Samsung HW-Q800F vs JBL Bar 1000MK2

Depending on your home's configuration and viewing habits, you might prefer the Samsung HW-Q800F or JBL Bar 1000MK2. The Samsung has a conventional design of a bar and subwoofer. In contrast, the JBL can either be set up the same way, or you can remove the docked satellites that bookend the bar for a more immersive surround experience. One advantage of the Samsung is that it treats Dolby Digital audio exactly as mixed, and it's a bit more balanced out of the box. Meanwhile, the JBL blends the satellite channels with the respective left or right driver, which impacts tracking sound effects as they move around the stereo field with Dolby Digital audio. Comparing Atmos performance is a bit of a wash: the Samsung is more precise with tracking objects, but since the drivers are only in front of you, it's not as enveloping. Then again, the JBL's satellites deliver Atmos from all around you, but the satellites have a slight latency, which affects the definition of objects. The Samsung has tighter wired latencies, but if you own several gaming consoles, you might like the two extra HDMI In ports on the JBL.