What To Know
- The Sonos Arc, on the other hand, has a more angular and elongated design with a fabric grille that wraps around the entire soundbar.
- The JBL 800 Soundbar is a more affordable option with a compact design and powerful sound, while the Sonos Arc offers a more comprehensive feature set, including Wi-Fi connectivity, Trueplay room calibration, and built-in voice control.
- The JBL 800 Soundbar is relatively easy to set up and use, while the Sonos Arc requires a bit more configuration due to its Wi-Fi and Trueplay room calibration features.
In the realm of home audio, soundbars have emerged as a popular choice for enhancing the cinematic experience. Two standout options in the market are the JBL 800 Soundbar and the Sonos Arc. Both these soundbars boast impressive features and capabilities, but how do they compare against each other? This comprehensive comparison will delve into the key aspects of these soundbars to help you make an informed decision.
Design and Build Quality
The JBL 800 Soundbar features a sleek and modern design with a perforated metal grille that conceals its powerful speakers. It measures 43 inches in length and has a relatively low profile, making it suitable for placement under most TVs. The Sonos Arc, on the other hand, has a more angular and elongated design with a fabric grille that wraps around the entire soundbar. It is slightly larger than the JBL 800, measuring 45 inches in length. Both soundbars are well-built and durable, with high-quality materials used in their construction.
Sound Quality
Sound quality is paramount when it comes to choosing a soundbar. The JBL 800 Soundbar utilizes six 2.25-inch racetrack drivers, two 2-inch tweeters, and a 10-inch subwoofer to deliver a powerful and immersive audio experience. It supports Dolby Atmos and DTS:X surround sound formats, providing a wide soundstage and accurate object-based audio. The Sonos Arc also supports Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, and it employs a 3.0.2 channel configuration with 11 Class-D digital amplifiers driving eight elliptical woofers, three tweeters, and two upward-firing speakers. The Arc’s sound is characterized by its clear and well-balanced reproduction, with a spacious soundstage and excellent bass response.
Connectivity and Features
The JBL 800 Soundbar offers a wide range of connectivity options, including HDMI ARC/eARC, optical, and Bluetooth 4.2. It also supports AirPlay 2 and Chromecast, allowing for seamless streaming from compatible devices. The Sonos Arc also has a similar array of connectivity options, including HDMI ARC/eARC, optical, and Bluetooth. However, it stands out with its support for Wi-Fi and Ethernet, which enables it to integrate seamlessly into a Sonos multi-room audio system. The Arc also features Trueplay room calibration, which optimizes its sound performance based on the acoustics of your listening space.
Smart Features and Voice Control
The JBL 800 Soundbar is not equipped with any built-in smart features or voice control capabilities. However, it can be controlled via the included remote control or through the JBL One app. The Sonos Arc, on the other hand, features built-in Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, allowing you to control the soundbar, adjust settings, and play music using voice commands. It also supports Apple AirPlay 2, which enables you to stream audio from Apple devices and control the soundbar using Siri.
Price
The JBL 800 Soundbar is priced at around $600, while the Sonos Arc is priced at around $800. The price difference between these two soundbars is primarily due to the Sonos Arc’s more advanced features, such as Wi-Fi and Ethernet connectivity, Trueplay room calibration, and built-in voice control.
In a nutshell: The Ultimate Choice for Audio Enthusiasts
Both the JBL 800 Soundbar and the Sonos Arc offer exceptional audio performance and a range of features to enhance your home entertainment experience. The JBL 800 Soundbar is a more affordable option with a compact design and powerful sound, while the Sonos Arc offers a more comprehensive feature set, including Wi-Fi connectivity, Trueplay room calibration, and built-in voice control. Ultimately, the best choice for you will depend on your budget, space constraints, and specific audio preferences.
Popular Questions
Q: Which soundbar has better sound quality, the JBL 800 or the Sonos Arc?
A: Both soundbars offer excellent sound quality, but the Sonos Arc has a slight edge with its wider soundstage and more accurate object-based audio reproduction.
Q: Can I use either soundbar with a non-smart TV?
A: Yes, both the JBL 800 Soundbar and the Sonos Arc can be used with non-smart TVs through their HDMI ARC/eARC or optical connections.
Q: Which soundbar is easier to set up and use?
A: The JBL 800 Soundbar is relatively easy to set up and use, while the Sonos Arc requires a bit more configuration due to its Wi-Fi and Trueplay room calibration features.
Q: Can I add rear speakers to either soundbar?
A: Yes, both the JBL 800 Soundbar and the Sonos Arc can be expanded with additional speakers to create a more immersive surround sound experience.
Q: Which soundbar is more durable?
A: Both the JBL 800 Soundbar and the Sonos Arc are well-built and durable, but the Sonos Arc has a slightly more robust construction with a metal grille compared to the JBL 800’s perforated metal grille.