The check of JBL Bar 5.1 vs Samsung HW-N950 is aimed to compare soundbars without built-in woofers but with a wireless sub in the package. The BL Bar 5.1 is much cheaper, but it’s not a Wi-Fi capable device. At the same time, the Samsung HW-N950 costs more but has only two HDMI inputs versus JBL Bar 5.1’s two inputs. Both soundbars come with two satellite speakers that make them closer to a surround sound system.
When testing Samsung HW-N950 vs JBL Bar 5.1 in terms of their sound quality, it should be said that this Samsung creates a perfect soundfield when both watching movies and listening to audio. With respect to the JBL Bar 5.1, while watching movies, the unit provides absolute clarity for both different whispered voices and secondary soundtrack components. It makes them sound balanced and immersive. However, in general, this model is focused on movies more than on music content since its mids are too weak.
The Bar 5.1 has Bluetooth and allows listening to music from the other Bluetooth-capable devices wirelessly. It also comes with a SoundShift option to listen to music from any of the soundbar inputs and toggle between them.
The HW-N950 features 7.1.4-channel configuration and, unlike the JBL Bar 5.1, it supports both Dolby Atmos and DTS:X.
The cabinet of the JBL Bar 5.1 is mostly plastic and it’s covered with a perforated grille. A small display on the front panel shows the unit’s status. The buttons are on the top and the ports are on the back panel. Its height allows placing it in front of the TVs without hiding a part of their screens. However, it’s a bit wider than other similar soundbars and requires enough place on the surface.
The Samsung HW-N950 is rather massive since it includes 17 speakers. The soundbar has a rectangular shape and minimalist design. Its building is sturdy since it has metal grilles at the top, front and sides. It’s designed for TVs with no less than 55-inch screens.
Specification | JBL Bar 5.1 | Samsung HW-N950 |
---|---|---|
Streaming Services | ||
Apple Music (airplay) | ||
Other Streaming Services | Chromecast, Pandora, Tuneln, Deezer | Chromecast, Pandora, Tuneln, Deezer |
Spotify | ||
Amazon Music | ||
Google Play Music | ||
Connectivity | ||
Hdmi Input/output | 3/0 | 2/0 |
Ethernet (rj45) | ||
Subwoofer Output | 1 | - |
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 |
Features | ||
Voice Control | Alexa | |
Multi-room | ||
Remote Control | ||
Microphone | ||
App Control | ||
Dimensions | ||
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) | 8.1 x 122.4 x 13.4/3.2 x 48.2 x 5.3 |
Weight, Kg/pounds | 3.9/8.6 (4.5/9.9 with detachable speakers) | 8.8/19.4 |
Audio Features | ||
Amplification Type | active | active |
Separate Speaker Connections | wireless | wireless |
Separate Speaker (in Package) | 2 | 2 |
Supported Channel Quantity | 5.1 | 7.1.4 |
Built-in Channels | 5.1 | 7.1.4 |
Subwoofer | ||
Separate Subwoofer Connections | wireless | wireless |
Separate Subwoofer (in Package) | 1 | 1 |
Built-in Subwoofer | ||
User Manual | ||
Manual | bar-5-1.pdf | hw-n950.pdf |
General | ||
Soundbar Buttons | power, volume down, volume up, input | power, input, volume down, volume up |
Connection To Source | wired, wireless | wired, wireless |
Placement Type | table-top, wall-mountable | table-top, wall-mountable |
Multichannel Surround | ||
Dts:x | ||
Dolby Atmos |