ZVOX SB380 vs Samsung HW-N950

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Votes 1 1
Rating 5 5

SB380 vs HW-N950 comparison chart

Overall
ZVOX SB380
4
Samsung HW-N950
8.6
4
10
Multichannel surround
4
7

ZVOX SB380 vs Samsung HW-N950 review

ZVOX SB380
vs
Samsung HW-N950

To get acquainted with the specs of the devices, we suggest you familiarize with the comparison of ZVOX SB380 and Samsung HW-N950. It shows us that the HW-N950 is a better choice as a home soundbar than the SB380. According to the results of our comparison, SB380 received 4 points out of 10 possible, and HW-N950 was rated 8.6 points.

Advantages ZVOX SB380 over Samsung HW-N950

  • Has an integrated subwoofer
  • Available the Apple Music service

Advantages Samsung HW-N950 over ZVOX SB380

  • Comes with 2 separate speakers
  • Separate subwoofer provided
  • Available the Amazon Music service
  • 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
  • Wireless connection and control via Bluetooth
  • Supports external media connection via USB
  • HDMI ARC supports
  • Voice control supports
  • App for remote control
  • Built-in microphone

Audio features

The SB380 is rated 6 of 10 against 9 for the HW-N950 according to the audio features rating.

SB380
6
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 SB380 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 SB380 has 3.1 channels, while the HW-N950 has 7.1.4 channels. Also, the output power of the soundbars under consideration is different, ZVOX SB380 has 45 W, and 512 (overall) W has the competitor.

SB380 HW-N950
Built-in channels3.17.1.4
Amplification typeactiveactive
Output power, W45512 (overall)
Separate speaker (in package)02
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. A built-in subwoofer is only present in the SB380. The HW-N950 comes with an external subwoofer.

SB380 HW-N950
Built-in subwoofer
Separate subwoofer (in package)
Separate subwoofer connectionswireless

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 SB380 received rating 4 out of 10 for multichannel audio processing, but the HW-N950, in the same category, earned 7 out of 10 points.

SB380
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.

SB380 HW-N950
Dolby Atmos
Dolby (other)Dolby DigitalDolby 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.

SB380
0
HW-N950
10

The popular Spotify service is available on the HW-N950.

SB380 HW-N950
Apple Music (AirPlay)AirPlay
Amazon Music
Spotify
Other streaming serviceshas notPandora, 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: ZVOX SB380 was rated 4 out of 10, and Samsung HW-N950 was rated 7 out of 10.

SB380
4
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. Modern Bluetooth protocol is the privilege of Samsung HW-N950 only.

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 a feature unique to Samsung HW-N950.

SB380 HW-N950
WI-FI
Bluetooth
Ethernet (RJ45)00
NFC
HDMI input/output0/02/0
HDMI ARC
HDMI eARC
HDMI CEC
Optical digital input/output2/01/0
USB1 (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 HW-N950 has its own remote control application. 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.

SB380 HW-N950
Voice controlAmazon Alexa
App control
Microphone
Remote control
Multi-room

Dimensions

SB380 HW-N950
Size (Wx H x D), cm/in88.9 x 12.7 x 7.6/35.5 x 5.7 x 3.3122.4 x 8.1 x 13.4/48.2 x 3.2 x 5.3
Weight, kg/pounds4/9.88.8/19.4
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