As an ardent home theater technology enthusiast, I‘ve had the opportunity to extensively test and review both Bose and JBL‘s latest premium soundbar offerings while evaluating my own upgrade options.
Through my comprehensive analysis summarized below across critical soundbar assessment criteria, I hope to provide buyers a helpful relative comparison to enable choosing the model that best fits both audio preferences and design needs.
Overview
This guide compares flagship and mid-range soundbar models across core parameters like:
- Audio processing technology
- Sound quality and surround effects
- Design aesthetics
- Smart features and connectivity
- Pricing and value
We will dive deep into the proprietary audio innovations from both Bose (ADAPTiQ, TrueSpace) and JBL (Dolby Atmos, DTS:X) that set their soundbars apart from the competition when it comes to engulfing living spaces with cinema-style sound.
Note: I approach this piece objectively as an AV enthusiast and do not favor one brand over the other. My aim is to equip readers with sufficient perspectives to decide which technology philosophy best matches their priorities.
Sound Quality Showdown
Let‘s start by examining the underlying audio technologies:
Bose TrueSpace Analysis
The Bose Smart Soundbar 700 and 900 lines leverage a processing tech called TrueSpace to emulate surround sound through lateral side-firing drivers and specialized software tuning.
Image courtesy: Bose Community Forum
Based on my experience demoing these soundbars at length, I can vouch for the expanded sense of spatial imaging and width delivered by the TrueSpace system.
Voices and effects seem to stretch out notably beyond the physical confines of the hardware – almost mimicking satellite surround speakers placed at the sides. Frequencies normally localized from a single central bar like dialog now fill up the entire front soundstage seamlessly.
JBL Surround Sound
Alternatively, JBL soundbars starting from the Bar 5.1 upwards rely on advanced surround sound codecs like Dolby Atmos and DTS:X for multi-dimensional, object-oriented audio.
The JBL Bar 9.1 takes things further by adding two completely wireless, detachable battery-powered satellite speakers already bundled.
JBL Bar 9.1 with satellite speakers placed at rear
Based on my in-store evaluations, JBL‘s decision to natively support these formats pays great dividends in surround effects realization. The sensation of 3D, moving audio objects circling the room is immediately evident despite limited speaker positions.
The satellites on the Bar 9.1 allow full 5.1.4 channel immersion! For my room size, I did not feel the need or benefit from upward-firing drivers or additional speakers beyond this setup.
Sound Quality Comparison
Now that we have looked under the hood of the core surround sound approaches from both brands, how do they compare for real-world usage?
Here is a summation of sound quality impressions aggregated from 10+ expert reviewers across mainstream technology sites:
| Soundbar Model | Treble | Mid | Bass | Soundstage | Dialog Clarity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bose Smart Soundbar 900 | Clear, smooth delivery with spacious effects from upfiring drivers | Warm and rich vocals, instruments with balanced tone | Deep, punchy. Subwoofer built-in | Very open, out-of-the box surround sensation from the sides | Crisp and anchored |
| JBL Bar 9.1 | Brilliant highs and clear detailing noticed | Natural tone with clear reproduction | Powerful, earthquake-like rumble thanks to huge wireless subwoofer | More enveloping 3D bubble feel when adding satellites | Remarkably focused central channel |
| Bose Smart Soundbar 700 | Lacks slightly in sparkle being a simpler single-unit bar, but still opened up music nicely | No coloration issues. Smoky vocals stand out | Strong and tight bass but not chest-pounding. Can be boosted via app | Impressively broad staging beyond physical size | Anchored between left and right audio channels |
| JBL Bar 5.1 | Highs sound clean but max volume strains slightly | Clear midrange across a variety of content | Bar digs surprisingly deep for size, aided by 6.5” wireless subwoofer | Good phantom center but less holographic compared to Bar 9.1 | Leaner but easily understandable |
My take: It‘s virtually impossible to pick a clear winner here! The audio character differences come down to a wider, more room-filling sensation from Bose vs a tighter, spot-on object rendering from JBL‘s Dolby Atmos decoding. Both work superbly well to transport listeners into the on-screen action.
If activating upward-firing height channels is important (for Dolby Atmos/DTS:X mixing), Bose has the edge. But JBL counters with the flexibility of truly wireless surrounds free from speaker wire runs.
Ultimately based on thousands of buyer reviews, you can‘t go wrong with either brand when it comes to seriously upgrading TV audio.
Design & Build Quality
Since soundbars share prime real estate around living room TVs, aesthetics and craftsmanship matter beyond just audio performance.
Bose Design Statement
Known for elegant, minimalist industrial designs often utilizing premium materials like glass and brushed metals, Bose soundbars seamlessly turn into functional furniture pieces rather than electronics.
The low, tapered form factors and rounded corners ensure the devices recede into a wall-mounted TV setup‘s background – enabling centerpieces like oversized screens or artwork to shine. This refined, subtle style fits perfectly in modern interiors prizing understated, sophisticated tech.
JBL Design Cues
On the other hand, JBL soundbars relay a signature flashy, almost sporty look drawing instant attention with their metallic speaker grilles and exposed tweeters. Bulkier proportions are stabilized via grippy bottom feet when table-mounted in front of screens.
The bold, imposing facade wears the brand‘s professional audio legacy proudly and appeals to buyers looking for an accessory matching the heavy duty construction of the soundbar hiding within. Compared to Bose‘s elegant persona, JBL gives off a more imposing, hyper-masculine character.
My perspective: As an interior design enthusiast gravitating towards sparse, balanced living spaces, Bose soundbars align better with my personal tastes. However, for contemporary industrial loft-style decor, JBL‘s unapologetically utilitarian look blends right in. This aspect remains incredibly subjective so visit showrooms to assess both aesthetics in context!
Now onto the smart features…
Connectivity & Voice Assistant Support
With modern soundbars expected to interface with an ever-growing array of content sources and smart platforms, their connectivity feature set warrants close evaluation.
Here is a breakdown of what Bose and JBL currently offer:
| Feature | Bose Soundbars | JBL Soundbars |
|---|---|---|
| Voice assistant integration | Alexa + Google Assistant built-in | None, Alexa/Google speaker must be added separately |
| Audio streaming protocols | AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect | Chromecast built-in, Airplay 2 |
| Internet music services | Apple Music, Spotify, Amazon Music natively supported | YouTube Music, Spotify, Pandora natively supported |
| Smart home platforms | Bose Home app ties into Apple Homekit ecosystem | Limited compatibility – older JBL models had Google Home support |
| HDMI connectivity | eARC port for high bandwidth Dolby Atmos pass-through | Dolby Vision & standard HDR pass-through |
| Multi-room audio | Bose SimpleSync with other Bose products | None |
Evaluating lifestyles and existing device ecosystems will steer choices here. With deep Apple integration from phone-to-speaker, Bose makes an especially compelling case for iPhone households.
JBL counters with Chromecast and the ability to cast videos from thousands of mobile apps. Both satisfy audio streaming sufficiently today.
I give Bose a slight advantage when it comes to intelligent integration unlocking incremental utility over time via ecosystem partnerships. JBL plays it safer, expecting buyers to link soundbars into preferred environments separately.
Price Band Comparison
For potential customers weighing their budget together with desired feature sets, here is a breakdown of street prices across models:
Observations:
-
JBL manages to undercut Bose at every tier once discounts are factored in, making the brand an intriguing value play. However Bose qualifications like smart assistance and proprietary processing still justify a 10-15% premium.
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Mid-range models start closing in on entry-level 4K television prices these days, so definitely research capabilities before committing!
For buyers open to branching out beyond just these two manufacturers, plenty of models from LG, Samsung, Sony and Yamaha exist at lower price points – though they cut back on higher-end features.
My budget comfortably affords either a Bose Smart Soundbar 700 or JBL Bar 9.1. Given my priorities around room adaptation plus smart home ecosystem leverage, I‘m leaning Bose despite the steeper price tag. Value depends heavily on individual preferences here.
Bottom Line Recommendations
So in closing, which brand comes out on top in the battle for premium soundbar glory?
The answer: After evaluating numerous criteria in depth, I don‘t believe one clearly defeats the other outright based on technical merits alone. Both excel at transporting viewers into on-screen worlds through proprietary innovations tailored to their brand ethos.
Ultimately the right fit depends primarily on user priorities – whether that is adaptable room audio, bombastic bass, industrial design, wireless expansion potential or ecosystem integration.
I summarize key decision factors below to steer buyers accordingly:
1) Room-based audio tuning is paramount: Choose Bose for automatic spatial calibration and side-firing surround effects steered dynamically
2) Object-oriented Dolby Atmos is a must: Go with JBL for DTS:X and satellite speaker expandability
3) Sleek, subtle design desired: Bose fits seamlessly into modern decor
4) Smart assistant access built-in: Bose bakes in Alexa and Google without external peripherals
5) Existing multi-room / home automation ecosystem: Factor in integration needs
I am happy to address any additional questions or custom recommendations based on your specific priorities! Please do not hesitate to reach out. Confidently evaluating both these soundbar giants will lead you to the perfect model matching both lifestyle and budget needs.
