a sound source and get minimal audio latency when playing content from streaming services. Wireless connection via Wi-Fi is possible on the Bar 2.1.

Bluetooth connection is now one of the main communication protocols for speaker systems, which provides excellent quality and minimal audio latency. The availability of Bluetooth protocol, we can see in both models. The competitors in this comparison has 1/1 HDMI inputs/outputs.

HDMI ARC is a very usefull technology that creates a two-way communication channel between a TV and another device. This is convenient since there is no need to use optical and other cables in the system. HDMI ARC is basic for both soundbars. Connecting external devices via USB can be done on both models.

Bar 2.1 HW-R650
WI-FI
Bluetooth
Ethernet (RJ45)00
NFC
HDMI input/output1/11/1
HDMI ARC
HDMI eARC
HDMI CEC
Optical digital input/output1/01/0
USB1 (USB 2.0)1 (USB 2.0)
Coaxial digital input/output0/00/0
Analog audio input/output (RCA)1/00/0
Headphone output00
Subwoofer output00

Features

Voice control is designed to make operating the device more convenient. This allows you to control basic soundbar functions from anywhere in the room.

Proprietary applications allow you to control your soundbars remotely. This is possible both via Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. In our case, the ability to control the soundbar using the app is not implemented in any of the competitors. Only JBL Bar 2.1 has a built-in microphone.

Some soundbars can be part of a multi-room system and it is an affordable solution for sounding the whole house. However, it is impossible to create a multiroom system based on each of these soundbars.

Bar 2.1 HW-R650
Voice controlAmazon Alexa, Google Assistant
App control
Microphone
Remote control
Multi-room

Dimensions

Bar 2.1 HW-R650
Size (Wx H x D), cm/in96.5 x 5.8 x 6.8/38 x 2.3 x 2.7104 x 5 x 7.6/41.7 x 2.3 x 3.4
Weight, kg/pounds1.9/4.12.9/6.4
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