JBL Bar 9.1 vs Sony HT-A7000: Which Soundbar Is Better? - RTINGS.com

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JBL Bar 9.1

Sony HT-A7000

Tested using Methodology v1.2

Updated Sep 18, 2025 02:00 PM

Tested using Methodology v1.2

Updated Aug 01, 2025 01:07 PM

JBL Bar 9.1 Picture

Sony HT-A7000 Picture

Channels 5.1.4

Channels 7.1.2

Our Verdict

JBL Bar 9.1

Sony HT-A7000

The JBL Bar 9.1 is better than the standalone Sony HT-A7000. The JBL is a 5.1.4 setup that comes with a dedicated sub and satellites included. It has better soundstage, surround, and Atmos performances. It also gets louder, and it reproduces a more extended low-bass. That said, the Sony is better built. You can also upgrade it with a sub and satellites for a better performance.

Variants

Bar 9.1 (Black)

HT-A7000 (Black)

Review

See JBL Bar 9.1 Review

See Sony HT-A7000 Review

Check Price

Black

Bar 9.1

Black

HT-A7000

Black

Bar 9.1

Black

HT-A7000

Black

Bar 9.1

Black

HT-A7000

Black

Bar 9.1

Black

HT-A7000

Black

Bar 9.1

Black

HT-A7000

Main Differences for

Mixed Usage

Threshold

0.10

Mixed Usage

0.0

0.0

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Full Comparison

Mixed Usage

0.0

0.0

Dialogue/TV Shows

0.0

0.0

Music

0.0

0.0

Movies

0.0

0.0

Design

Style - Bar

Style photo - bar

JBL Bar 9.1 Style photo - bar Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Sony HT-A7000 Style photo - bar Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Show Text

Style - Subwoofer

Style photo - sub

JBL Bar 9.1 Style photo - sub Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Sony HT-A7000 Style photo - sub Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Sub Wireless

Locked

Locked

Enclosure

Locked

Locked

Show Text

Style - Satellites

Style photo - satellites

JBL Bar 9.1 Style photo - satellites Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Sony HT-A7000 Style photo - satellites Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Satellite Wireless

Locked

Locked

Show Text

Dimensions - Bar

Dimensions photo - bar

JBL Bar 9.1 Dimensions photo - bar Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Sony HT-A7000 Dimensions photo - bar Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Width

Lock" (Lock cm)

Lock" (Lock cm)

Height

Lock" (Lock cm)

Lock" (Lock cm)

Depth

Lock" (Lock cm)

Lock" (Lock cm)

Show Text

Dimensions - Subwoofer

Dimensions photo - sub

JBL Bar 9.1 Dimensions photo - sub Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Sony HT-A7000 Dimensions photo - sub Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Width

Lock" (Lock cm)

N/A

Height

Lock" (Lock cm)

N/A

Depth

Lock" (Lock cm)

N/A

Show Text

Dimensions - Satellites

Dimensions photo - satellites

JBL Bar 9.1 Dimensions photo - satellites Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Sony HT-A7000 Dimensions photo - satellites Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Width

Lock" (Lock cm)

N/A

Height

Lock" (Lock cm)

N/A

Depth

Lock" (Lock cm)

N/A

Show Text

Mounting

Bar Mounting Holes

JBL Bar 9.1 Bar Mounting Holes Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Sony HT-A7000 Bar Mounting Holes Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Satellite Mounting Holes

JBL Bar 9.1 Satellite Mounting Holes Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Sony HT-A7000 Satellite Mounting Holes Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Mountable Bar

Locked

Locked

Bar Brackets Included

Locked

Locked

Mountable Satellites

Locked

Locked

Satellite Brackets Included

Locked

Locked

Build Quality

N/A

N/A

Build quality photo

JBL Bar 9.1 Build quality photo Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Sony HT-A7000 Build quality photo Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Show Text

In The Box

In The Box photo

JBL Bar 9.1 In The Box photo Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Sony HT-A7000 In The Box photo Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Show Text

Sound

Stereo Frequency Response

N/A

N/A

Stereo Setup

JBL Bar 9.1 Stereo Setup Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Sony HT-A7000 Stereo Setup Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Raw Frequency Response

JBL Bar 9.1 Raw Frequency Response Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Sony HT-A7000 Raw Frequency Response Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Frequency Response Small

JBL Bar 9.1 Frequency Response Small Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Sony HT-A7000 Frequency Response Small Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Tested Preset

Locked

Locked

Slope

Lock

Lock

Std. Err.

Lock dB

Lock dB

Channels

Locked

Locked

Low-Frequency Extension

Lock Hz

Lock Hz

High-Frequency Extension

Lock kHz

Lock kHz

Show Text

Stereo Frequency Response With Preliminary Calibration

N/A

N/A

Frequency Response Calibrated

JBL Bar 9.1 Frequency Response Calibrated Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Sony HT-A7000 Frequency Response Calibrated Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Suggested Preset

Locked

Locked

Suggested Bass Setting

Lock

Lock

Suggested Treble Setting

N/A

N/A

Slope

Lock

Lock

Std. Err.

Lock dB

Lock dB

Low-Frequency Extension

Lock Hz

Lock Hz

High-Frequency Extension

Lock kHz

Lock kHz

Show Text

Stereo Soundstage

N/A

N/A

Crosstalk

JBL Bar 9.1 Crosstalk Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Sony HT-A7000 Crosstalk Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Crosstalk Error

Lock dB

Lock dB

Show Text

Stereo Dynamics

N/A

N/A

Dynamic Range Compression

JBL Bar 9.1 Dynamic Range Compression Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Sony HT-A7000 Dynamic Range Compression Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

SPL @ Max Volume

Lock dB SPL

Lock dB SPL

DRC @ Max Volume

Lock dB

Lock dB

Show Text

Stereo Total Harmonic Distortion

N/A

N/A

THD

JBL Bar 9.1 THD Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Sony HT-A7000 THD Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Weighted THD @ 80dB

Lock

Lock

Weighted THD @ Max Volume

Lock

Lock

Show Text

Center

N/A

N/A

Center Setup

JBL Bar 9.1 Center Setup Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Sony HT-A7000 Center Setup Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Frequency Response

JBL Bar 9.1 Frequency Response Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Sony HT-A7000 Frequency Response Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Localization

Locked

Locked

Slope

Lock

Lock

Std. Err.

Lock dB

Lock dB

SPL @ Max Volume

Lock dB SPL

Lock dB SPL

Weighted THD @ 80dB

Lock

Lock

Weighted THD @ Max Volume

Lock

Lock

Show Text

Surround 5.1

N/A

N/A

Surround Setup

JBL Bar 9.1 Surround Setup Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Sony HT-A7000 Surround Setup Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Frequency Response

JBL Bar 9.1 Frequency Response Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Sony HT-A7000 Frequency Response Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Localization

Locked

Locked

Slope

Lock

Lock

Std. Err.

Lock dB

Lock dB

SPL @ Max Volume

Lock dB SPL

Lock dB SPL

Weighted THD @ 80dB

Lock

Lock

Weighted THD @ Max Volume

Lock

Lock

7.1 Rears

Locked

Locked

Show Text

Height (Atmos)

N/A

N/A

Height Setup

JBL Bar 9.1 Height Setup Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Sony HT-A7000 Height Setup Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

H Frequency Response

JBL Bar 9.1 H Frequency Response Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Sony HT-A7000 H Frequency Response Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Localization

Locked

Locked

Slope

Lock

Lock

Std. Err.

Lock dB

Lock dB

SPL @ Max Volume

Lock dB SPL

Lock dB SPL

Weighted THD @ 80dB

Lock

Lock

Weighted THD @ Max Volume

Lock

Lock

Show Text

Sound Enhancement Features

N/A

N/A

Room Correction

Locked

Locked

Dialogue Enhancement

Locked

Locked

Auto-Volume/Night Mode

Locked

Locked

Subwoofer Level Adjustment

Locked

Locked

Bass Adjustment

Locked

Locked

Treble Adjustment

Locked

Locked

EQ

Locked

Locked

Surround Level Adjustment

Locked

Locked

Rear Level Adjustment

Locked

Locked

Height Level Adjustment

Locked

Locked

Virtual Surround

Locked

Locked

Show Text

Connectivity

Inputs/Outputs - Bar

Physical Connections Bar Photo 1

JBL Bar 9.1 Physical Connections Bar Photo 1 Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Sony HT-A7000 Physical Connections Bar Photo 1 Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Physical Connections Bar Photo 2

JBL Bar 9.1 Physical Connections Bar Photo 2 Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Sony HT-A7000 Physical Connections Bar Photo 2 Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Optical Audio In

Locked

Locked

HDMI Out

Locked

Locked

HDMI 2.1 Class Bandwidth

Locked

Locked

Full HDMI In

Locked

Locked

Analog Audio In 3.5mm (Aux)

Locked

Locked

RCA In

Locked

Locked

USB for Files

Locked

Locked

Ethernet

Locked

Locked

Subwoofer Output

Locked

Locked

Show Text

Audio Format Support: ARC/eARC

N/A

N/A

Dolby Atmos

Locked

Locked

Dolby Digital

Locked

Locked

Dolby Digital Plus

Locked

Locked

Dolby TrueHD

Locked

Locked

DTS

Locked

Locked

DTS:X

Locked

Locked

DTS-HD MA

Locked

Locked

PCM Channels

Locked

Locked

Show Text

Audio Format Support: HDMI In

N/A

N/A

Dolby Atmos

Locked

Locked

Dolby Digital

Locked

Locked

Dolby Digital Plus

Locked

Locked

Dolby TrueHD

Locked

Locked

DTS

Locked

Locked

DTS:X

Locked

Locked

DTS-HD MA

Locked

Locked

PCM Channels

Locked

Locked

Show Text

Audio Format Support: Optical

N/A

N/A

Dolby Digital

Locked

Locked

DTS

Locked

Locked

PCM Channels

Locked

Locked

Show Text

Latency

N/A

N/A

Latency Video

JBL Bar 9.1 Latency Video Sample

SAMPLE

for videos & test results

Sony HT-A7000 Latency Video Sample

SAMPLE

for videos & test results

ARC

Lock ms

Lock ms

Optical

Lock ms

Lock ms

Full HDMI In

Lock ms

Lock ms

Show Text

Video Passthrough To TV

N/A

N/A

1080p Max Refresh Rate

Locked

Locked

1080p @ 4:4:4 Max Refresh Rate

Locked

Locked

4k Max Refresh Rate

Locked

Locked

4k @ 120Hz @ 10-Bit

Locked

Locked

4k @ 4:4:4 Max Refresh Rate

Locked

Locked

8k Max Refresh Rate

Locked

Locked

HDR10 Passthrough

Locked

Locked

HDR10+ Passthrough

Locked

Locked

Dolby Vision Passthrough

Locked

Locked

HDMI Forum VRR Passthrough

Locked

Locked

FreeSync Passthrough

Locked

Locked

G-SYNC Passthrough

Locked

Locked

ALLM Passthrough

Locked

Locked

Show Text

Wireless Playback

N/A

N/A

Bluetooth

Locked

Locked

Wi-Fi Playback

Locked

Locked

Chromecast built-in

Locked

Locked

Apple AirPlay

Locked

Locked

Spotify Connect

Locked

Locked

Show Text

Additional Features

Interface

Interface photo

JBL Bar 9.1 Interface photo Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Sony HT-A7000 Interface photo Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Display

Locked

Locked

Show Text

Bar Controls

Controls photo

JBL Bar 9.1 Controls photo Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Sony HT-A7000 Controls photo Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Show Text

Remote

Remote photo

JBL Bar 9.1 Remote photo Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Sony HT-A7000 Remote photo Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Show Text

Voice Assistants Support

Amazon Alexa

Locked

Locked

Google Assistant

Locked

Locked

Apple Siri

Locked

Locked

Microphone Mute

Locked

Locked

Show Text

Check Price

Black

Bar 9.1

Black

HT-A7000

Black

Bar 9.1

Black

HT-A7000

Black

Bar 9.1

Black

HT-A7000

Black

Bar 9.1

Black

HT-A7000

Black

Bar 9.1

Black

HT-A7000

JBL Bar 9.1

Sony HT-A7000

Comments

Comparison

• Posted 2 years ago

JBL Bar 9.1 vs Sony HT-A7000: Main Discussion

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