The JBL Bar 9.1 features a 5.1.4-channel system with detachable wireless surround speakers and a 10-inch wireless subwoofer, delivering an immersive Dolby Atmos experience. In contrast, the Samsung HW-Q900C is a 7.1.2-channel system that, while lacking separate surround speakers, utilizes advanced processing to create a wide soundstage. Some users have noted that the JBL’s center channel may lack clarity, affecting dialogue reproduction . Ultimately, your choice may depend on whether you prefer the JBL’s physical surround speakers for a more enveloping sound or the Samsung’s sleek design and processing capabilities.
Specs Comparison
The JBL Bar 9.1 has a 5.1.4-channel setup with detachable wireless surround speakers, which allows for a more traditional surround sound experience. It also comes with a 10-inch wireless subwoofer, adding deep bass that enhances action scenes and music playback. Dolby Atmos and DTS:X support help create a more immersive experience, especially when watching movies that rely on spatial audio effects. The 820W power output gives it a strong, room-filling sound, making it great for larger spaces. The design is solid with a sturdy build, and the wireless rear speakers make a noticeable difference in how sound moves around the room. However, I did find that the center channel isn’t as clear as it could be, especially in dialogue-heavy scenes.
The Samsung HW-Q900C, on the other hand, takes a different approach with its 7.1.2-channel system and True Dolby Atmos processing. Instead of detachable rear speakers, it uses Samsung’s AI-based sound processing to create a virtual surround effect, which does a great job at filling the room without needing extra speakers. It has a subwoofer included, though it’s slightly smaller than the one on the JBL Bar 9.1. The Q-Symphony feature allows it to sync with Samsung TVs for better sound integration, which is a big plus if you already have a Samsung setup. The adaptive sound mode also helps with dialogue clarity, making voices easier to hear, which is an area where the JBL can sometimes fall short.
Table Comparison
| Specification | JBL Bar 9.1 | Samsung HW-Q900C |
| Total System Power | 820W | 446W |
| Channels | 5.1.4 | 7.1.2 |
| Subwoofer | 10-inch wireless | 8-inch wireless |
| Dolby Atmos Support | Yes | Yes |
| DTS:X Support | Yes | Yes |
| Detachable Surround Speakers | Yes | No |
| HDMI Inputs | 1 | 2 |
| HDMI Outputs | 1 | 1 |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.2 | 4.2 |
| Wi-Fi Connectivity | Yes | Yes |
| Chromecast and AirPlay 2 Support | Yes | Yes |
| Main Unit Dimensions (W x H x D) | 884 x 62 x 120 mm | 1232 x 69.5 x 138 mm |
| Main Unit Weight | 3.64 kg | 7.1 kg |
| Subwoofer Dimensions (W x H x D) | 305 x 440 x 305 mm | 205 x 403 x 403 mm |
| Subwoofer Weight | 11.1 kg | 9.8 kg |
Both soundbars offer immersive audio experiences, but the JBL Bar 9.1 provides additional features like detachable surround speakers, which may enhance the surround sound experience. The Samsung HW-Q900C, while lacking detachable speakers, offers a higher channel count, potentially providing a broader soundstage.
Sound Comparison
Watching “Mad Max: Fury Road”, the 5.1.4-channel setup on the Bar 9.1 immediately created a more immersive experience with detachable wireless surround speakers. Explosions and car chases had a true sense of movement, and the 10-inch wireless subwoofer delivered powerful, deep bass that added weight to every engine roar and explosion. The Samsung HW-Q900C, with its 7.1.2-channel system, took a different route by relying on its side-firing and up-firing speakers to create a wider soundstage. While it didn’t have separate physical rear speakers, the virtual surround processing did a great job of making it feel like sound was coming from multiple directions, but it didn’t quite match the JBL in terms of rear sound placement.
For dialogue-heavy content, I tested “The Irishman” and paid close attention to how each soundbar handled speech clarity. The Samsung HW-Q900C, with its adaptive sound mode, made dialogue feel slightly clearer, especially in scenes where background noise or music could potentially drown out speech. Conversations between characters sounded crisp without needing to adjust the volume. The JBL Bar 9.1 also delivered clear voices, but I found that in busier scenes, the center channel sometimes struggled a bit, making dialogue feel slightly less defined compared to the Samsung. However, the JBL made up for this with a stronger bass presence, which gave weight to atmospheric sounds like footsteps, distant chatter, and environmental effects, adding depth to quieter moments.
For an intense surround sound test, I watched “Top Gun: Maverick” to see how both systems handled fast-moving sound effects and height channels. The Dolby Atmos support on both soundbars helped create a strong sense of movement, but the JBL Bar 9.1’s rear speakers made a big difference. The sound of jets flying overhead and missiles cutting through the air felt more dynamic because of the detachable surrounds, whereas the Samsung relied on its processing to simulate a similar effect. The Q900C’s 7.1.2-channel setup still created an engaging experience, with sound wrapping around the room well, but without dedicated rear speakers, it didn’t feel as precise.
Design Comparison
At 884 mm wide, 62 mm tall, and 120 mm deep, the JBL Bar 9.1 fits comfortably under the TV without taking up too much space with its sleek design. The detachable surround speakers were a great addition, connecting magnetically to the main unit and making it easy to switch between a standard setup and a full surround sound experience. They were lightweight but sturdy, so moving them around wasn’t a hassle. The 10-inch wireless subwoofer added some serious bass depth, but it wasn’t oversized, so it blended into the room nicely. The overall build felt solid, with a metal grille covering the front and top, giving it a clean and modern look. The materials felt durable, and nothing about it seemed cheap, which made me feel confident in the design.
The Samsung HW-Q900C had a different aesthetic but still looked premium. It’s 1232 mm wide, 69.5 mm tall, and 138 mm deep, so it was longer than the JBL but still had a low-profile look that fit neatly into my setup. The angled sides and metal grille gave it a sleek, modern feel, and it looked great sitting beneath my TV. Unlike the JBL Bar 9.1, it doesn’t have detachable surround speakers, so it relies entirely on its 7.1.2-channel system and side-firing speakers to create a surround effect. The 8-inch wireless subwoofer was a bit smaller than JBL’s, making it easier to position, though it didn’t feel quite as powerful. If you prefer a true surround setup with flexible placement, the JBL Bar 9.1 is the better choice, but if you want a cleaner, all-in-one design with strong virtual surround processing, the Samsung HW-Q900C has a sleek and well-built design.
The Verdict?
Personally, I would go with the JBL Bar 9.1 because of its 5.1.4-channel setup and detachable wireless surround speakers, which make a big difference in creating a true surround sound experience. Having real speakers behind you instead of relying on virtual surround processing adds more depth and movement to action-packed scenes, making movies feel more immersive. The 10-inch wireless subwoofer also delivers deeper bass than the 8-inch subwoofer on the Samsung HW-Q900C, which adds more punch to low-end effects like explosions or rumbling soundtracks. If you’re someone who really wants that cinematic, all-around surround sound, the JBL Bar 9.1 is the stronger choice.
That said, I would say that the Samsung HW-Q900C is a great option for those who want a sleek, all-in-one setup without needing extra speakers to place around the room. The 7.1.2-channel system uses side-firing and up-firing speakers to create an impressive virtual surround effect, and the Q-Symphony feature makes it even better if you’re pairing it with a Samsung TV. Dialogue clarity is slightly better on the Q900C, especially in movies with a lot of background noise, which makes it a great option for those who prioritize speech over heavy surround effects. If you want an easy-to-set-up soundbar with strong virtual surround and a more compact design, the Samsung HW-Q900C is the better pick. But for the most immersive surround experience, I’d still go with the JBL Bar 9.1.