JBL Bar 5.1 vs Yamaha MusicCast BAR 400

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Against the background of the increasing popularity of soundbars, the comparison of JBL Bar 5.1 and Yamaha MusicCast BAR 400 takes place. And based on the available data, we can conclude that MusicCast BAR 400 has better sound and performance than Bar 5.1. According to the results of our comparison, Bar 5.1 received 7.2 points out of 10 possible, and MusicCast BAR 400 was rated 8.2 points.

Advantages JBL Bar 5.1 over Yamaha MusicCast BAR 400

Advantages Yamaha MusicCast BAR 400 over JBL Bar 5.1

Audio features

The Bar 5.1 is rated 8 of 10 against 7 for the MusicCast BAR 400 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 Bar 5.1 and the MusicCast BAR 400.

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 - 5.1. Also, the output power of the soundbars under consideration is different, JBL Bar 5.1 has 510 (overall) W, and 200 (overall) W has the competitor.

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. Competitors support wireless connection to a separate external subwoofer.

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 Bar 5.1 received rating 4 out of 10 for multichannel audio processing, but the MusicCast BAR 400, in the same category, earned 6 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. The streaming services category rating is the same - 10 out of 10 points.

The Bar 5.1 is featured with AirPlay, but in the MusicCast BAR 400 have support for AirPlay 2. The popular Spotify service is available 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. Connectivity of competitors 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 MusicCast BAR 400.

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 Bar 5.1 has 3/0 HDMI inputs/outputs, but the MusicCast BAR 400 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 Bar 5.1 has its own remote control application. Only Yamaha MusicCast BAR 400 has 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. The MusicCast BAR 400 has the ability to use a multiroom system.

Dimensions