Sony HT-Z9F vs LG SN4Y

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Votes 1 1
Rating 5 5

HT-Z9F vs SN4Y comparison chart

Overall
Sony HT-Z9F
7.2
LG SN4Y
5.4
7
6
Multichannel surround
8
6

Sony HT-Z9F vs LG SN4Y review

Sony HT-Z9F
vs
LG SN4Y

Let's compare Sony HT-Z9F and LG SN4Y for an overview of all their audio functions. And according to the comparison results, we can see that HT-Z9F is superior to SN4Y in quality and number of functions. According to the results of our comparison, HT-Z9F received 7.2 points out of 10 possible, and SN4Y was rated 5.4 points.

Advantages Sony HT-Z9F over LG SN4Y

  • Stream music with Spotify
  • 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
  • Voice control supports

Advantages LG SN4Y over Sony HT-Z9F

  • App for remote control

Audio features

The HT-Z9F is rated 7 of 10 against 6 for the SN4Y according to the audio features rating.

HT-Z9F
7
SN4Y
6

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 HT-Z9F and the SN4Y.

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 HT-Z9F has 3.1 channels, while the SN4Y has 2.1 channels. There is no difference in output power, the soundbars have 400 (overall) W.

HT-Z9F SN4Y
Built-in channels3.12.1
Amplification typeactiveactive
Output power, W400 (overall)400 (overall)
Separate speaker (in package)00
Separate speaker connectionshas nothas 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.

HT-Z9F SN4Y
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 HT-Z9F received rating 8 out of 10 for multichannel audio processing, but the SN4Y, in the same category, earned 6 out of 10 points.

HT-Z9F
8
SN4Y
6

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 Sony HT-Z9F.

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 HT-Z9F.

HT-Z9F SN4Y
Dolby Atmos
Dolby (other)Dolby DigitalDolby Digital
DTS:X
DTS (other)has notDTS Digital Surround, DTS Virtual:X

Streaming services

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

HT-Z9F
6
SN4Y
0

None of the two models is not implemented AirPlay function. The popular Spotify service is available on the HT-Z9F.

HT-Z9F SN4Y
Apple Music (AirPlay)
Amazon Music
Spotify
Other streaming servicesChromecasthas 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: Sony HT-Z9F was rated 8 out of 10, and LG SN4Y was rated 7 out of 10.

HT-Z9F
8
SN4Y
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 HT-Z9F.

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 HT-Z9F has 2/0 HDMI inputs/outputs, but the SN4Y 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.

HT-Z9F SN4Y
WI-FI
Bluetooth
Ethernet (RJ45)10
NFC
HDMI input/output2/01/1
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. The SN4Y has its own remote control application. None of these soundbars have 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-Z9F has the ability to use a multiroom system.

HT-Z9F SN4Y
Voice controlAmazon Alexa, Google Assistant
App control
Microphone
Remote control
Multi-room

Dimensions

HT-Z9F SN4Y
Size (Wx H x D), cm/in100 x 6.4 x 10/39.4 x 2.5 x 3.489 x 5 x 7.6/35.1 x 2.3 x 3.4
Weight, kg/pounds3.1/6.62.2/5.2
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