Yamaha SR-B20A vs JBL Bar 9.1

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Being able to compare Yamaha SR-B20A and JBL Bar 9.1 gave us an insight into what features and technologies these devices offer. Bar 9.1 turned out to be a more technological and better-sounding device than the SR-B20A. According to the results of our comparison, SR-B20A received 3.8 points out of 10 possible, and Bar 9.1 was rated 9 points.

Advantages Yamaha SR-B20A over JBL Bar 9.1

Advantages JBL Bar 9.1 over Yamaha SR-B20A

Audio features

The SR-B20A is rated 5 of 10 against 9 for the Bar 9.1 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 SR-B20A and the Bar 9.1.

There are stereo soundbars and multichannel ones. It is with the help of multichannel devices that you can get volumetric sound. It is worth noting one of the main differences, the SR-B20A has 2.1 channels, while the Bar 9.1 has 9.1 channels. Also, the output power of the soundbars under consideration is different, Yamaha SR-B20A has 100 (overall) W, and 820 (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. A built-in subwoofer is only present in the SR-B20A. The Bar 9.1 comes with an 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 SR-B20A received rating 6 out of 10 for multichannel audio processing, but the Bar 9.1, in the same category, earned 7 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. Dolby Atmos surround sound support is implemented only in JBL Bar 9.1.

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 popular Spotify service is available on the Bar 9.1.

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: Yamaha SR-B20A was rated 4 out of 10, and JBL Bar 9.1 was rated 10 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 9.1.

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 SR-B20A has 0/1 HDMI inputs/outputs, but the Bar 9.1 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 Bar 9.1 has its own remote control application. Only JBL Bar 9.1 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 Bar 9.1 has the ability to use a multiroom system.

Dimensions