JBL Bar 5.1 vs Samsung HW-N950

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Votes 2 2
Rating 5 5

Bar 5.1 vs HW-N950 comparison chart

Overall
JBL Bar 5.1
7.2
Samsung HW-N950
8.6
5
10
Multichannel surround
4
7

JBL Bar 5.1 vs Samsung HW-N950 review

JBL Bar 5.1
vs
Samsung HW-N950

To get acquainted with the specs of the devices, we suggest you familiarize with the comparison of JBL Bar 5.1 and Samsung HW-N950. It shows us that the HW-N950 is a better choice as a home soundbar than the Bar 5.1. According to the results of our comparison, Bar 5.1 received 7.2 points out of 10 possible, and HW-N950 was rated 8.6 points.

Advantages JBL Bar 5.1 over Samsung HW-N950

  • We do not know advantages

Advantages Samsung HW-N950 over JBL Bar 5.1

  • Supports object-oriented sound with Dolby Atmos technology
  • Surround sound with DTS:X support
  • Possible to create a multi-room system
  • Wireless connection via Wi-Fi
  • Built-in microphone

Audio features

The Bar 5.1 is rated 8 of 10 against 9 for the HW-N950 according to the audio features rating.

Bar 5.1
8
HW-N950
9

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 5.1 and the HW-N950.

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 5.1 has 5.1 channels, while the HW-N950 has 7.1.4 channels. Also, the output power of the soundbars under consideration is different, JBL Bar 5.1 has 510 (overall) W, and 512 (overall) W has the competitor.

Bar 5.1 HW-N950
Built-in channels5.17.1.4
Amplification typeactiveactive
Output power, W510 (overall)512 (overall)
Separate speaker (in package)22
Separate speaker connectionswirelesswireless

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 5.1 HW-N950
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 5.1 received rating 4 out of 10 for multichannel audio processing, but the HW-N950, in the same category, earned 7 out of 10 points.

Bar 5.1
4
HW-N950
7

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 Samsung HW-N950.

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 HW-N950.

Bar 5.1 HW-N950
Dolby Atmos
Dolby (other)Dolby Digital, Dolby Pro Logic IIDolby Digital
DTS:X
DTS (other)has nothas not

Streaming services

The possibility to listen online to millions of songs from one device has become a reality thanks to streaming services. The streaming services category rating is the same - 10 out of 10 points.

Bar 5.1
10
HW-N950
10

AirPlay is available on each of the two models. The popular Spotify service is available on both soundbars. The streaming audio from Pandora, Tuneln, Deezer, Chromecast, it is possible to listen to each of soundbars.

Bar 5.1 HW-N950
Apple Music (AirPlay)AirPlayAirPlay
Amazon Music
Spotify
Other streaming servicesPandora, Tuneln, Deezer, ChromecastPandora, Tuneln, Deezer, Chromecast

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 5.1 was rated 8 out of 10, and Samsung HW-N950 was rated 7 out of 10.

Bar 5.1
8
HW-N950
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 HW-N950.

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 Bar 5.1 has 3/0 HDMI inputs/outputs, but the HW-N950 got 2/0 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.

Bar 5.1 HW-N950
WI-FI
Bluetooth
Ethernet (RJ45)00
NFC
HDMI input/output3/02/0
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 output10

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. The voice control feature is implemented in each of the compared soundbars.

Proprietary applications allow you to control your soundbars remotely. This is possible both via Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. The ability to control the soundbar using the application is implemented in each of the competitors. Only Samsung HW-N950 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. The HW-N950 has the ability to use a multiroom system.

Bar 5.1 HW-N950
Voice controlAmazon AlexaAmazon Alexa
App control
Microphone
Remote control
Multi-room

Dimensions

Bar 5.1 HW-N950
Size (Wx H x D), cm/in114.8 x 5.8 x 9.3/45 x 2.3 x 3.7122.4 x 8.1 x 13.4/48.2 x 3.2 x 5.3
Weight, kg/pounds3.9/8.68.8/19.4
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