Comparison of Nakamichi Shockwafe Elite 7.2 and Sony HT-ST5000 will reveal the best features offered by the devices. HT-ST5000 is a better soundbar than the Shockwafe Elite 7.2. Its sound profile is well-balanced and stereo performance is better. According to the results of our comparison, Shockwafe Elite 7.2 received 8 points out of 10 possible, and HT-ST5000 was rated 8.6 points.
Each of the compared models received 9 points for the audio features.
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 HT-ST5000.
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 HT-ST5000 has 7.1.2 channels. There is no difference in output power, the soundbars have 800 (overall) W.
Shockwafe Elite 7.2 | HT-ST5000 | |
---|---|---|
Built-in channels | 7.2.4 | 7.1.2 |
Amplification type | active | active |
Output power, W | 800 (overall) | 800 (overall) |
Separate speaker (in package) | 2 | 0 |
Separate speaker connections | wired | wireless |
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 | HT-ST5000 | |
---|---|---|
Built-in subwoofer | ✖ | ✖ |
Separate subwoofer (in package) | ✔ | ✔ |
Separate subwoofer connections | wireless | wireless |
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 HT-ST5000, in the same category, earned 8 out of 10 points.
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 consider the models in terms of support for Dolby Atmos, then both 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 included in each of these soundbars.
Shockwafe Elite 7.2 | HT-ST5000 | |
---|---|---|
Dolby Atmos | ✔ | ✔ |
Dolby (other) | Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital, Dolby TruHD | Dolby Digital |
DTS:X | ✔ | ✔ |
DTS (other) | DTS Digital Surround, DTS HD | has not |
The possibility to listen online to millions of songs from one device has become a reality thanks to streaming services. For the ability to work with streaming services, the Shockwafe Elite 7.2 received 9 points, and the HT-ST5000 - 7 on a 10-point scale.
None of the two models is not implemented AirPlay function. The popular Spotify service is available on both soundbars.
Shockwafe Elite 7.2 | HT-ST5000 | |
---|---|---|
Apple Music (AirPlay) | ✖ | ✖ |
Amazon Music | ✔ | ✖ |
Spotify | ✔ | ✔ |
Other streaming services | Pandora, SoundCloud | Pandora, Tuneln, Deezer, TIDAL, Napster, SiriusXM, Qobuz, Chromecast, iHeart |
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: Nakamichi Shockwafe Elite 7.2 was rated 8 out of 10, and Sony HT-ST5000 was rated 9 out of 10.
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 HT-ST5000.
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 3/1 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.
Shockwafe Elite 7.2 | HT-ST5000 | |
---|---|---|
WI-FI | ✖ | ✔ |
Bluetooth | ✔ | ✔ |
Ethernet (RJ45) | 0 | 1 |
NFC | ✖ | ✔ |
HDMI input/output | 3/1 | 3/1 |
HDMI ARC | ✔ | ✔ |
HDMI eARC | ✖ | ✖ |
HDMI CEC | ✔ | ✔ |
Optical digital input/output | 1/0 | 1/0 |
USB | 1 (USB 2.0) | 1 (USB 2.0) |
Coaxial digital input/output | 1/0 | 0/0 |
Analog audio input/output (RCA) | 1/0 | 1/0 |
Headphone output | 0 | 0 |
Subwoofer output | 0 | 0 |
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. The HT-ST5000 has its own remote control application. Only Sony HT-ST5000 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 HT-ST5000 has the ability to use a multiroom system.
Shockwafe Elite 7.2 | HT-ST5000 | |
---|---|---|
Voice control | ✖ | Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant |
App control | ✖ | ✔ |
Microphone | ✖ | ✔ |
Remote control | ✔ | ✔ |
Multi-room | ✖ | ✔ |
Shockwafe Elite 7.2 | HT-ST5000 | |
---|---|---|
Size (Wx H x D), cm/in | 114.3 x 7.6 x 7.6/45.5 x 3 x 3.5 | 117.8 x 7.8 x 14.4/46.4 x 3.1 x 5.7 |
Weight, kg/pounds | 3.1/7.2 | 8.1/18 |