JBL 9.1 vs Sonos Arc (2022):
A Comparison of Two Superior Soundbars
The Sonos Arc vs. JBL 9.1
Updated October 12, 2022
This article was updated to ensure the best and most accurate results.
When it comes to TV sound, soundbars are one of the most often utilized audio equipment. They are necessary appliances in many homes of people who enjoy listening to high-quality sound, and I can promise you right away that they are excellent at fulfilling this function.
There are many various types of soundbars on the market, but you’ve certainly heard of a few names that are known as the industry leaders, like Bose, JBL, Sonos, and many others. Bose, however, is being left behind because the JBL 9.1 and Sonos Arc are the subjects of this article’s comparison.
Sonos Arc
What We Like
- 3D sound with Dolby Atmos
- Enhanced Trueplay technology
- Full HD video recording/playback
- Voice control with Alexa
- Flexible placement
The Sonos Arc, we once more work with a powerful company like Sonos, which is renowned for all of its gadgets. We are dealing with two 2022 launches because the Sonos Arc soundbar debuted on May 12, 2020. Many people’s first pick also happens to be the Sonos Arc soundbar.
JBL 9.1
What We Like
- Dolby Atmos and DTS: X decoding
- Deep bass with subwoofer
- Ultra HD 4K passthrough
- 820W output power
- Optical connector
The fantastic JBL 9.1 soundbar is produced by the renowned JBL company, which is well-known for its sound equipment of all kinds. It is a brand debut on February 6, 2020, and given that it is one of the most popular soundbars worldwide, it is undoubtedly one of the soundbars that has left a lasting impression on many people.
Design and Material
Since we want to utilize soundbars with TVs and since some people undoubtedly want to use the soundbar to round off their home decor, the design of soundbars in general is rather significant. These two soundbars have a generally very elegant style, so they will look well in any kind of space. However, there are a few distinctions that deserve to be made.
The JBL 9.1 is the ideal soundbar’s representation. It is unremarkable and has a small physical footprint, is built of solid plastic materials, and is only available in black.
On the other hand, Sonos Arc has an intriguing design and is available in matte black or white. The entire system is housed in the Arc soundbar, which leaves the Sonos Arc an optimal size and aesthetic for your living room, bedroom, or basement tv’s.
JBL 9.1 requires more space than other soundbars to accommodate the surround speakers and subwoofer since, as its name implies, it is a system that contains additional components. However, because it is available in black, this soundbar is one of them that will complement your space in many ways and look fantastic.
Moving on, the Sonos Arc certainly has a nice appearance. But unlike the JBL 9.1, the Sonos Arc only comes with a soundbar and lacks any additional speakers or a subwoofer. Additionally, it is available in a black finish. In my opinion, it has a very contemporary and simple design that will entertain you from the very first glance.
Size and Setup
JBL 9.1 has a casing made of dark grey plastic that is 47 inches long, 35 inches wide when put up separately, and 2.5 inches high. All that’s left to do is calibrate it once it’s hooked in and connected to your TV’s HDMI-out port!
The Sonos Arc, on the other hand, is the width of a 55-inch TV. The Sonos S2 companion app is used to configure the system. There aren’t many inputs on the Sonos Arc. It features an optical connector and an HDMI ARC port, however you must use the HDMI adaptor that is included.
Connectivity
Knowing the primary connectivity technology that a device uses is a prerequisite for discussing connectivity. These two soundbars offer fantastic HDMI connections, but JBL 9.1 has a unique feature: WiFi connectivity. It also supports an optical connector. The Sonos Arc utilizes eARC, ARC, as well as a few other optical outputs, but the eARC is the best one to use.
The input and output ports of the JBL Bar 9.1 are located in the center of the device’s back, and the connectors included are very conventional.
With eARC, ARC, or optical outputs, the Sonos Arc may connect to TVs. eARC is advised for the maximum compatibility.
Naturally, these two soundbars work with whatever device you own as long as it supports HDMI or has an HDMI connector. We all know that most TVs have HDMI, therefore there won’t be a problem given how often people use their TVs.
Performance
When considering the purchase of a sounding device, one of the most crucial factors to consider is the sound quality performance. This is also true for soundbars. Although we all know how great JBL and Sonos products sound, there are still certain differences and specifics that should be made when comparing JBL 9.1 and Sonos Arc.
JBL 9.1 has incredible sound, and given that it comes as a channel, you’ll notice that the outstanding surround sound is present without any issues. In general, the sound is quite clear and of the finest caliber. The JBL 9.1 is also renowned for having Dolby Atmos and DTS:X technologies built in, which are essential whenever you want to listen to a flawless surround sound that will surround you in all directions. The JBL 9.1’s built-in subwoofer gives you great bass accuracy, which is something that ought to be acknowledged.
Moving on to the Sonos Arc, this soundbar generally has good sound quality as well. You won’t, however, get the surround sound that you would adore if you consider it to be a single unit. Even if Sonos Arc owns the Dolby Atmos technology, which will undoubtedly provide you an amazing 3D audio experience, it does not own the DTS:X. However, the overall sound quality is excellent, but the bass is absent.
When it comes to watching movies or television shows, JBL 9.1 claims to create a powerful yet gorgeous theater experience with either a Dolby Atmos [1] soundtrack or a Dolby 5.1 track. The most widely used arrangement in home theaters is five-point one (5.1). It has the standard left, right, center, two surround channels, as well as a fourth low-frequency channel made specifically for a subwoofer.
When correctly coupled, Sonos Arc also boasts the theatrical Dolby Atmos audio, which is still a very amazing sound in a simple 5.1. Atmos creates a perfect 3D virtual surround without the use of heavy installations by reflecting sounds off the floor and ceiling. To use the Dolby Atmos features of the ARC, the device needs to be linked to HDMI ARC or HDMI eARC.
Subwoofers of Sonos Arc and JBL 9.1
If you let JBL 9.1’s 10-inch downward shooting subwoofer, it will rattle your fillings. A substantial 25cm down-firing drive unit can fit inside the majority of it. These drivers add up to a 5.1.4 surround system, completing the “theater-like system” that enables those Grammy and Oscar-winning performances to play with crystal-clear language and music.
The Sonos Arc, on the other hand, may be paired with a subwoofer but does not come with one.
Overall Winner
JBL 9.1 Soundbar setup
What We Like
- Dolby Atmos and DTS: X decoding
- Deep bass with subwoofer
- Ultra HD 4K passthrough
- 820W output power
- Optical connector
After extensive testing, we have decided that JBL 9.1 is the winner. JBL 9.1 is your partner for your next aural experience thanks to its straightforward design, simple setup, 5.1.4 channel, and excellent stereo frequency response. Additionally, it supports Dolby Atmos and DTS content and offers simple networking.
Overall, I’d want to point out that the JBL 9.1 soundbar is one of the greatest soundbars you can find and won’t want to give up its position as the best! However, Sonos Arc is quite well-known and capable of enabling you to listen to anything you desire.
I’m hoping this article will assist you in deciding between the JBL 9.1 and the Sonos Arc!
