Vizio V21-H8 vs JBL Bar 2.1

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Let's take a look at the comparison between Vizio V21-H8 and JBL Bar 2.1. It will become clear that among these two devices, the Bar 2.1 is more suitable for the role of a home soundbar. According to the results of our comparison, V21-H8 received 5.5 points out of 10 possible, and Bar 2.1 was rated 6 points.

Advantages Vizio V21-H8 over JBL Bar 2.1

Advantages JBL Bar 2.1 over Vizio V21-H8

Audio features

The V21-H8 is rated 6 of 10 against 7 for the Bar 2.1 according to the audio features rating.

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 V21-H8 and the Bar 2.1.

There are stereo soundbars and multichannel ones. It is with the help of multichannel devices that you can get volumetric sound. The number of channels in the considered devices is the same - 2.1.

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. Vizio V21-H8 has the ability to handle wired and wireless connections from an external subwoofer, while JBL Bar 2.1 only has wireless connections.

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 V21-H8 received rating 5 out of 10 for multichannel audio processing, but the Bar 2.1, in the same category, earned 4 out of 10 points.

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. If we look at the models in terms of Dolby Atmos support, then none of these soundbars can work with this technology.

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.

Streaming services

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

None of the two models is not implemented AirPlay function. The popular Spotify service cannot be used on both soundbars.

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: Vizio V21-H8 was rated 6 out of 10, and JBL Bar 2.1 was rated 8 out of 10.

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 2.1.

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. The V21-H8 has 0/1 HDMI inputs/outputs, but the Bar 2.1 got 1/1 HDMI inputs/outputs from the manufacturer.

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 basic for both soundbars. Connecting external devices via USB can be done on both models.

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 V21-H8 has its own remote control application. Both soundbars have 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. However, it is impossible to create a multiroom system based on each of these soundbars.

Dimensions