Denon Home 550
Score: 78/100
JBL Bar 700
Score: 82/100Rankings
The JBL Bar 700 delivers 620 W of power, Dolby Atmos and wireless detachable surrounds for an immersive 5.1 experience. Its detachable speakers need frequent charging and the system's width can be a fit issue for smaller setups. Ideal for medium-to-large rooms where power and feature set outweigh size constraints.
The Denon Home 550 is a compact 4-channel soundbar offering virtual Dolby Atmos/DTS:X and full HEOS multi-room support. Its main compromises are the absence of a dedicated subwoofer and limited HDMI inputs. Best suited for small-to-medium rooms where space is at a premium and users value streaming versatility.
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
4 | 5.1best | |
— | 620 Wbest | |
2.188 in | 10 inbest | |
0.75 inbest | 0.75 inbest | |
| ↓ lower better | 7.3 lbbest | 31.84 lb |
1 yearsbest | 1 yearsbest | |
— | 5best |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
Audio(2) | ||
Audio Channels | 4 | 5.1 |
Woofer Size (in) | 2.1875 in | 10 in |
Build & Design(2) | ||
System Weight (lb) | 7.3 lb | 31.84 lb |
System Dimensions (H×W×D) (cm) | 65.97×7.49×11.99 cm cm | 117.35×5.59×11.94 cm cm |
Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).
Professional reviewers commend the Denon Home SB550 for its virtual 4‑channel Atmos/DTS:X implementation, wide soundstage, and the convenience of a single HDMI eARC cable that also carries 4K HDR video. They also highlight the HEOS multi‑room ecosystem and the bass boost from three passive radiators, while noting the absence of a dedicated subwoofer and calibration tools as potential drawbacks for audiophiles.
Consumers generally view the SB550 as an easy-to-set-up, space-saving soundbar that offers solid streaming options and immersive virtual surround. Praise centers on the straightforward HDMI eARC hookup and the ability to stream high-resolution music, while the lack of deep bass and unspecified power output are occasional concerns.
Professional reviewers praise the JBL Bar 700 for its powerful 620 W output, immersive Dolby Atmos, and PureVoice dialogue enhancement, while also noting the convenience of a wireless subwoofer and precise dimensions that aid installation.
Everyday users appreciate the bar's manageable size and weight, as well as the wireless surround setup, but they express concerns about the need to charge the detachable speakers and the space required for the full system.
“the bar is a great size and weight”
