ZVOX SB380 vs Denon HEOS BAR

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Votes 1 1
Rating 5 5

SB380 vs HEOS BAR comparison chart

Overall
ZVOX SB380
4
Denon HEOS BAR
7
4
10
Multichannel surround
4
5

ZVOX SB380 vs Denon HEOS BAR review

ZVOX SB380
vs
Denon HEOS BAR

Being able to compare ZVOX SB380 and Denon HEOS BAR gave us an insight into what features and technologies these devices offer. HEOS BAR turned out to be a more technological and better-sounding device than the SB380. According to the results of our comparison, SB380 received 4 points out of 10 possible, and HEOS BAR was rated 7 points.

Advantages ZVOX SB380 over Denon HEOS BAR

  • Has an integrated subwoofer

Advantages Denon HEOS BAR over ZVOX SB380

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

Each of the compared models received 6 points for the audio features.

SB380
6
HEOS BAR
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 SB380 and the HEOS BAR.

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 HEOS BAR has 3.0 channels.

SB380 HEOS BAR
Built-in channels3.13.0
Amplification typeactiveactive
Output power, W45N/A
Separate speaker (in package)00
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. Both are not equipped with an external subwoofer.

SB380 HEOS BAR
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 HEOS BAR, in the same category, earned 5 out of 10 points.

SB380
4
HEOS BAR
5

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.

SB380 HEOS BAR
Dolby Atmos
Dolby (other)Dolby Digitalhas not
DTS:X
DTS (other)has notDTS HD

Streaming services

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

SB380
0
HEOS BAR
7

None of the two models is not implemented AirPlay function. The popular Spotify service is available on the HEOS BAR.

SB380 HEOS BAR
Apple Music (AirPlay)
Amazon Music
Spotify
Other streaming serviceshas notPandora, Deezer, TIDAL, Napster, SiriusXM, iHeart

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 Denon HEOS BAR was rated 7 out of 10.

SB380
4
HEOS BAR
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. Such connection as via Wi-Fi is not possible on any of the devices in comparison.

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 Denon HEOS BAR 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 Denon HEOS BAR.

SB380 HEOS BAR
WI-FI
Bluetooth
Ethernet (RJ45)01
NFC
HDMI input/output0/04/1
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)1/01/0
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.

Proprietary applications allow you to control your soundbars remotely. This is possible both via Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. The HEOS BAR has its own remote control application. Only Denon HEOS BAR 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 HEOS BAR has the ability to use a multiroom system.

SB380 HEOS BAR
Voice controlAmazon Alexa, Google Assistant
App control
Microphone
Remote control
Multi-room

Dimensions

SB380 HEOS BAR
Size (Wx H x D), cm/in88.9 x 12.7 x 7.6/35.5 x 5.7 x 3.3109.8 x 7.1 x 14.7/43.3 x 2.8 x 5.8
Weight, kg/pounds4/9.84.8/10.5
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