What To Know
- 1 Soundbar offers a slightly more balanced sound profile with a thunderous bass response, making it ideal for movies and music.
- On the other hand, the Vizio Elevate boasts an impressive 14-channel setup with motorized rotating drivers, providing an unparalleled overhead sound experience that truly immerses you in the action.
- 1 Soundbar and the Vizio Elevate can be used without a subwoofer, but a subwoofer is recommended for a more immersive and impactful bass experience.
When it comes to home theater sound, two names that immediately come to mind are JBL and Vizio. These industry giants have consistently delivered exceptional audio experiences, and their latest offerings, the JBL 9.1 Soundbar and the Vizio Elevate, are no exception. In this comprehensive comparison, we’ll pit these two soundbars head-to-head to determine which one reigns supreme.
Immersive Sound: A Symphony for Your Ears
JBL 9.1 Soundbar:
- Dolby Atmos and DTS:X compatibility for a truly immersive 3D soundscape
- 9.1-channel setup with dedicated up-firing drivers for overhead sound effects
- Virtual Dolby Atmos technology to create a surround sound experience even without dedicated ceiling speakers
Vizio Elevate:
- Dolby Atmos and DTS:X Virtual:X support for an expansive and enveloping sound field
- 14-channel setup with motorized rotating drivers that elevate upward for overhead immersion
- TruePlay Room Correction technology to optimize sound performance based on your room acoustics
Audio Performance: The Power of Precision
JBL 9.1 Soundbar:
- Powerful 820-watt output for thunderous bass and crystal-clear highs
- Wide soundstage with excellent stereo separation for a cinematic experience
- Balanced sound profile with a slight emphasis on bass for a rich and impactful listening experience
Vizio Elevate:
- Impressive 896-watt output for room-filling sound that shakes the walls
- Detailed and nuanced sound reproduction with exceptional clarity and precision
- Adjustable EQ settings to tailor the sound to your personal preferences
Connectivity: A Symphony of Options
JBL 9.1 Soundbar:
- HDMI eARC port for lossless audio pass-through
- Supports 4K HDR pass-through for seamless integration with your home theater setup
- Bluetooth 5.0 for wireless music streaming from your smartphone or tablet
Vizio Elevate:
- HDMI eARC and ARC ports for flexible connectivity
- Supports 4K HDR pass-through via HDMI 2.1
- Built-in Chromecast and AirPlay 2 for effortless streaming from your favorite apps
Design: A Feast for the Eyes
JBL 9.1 Soundbar:
- Sleek and minimalist design with a premium fabric grille
- Low-profile form factor to complement your TV without obstructing the screen
- Wall-mountable design for a clean and clutter-free setup
Vizio Elevate:
- Bold and futuristic design with a perforated metal grille
- Larger footprint than the JBL soundbar, but still relatively compact
- Wall-mountable design with integrated mounting brackets
Features: The Edge of Innovation
JBL 9.1 Soundbar:
- Automatic room calibration using the JBL SoundShift app for optimal sound performance
- Built-in voice assistant with support for Alexa, Google Assistant, and Siri
- Optional surround sound speakers available for a truly immersive experience
Vizio Elevate:
- TruePlay Room Correction technology for precision sound optimization
- Voice control via Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant
- Immersive Surround X feature to expand the soundstage beyond the physical speakers
Verdict: The Ultimate Choice for Audio Excellence
After carefully comparing the JBL 9.1 Soundbar and the Vizio Elevate, we can confidently declare that both soundbars are exceptional choices for home theater enthusiasts. The JBL 9.1 Soundbar offers a slightly more balanced sound profile with a thunderous bass response, making it ideal for movies and music. On the other hand, the Vizio Elevate boasts an impressive 14-channel setup with motorized rotating drivers, providing an unparalleled overhead sound experience that truly immerses you in the action.
Ultimately, the best choice for you will depend on your individual preferences and needs. If you prioritize a powerful and balanced sound with a sleek and minimalist design, the JBL 9.1 Soundbar is an excellent choice. However, if you crave the ultimate in immersive sound with the added convenience of motorized rotating drivers and room correction technology, the Vizio Elevate is the clear winner.
What People Want to Know
Q: Which soundbar has a wider soundstage?
A: Both soundbars offer a wide soundstage, but the JBL 9.1 Soundbar has a slight edge due to its dedicated up-firing drivers.
Q: Can either soundbar be used without a subwoofer?
A: Yes, both the JBL 9.1 Soundbar and the Vizio Elevate can be used without a subwoofer, but a subwoofer is recommended for a more immersive and impactful bass experience.
Q: Which soundbar is easier to set up?
A: Both soundbars are relatively easy to set up, but the JBL 9.1 Soundbar has a slight advantage with its automatic room calibration feature.
Q: Can the Vizio Elevate‘s motorized drivers be manually controlled?
A: No, the motorized drivers on the Vizio Elevate automatically adjust based on the content being played or the chosen sound mode.
Q: Which soundbar is more durable?
A: Both soundbars are well-built and durable, but the JBL 9.1 Soundbar has a slightly more premium build quality with its metal grille and reinforced construction.