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Sony HT-Z9F vs JBL Bar 5.0 MultiBeam

Which Soundbar Is Better?

    Top
    Main Differences
    Design
      Style - BarStyle - SubwooferStyle - SatellitesDimensions - BarDimensions - SubwooferDimensions - SatellitesMountingBuild QualityIn The Box
    Sound
      Stereo Frequency ResponseStereo Frequency Response With Preliminary CalibrationStereo SoundstageStereo DynamicsStereo Total Harmonic DistortionCenterSurround 5.1Height (Atmos)Sound Enhancement Features
    Connectivity
      Inputs/Outputs - BarAudio Format Support - ARCAudio Format Support - Full HDMI InAudio Format Support - OpticalLatencyWireless PlaybackOther Input Specifications
    Additional Features
      InterfaceBar ControlsRemoteVoice Assistants Support
    Comments

Products

Sony HT-Z9F
JBL Bar 5.0 MultiBeam

Tested using Methodology v1.1

Updated Aug 01, 2025 01:06 PM

SEE PRICE
Amazon.com

Tested using Methodology v1.1

Updated Sep 24, 2024 01:27 PM

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Sony HT-Z9F Picture
JBL Bar 5.0 MultiBeam Picture
Channels
Locked
Channels
Locked

Our Verdict

Sony HT-Z9F

JBL Bar 5.0 MultiBeam

Depending on your listening habits, you may prefer either the Sony HT-Z9F or the JBL Bar 5.0 MultiBeam. The Sony is a 3.1 setup with a more neutral sound profile out-of-the-box, which some users may prefer. It gets louder, and it has a dialogue enhancement feature. The 5.0 JBL has better surround and Atmos performances, as well as a room correction feature.

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Variants

  • HT-Z9F (Black)
  • Bar 5.0 MultiBeam (Black)

Review

See Sony HT-Z9F Review
See JBL Bar 5.0 MultiBeam Review
1 
2 

Check Price

Black
HT-Z9F
SEE PRICE
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Black
Bar 5.0 MultiBeam
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Black
HT-Z9F
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Black
Bar 5.0 MultiBeam
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Black
HT-Z9F
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Black
Bar 5.0 MultiBeam
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Black
HT-Z9F
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Black
Bar 5.0 MultiBeam
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JBL
Black
HT-Z9F
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Sony
Black
Bar 5.0 MultiBeam
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Main Differences for
Mixed Usage

Threshold 

0.10

Mixed Usage 
 

0.0
0.0
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Full Comparison

Design

Style - Bar  

Style photo - bar 
 

Sony HT-Z9F Style photo - bar Sample

SAMPLE

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To see pictures and test results

JBL Bar 5.0 MultiBeam Style photo - bar Sample

SAMPLE

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To see pictures and test results

Show Text 

Style - Subwoofer  

Style photo - sub 
 

Sony HT-Z9F Style photo - sub Sample

SAMPLE

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JBL Bar 5.0 MultiBeam Style photo - sub Sample

SAMPLE

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To see pictures and test results

Sub Wireless 
 

Locked
Locked

Enclosure 
 

Locked
Locked
Show Text 

Style - Satellites  

Style photo - satellites 
 

Sony HT-Z9F Style photo - satellites Sample

SAMPLE

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To see pictures and test results

JBL Bar 5.0 MultiBeam Style photo - satellites Sample

SAMPLE

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To see pictures and test results

Satellite Wireless 
 

Locked
Locked
Show Text 

Dimensions - Bar  

Dimensions photo - bar 
 

Sony HT-Z9F Dimensions photo - bar Sample

SAMPLE

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JBL Bar 5.0 MultiBeam Dimensions photo - bar Sample

SAMPLE

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To see pictures and 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 
 

Sony HT-Z9F Dimensions photo - sub Sample

SAMPLE

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JBL Bar 5.0 MultiBeam Dimensions photo - sub Sample

SAMPLE

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To see pictures and 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 
 

Sony HT-Z9F Dimensions photo - satellites Sample

SAMPLE

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JBL Bar 5.0 MultiBeam Dimensions photo - satellites Sample

SAMPLE

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To see pictures and test results

Width  

N/A
N/A

Height  

N/A
N/A

Depth  

N/A
N/A
Show Text 

Mounting 
 

Bar Mounting Holes 
 

Sony HT-Z9F Bar Mounting Holes Sample

SAMPLE

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JBL Bar 5.0 MultiBeam Bar Mounting Holes Sample

SAMPLE

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To see pictures and test results

Satellite Mounting Holes 
 

Sony HT-Z9F Satellite Mounting Holes Sample

SAMPLE

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JBL Bar 5.0 MultiBeam Satellite Mounting Holes Sample

SAMPLE

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To see pictures and 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 
 

Sony HT-Z9F Build quality photo Sample

SAMPLE

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To see pictures and test results

JBL Bar 5.0 MultiBeam Build quality photo Sample

SAMPLE

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To see pictures and test results

Show Text 

In The Box 
 

In The Box photo  
 

Sony HT-Z9F In The Box photo Sample

SAMPLE

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To see pictures and test results

JBL Bar 5.0 MultiBeam In The Box photo Sample

SAMPLE

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To see pictures and test results

Show Text 
Sound

Stereo Frequency Response 
 

N/A
N/A

Stereo Setup 
 

Sony HT-Z9F Stereo Setup Sample

SAMPLE

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To see pictures and test results

JBL Bar 5.0 MultiBeam Stereo Setup Sample

SAMPLE

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To see pictures and test results

Raw Frequency Response  

Sony HT-Z9F Raw Frequency Response Sample

SAMPLE

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To see pictures and test results

JBL Bar 5.0 MultiBeam Raw Frequency Response Sample

SAMPLE

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To see pictures and test results

Frequency Response Small  

Sony HT-Z9F Frequency Response Small Sample

SAMPLE

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To see pictures and test results

JBL Bar 5.0 MultiBeam Frequency Response Small Sample

SAMPLE

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To see pictures and 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  

Sony HT-Z9F Frequency Response Calibrated Sample

SAMPLE

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JBL Bar 5.0 MultiBeam Frequency Response Calibrated Sample

SAMPLE

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To see pictures and 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  

Sony HT-Z9F Crosstalk Sample

SAMPLE

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JBL Bar 5.0 MultiBeam Crosstalk Sample

SAMPLE

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To see pictures and test results

Crosstalk Error 
 

Lock dB
Lock dB
Show Text 

Stereo Dynamics 
 

N/A
N/A

Dynamic Range Compression  

Sony HT-Z9F Dynamic Range Compression Sample

SAMPLE

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JBL Bar 5.0 MultiBeam Dynamic Range Compression Sample

SAMPLE

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To see pictures and 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  

Sony HT-Z9F THD Sample

SAMPLE

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JBL Bar 5.0 MultiBeam THD Sample

SAMPLE

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To see pictures and test results

Weighted THD @ 80dB 
 

Lock
Lock

Weighted THD @ Max Volume 
 

Lock
Lock
Show Text 

Center 
 

N/A
N/A

Center Setup 
 

Sony HT-Z9F Center Setup Sample

SAMPLE

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To see pictures and test results

JBL Bar 5.0 MultiBeam Center Setup Sample

SAMPLE

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To see pictures and test results

Frequency Response  

Sony HT-Z9F Frequency Response Sample

SAMPLE

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To see pictures and test results

JBL Bar 5.0 MultiBeam Frequency Response Sample

SAMPLE

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To see pictures and 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 
 

Sony HT-Z9F Surround Setup Sample

SAMPLE

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To see pictures and test results

JBL Bar 5.0 MultiBeam Surround Setup Sample

SAMPLE

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To see pictures and test results

Frequency Response  

Sony HT-Z9F Frequency Response Sample

SAMPLE

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To see pictures and test results

JBL Bar 5.0 MultiBeam Frequency Response Sample

SAMPLE

GET INSIDER ACCESS

To see pictures and 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 
 

Sony HT-Z9F Height Setup Sample

SAMPLE

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To see pictures and test results

JBL Bar 5.0 MultiBeam Height Setup Sample

SAMPLE

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To see pictures and test results

H Frequency Response  

Sony HT-Z9F H Frequency Response Sample

SAMPLE

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To see pictures and test results

JBL Bar 5.0 MultiBeam H Frequency Response Sample

SAMPLE

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To see pictures and 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 
 

Sony HT-Z9F Physical Connections Bar Photo 1 Sample

SAMPLE

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To see pictures and test results

JBL Bar 5.0 MultiBeam Physical Connections Bar Photo 1 Sample

SAMPLE

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To see pictures and test results

Physical Connections Bar Photo 2 
 

Sony HT-Z9F Physical Connections Bar Photo 2 Sample

SAMPLE

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To see pictures and test results

JBL Bar 5.0 MultiBeam Physical Connections Bar Photo 2 Sample

SAMPLE

GET INSIDER ACCESS

To see pictures and test results

Optical Audio In 
 

Locked
Locked

HDMI ARC 
 

Locked
Locked

HDMI Out 
 

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 
 

N/A
N/A

eARC 
 

Locked
Locked

Dolby Atmos 
 

Locked
Locked

Dolby Digital 
 

Locked
Locked

Dolby Digital Plus 
 

Locked
Locked

DTS 
 

Locked
Locked

DTS:X (eARC only) 
 

Locked
Locked

Dolby TrueHD (eARC only) 
 

Locked
Locked

DTS-HD MA (eARC only) 
 

Locked
Locked

5.1 PCM (eARC only) 
 

Locked
Locked
Show Text 

Audio Format Support - Full HDMI In 
 

N/A
N/A

Dolby Atmos 
 

Locked
Locked

DTS:X 
 

Locked
Locked

Dolby Digital 
 

Locked
Locked

Dolby Digital Plus 
 

Locked
Locked

DTS 
 

Locked
Locked

Dolby TrueHD 
 

Locked
Locked

DTS-HD MA 
 

Locked
Locked

5.1 PCM 
 

Locked
Locked
Show Text 

Audio Format Support - Optical 
 

N/A
N/A

Dolby Digital 
 

Locked
Locked

DTS 
 

Locked
Locked
Show Text 

Latency 
 

N/A
N/A

Latency Video  

Sony HT-Z9F Latency Video Sample

SAMPLE

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To see product videos

JBL Bar 5.0 MultiBeam Latency Video Sample

SAMPLE

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To see product videos

ARC 
 

Lock ms
Lock ms

Optical 
 

Lock ms
Lock ms

Full HDMI In 
 

Lock ms
Lock ms
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 

Other Input Specifications 
 

4k @ 60 Hz Passthrough 
 

Locked
Locked

4k @ 60 Hz @ 10 bit Passthrough 
 

Locked
Locked

4k @ 60 Hz @ 4:4:4 Passthrough 
 

Locked
Locked

HDR10 Passthrough 
 

Locked
Locked
Show Text 
Additional Features

Interface 
 

Interface photo 
 

Sony HT-Z9F Interface photo Sample

SAMPLE

GET INSIDER ACCESS

To see pictures and test results

JBL Bar 5.0 MultiBeam Interface photo Sample

SAMPLE

GET INSIDER ACCESS

To see pictures and test results

Display 
 

Locked
Locked
Show Text 

Bar Controls 
 

Controls photo 
 

Sony HT-Z9F Controls photo Sample

SAMPLE

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To see pictures and test results

JBL Bar 5.0 MultiBeam Controls photo Sample

SAMPLE

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To see pictures and test results

Show Text 

Remote  

Remote photo 
 

Sony HT-Z9F Remote photo Sample

SAMPLE

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To see pictures and test results

JBL Bar 5.0 MultiBeam Remote photo Sample

SAMPLE

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To see pictures and 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
HT-Z9F
SEE PRICE
Amazon.com
Black
Bar 5.0 MultiBeam
SEARCH
Amazon.com
Black
HT-Z9F
SEE PRICE
BestBuy.com
Black
Bar 5.0 MultiBeam
SEARCH
B&H
Black
HT-Z9F
SEE PRICE
Walmart.com
Black
Bar 5.0 MultiBeam
SEARCH
BestBuy.com
Black
HT-Z9F
SEARCH
B&H
Black
Bar 5.0 MultiBeam
SEARCH
JBL
Black
HT-Z9F
SEARCH
Sony
Black
Bar 5.0 MultiBeam
SEARCH
Walmart.com
Back to Top

Sony HT-Z9F

JBL Bar 5.0 MultiBeam

Comments

  1. Comparison
 • Posted 2 years ago

Sony HT-Z9F vs JBL Bar 5.0 MultiBeam: Main Discussion

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