Yamaha MusicCast BAR 400 vs JBL Bar 2.1

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Votes 1 1
Rating 5 5

MusicCast BAR 400 vs Bar 2.1 comparison chart

Overall
Yamaha MusicCast BAR 400
8.2
JBL Bar 2.1
6
10
8
Multichannel surround
6
4

Yamaha MusicCast BAR 400 vs JBL Bar 2.1 review

Yamaha MusicCast BAR 400
vs
JBL Bar 2.1

Let's take a look at the comparison between Yamaha MusicCast BAR 400 and JBL Bar 2.1. It will become clear that among these two devices, the MusicCast BAR 400 is more suitable for the role of a home soundbar. According to the results of our comparison, MusicCast BAR 400 received 8.2 points out of 10 possible, and Bar 2.1 was rated 6 points.

Advantages Yamaha MusicCast BAR 400 over JBL Bar 2.1

  • Available the Amazon Music service
  • Stream music with Spotify
  • Possible to create a multi-room system

Advantages JBL Bar 2.1 over Yamaha MusicCast BAR 400

  • Available the Apple Music service

Audio features

Each of the compared models received 7 points for the audio features.

MusicCast BAR 400
7
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 MusicCast BAR 400 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 MusicCast BAR 400 has 5.1 channels, while the Bar 2.1 has 2.1 channels. Also, the output power of the soundbars under consideration is different, Yamaha MusicCast BAR 400 has 200 (overall) W, and 300 (overall) W has the competitor.

MusicCast BAR 400 Bar 2.1
Built-in channels5.12.1
Amplification typeactiveactive
Output power, W200 (overall)300 (overall)
Separate speaker (in package)00
Separate speaker connectionswirelesshas 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.

MusicCast BAR 400 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 MusicCast BAR 400 received rating 6 out of 10 for multichannel audio processing, but the Bar 2.1, in the same category, earned 4 out of 10 points.

MusicCast BAR 400
6
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. If we look at the models in terms of Dolby Atmos support, then none of these 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 not implemented in any of the soundbars in this comparison.

MusicCast BAR 400 Bar 2.1
Dolby Atmos
Dolby (other)Dolby DigitalDolby Digital
DTS:X
DTS (other)DTS Virtual:X, DTS Digital Surroundhas not

Streaming services

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

MusicCast BAR 400
10
Bar 2.1
0

The popular Spotify service is available on the MusicCast BAR 400.

MusicCast BAR 400 Bar 2.1
Apple Music (AirPlay)AirPlay 2
Amazon Music
Spotify
Other streaming servicesPandora, Deezer, TIDAL, Napster, SiriusXM, Qobuzhas 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.

MusicCast BAR 400
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 both devices.

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 1/1 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.

MusicCast BAR 400 Bar 2.1
WI-FI
Bluetooth
Ethernet (RJ45)10
NFC
HDMI input/output1/11/1
HDMI ARC
HDMI eARC
HDMI CEC
Optical digital input/output1/01/0
USB1 (USB 2.0)1 (USB 2.0)
Coaxial digital input/output0/00/0
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. 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. In our case, the ability to control the soundbar using the app is not implemented in any of the competitors. Both 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 MusicCast BAR 400 has the ability to use a multiroom system.

MusicCast BAR 400 Bar 2.1
Voice controlAmazon Alexa, Google AssistantAmazon Alexa, Google Assistant
App control
Microphone
Remote control
Multi-room

Dimensions

MusicCast BAR 400 Bar 2.1
Size (Wx H x D), cm/in94.2 x 8.3 x 11/38.6 x 3.3 x 4.396.5 x 5.8 x 6.8/38 x 2.3 x 2.7
Weight, kg/pounds2.7/61.9/4.1
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