Comparison of Polk Audio Command Bar and LG SL9YG will allow us to get comprehensive information about the features of these two devices. And as a result of the comparison, it becomes clear that Command Bar is inferior in all characteristics to SL9YG. According to the results of our comparison, Command Bar received 6.6 points out of 10 possible, and SL9YG was rated 8 points.
The Command Bar is rated 6 of 10 against 8 for the SL9YG 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 Command Bar and the SL9YG.
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 Command Bar has 2.1 channels, while the SL9YG has 4.1.2 channels. Also, the output power of the soundbars under consideration is different, Polk Audio Command Bar has 160 (overall) W, and 500 (overall) W has the competitor.
Command Bar | SL9YG | |
---|---|---|
Built-in channels | 2.1 | 4.1.2 |
Amplification type | active | active |
Output power, W | 160 (overall) | 500 (overall) |
Separate speaker (in package) | 0 | 0 |
Separate speaker connections | has not | wireless |
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.
Command Bar | SL9YG | |
---|---|---|
Built-in subwoofer | ✖ | ✖ |
Separate subwoofer (in package) | ✔ | ✔ |
Separate subwoofer connections | wireless | wireless |
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 Command Bar received rating 5 out of 10 for multichannel audio processing, but the SL9YG, 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 LG SL9YG.
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 SL9YG.
Command Bar | SL9YG | |
---|---|---|
Dolby Atmos | ✖ | ✔ |
Dolby (other) | Dolby Digital | Dolby Digital |
DTS:X | ✖ | ✔ |
DTS (other) | DTS Digital Surround | has not |
The possibility to listen online to millions of songs from one device has become a reality thanks to streaming services. For the ability to work with streaming services, the Command Bar received 5 points, and the SL9YG - 7 on a 10-point scale.
None of the two models is not implemented AirPlay function. The popular Spotify service is available on both soundbars.
Command Bar | SL9YG | |
---|---|---|
Apple Music (AirPlay) | ✖ | ✖ |
Amazon Music | ✖ | ✖ |
Spotify | ✔ | ✔ |
Other streaming services | has not | Tuneln, Deezer Chromecast |
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 7 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 SL9YG.
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.
Command Bar | SL9YG | |
---|---|---|
WI-FI | ✖ | ✔ |
Bluetooth | ✔ | ✔ |
Ethernet (RJ45) | 0 | 0 |
NFC | ✖ | ✖ |
HDMI input/output | 1/1 | 1/1 |
HDMI ARC | ✔ | ✔ |
HDMI eARC | ✖ | ✖ |
HDMI CEC | ✔ | ✔ |
Optical digital input/output | 1/0 | 1/0 |
USB | 1 (USB 2.0) | 1 (USB 2.0) |
Coaxial digital input/output | 0/0 | 0/0 |
Analog audio input/output (RCA) | 0/0 | 0/0 |
Headphone output | 0 | 0 |
Subwoofer output | 0 | 0 |
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 SL9YG has its own remote control application. 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. It is possible to create a multiroom system based on each of these soundbars.
Command Bar | SL9YG | |
---|---|---|
Voice control | Amazon Alexa | Google Assistant |
App control | ✖ | ✔ |
Microphone | ✔ | ✔ |
Remote control | ✔ | ✔ |
Multi-room | ✔ | ✔ |
Command Bar | SL9YG | |
---|---|---|
Size (Wx H x D), cm/in | 110 x 5 x 10.1/43.3 x 2.1 x 4.1 | 121 x 5.5 x 14.4/48 x 2.2 x 5.7 |
Weight, kg/pounds | 1.8/4.9 | 6.3/13.9 |