Products
Sony HT-Z9F
Samsung HW-A650
Tested using Methodology v1.1
Updated Jan 12, 2024 08:20 PM
SEE PRICE
Amazon.com
Tested using Methodology v1.1
Updated Jan 30, 2024 04:32 PM
SEE PRICE
Amazon.com
Channels
3.1
Channels
3.1
Our Verdict
Sony HT-Z9F
Samsung HW-A650
Depending on your listening habits, you may prefer either the Sony HT-Z9F or the Samsung HW-A650. The Sony has a better surrounds performance, and unlike the Samsung, it supports Atmos content. However, the Samsung has a more neutral sound profile out-of-the-box, which some users may prefer. It also comes with more sound enhancement features, including a graphic EQ.
Variants
- HT-Z9F (Black)
- HW-A650 (Black)
Check Price
Black
HT-Z9F
SEE PRICE
Amazon.com
Black
HW-A650
SEE PRICE
Amazon.com
Black
HT-Z9F
SEE PRICE
BestBuy.com
Black
HW-A650
SEE PRICE
Walmart.com
Black
HT-Z9F
SEE PRICE
Walmart.com
Black
HW-A650
SEARCH
B&H
Black
HT-Z9F
SEARCH
B&H
Black
HW-A650
SEARCH
BestBuy.com
Black
HW-A650
SEARCH
Samsung.com
Main Differences for
Mixed Usage
Mixed Usage
Threshold
Mixed Usage
7.2
7.4
Stereo Frequency Response
7.3
7.9
Height (Atmos)
2.0
0.0
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
39.4" (100.0 cm)
38.6" (98.0 cm)
Height
2.6" (6.5 cm)
2.3" (5.8 cm)
Depth
3.9" (10.0 cm)
4.1" (10.5 cm)
Dimensions - Subwoofer
Dimensions photo - sub
Width
7.4" (18.9 cm)
8.0" (20.4 cm)
Height
15.0" (38.0 cm)
13.9" (35.3 cm)
Depth
15.2" (38.6 cm)
11.9" (30.3 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
8.0
Build quality photo
In The Box
In The Box photo
Sound
Stereo Frequency Response
7.3
7.9
Stereo Setup
Raw Frequency Response
Frequency Response Small
Tested Preset
Standard
Standard
Slope
-0.41
-0.34
Std. Err.
2.53 dB
2.10 dB
Channels
3.1
3.1
Low-Frequency Extension
44.3 Hz
41.8 Hz
High-Frequency Extension
7.9 kHz
19.9 kHz
Stereo Frequency Response With Preliminary Calibration
7.3
7.9
Frequency Response Calibrated
Suggested Preset
Standard
Standard
Suggested Bass Setting
6
-1
Suggested Treble Setting
N/A
2
Slope
-0.41
-0.07
Std. Err.
2.53 dB
2.05 dB
Low-Frequency Extension
44.3 Hz
41.8 Hz
High-Frequency Extension
7.9 kHz
19.9 kHz
Stereo Dynamics
8.1
7.8
Dynamic Range Compression
SPL @ Max Volume
93.6 dB SPL
93.0 dB SPL
DRC @ Max Volume
1.08 dB
1.49 dB
Stereo Total Harmonic Distortion
7.4
7.3
Weighted THD @ 80dB
0.47
0.46
Weighted THD @ Max Volume
3.19
3.87
Center
8.0
8.1
Center Setup
Frequency Response
Localization
Discrete
Discrete
Slope
0.40
-0.98
Std. Err.
3.63 dB
3.26 dB
SPL @ Max Volume
90.6 dB SPL
87.9 dB SPL
Weighted THD @ 80dB
0.57
0.41
Weighted THD @ Max Volume
2.34
2.70
Surround 5.1
2.4
3.7
Surround Setup
Frequency Response
Localization
Stereo (Downmix)
Stereo (Downmix)
Slope
-1.75
-1.43
Std. Err.
8.29 dB
4.43 dB
SPL @ Max Volume
93.1 dB SPL
89.9 dB SPL
Weighted THD @ 80dB
0.51
0.48
Weighted THD @ Max Volume
3.31
2.48
7.1 Rears
No
No
Height (Atmos)
2.0
0.0
Height Setup
H Frequency Response
Localization
Stereo (Downmix)
Not Supported
Slope
0.75
N/A
Std. Err.
8.11 dB
N/A
SPL @ Max Volume
82.9 dB SPL
N/A
Weighted THD @ 80dB
2.73
N/A
Weighted THD @ Max Volume
0.90
N/A
Sound Enhancement Features
5.6
7.4
Room Correction
No
No
Dialogue Enhancement
Yes
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
No
Rear Level Adjustment
No
Yes
Height Level Adjustment
No
No
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)
1 (shared)
HDMI Out
1 (shared)
1 (shared)
Full HDMI In
2
1
Analog Audio In 3.5mm (Aux)
1
No
RCA In
No
No
USB for Files
1
1
Ethernet
1
No
Subwoofer Output
No
No
Audio Format Support - ARC
10
7.1
eARC
Yes
No
Dolby Atmos
Yes
No
Dolby Digital
Yes
Yes
Dolby Digital Plus
Yes
No
DTS
Yes
Yes
DTS:X (eARC only)
Yes
No
Dolby TrueHD (eARC only)
Yes
No
DTS-HD MA (eARC only)
Yes
No
5.1 PCM (eARC only)
Yes
No
Audio Format Support - Full HDMI In
10
7.4
Dolby Atmos
Yes
No
DTS:X
Yes
No
Dolby Digital
Yes
Yes
Dolby Digital Plus
Yes
No
DTS
Yes
Yes
Dolby TrueHD
Yes
No
DTS-HD MA
Yes
No
5.1 PCM
Yes
No
Audio Format Support - Optical
10
10
Dolby Digital
Yes
Yes
DTS
Yes
Yes
Latency
8.1
7.1
Latency Video
ARC
56 ms
80 ms
Optical
51 ms
84 ms
Full HDMI In
-47 ms
102 ms
Wireless Playback
9.0
6.0
Bluetooth
Yes
Yes
Wi-Fi Playback
Yes
No
Chromecast built-in
Yes
No
Apple AirPlay
No
No
Spotify Connect
Yes
No
Other Input Specifications
4k @ 60 Hz Passthrough
Yes
No
4k @ 60 Hz @ 10 bit Passthrough
Yes
No
4k @ 60 Hz @ 4:4:4 Passthrough
Yes
No
HDR10 Passthrough
Yes
No
Additional Features
Interface
Interface photo
Display
Yes
Yes
Bar Controls
Controls photo
Remote
Remote photo
Voice Assistants Support
Amazon Alexa
No
No
Google Assistant
No
No
Apple Siri
No
No
Microphone Mute
No
No
Check Price
Black
HT-Z9F
SEE PRICE
Amazon.com
Black
HW-A650
SEE PRICE
Amazon.com
Black
HT-Z9F
SEE PRICE
BestBuy.com
Black
HW-A650
SEE PRICE
Walmart.com
Black
HT-Z9F
SEE PRICE
Walmart.com
Black
HW-A650
SEARCH
B&H
Black
HT-Z9F
SEARCH
B&H
Black
HW-A650
SEARCH
BestBuy.com
Black
HW-A650
SEARCH
Samsung.com
Create your free account or log in to unlock limited full product reviews.
Login
For unlimited access,
become an insider
Sony HT-Z9F
Samsung HW-A650
Comments
Sony HT-Z9F vs Samsung HW-A650: 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.