The world of home entertainment has witnessed a significant shift towards immersive audio experiences, with soundbars emerging as a popular choice for enhancing TV sound quality. Bose, a renowned brand in the audio industry, has introduced two high-end soundbars – the Bose Soundbar 900 and 700 – that have sparked intense debate among audiophiles. The question on everyone’s mind is: Which one is better? In this in-depth comparison, we’ll delve into the features, specifications, and performance of both soundbars to help you make an informed decision.
Design and Build Quality
When it comes to design, both soundbars exude a sense of premium quality and sophistication. The Bose Soundbar 900 measures 2.25 inches high, 41.5 inches wide, and 4.25 inches deep, while the Soundbar 700 measures 2.25 inches high, 42.5 inches wide, and 4.25 inches deep. Both soundbars feature a sleek, minimalist design that seamlessly blends into any living room décor.
Material Quality: The Soundbar 900 boasts a more premium glass top that adds a touch of elegance, whereas the Soundbar 700 features a matte-finish top. However, both soundbars have a sturdy, high-quality aluminum grille that ensures optimal sound dispersion.
Connectivity Options
Both soundbars offer a range of connectivity options to cater to different devices and preferences:
- HDMI ARC (Audio Return Channel)
- HDMI eARC (Enhanced Audio Return Channel)
- Optical audio input
- USB input (for firmware updates)
- Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity
- Apple AirPlay 2 and Google Chromecast built-in
The Soundbar 900 has an additional HDMI input, which is absent in the Soundbar 700. This might be a significant advantage for those with multiple devices connected to their TV.
Sound Quality and Performance
This is where the real magic happens. Both soundbars are engineered to deliver an immersive audio experience, but there are some notable differences:
Driver Configuration
The Soundbar 900 features a more advanced driver configuration, with nine drivers in total, including:
- Four tweeters
- Two woofers
- Two side-firing speakers
- One center channel driver
In contrast, the Soundbar 700 has six drivers:
- Two tweeters
- Two woofers
- One center channel driver
- One bass module (optional)
The additional side-firing speakers in the Soundbar 900 contribute to a wider soundstage, providing a more cinematic experience.
Sound Enhancements
Both soundbars offer proprietary sound enhancement technologies:
- Bose PhaseGuide technology (Soundbar 900)
- Bose ADAPTiQ audio calibration technology (both models)
PhaseGuide technology is exclusive to the Soundbar 900 and helps to create a more immersive sound field by directing sound waves to specific areas of the room.
Smart Features and Integration
Both soundbars are smart-enabled, allowing seamless integration with popular voice assistants:
- Amazon Alexa built-in
- Google Assistant built-in
Additionally, both soundbars support multi-room audio, enabling you to connect multiple Bose smart speakers and soundbars throughout your home.
Voice Assistant Performance
The Soundbar 900 has a more advanced voice assistant integration, with a dedicated microphone array that provides better voice pickup and accuracy.
The Soundbar 900’s voice assistant performance is more reliable and accurate, especially in noisy environments.
Pricing and Value
The Bose Soundbar 900 is priced higher than the Soundbar 700, with a recommended retail price of $899.95 compared to $699.95. However, the Soundbar 900’s premium design, advanced driver configuration, and exclusive sound enhancements justify the additional cost.
| Feature | Bose Soundbar 900 | Bose Soundbar 700 |
|---|---|---|
| Design | Premium glass top | Matte-finish top |
| Driver Configuration | 9 drivers, including side-firing speakers | 6 drivers, optional bass module |
| Sound Enhancements | PhaseGuide technology, ADAPTiQ | ADAPTiQ only |
| Smart Features | Advanced voice assistant integration | Standard voice assistant integration |
| Pricing | $899.95 | $699.95 |
Conclusion
The Bose Soundbar 900 and 700 are both high-performance soundbars that offer exceptional audio quality and sleek designs. However, the Soundbar 900’s advanced driver configuration, exclusive sound enhancements, and premium design justify its higher price point. If budget is not a constraint, the Soundbar 900 is the better choice for those seeking a truly immersive audio experience. However, if you’re looking for a more affordable option with still impressive performance, the Soundbar 700 is an excellent alternative.
Ultimately, the decision comes down to your specific needs and preferences. By weighing the key differences between these two soundbars, you’ll be able to choose the perfect companion for your home entertainment setup.
What are the key differences between the Bose Soundbar 900 and 700?
The Bose Soundbar 900 and 700 are both high-end soundbars from Bose, but they have some key differences. The Soundbar 900 is a newer model that features a more advanced design and technology, including a more immersive audio experience and a sleeker design. The Soundbar 700, on the other hand, is an older model that still offers excellent sound quality but lacks some of the advanced features of the Soundbar 900.
In terms of sound quality, the Soundbar 900 has a more detailed and nuanced sound, thanks to its improved drivers and amplifier. It also has a wider soundstage and more precise dialogue, making it a better choice for those who want a more immersive audio experience. The Soundbar 700, on the other hand, has a more traditional soundbar sound, which is still excellent but not as advanced as the Soundbar 900.
Which soundbar is better for music listening?
If you’re looking for a soundbar specifically for music listening, I would recommend the Bose Soundbar 900. The Soundbar 900 has a more detailed and nuanced sound, which makes it perfect for listening to music. It also has a wider soundstage, which allows you to pinpoint the location of instruments and vocals more easily. Additionally, the Soundbar 900 has a more powerful amplifier, which gives it a more dynamic and engaging sound.
The Soundbar 700 is also a great option for music listening, but it doesn’t quite match the Soundbar 900 in terms of sound quality. The Soundbar 700 has a more traditional soundbar sound, which can make music sound a bit more flat and two-dimensional. However, it’s still a great option if you’re looking for a high-quality soundbar for music listening, and it’s often available at a lower price point than the Soundbar 900.
Is the Bose Soundbar 900 worth the extra cost?
Whether or not the Bose Soundbar 900 is worth the extra cost depends on your specific needs and budget. If you’re looking for the absolute best sound quality and are willing to pay a premium for it, then the Soundbar 900 is definitely worth considering. It offers a more immersive and engaging audio experience than the Soundbar 700, and its sleeker design and advanced features make it a great addition to any home theater setup.
On the other hand, if you’re on a budget and don’t need the absolute best sound quality, then the Soundbar 700 may be a better option. It’s still a high-quality soundbar that offers excellent sound and a range of features, and it’s often available at a lower price point than the Soundbar 900. Ultimately, the decision comes down to how much you’re willing to spend and what you’re looking for in a soundbar.
Can I use the Bose Soundbar 900 with my TV?
Yes, the Bose Soundbar 900 can be used with your TV. In fact, it’s designed to be used with your TV, and it offers a range of features that make it easy to connect and use. The Soundbar 900 has HDMI inputs, which allow you to connect it directly to your TV, as well as Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity, which allow you to stream audio from your TV or other devices.
The Soundbar 900 also has a range of features that are specifically designed to enhance your TV viewing experience, such as dialogue enhancement and bass boost. It also has a sleek and compact design that makes it easy to place under your TV or mount on the wall.
Does the Bose Soundbar 700 have Wi-Fi connectivity?
No, the Bose Soundbar 700 does not have Wi-Fi connectivity. While it does have Bluetooth connectivity, which allows you to stream audio from your devices, it does not have Wi-Fi connectivity, which would allow you to connect it to your home network and access online music services.
However, the Soundbar 700 does have a range of other connectivity options, including HDMI inputs, optical audio input, and analog audio input. It also has a USB input, which allows you to connect a music player or other device.
Can I mount the Bose Soundbar 900 on the wall?
Yes, the Bose Soundbar 900 can be mounted on the wall. In fact, it’s designed to be mounted on the wall, and it comes with a mounting kit that makes it easy to install. The Soundbar 900 has a sleek and compact design that makes it easy to place under your TV or mount on the wall, and it’s designed to blend seamlessly into your home decor.
When mounting the Soundbar 900 on the wall, make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions and take the necessary precautions to ensure a safe and secure installation.
Is the Bose Soundbar 700 a good option for small rooms?
Yes, the Bose Soundbar 700 is a good option for small rooms. While it’s a powerful soundbar that’s capable of filling a large room with sound, it’s also compact and discreet, making it a great option for smaller rooms.
The Soundbar 700 has a more focused sound that’s designed to work well in smaller spaces, and it’s also more affordable than the Soundbar 900, making it a great option for those who want a high-quality soundbar without breaking the bank. Additionally, the Soundbar 700 is designed to be easy to set up and use, even in smaller rooms.