JBL Bar 5.1 VS Samsung HW-N850
JBL Bar 5.1
  • Brand - JBL
  • APP CONTROL - true
  • REMOTE CONTROL - true
Samsung HW-N850
  • Brand - Samsung
  • APP CONTROL - true
  • REMOTE CONTROL - true

Under The Microscope: JBL Bar 5.1 vs Samsung HW-N850

JBL Bar 5.1 vs Samsung HW-N850

Features

Samsung HW-N850 vs JBL Bar 5.1 is like a younger brother versus an elder brother. The bars are 5.1 channel ones with 5.1 channel quality similar for both. So you can expect a pretty much identical audio experience. Both have active amplification for improved sound quality. JBL does have a wireless single additional speaker. Both bars come with a wireless woofer for better bass and numerous modes and audio options.

The amount of supported streaming services is also identical. The bars all have Apple, Google and Amazon Music, Deezer, Pandora, TuneIn and last but not the least Spotify. I know there is not much to compare when it comes to features.

Samsung HW-N850 is Alexa compatible. JBL Bar 5.1 is not compatible with any of the voice control programs like Alexa etc. Samsung also has way more connectivity options like Wi-Fi, USB, and Bluetooth. JBL only has Bluetooth and USB but it has a separate subwoofer output.

The phone app and remote control features are also common for both bars. Samsung supports Dolby Atmos and DTS:X. While JBL has neither.

Design

These bars have similar placement types, either wall mount or tabletop. This feature is common for all the soundbars out there. Both JBL Bar 5.1 and Samsung HW-N850 have an identical set of buttons, you have a power button, volume up-down control, and input. The buttons are conveniently located on top central parts of the bars.

JBL Bar 5.1 vs Samsung HW-N850 is built to be more convenient and versatile with a wireless sub and additional tweeter. Samsung soundbar only has an additional sub. Another interesting peculiarity is that JBL together with all the add-ons weighs less than 10 pounds. While Samsung bar together with a sub weighs only 18 pounds.

Minimalistic well thought through understated matte black plastic design will be appropriate in any house. Very typical for all home theaters and house speakers. It is meant to go well with the TV set.

Pros & Cons

JBL Bar 5.1

VS

Pros

    • Truly wireless 5.1 surround sound.
    • Easy to set up and use.
    • Impressive vocal clarity.

Cons

    • The music feels flat.
    • Plastic design.

Samsung HW-N850

VS

Pros

    • The external subwoofer works perfectly, reaching a detailed treble bass.
    • It doesn’t give reasons to worry about sound quality loss at high volume levels.

Cons

    • The bar has limited audio calibration.

Specifications

Specification JBL Bar 5.1 Samsung HW-N850
Connectivity
Bluetooth
Headphone Output
Wi-fi
Analog Audio Input/output (rca) 1/0
Coaxial Digital Input/output
Usb 1 1
Optical Digital Input/output 1 1
Hdmi Arc 1 1
Hdmi Input/output 3/0 2/0
Ethernet (rj45)
Subwoofer Output 1 -
Multichannel Surround
Dts:x
Dolby Atmos
General
Connection To Source wired, wireless wired, wireless
Placement Type table-top, wall-mountable table-top, wall-mountable
Soundbar Buttons power, volume down, volume up, input power, input, volume down, volume up
Subwoofer
Separate Subwoofer (in Package) 1 1
Built-in Subwoofer
Separate Subwoofer Connections wireless wireless
Streaming Services
Other Streaming Services Chromecast, Pandora, Tuneln, Deezer Chromecast, Pandora, Tuneln, Deezer
Spotify
Amazon Music
Google Play Music
Apple Music (airplay)
Features
Multi-room
Remote Control
Microphone
App Control
Voice Control Alexa
Audio Features
Separate Speaker Connections wireless
Separate Speaker (in Package) 2
Supported Channel Quantity 5.1 5.1.2
Built-in Channels 5.1 5.1
Amplification Type active active
Dimensions
Weight, Kg/pounds 3.9/8.6 (4.5/9.9 with detachable speakers) 8.1/18.7
Size (h X W X D), Cm/in 5.8 x 114.8 x 9.3/2.3 x 45 x 3.7 (5.8 x 131.3 x 9.3/2.3 x 51.7 x 3.7 with detachable speakers) 7.6 x 121.9 x 12.7/3.2 x 48.2 x 5.4
User Manual
Manual bar-5-1.pdf hw-n850.pdf

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