What To Know
- However, if you prefer a more traditional soundbar design, a dedicated Bose Music app, and a slightly more affordable price point, the Soundbar 900 is a solid option.
- Both the Citation MultiBeam 1100 and the Soundbar 900 offer exceptional sound quality, with the Citation MultiBeam 1100 slightly edging out the Soundbar 900 in terms of soundstage width and overall immersion.
- The Citation MultiBeam 1100 offers a wider range of connectivity options, including two HDMI inputs, an optical input, a USB port, and an Ethernet port, compared to the Soundbar 900’s single HDMI input, optical input, Bluetooth connection, and Ethernet port.
When it comes to premium soundbars, two brands stand out as the undisputed leaders: Harman Kardon and Bose. Their latest offerings, the Harman Kardon Citation MultiBeam 1100 and the Bose Soundbar 900, are both highly acclaimed and represent the pinnacle of soundbar technology. In this comprehensive comparison, we delve into the key features, performance, and overall value of these two exceptional soundbars to help you make an informed decision.
Design and Build Quality
The Harman Kardon Citation MultiBeam 1100 exudes elegance with its sleek, minimalist design. Its fabric grille and curved edges give it a modern and sophisticated look that will complement any home decor. The Bose Soundbar 900, on the other hand, opts for a more traditional soundbar design with a low-profile silhouette and a perforated metal grille. Both soundbars are solidly built and feature premium materials, ensuring durability and longevity.
Sound Quality
Sound quality is paramount when choosing a soundbar, and both the Citation MultiBeam 1100 and the Soundbar 900 deliver exceptional audio experiences. The Citation MultiBeam 1100 boasts a 13-channel speaker array with dedicated tweeters, mid-range drivers, and woofers. This configuration creates an immersive and spacious soundstage that fills the room with rich, detailed audio. The Soundbar 900, with its nine-channel speaker system, also delivers impressive sound quality with a wide soundstage and clear, balanced audio.
Features
The Citation MultiBeam 1100 and the Soundbar 900 come with a host of features that enhance the user experience. The Citation MultiBeam 1100 supports both Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa, allowing for seamless voice control. It also features Chromecast built-in for easy streaming from compatible devices. The Soundbar 900, while not supporting voice assistants, offers a dedicated Bose Music app for controlling the soundbar, setting up presets, and accessing streaming services. Both soundbars support HDMI eARC, enabling high-quality audio from compatible TVs and other devices.
Connectivity
The Citation MultiBeam 1100 and the Soundbar 900 provide ample connectivity options. The Citation MultiBeam 1100 features two HDMI inputs, an optical input, a USB port, and an Ethernet port. The Soundbar 900, on the other hand, offers a single HDMI input, an optical input, a Bluetooth connection, and an Ethernet port. Both soundbars support Wi-Fi and Bluetooth for wireless streaming.
Room Correction
Room correction is an essential feature for optimizing soundbar performance in different room environments. The Citation MultiBeam 1100 features a built-in room correction system that automatically analyzes the room acoustics and adjusts the sound output accordingly. The Soundbar 900 utilizes Bose’s proprietary ADAPTiQ technology, which also analyzes the room environment and optimizes the soundbar’s performance for the best possible sound experience.
Bass Performance
Bass is crucial for a truly immersive sound experience, and both the Citation MultiBeam 1100 and the Soundbar 900 deliver impressive low-end performance. The Citation MultiBeam 1100 features two dedicated woofers that produce deep, punchy bass that adds a cinematic quality to movies and music. The Soundbar 900, while not having dedicated woofers, utilizes its nine-channel speaker system to create a surprisingly powerful and rich bass response.
The Verdict
Choosing between the Harman Kardon Citation MultiBeam 1100 and the Bose Soundbar 900 ultimately depends on your individual preferences and needs. If you prioritize voice control, a wider soundstage, and a more comprehensive feature set, the Citation MultiBeam 1100 is an excellent choice. However, if you prefer a more traditional soundbar design, a dedicated Bose Music app, and a slightly more affordable price point, the Soundbar 900 is a solid option.
Questions We Hear a Lot
Q: Which soundbar has better sound quality?
A: Both the Citation MultiBeam 1100 and the Soundbar 900 offer exceptional sound quality, with the Citation MultiBeam 1100 slightly edging out the Soundbar 900 in terms of soundstage width and overall immersion.
Q: Which soundbar supports voice control?
A: The Citation MultiBeam 1100 supports both Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa, while the Soundbar 900 does not support voice assistants.
Q: Which soundbar has more connectivity options?
A: The Citation MultiBeam 1100 offers a wider range of connectivity options, including two HDMI inputs, an optical input, a USB port, and an Ethernet port, compared to the Soundbar 900’s single HDMI input, optical input, Bluetooth connection, and Ethernet port.
Q: Which soundbar is more affordable?
A: The Bose Soundbar 900 is generally more affordable than the Harman Kardon Citation MultiBeam 1100.
Q: Which soundbar has a better bass response?
A: The Citation MultiBeam 1100 features dedicated woofers that produce a deeper and more impactful bass response than the Soundbar 900.