Nakamichi Shockwafe Elite 7.2 vs ZVOX SB380

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Votes 1 1
Rating 5 5

Shockwafe Elite 7.2 vs SB380 comparison chart

Overall
Nakamichi Shockwafe Elite 7.2
8
ZVOX SB380
4
4
4
Multichannel surround
10
4

Nakamichi Shockwafe Elite 7.2 vs ZVOX SB380 review

Nakamichi Shockwafe Elite 7.2
vs
ZVOX SB380

Comparing Nakamichi Shockwafe Elite 7.2 and ZVOX SB380, all pros and cons of devices become clear. Advantages have shown that Shockwafe Elite 7.2 has advantages over SB380 mainly in terms of audio performance. According to the results of our comparison, Shockwafe Elite 7.2 received 8 points out of 10 possible, and SB380 was rated 4 points.

Advantages Nakamichi Shockwafe Elite 7.2 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
  • Wireless connection and control via Bluetooth
  • Supports external media connection via USB
  • HDMI ARC supports

Advantages ZVOX SB380 over Nakamichi Shockwafe Elite 7.2

  • Has an integrated subwoofer

Audio features

The Shockwafe Elite 7.2 is rated 9 of 10 against 6 for the SB380 according to the audio features rating.

Shockwafe Elite 7.2
9
SB380
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 Shockwafe Elite 7.2 and the SB380.

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 Shockwafe Elite 7.2 has 7.2.4 channels, while the SB380 has 3.1 channels. Also, the output power of the soundbars under consideration is different, Nakamichi Shockwafe Elite 7.2 has 800 (overall) W, and 45 W has the competitor.

Shockwafe Elite 7.2 SB380
Built-in channels7.2.43.1
Amplification typeactiveactive
Output power, W800 (overall)45
Separate speaker (in package)20
Separate speaker connectionswiredhas 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. A built-in subwoofer is only present in the SB380. The Shockwafe Elite 7.2 comes with an external subwoofer.

Shockwafe Elite 7.2 SB380
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 Shockwafe Elite 7.2 received rating 10 out of 10 for multichannel audio processing, but the SB380, in the same category, earned 4 out of 10 points.

Shockwafe Elite 7.2
10
SB380
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. Dolby Atmos surround sound support is implemented only in Nakamichi Shockwafe Elite 7.2.

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 Shockwafe Elite 7.2.

Shockwafe Elite 7.2 SB380
Dolby Atmos
Dolby (other)Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital, Dolby TruHDDolby Digital
DTS:X
DTS (other)DTS Digital Surround, DTS HDhas not

Streaming services

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

Shockwafe Elite 7.2
9
SB380
0

None of the two models is not implemented AirPlay function. The popular Spotify service is available on the Shockwafe Elite 7.2.

Shockwafe Elite 7.2 SB380
Apple Music (AirPlay)
Amazon Music
Spotify
Other streaming servicesPandora, SoundCloudhas 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: Nakamichi Shockwafe Elite 7.2 was rated 8 out of 10, and ZVOX SB380 was rated 4 out of 10.

Shockwafe Elite 7.2
8
SB380
4

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 Nakamichi Shockwafe Elite 7.2 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 Nakamichi Shockwafe Elite 7.2.

Shockwafe Elite 7.2 SB380
WI-FI
Bluetooth
Ethernet (RJ45)00
NFC
HDMI input/output3/10/0
HDMI ARC
HDMI eARC
HDMI CEC
Optical digital input/output1/02/0
USB1 (USB 2.0)
Coaxial digital input/output1/00/0
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. In our case, the ability to control the soundbar using the app is not implemented in any of the competitors. 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. However, it is impossible to create a multiroom system based on each of these soundbars.

Shockwafe Elite 7.2 SB380
Voice control
App control
Microphone
Remote control
Multi-room

Dimensions

Shockwafe Elite 7.2 SB380
Size (Wx H x D), cm/in114.3 x 7.6 x 7.6/45.5 x 3 x 3.588.9 x 12.7 x 7.6/35.5 x 5.7 x 3.3
Weight, kg/pounds3.1/7.24/9.8
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