JBL Bar 9.1 vs LG SLM4R

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Votes 1 1
Rating 5 5

Bar 9.1 vs SLM4R comparison chart

Overall
JBL Bar 9.1
9
LG SLM4R
5.2
9
6
Multichannel surround
7
5

JBL Bar 9.1 vs LG SLM4R review

JBL Bar 9.1
vs
LG SLM4R

Comparison of JBL Bar 9.1 and LG SLM4R will reveal the best features offered by the devices. Bar 9.1 is a better soundbar than the SLM4R. Its sound profile is well-balanced and stereo performance is better. According to the results of our comparison, Bar 9.1 received 9 points out of 10 possible, and SLM4R was rated 5.2 points.

Advantages JBL Bar 9.1 over LG SLM4R

  • Available the Apple Music service
  • Available the Amazon Music service
  • Stream music with Spotify
  • Supports object-oriented sound with Dolby Atmos technology
  • Possible to create a multi-room system
  • Wireless connection via Wi-Fi
  • HDMI ARC supports
  • Voice control supports
  • Built-in microphone

Advantages LG SLM4R over JBL Bar 9.1

  • We do not know advantages

Audio features

The Bar 9.1 is rated 9 of 10 against 7 for the SLM4R according to the audio features rating.

Bar 9.1
9
SLM4R
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 Bar 9.1 and the SLM4R.

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 Bar 9.1 has 9.1 channels, while the SLM4R has 4.1 channels. Also, the output power of the soundbars under consideration is different, JBL Bar 9.1 has 820 (overall) W, and 420 (overall) W has the competitor.

Bar 9.1 SLM4R
Built-in channels9.14.1
Amplification typeactiveactive
Output power, W820 (overall)420 (overall)
Separate speaker (in package)22
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. Both reviewed devices are equipped with an external subwoofer. Competitors support wireless connection to a separate external subwoofer.

Bar 9.1 SLM4R
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 Bar 9.1 received rating 7 out of 10 for multichannel audio processing, but the SLM4R, in the same category, earned 5 out of 10 points.

Bar 9.1
7
SLM4R
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. Dolby Atmos surround sound support is implemented only in JBL Bar 9.1.

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.

Bar 9.1 SLM4R
Dolby Atmos
Dolby (other)Dolby Digital
DTS:X
DTS (other)DTS Digital Surround

Streaming services

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

Bar 9.1
10
SLM4R
0

The popular Spotify service is available on the Bar 9.1.

Bar 9.1 SLM4R
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: JBL Bar 9.1 was rated 10 out of 10, and LG SLM4R was rated 6 out of 10.

Bar 9.1
10
SLM4R
6

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 Bar 9.1.

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.

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 JBL Bar 9.1. Connecting external devices via USB can be done on both models.

Bar 9.1 SLM4R
WI-FI
Bluetooth
Ethernet (RJ45)00
NFC
HDMI input/output1/10/0
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)0/00/0
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 ability to control the soundbar using the application is implemented in each of the competitors. Only JBL Bar 9.1 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 Bar 9.1 has the ability to use a multiroom system.

Bar 9.1 SLM4R
Voice control
App control
Microphone
Remote control
Multi-room

Dimensions

Bar 9.1 SLM4R
Size (Wx H x D), cm/in88.4x6.2x1.2/34.8x2.4x4.789 x 5 x 7.6/35.1 x 2.3 x 3.4
Weight, kg/pounds3.7/8.12.2/5.2
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