ZVOX SB380 vs Sony HT-ST5000

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Comparison of ZVOX SB380 and Sony HT-ST5000 will reveal the best features offered by the devices. HT-ST5000 is a better soundbar than the SB380. Its sound profile is well-balanced and stereo performance is better. According to the results of our comparison, SB380 received 4 points out of 10 possible, and HT-ST5000 was rated 8.6 points.

Advantages ZVOX SB380 over Sony HT-ST5000

Advantages Sony HT-ST5000 over ZVOX SB380

Audio features

The SB380 is rated 6 of 10 against 9 for the HT-ST5000 according to the audio features rating.

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 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 SB380 has 3.1 channels, while the HT-ST5000 has 7.1.2 channels. Also, the output power of the soundbars under consideration is different, ZVOX SB380 has 45 W, and 800 (overall) W has the competitor.

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 HT-ST5000 comes with an external subwoofer.

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 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. Dolby Atmos surround sound support is implemented only in Sony HT-ST5000.

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-ST5000.

Streaming services

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

None of the two models is not implemented AirPlay function. The popular Spotify service is available on the HT-ST5000.

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 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. Modern Bluetooth protocol is the privilege of Sony HT-ST5000 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 Sony HT-ST5000.

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 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.

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