Nakamichi Shockwafe Elite 7.2 vs JBL Bar 2.1

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Votes 1 1
Rating 5 5

Shockwafe Elite 7.2 vs Bar 2.1 comparison chart

Overall
Nakamichi Shockwafe Elite 7.2
8
JBL Bar 2.1
6
4
8
Multichannel surround
10
4

Nakamichi Shockwafe Elite 7.2 vs JBL Bar 2.1 review

Nakamichi Shockwafe Elite 7.2
vs
JBL Bar 2.1

Let's take a look at the comparison between Nakamichi Shockwafe Elite 7.2 and JBL Bar 2.1. It will become clear that among these two devices, the Shockwafe Elite 7.2 is more suitable for the role of a home soundbar. According to the results of our comparison, Shockwafe Elite 7.2 received 8 points out of 10 possible, and Bar 2.1 was rated 6 points.

Advantages Nakamichi Shockwafe Elite 7.2 over JBL Bar 2.1

  • Comes with 2 separate speakers
  • Available the Amazon Music service
  • Stream music with Spotify
  • Supports object-oriented sound with Dolby Atmos technology
  • Surround sound with DTS:X support

Advantages JBL Bar 2.1 over Nakamichi Shockwafe Elite 7.2

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

Audio features

The Shockwafe Elite 7.2 is rated 9 of 10 against 7 for the Bar 2.1 according to the audio features rating.

Shockwafe Elite 7.2
9
Bar 2.1
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 Shockwafe Elite 7.2 and the Bar 2.1.

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 Shockwafe Elite 7.2 has 7.2.4 channels, while the Bar 2.1 has 2.1 channels. Also, the output power of the soundbars under consideration is different, Nakamichi Shockwafe Elite 7.2 has 800 (overall) W, and 300 (overall) W has the competitor.

Shockwafe Elite 7.2 Bar 2.1
Built-in channels7.2.42.1
Amplification typeactiveactive
Output power, W800 (overall)300 (overall)
Separate speaker (in package)20
Separate speaker connectionswiredhas not

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.

Shockwafe Elite 7.2 Bar 2.1
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 Shockwafe Elite 7.2 received rating 10 out of 10 for multichannel audio processing, but the Bar 2.1, in the same category, earned 4 out of 10 points.

Shockwafe Elite 7.2
10
Bar 2.1
4

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. Dolby Atmos surround sound support is implemented only in Nakamichi Shockwafe Elite 7.2.

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. The manufacturer has implemented DTS:X technology only in Shockwafe Elite 7.2.

Shockwafe Elite 7.2 Bar 2.1
Dolby Atmos
Dolby (other)Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital, Dolby TruHDDolby Digital
DTS:X
DTS (other)DTS Digital Surround, DTS HDhas not

Streaming services

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

Shockwafe Elite 7.2
9
Bar 2.1
0

None of the two models is not implemented AirPlay function. The popular Spotify service is available on the Shockwafe Elite 7.2.

Shockwafe Elite 7.2 Bar 2.1
Apple Music (AirPlay)
Amazon Music
Spotify
Other streaming servicesPandora, SoundCloudhas 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. Connectivity of competitors was rated 8 out of 10.

Shockwafe Elite 7.2
8
Bar 2.1
8

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 Shockwafe Elite 7.2 has 3/1 HDMI inputs/outputs, but the Bar 2.1 got 1/1 HDMI inputs/outputs from the manufacturer.

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.

Shockwafe Elite 7.2 Bar 2.1
WI-FI
Bluetooth
Ethernet (RJ45)00
NFC
HDMI input/output3/11/1
HDMI ARC
HDMI eARC
HDMI CEC
Optical digital input/output1/01/0
USB1 (USB 2.0)1 (USB 2.0)
Coaxial digital input/output1/00/0
Analog audio input/output (RCA)1/01/0
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.

Shockwafe Elite 7.2 Bar 2.1
Voice controlAmazon Alexa, Google Assistant
App control
Microphone
Remote control
Multi-room

Dimensions

Shockwafe Elite 7.2 Bar 2.1
Size (Wx H x D), cm/in114.3 x 7.6 x 7.6/45.5 x 3 x 3.596.5 x 5.8 x 6.8/38 x 2.3 x 2.7
Weight, kg/pounds3.1/7.21.9/4.1
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