Your browser is not supported or outdated so some features of the site might not be available.
JBL Bar 5.1 Surround vs Samsung HW-Q900A
Side-by-Side Comparison
Products
JBL Bar 5.1 Surround
Samsung HW-Q900A
Tested using Methodology v1.2
Updated Mar 15, 2024 07:13 PM
SEE PRICE
Amazon.comTested using Methodology v1.1
Updated Jan 12, 2024 07:40 PM
SEE PRICE
Amazon.com
Channels5.1
Channels7.1.2
Variants
- Bar 5.1 Surround (Black)
- HW-Q900A (Black)
Our Verdict
JBL Bar 5.1 Surround
Samsung HW-Q900A
The Samsung HW-Q900A is better than the JBL Bar 5.1 Surround. The Samsung is a 7.1.2 setup that supports Dolby Atmos content and has built-in voice assistant capabilities. It gets louder than the JBL, and it has a better stereo soundstage. It even comes with more sound enhancement features, such as a graphic EQ. That said, the 5.1 JBL is better-built.
Notice: Two or more of the products selected have been tested with different test methodologies, so some of the results below aren't directly comparable. Learn how our test benches and scoring system work, and read more about the latest changes to our soundbars test methodology.
Main Differences for
Threshold
Mixed Usage
6.9
8.3
Height (Atmos)
0.0
5.8
Audio Format Support: ARC/eARC
3.1
10
Stereo Frequency Response
7.8
8.2
Stereo Dynamics
7.1
8.6
Dialogue Enhancement
No
Yes
Stereo Soundstage
6.5
7.5
Audio Format Support: HDMI In
2.6
10
Full Comparison
Design
Style - Bar
Style photo - bar
Style - Subwoofer
Style photo - sub
Sub Wireless
Yes
Yes
Enclosure
Ported
Ported
Style - Satellites
Style photo - satellites
Satellite Wireless
No
No
Dimensions - Bar
Dimensions photo - bar
Width
40.0" (101.6 cm)
48.4" (123.0 cm)
Height
2.3" (5.8 cm)
2.8" (7.0 cm)
Depth
3.9" (9.8 cm)
5.4" (13.8 cm)
Dimensions - Subwoofer
Dimensions photo - sub
Width
12.0" (30.5 cm)
8.2" (20.9 cm)
Height
17.3" (44.0 cm)
15.8" (40.2 cm)
Depth
12.0" (30.5 cm)
15.9" (40.3 cm)
Dimensions - Satellites
Dimensions photo - satellites
Width
N/A
N/A
Height
N/A
N/A
Depth
N/A
N/A
Mounting
Bar Mounting Holes
Satellite Mounting Holes
Mountable Bar
Yes
Yes
Bar Brackets Included
Yes
Yes
Mountable Satellites
No
No
Satellite Brackets Included
No
No
Build Quality
8.0
7.5
Build quality photo
In The Box
In The Box photo
Sound
Stereo Frequency Response
7.8
8.2
Stereo Setup
Raw Frequency Response
Frequency Response Small
Tested Preset
Standard
Standard
Slope
-0.89
0.51
Std. Err.
3.56 dB
2.75 dB
Channels
5.1
7.1.2
Low-Frequency Extension
33.6 Hz
33.2 Hz
High-Frequency Extension
17.7 kHz
19.3 kHz
Stereo Frequency Response With Preliminary Calibration
7.8
8.5
Frequency Response Calibrated
Suggested Preset
Standard
Standard
Suggested Bass Setting
3
3
Suggested Treble Setting
N/A
0
Slope
-0.89
0.08
Std. Err.
3.56 dB
2.13 dB
Low-Frequency Extension
33.6 Hz
30.0 Hz
High-Frequency Extension
17.7 kHz
19.3 kHz
Stereo Soundstage
6.5
7.5
Crosstalk Error
2.92 dB
2.07 dB
Stereo Dynamics
7.1
8.6
Dynamic Range Compression
SPL @ Max Volume
94.9 dB SPL
98.3 dB SPL
DRC @ Max Volume
3.44 dB
1.19 dB
Stereo Total Harmonic Distortion
8.2
8.2
Weighted THD @ 80dB
0.26
0.25
Weighted THD @ Max Volume
1.18
1.36
Center
8.1
8.7
Center Setup
Frequency Response
Localization
Discrete
Discrete
Slope
-0.44
0.36
Std. Err.
3.76 dB
2.29 dB
SPL @ Max Volume
92.0 dB SPL
95.7 dB SPL
Weighted THD @ 80dB
0.32
0.18
Weighted THD @ Max Volume
0.98
0.88
Surround 5.1
6.0
6.0
Surround Setup
Frequency Response
Localization
Phantom (Front Firing, Bar)
Phantom (Side Firing, Bar)
Slope
-0.92
0.18
Std. Err.
3.54 dB
4.00 dB
SPL @ Max Volume
94.5 dB SPL
89.8 dB SPL
Weighted THD @ 80dB
0.24
0.48
Weighted THD @ Max Volume
1.16
1.89
7.1 Rears
No
No
Height (Atmos)
0.0
5.8
Height Setup
H Frequency Response
Localization
Not Supported
Phantom (Up Firing, Bar)
Slope
N/A
0.71
Std. Err.
N/A
5.06 dB
SPL @ Max Volume
N/A
87.7 dB SPL
Weighted THD @ 80dB
N/A
0.73
Weighted THD @ Max Volume
N/A
1.12
Sound Enhancement Features
5.6
9.5
Room Correction
Yes
Yes
Dialogue Enhancement
No
Yes
Auto-Volume/Night Mode
Yes
Yes
Subwoofer Level Adjustment
Yes
Yes
Bass Adjustment
No
Yes
Treble Adjustment
No
Yes
EQ
Presets
Graphic + Presets
Surround Level Adjustment
No
Yes
Rear Level Adjustment
No
Yes
Height Level Adjustment
No
Yes
Virtual Surround
Yes
Yes
Connectivity
Inputs/Outputs - Bar
Physical Connections Bar Photo 1
Physical Connections Bar Photo 2
Optical Audio In
1
1
HDMI ARC
1 (shared)
HDMI Out
ARC
1 (shared)
HDMI 2.1 Class Bandwidth
No
Full HDMI In
1
2
Analog Audio In 3.5mm (Aux)
No
No
RCA In
No
No
USB for Files
No
No
Ethernet
1
No
Subwoofer Output
No
No
Audio Format Support: ARC/eARC
3.1
10
Dolby Atmos
Not Supported
Yes
Dolby Digital
Incorrect Implementation
Yes
Dolby Digital Plus
Incorrect Implementation
Yes
Dolby TrueHD
Not Supported
Yes
DTS
Not Supported
Yes
DTS:X
Not Supported
Yes
eARC
Yes
DTS-HD MA
Not Supported
Yes
PCM Channels
2.0
5.1 PCM (eARC only)
Yes
Audio Format Support: HDMI In
2.6
10
Dolby Atmos
Not Supported
Yes
Dolby Digital
Incorrect Implementation
Yes
Dolby Digital Plus
Not Supported
Yes
Dolby TrueHD
Not Supported
Yes
DTS
Not Supported
Yes
DTS:X
Not Supported
Yes
DTS-HD MA
Not Supported
Yes
PCM Channels
2.0
5.1 PCM
Yes
Audio Format Support: Optical
4.3
10
Dolby Digital
Incorrect Implementation
Yes
DTS
Not Supported
Yes
PCM Channels
2.0
Latency
7.2
8.3
Latency Video
ARC
121 ms
49 ms
Optical
98 ms
19 ms
Full HDMI In
-14 ms
-66 ms
Video Passthrough To TV
7.8
0.0
1080p Max Refresh Rate
120Hz
1080p @ 4:4:4 Max Refresh Rate
120Hz
4k Max Refresh Rate
60Hz
4k @ 120Hz @ 10-Bit
Not Supported
4k @ 4:4:4 Max Refresh Rate
60Hz
8k Max Refresh Rate
30Hz
HDR10 Passthrough
Yes
Yes
HDR10+ Passthrough
No
Dolby Vision Passthrough
Yes
HDMI Forum VRR Passthrough
No
4k @ 60 Hz Passthrough
Yes
FreeSync Passthrough
No
G-SYNC Passthrough
No
ALLM Passthrough
No
4k @ 60 Hz @ 10 bit Passthrough
Yes
4k @ 60 Hz @ 4:4:4 Passthrough
Yes
Wireless Playback
10
9.0
Bluetooth
Yes
Yes
Wi-Fi Playback
Yes
Yes
Chromecast built-in
Yes
No
Apple AirPlay
Yes
Yes
Spotify Connect
Yes
Yes
Additional Features
Interface
Interface photo
Display
Yes
Yes
Bar Controls
Controls photo
Remote
Remote photo
Voice Assistants Support
Amazon Alexa
No
Yes (Built-in)
Google Assistant
No
No
Apple Siri
No
No
Microphone Mute
No
Yes
You have 10/10 free reviews left
To access
and
Become an Insider
unlimited full product reviews,
product prices
other exclusive site features
JBL Bar 5.1 Surround
Samsung HW-Q900A
Comments
JBL Bar 5.1 Surround vs Samsung HW-Q900A: Main Discussion
What do you think of these products? Let us know below.
Looking for a personalized buying advice from the RTINGS.com experts? Insiders have direct access to buying advice on our insider forum.